Great News: Authorities Begin Demolishing Public Beach Violation In Kfaraabida

One of North Lebanon’s most accessible public beaches, Abu Ali beach in Kfaraabida was put into peril by illegal construction across the beach’s sands. Located a little south of Batroun and its famous shores, Kfaraabida’s beach was thankfully saved after activists launched a campaign to prevent further illegal development on the shore.

The campaign, working under the name “The Beach is For Everyone,” filed complaints to the Lebanese judiciary system and the Ministry of Public Works to ensure that Kfaraabida’s beach remains open without any encroachments. Today, videos on social media confirmed that the illegally built structure was being demolished.

مبروك اول هدم 💪🏼#الشط_لكل_الناس pic.twitter.com/YSjYqHIlS0

— NAHNOO (@NahnooLeb) June 6, 2023

Ahead of the much fabled summer tourist seasons, resorts and beaches across the country have set forth to capitalize on the incoming flow by raising and dollarizing their prices. This landmark win at Abu Ali ensures that at least some of Lebanon’s vast seashore remains open and free to all.

Legally, it is enshrined that all of Lebanon’s seafront must be accessible to all, and can’t be blocked off or monetized by commercial interests. In practice, a never-ending myriad of violations can be seen across the sands, with luxury resorts and other parasitical entities fencing and laying claim to the country’s coast.

Even when access is guaranteed, those looking to spend a leisurely day on the beach face other obstacles such as arbitrary municipal conditions and other local factors. Last month, a woman was harassed and forced out of Saida’s public beach for wearing a swimsuit, triggering a wave of protests.

For those looking to learn more about the state and pricing of the beach across Lebanon, you can check out our updated list of entry prices across the country right here.