CESNA-LB Conservation of Environmentally Sensitive National Areas in Lebanon

In January 2022, TERRE Liban launched the Conservation of Environmentally Sensitive National Areas in Lebanon (CESNA-LB) project, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with La Sagesse University and the Lebanon Eco Movement.

The project aims to overcome the traditional challenges and obstacles that restrain biodiversity and ecosystem protection through the development of innovative policy instruments supported by community-based conservation initiatives.

This endeavor will result in:

• Identification of Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) in Lebanon

• Setting the groundwork for proper conservation of ESAs through the design and development of innovative policy instruments

• Improving capabilities for monitoring environmental risks and violations and supporting risk reduction and response in ESAs through the engagement of NGOs

CESNA-LB project is based on a policy paper related to sustainable land use management in Lebanon, published by the Lebanese Advocacy Network for Environment (LANE) founded in 2016, under the Advocacy to Reconcile Development with Environment Campaign (ARDE) in January 2019.

According to Decree # 8633/2012, Appendix 3, the following territories in Lebanon have been classified as environmentally sensitive areas:

1-           Areas classified by laws, decrees or decisions as nature reserves, protected forests, natural sites, and Himas.

2-           Areas with endangered species (fauna and flora)

3-           Wetlands

4-           Coastal zones, river banks and springs

5-           State Land

In addition, The National Physical Master Plan Of Lebanese Territory (NPMPLT), published by Decree# 2366/2009, has also recognized the high mountain of Lebanon as environmentally sensitive areas.