On the occasion of International Mountain Day: Call for the adoption of the Lebanon’s High Mountains Protection Law

On the occasion of International Mountain Day, TERRE Liban reminds the Lebanese Parliament’s Environmental Committee of the urgent need to adopt the proposed Law for the Protection of Lebanon’s High Mountains. This proposal, developed by TERRE Liban in collaboration with local and international legal experts, was created following consultations with environmental activists, representatives from relevant ministries and municipalities, and other stakeholders. It was officially submitted to Parliament by MP Dr. Michel Douaihy under registration number 1503/2024.

The adoption of this law is now an urgent necessity, given the ongoing assaults on Lebanon’s mountains, including construction projects, road excavation, quarries, random deforestation, and other harmful practices. These peaks, due to their ecological sensitivity and numerous benefits across various sectors—including economic, social, health, agricultural, industrial, tourism, and environmental—must be protected.

Lebanon’s high mountains, rising over 1,900 meters above sea level and comprising roughly 10% of the country’s land area, are endowed with unparalleled natural wealth. They boast exceptional biodiversity, offering rich habitats for endemic plants, animals, and ancient trees, alongside breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, these peaks serve as critical sources of surface and groundwater, solidifying Lebanon’s role as the “Water Tower of the Middle East,” thanks to significant snowfall accumulation. They also contribute to sustainable food security by providing grazing lands, which account for 11% of their area, and by supporting local agricultural production, covering 5% of these lands.

Additionally, these peaks play a vital role in climate regulation, acting as substantial carbon storage reservoirs. On a national scale, their unique features can be leveraged across various sectors to improve the quality of life for Lebanese communities, enhance the country’s cultural heritage, and elevate Lebanon’s standing globally. Beyond their environmental significance, these lands hold immense spiritual, cultural, and recreational value for the Lebanese people, serving as the backdrop for prominent tourism activities. Mountain tourism is a cornerstone for driving economic growth and fostering rural prosperity.

It is worth noting that Lebanon’s National Land Use Master Plan, ratified on June 20, 2009, under Decree No. 2366, recommended the creation of a legal framework to regulate land use in mountainous regions. This plan classified areas above 1,900 meters as national treasures, emphasizing the national interest in enacting a Mountain Law to strengthen protection measures for these peaks.

Protecting Lebanon’s mountain peaks is not only a step toward preserving its ecological wealth but also a key driver for sustainable development and rural revitalization.