- 11
- Apr.
- 2025
Lebanon’s forests, crucial to the nation’s ecological stability, are facing a growing threat from illegal logging, rapid urbanization, and the accelerating effects of climate change. These vital green lungs are on the verge of disappearance. In a race against time, the minister of Agriculture is urgently acting to reverse this alarming trend and safeguard what remains.
Lebanon, a country where forests cover only 13.6% of its total land area, is confronting a severe environmental crisis. Recent estimates from the Ministry of Agriculture (2021), the CNRS and FAO show that Lebanon has approximately 137,000 hectares of natural forests.
Yet, this crucial forest cover continues to diminish due to illegal logging, unchecked urbanization, and the intensifying effects of climate change – threatening the country’s ecological balance.
In response to this alarming situation, Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani declared a state of forest emergency on March 27, outlining a series of strict measures aimed at halting the degradation of these vital ecosystems.
However, for these initiatives to be successful and sustainable, they require nationwide mobilization and strengthened collaboration across all sectors.
A Forest Emergency to Protect Lebanon's Ecosystems
Lebanon’s forests – essential green lungs – play a vital role in climate regulation, biodiversity conservation and natural disaster prevention. Yet, they are increasingly vulnerable to mounting pressures, and their ongoing degradation poses grave consequences for the broader ecosystem.
Minister Hani’s declaration of a state of emergency is an unprecedented step to confront the dual threats of illegal logging and rising desertification – two critical dangers facing Lebanon’s forested landscapes.
Several key measures have been implemented under a “national plan to protect and strengthen the sustainability of Lebanon’s forests.” As of April 1, 2025, the government suspended all tree-cutting permits, allowing ecosystems to naturally regenerate. Additionally, starting June 1, 2025, the production of charcoal – an activity known to severely damage forests – will be banned.
“The degradation of our forests not only threatens biodiversity but also increases the risks of natural disasters such as floods and landslides,” warned Hani.
Lebanon’s Green Lungs Under Threat
In an interview with This is Beirut, Ralph Zgheib, an agricultural engineer and expert in soil and forest management, warned about the serious threats facing Lebanon’s forests.
Among the foremost dangers are forest fires, often caused by human negligence. “These fires are becoming increasingly frequent and destructive due to a lack of preventative measures and poor management,” Zgheib stated.
Uncontrolled urbanization and the illegal expansion of construction are also major threats, particularly in areas like Akkar and the Beqaa. “Illegal construction is encroaching on essential forest areas,” the expert confirmed.
Excessive grazing, especially in protected zones like the Qammouaa Oak Forest, is accelerating soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity. “Overgrazing weakens our forests and destroys critical vegetation,” he explained.
The rising demand for firewood is placing growing pressure on Lebanon’s forests. “In the north, the influx of Syrian refugees has exacerbated this over-exploitation,” Zgheib noted, adding that “the Ministry of Agriculture’s lack of resources is preventing effective and sustainable forest management.”
Climate change is further aggravating the situation, with droughts weakening trees and disrupting water cycles, “reducing their ability to store carbon,” he added. Moreover, the absence of effective forest management and outdated forestry practices add further strain to Lebanon’s already fragile ecosystems.
For Zgheib, immediate action is essential. “We must strengthen legislation, modernize fire prevention infrastructure, and invest in environmental education,” he urged, calling for collaboration between local communities and the government.
Finally, he underscored the importance of municipal involvement and the role of rural cooperatives in forest monitoring, reforestation and fire prevention. According to Zgheib, the Ministry of Agriculture must take the lead in coordinating forest policies and providing training for forestry agents to safeguard Lebanon’s forests.
A Collective Commitment to Safeguard Lebanon’s Forests
Despite the numerous challenges, several initiatives are actively working to restore and protect Lebanon’s forests.
The National Reforestation Plan (NRP), although constrained by the ongoing economic crisis, aims to plant over 40 million trees by 2030. NGOs like the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI), the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) and Jouzour Loubnan, supported by the FAO and the European Union, are at the forefront of forest restoration and agroforestry efforts, while also raising public awareness about the importance of environmental preservation.
On April 10, Environment Minister Tamara al-Zein met with the World Bank to finalize a strategic fire prevention project for the Akkar and Chouf regions. This partnership is aimed at improving coordination between public and civil stakeholders, ensuring more effective and sustainable forest management.
The agreement seeks to enhance cooperation between the government and local communities, strengthen firefighting capabilities, and restore forests through tree planting and biodiversity protection.
Furthermore, a cross-ministry collaboration has been established to strengthen the enforcement of measures proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture, which has shared a list of areas affected by illegal logging with the Ministry of Defense, enabling swift action against offenders.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to mitigate the risks of natural disasters. The Ministry of Justice is also involved to expedite the processing of violations and impose stricter penalties.
Enhanced on-the-ground monitoring is underway through additional patrols, in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior. Immediate sanctions will be applied to offenders, with the support of security forces if needed.
Finally, Minister Hani called on citizens to actively engage in this vital mission, underscoring that “the preservation of Lebanon’s forested environments is a shared responsibility between the state and society.” He emphasized the importance of public awareness, urging every citizen to “recognize the impact of their actions and contribute to environmental conservation,” as the protection of Lebanon’s forests depends on collective effort.
As the urgency grows, the future of these ecosystems hinges on our ability to unite in action. Without a coordinated effort, these invaluable treasures of biodiversity may fade into oblivion.
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