Lebanon’s forests are facing mounting pressure from prolonged drought, recurring heatwaves, wildfires and illegal logging, experts say, as signs of widespread decline become increasingly visible across the country.
Forests cover about 13 percent of Lebanon’s territory — roughly 136,000 to 140,000 hectares — with another 106,000 hectares classified as wooded or tree‑covered land. But degradation has intensified in recent years, particularly in mountainous areas where most natural forests are concentrated.
Lebanon has lost about 15 million square meters of forest to illegal logging since 2019, including 6.7 million square meters in 2021 alone, according to the Environment Ministry.
The country also faces persistent wildfire risks, with more than 170 forest fires recorded annually, affecting roughly 1,500 hectares of woodland each year.
The Agriculture Ministry said it is monitoring forest conditions nationwide.
