Between 23 September and 23 October 2025, the Joint Operations Team of the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) carried out one of its most active field periods this year, with coordinated missions spanning from Akkar to Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa. These efforts, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Internal Security Forces, and local municipalities, reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to safeguarding its migratory birds and combating illegal hunting and wildlife trade.
Defending the Flyways
As the autumn migration reached its peak, the team maintained constant presence at critical flyways, including Aghbe, Ghusta, Shhtoul, and Qahmez, monitoring the skies and documenting violations. Between 24 and 30 September, the patrols focused on the Keserwan–Byblos corridor, a hotspot for raptor migration. Over several consecutive days, the APU monitored the safe passage of hundreds of birds of prey and intervened where illegal shooting was observed.
Parallel missions were conducted in Akkar, where the team recorded multiple cases of unlawful hunting in Tashaa and Mamenaa. The violations were documented and formal complaints were submitted to the Public Prosecutor through the APU’s legal representative.
Field Enforcement and Removal of Traps
In early October, enforcement intensified. On 1 October, joint forces moved into Akkar’s highlands near Qobayat, apprehending offenders and seizing equipment. The following days saw large-scale operations targeting bird-trapping networks: on 2 October, the APU dismantled 500 meters of illegal nets in Barja, while on 3 October, a massive 3,300-meter trapping system was removed in Kfar Melki, marking one of the largest seizures this season.
Additional patrols took place in Akkar al-Atika, Terchich, Hammana, and Bchamoun, ensuring compliance with hunting regulations while promoting awareness among local hunters. In October’s first week, missions extended northwards to Byblos, Hajoula, Batroun, and Anfeh, where the team combined law enforcement with on-the-ground education — encouraging hunters to adopt sustainable and legal practices.
Community Engagement and Dialogue
Beyond enforcement, the APU emphasized dialogue and education. On 27 September, a representative from the team participated in a panel discussion on “Towards a More Effective and Sustainable Hunting Law”, organized in Halba by the Tammouz Center for Citizenship Studies in partnership with the Hanns Seidel Foundation and the Municipality of Halba. The event gathered hunters, activists, and legal experts to discuss policy reform and the role of civil society in wildlife protection.
Coordinated Action in the Bekaa
The month concluded with a major joint mission in Labweh (Baalbek-Hermel) on 22 October, implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture and Internal Security Forces. The operation successfully removed multiple violations involving the illegal trade of wild birds. During the mission, the team met with Dr. Abbas Dairani, Director of Agriculture for the Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, to coordinate upcoming enforcement actions against wildlife trafficking in the region.
Sustaining the Momentum
The October operations underline the growing effectiveness of Lebanon’s joint enforcement mechanism, which bridges government authorities and civil society actors like SPNL, MESHC, and CABS under the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) framework. Each mission reinforces awareness that wildlife protection is not just about policing—it is about cultivating respect for life, law, and Lebanon’s ecological legacy.
As migratory birds continue their long flight south, the men and women of the APU remain on the ground—protecting the skies that belong to them.
