By Arabia GIS

With marinas and other development spreading along the Lebanese coast, it was a sign of good fortune when the coastal area south of the historic city of Tyre was established a Nature Reserve in November 1998. Even though the Reserve covers only around 3.8 km2 and is cut into two segments by the Rashidiyeh Refugee camp, it encompasses a variety of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and one of the most beautiful and scenic sandy beaches in Lebanon.
Adjacent to fields, in the southern section, several springs, used since the time of the Phoenicians for irrigation and drinking water, feed 1500 l / sec* into the three striking pools of Ras Al Ain. The pools provide a freshwater habitat and the off-flow creates small areas of marshland attractive to frogs and other amphibians.
The inflow of fresh water from the springs into the sea creates brackish water, especially productive and rich in aquatic species. Such brackish areas are of special significance for the future of fisheries in Lebanon, since the construction of dams (such as the Asswan Dam) and the increased use of surface water have increased water salinity (salt content) in the Mediterranean, negatively affecting fish stocks.
The reserve is a sanctuary for a great variety of birds and the beach has special significance as a nesting site for the globally endangered marine turtles.
Access to the Ras Al Ain beach section is restricted to minimize disturbance to wildlife, but the northern section next to the Rest House in Tyre is open to the public for swimming and relaxation. In the agricultural zone, measures are being taken to implement environmentally sound cultivation methods.