Environment Minister launches forest fire prevention measures in Chouf
Environment Minister Dr. Tamara El Zein oversaw the distribution of firefighting equipment, signed cooperation agreements with the Sweijani Municipalities Union and the municipalities of Deir El Qamar and Kfarqatra, and awarded training certificates to 33 first responders as part of efforts to strengthen local preparedness against forest fires.
El Zein also inaugurated an operations room at the Sweijani Municipalities Union. The activities were attended by MP Farid Boustany, municipal officials and representatives of project partners.
The interventions fall under the Forest Fire Prevention in Lebanon project, financed by the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank and covering areas in the Chouf, Akkar and North Lebanon. The targeted locations were selected based on annual fire data and forest-fire risk assessments.
El Zein said effective firefighting begins long before emergency crews arrive, through prevention, advance planning, early warning, preparedness and coordination.
She stressed the need to move from a culture of response to one of prevention, particularly as climate change increases fire risks.
El Zein also warned against deliberately setting forest fires to obtain firewood amid rising heating-fuel costs, calling for firm action against such practices.
She said training first responders, supplying municipalities with specialized equipment and establishing operations rooms were interconnected steps aimed at improving rapid intervention, coordination and information-sharing.
El Zein added that the initiative should serve as a model for broader national efforts to protect Lebanon’s forests and natural resources.
