Al-Zein Hands Over Fire Prevention Equipment to Al-Daniyeh and Opens Operations Room

Environment Minister Tamara Al-Zein stressed "the necessity of making prevention and preparedness the foundation for combating forest fires," affirming that "waiting for a fire to break out before taking action leaves Lebanon's natural wealth vulnerable to losses that can be mitigated through prior planning, training, and early warning."

During the handover of specialized equipment and gear to the Union of Municipalities of Jurd Al-Daniyeh and the Municipality of Sir Al-Daniyeh, and the signing of two memoranda of understanding with Union President Tarek Al-Shafshaq and Mayor Samer Diab Hawsher, as well as the inauguration of a forest fire prevention operations room at the Union headquarters in Taraneh—following the previous stop in Chouf which included the Union of Municipalities of Al-Swayjani and the municipalities of Kfar Qatra and Deir El Qamar—Al-Zein explained that "the ministry is working on expanding the equipping of municipalities and their unions and qualifying first responder teams. This process began in Chouf and continues in Al-Daniyeh, aiming to gradually generalize this readiness across various Lebanese regions, according to needs and risk levels."

She emphasized that "the selection of beneficiary areas is based on annual fire data and risk indicators, which identify the most vulnerable zones and allow for directing equipment and preventive measures where they are most needed." She also stressed that "enhancing local readiness requires combining equipping, training, and coordination to enable teams to intervene quickly and limit the spread of fires," noting that "the distribution of equipment falls under the 'Forest Fire Prevention in Lebanon' project, funded by the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank, which includes areas in Chouf, Akkar, and the North, and we are working to expand it later to include more areas across different parts of Lebanon."

She pointed out that "the project has entered an advanced implementation phase, including the formation and training of first responder teams and providing municipalities and their unions with specialized equipment and machinery, in parallel with preparing forest management plans in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant authorities."

She affirmed that "the increasing risks of fires make investment in prevention a priority, necessitating the expansion of this experience and strengthening cooperation between institutions, municipalities, field teams, and local communities." She highlighted "the pivotal role of first responders in rapid intervention," clarifying that "the new operations room established by the ministry in Al-Daniyeh will enhance coordination, information exchange, and early warning, helping to accelerate response and reduce losses."

Minister Al-Zein paused to discuss "the environmental repercussions and the burning of large areas of forests and woodlands," indicating that "approximately 550 hectares were damaged in the Mount Reihan Biosphere Reserve, in addition to severe damage inflicted on nature reserves in the South." She confirmed that "the scale of these damages doubles the shared responsibility to preserve natural wealth, enhance prevention, and work on rehabilitating affected ecosystems."

During her meeting with residents of Al-Daniyeh, Sir Al-Daniyeh, and neighboring areas, discussions took place regarding the possibility of establishing a nature reserve in Al-Daniyeh to protect its natural wealth and biological diversity, and to enhance community participation in its preservation. It was agreed to continue these discussions in working meetings with ministry specialists for follow-up according to proper procedures.