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Lebanon Sinks Tanks for Underwater Park
25 Oct
Summary
- Ten retired military vehicles were sunk to create an artificial reef.
- The underwater park aims to attract divers and marine life.
- The initiative combats coastal pollution and boosts tourism.
On July 28, 2018, Lebanese environmentalists submerged ten retired military vehicles off the coast of Sidon to establish an underwater park. This initiative sought to create new habitats for marine life and attract divers to the Mediterranean seabed. Six tanks and four armored vehicles, donated by the Lebanese Armed Forces, were placed in a 150-square-meter area at depths of 14 to 18 meters.
The project, a collaboration between local organizations and the Sidon Municipal Council, aimed to construct an artificial reef along Lebanon's coastline. Conceived by diving leaders and executed over 13 hours, the installation was intended to support coral reef growth and fish populations. This effort was partly a response to significant coastal pollution issues impacting the region.
The underwater park serves multiple purposes beyond marine habitat creation. It aims to boost Lebanon's tourism sector by providing a unique attraction for divers. Furthermore, the placement of the tanks, with turrets facing Israel, was interpreted by some as a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
