STORY: Sea turtles released from S. Lebanon into Mediterranean Sea amid ongoing conflicts
SHOOTING TIME: July 26, 2024
DATELINE: July 28, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:10
LOCATION: TYRE, Lebanon
CATEGORY: ENVIRONMENT

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the entrance to the Scientific Zone of Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
2. various of baby turtles heading to the sea
3. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): HASSAN HAMZE, Official with Scientific Zone of Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
4. various of baby turtles rushing to the sea
5. various of smoke resulting from Israeli shelling on the outskirts of the border town of Kfarshouba

STORYLINE:

Despite the ongoing conflict in south Lebanon, the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve continues its operations to help baby turtles make their way to the water.

SOUNDBITE (Arabic): HASSAN HAMZE, Official with Scientific Zone of Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
"We are at the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, announcing the launch of the release of sea turtles to the Mediterranean Sea. We released 80 turtles at the scientific zone, with 40 being released into their natural habitat, and the remaining 40 being allowed to exit their nest and run to the sea.
We are cooperating with the Department of National Reserves at the Ministry of Agriculture to cover all the activities related to sea turtles from nesting to releasing.
The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is the only reserve (in Lebanon) that has a center for treating and nesting sea turtles. We have offered lessons to local fishermen, telling them the importance of sea turtles for maritime life. We also have cooperation with the locals to preserve sea turtles."

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Tyre, Lebanon.
(XHTV)