Lebanon’s Forest Fire Control Strategy Launched

Lebanon’s Environment Ministry has launched an updated national strategy to reduce the risk and severity of forest fires. Nasser Yassin, the caretaker minister of environment, highlighted that the success of the strategy depends on the cooperation of local people who are proud of their environment and the health of their families. The ministry has launched an emergency fund to support firefighting efforts and is working with the World Bank to develop its law and management methods. The UN Development Program in Lebanon has equipped dedicated operations rooms in Lebanese provinces with necessary tools and supplies to ensure proper functioning in the event of forest fires and other crises. Forest fires have caused damage to pine and fruit trees across North Lebanon, Mount Lebanon, and South Lebanon. Approximately 14,460 forest fires have been recorded in the past five years, resulting in the loss of thousands of hectares of forest cover in Lebanon.