The "Lebanese Environmental Movement" praised the Ministry of Environment's decision to open natural reserves for free visits on March 10 and 11, coinciding with the National Day for Natural Reserves in Lebanon. This initiative encourages all nature lovers to visit the reserves equipped to accommodate visitors, showcasing the beautiful image of Lebanon's terrestrial and marine nature.
The movement's president, Fadlallah Hassouna, stated, "The country is on schedule for new success stories regarding the increase in the number of natural reserves in Lebanon, both terrestrial and marine, as they align with Lebanon's national vision to increase green areas to 30% in the coming years, with the planting of one million trees annually according to the Ministry of Environment's vision."
He added, "The promotion of the experiences of the Barouk Cedar Reserve, Shouf Reserve, Ehden Reserve, Bentayal Reserve, Tannourine Reserve, and other terrestrial reserves is an economic, social, and health necessity to enhance domestic, environmental, hotel, heritage, sports, health, and religious tourism, helping citizens hold on to their lands, develop their artisanal and food industries, create more trails for hiking enthusiasts, and share photos on social media to highlight the beauty of Lebanon's nature globally."
He emphasized "the importance of strengthening the role of municipalities, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations in giving tourism its due," questioning: "Where does Lebanon stand in confronting climate change and mitigating the risks of fires in Akkar, Shouf, and other hotspots prone to wildfires?"
