The Ministry of Agriculture issued a statement stating that, in the context of ongoing efforts to protect forests and woodlands and preserve the forest wealth in Lebanon, the number of violation reports related to violations that were organized during the year 2025 reached a total of 744 violations, within the framework of monitoring and follow-up campaigns carried out by specialized teams in various regions.
The ministry explained that the distribution of these violations by governorate was as follows: “300 violations in Mount Lebanon Governorate, 160 violations in North Governorate, 144 violations in Akkar Governorate, 53 violations in South Governorate, 34 violations in Nabatieh Governorate, 30 violations in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, and 23 violations in Bekaa Governorate.”
The Ministry of Agriculture pointed out that the “Forest Law” prohibits cutting forest trees, starting fires in forests outside of permitted times, encroaching on forest lands, exploiting their resources, or transporting wood without a permit, in addition to preventing overgrazing. It also clarified that violators face penalties ranging from paying fines to imprisonment, in addition to confiscation of tools and obligating them to repair damages or reforest in accordance with applicable laws.
The ministry affirmed that the increase in the number of violation reports reflects the strengthening of oversight and raising the level of readiness to protect forests, especially in light of increasing climate challenges and the risk of fires and attacks on woodlands.
The ministry concluded by emphasizing the continuation of cooperation and coordination with security agencies, municipalities and the local community, and called on citizens to respect the laws and report any violations, with the aim of preserving Lebanese forests as a “national treasure,” within the framework of its comprehensive environmental vision under the slogan “Agriculture is the pulse of the land and life.”
