In a key meeting at the Ministry of Agriculture, Minister Dr. Nizar Hani met with a delegation from the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), a coalition of environmental organizations from across Lebanon, to discuss strengthening marine conservation efforts and sustainable fisheries management.
The meeting focused on a memorandum presented by LEF President Engineer Malek Ghaddour outlining strategic priorities for marine protection and sustainable environmental policies. The key points included:
- Backing Marine Conservation Efforts: The Ministry of Agriculture supported the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) network project, implemented by LEF in partnership with the University of Balamand and funded by the European Union.
- Strengthening Multi-Sector Partnerships: The Ministry pledged to play an active role in overseeing the MPAs network, alongside government agencies, municipalities, and civil society organizations, through the advisory committee of the MPAs Stakeholders’ Forum.
- Legal Framework for Fisheries & Marine Protection: The ministry will review the draft amendment of the Fisheries Law to align it with sustainable marine conservation goals. LEF’s legal team is leading the efforts to shape a comprehensive legal framework for MPAs.
- Enforcing the Fisheries Law: LEF and local committees in protected areas will be recognized as key players in monitoring and enforcing regulations, particularly in combating illegal fishing.
- Advancing Coastal Management Policies: The Ministry committed to supporting amendments to the Fisheries Law, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), and legal frameworks governing MPAs.
- Mapping Lebanon’s Green and Blue Spaces: The meeting emphasized the importance of integrating marine and terrestrial conservation efforts, with LEF and its partners working on a final map of protected areas, paving the way for the launch of Lebanon’s “Green Blue 30×30” initiative.
Minister Hani Calls for Stronger Action on Environmental Protection
Minister Hani underscored the urgent need for enhanced collaboration between the Ministries of Agriculture and Environment and environmental organizations to streamline conservation efforts and improve the management of Lebanon’s natural reserves. He emphasized that ensuring long-term sustainability requires clear mechanisms aligned with global environmental standards.
He also highlighted the importance of enforcing environmental laws to boost the effectiveness of protected area management, proposing a zoning approach to ensure agricultural activities harmonize with ecological sustainability.
Boosting Support for Fishermen & Expanding Marine Reserves
The discussion also tackled the challenges facing Lebanon’s fishing sector, particularly the need to protect fisheries, support fishermen, and curb illegal fishing. Establishing well-managed marine reserves was identified as a key strategy to increase fish stocks and enhance economic resources.
Next Steps: Legal Reforms and Coordinated Action
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing dialogue and coordination between stakeholders. Plans are in motion to:
✔️ Develop a unified legal framework for MPAs.
✔️ Form joint committees to tackle key challenges in marine and coastal management.
✔️ Create a comprehensive national map of protected areas that aligns with Lebanon’s “30×30” commitment to global biodiversity conservation.
Minister Hani reiterated his support for these initiatives, emphasizing that marine and terrestrial conservation must go hand in hand to safeguard Lebanon’s rich natural heritage for future generations.
