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Protected Areas Law No.130 of 2019.

Country/Territory
Lebanon
Document type
Legislation
Date
2019
Source
FAO, FAOLEX
Subject
Forestry, Wild species & ecosystems
Keyword
National parks Protected area Sustainable development Biodiversity Protection of environment Protection of species Ecosystem preservation EIA Tourism Birds Migratory species
Geographical area
Asia, Mediterranean, Middle East, Near East and North Africa, Western Asia
Entry into force notes
This Law enters into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Abstract

This Law consisting of 23 articles aims at providing for the natural areas in Lebanon, through their prevention and protection, considered an essential pillar of rural development policy and ecotourism. The Law establishes the following objectives (i) protection of the components of biological diversity, especially those that are threatened, poor, rare, inclined or unique; (ii) reconstruction of the natural biodiversity landscape; (iii) ecosystems preservation; (iv) protection of birds, as well as both sedentary and migratory species; (v) preservation of landscapes and distinctive natural features. Protected areas are divided into four main categories (1) nature reserve; (2) natural park; (3) natural landmark sites; and (4) Hima (sites including a natural ecosystem and may incorporate another sustainable modified part, i.e., through the sustainable use of natural resources). The Law also distinguishes between (i) Nature reserves located on public property, established by a law defining the geographical scope of the reserve and the surrounding belt zone, in addition to the special rules for protection and (ii) Natural reserves located on private property, established after the written consent of all owners to the project, according to a contract between the Lebanese state represented by the person of the Minister of Environment and the owners, for a period of no less than twenty years renewable, in which is defined the geographical scope of the reserve and the surrounding belt zone and their management. A volunteer committee is established for each natural reserve, supervising the good management of the natural reserve and setting and implementing its annual financial budget. Each committee, in coordination with the working group, proposes a protected management plan for a period determined according to its characteristics. The plan is issued according to a decision issued by the Minister of Environment. Exceptionally, and without prejudice to the objectives of environmental protection, some activities in the natural reserve that are implemented within the framework of the concept of sustainable use can be permitted by a decision of the Minister of Environment based on the proposal of the reserve committee and in line with the management plan, based on an Environmental Impact Assessment or Initial Environmental Examination, wherever the Ministry of the Environment deems it necessary. The Ministry of Environment allocates a budget dedicated to the nature reserves. The various persons of public and private law, as well as local, regional and international associations, bodies and institutions, can contribute to financing natural reserves through donations, after the approval of the Council of Ministers.

Full text
Arabic
Website
www.lp.gov.lb