Starting afresh or preventing extinction? After 15 years of civil war and even more of political instability, Beirut went through a deep change. On one hand politicians and developers promised a new beginning that could transform Beirut into another Dubai: glass and steel forged into modern shapes. On the other hand locals pushing back to preserve the identity and collective memory of the city.

The organization Save Beirut Heritage formed in 2010 is fighting to keep traditional buildings alive. Beit Beirut (photo#3) is one of these places. The imposing yellow building, elegant despite the bullet holes riddling its exterior, occupies a prominent corner in central Beirut on the former demarcation line that separated East and West, Christians from Muslims during the civil war. Also known as the Yellow House, it now serves as an urban cultural center celebrating the history of Beirut; a space where the community can gather and live together.

This series offers a small glimpse into the diverse beauty of these endangered species.