PalmIslands Nature Reserve

The Palm Islands Nature Reserve consists of three flat, rocky islands of eroded limestone and the surrounding sea area, located 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) offshore and northwest of Tripoli, Lebanon. The overall area of the reserve is 4.2 square kilometres (1.6 sq mi), it has been designated as a Specially Protected Area of Mediterranean Importance in 2012 under the 1995 Barcelona Convention. The islands were also identified as a Ramsar Wetland of Special International Importance in 1980, and have been identified in 1994 as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. The islands are a haven for the globally endangered Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta), rare Monk seal (Monachus monachus) and a resting and nesting grounds for more than 160 bird species, including internationally threatened species.