The Libyan island of "Farwa" is waiting to be rescued from pollution and neglect

The effects of the chemical industries complex, which was an “environmental disaster for the region.”

AFP

Pollution and illegal fishing threaten the Libyan island of Farwa, known for its rich wildlife, and for being a haven for pink flamingos and turtles, amid environmental activists' efforts to save it.

In the far west of Libya, about 15 kilometers from the Tunisian border, visitors are on a date with postcard-like views in what resembles a peninsula at low tide and an island at its height, containing pure water and soft sand, and extending over an area of ​​470 hectares in which wild palms and species are spread. Various, such as turtles and flamingos.

This uninhabited island has been a popular school trip destination for decades, and in spring it becomes one of Libya's rare departure sites for migratory birds preparing to cross the Mediterranean.

And former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi wanted to build a seaside resort that would include luxury hotels, "floating" villas and a golf course.

It was 2005 when this internationally isolated North African country embarked on a timid opening.

But the project did not see the light of day.

Keeping it away from urban planning - its only building is a ramshackle lighthouse built by the Italians in the 1920s - dozens of local tourists visit the island every weekend, "leaving the rubbish behind," says Fawzi Dahan of the Badou Environmental Society.

In addition, the Abu Kamash Chemical Industries Complex, which is located near the island, has for years been “pours of heavy metals such as lead.”

Although it was closed a few years ago, the impact is "still tangible," according to Dahan.

Explosive hunting

The island's environmental defenders are growing fearful in light of the massive and unregulated fishing operations.

The environmental expert says that the fishermen who come from Zuwara, 40 kilometers away, "do not respect anything, they always fish illegally, and they practice explosive fishing methods."

Divisions and disagreements since the fall of the previous regime in 2011 have prevented this activity from being controlled, despite the existence of a legal framework that defines the conditions for practicing fishing.

Among the first victims, the marine turtle named "Carita Carita", which symbolizes the island due to its large presence in its surroundings.

"Turtles are sometimes caught in fishing nets when fishermen who fear their bites do not kill them," Dahan says.

The Badou Society also strives to save as many eggs as possible, including protecting the nests from predators and thieves who sell eggs at high prices.

Archaeologist Shawki Muammar visits the site regularly, but expresses concern about the island's future despite his primary interest in its distant past after Roman tools, tombs, and even an oven were found there.

The researcher returns his concerns to the pollution and the effects of the chemical industry complex, which was an "environmental disaster for the region", as well as the "rise in sea level."

Muammar warns of “the danger of immersion if steps are not taken to contain it,” especially that Farwa is a narrow sandy strip surrounded on one side by swampy waters, where algae and coral reefs thrive, and on the other hand, with clear water on the sea side.

The situation of the island did not change with the cessation of hostilities in Libya in the summer of 2020, and the assumption of power by a transitional government until the legislative and presidential elections in December.

Environmental groups refuse to remain passive while awaiting the return of stability and law enforcement.

"We seek to educate fishermen in partnership with international non-governmental organizations such as the World Wide Fund for Nature," said Fawzi Dahan, adding that his association "organizes meetings and awareness campaigns in schools."

The island's environmental defenders are growing fearful in light of the massive and unregulated fishing operations.

An environmental expert says that the fishermen who come from Zuwara "always fish illegally with explosives."

Among the first victims, the sea turtle named "Carita Carita", which symbolizes the island due to its large presence in its surroundings.

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