Environmental Committee in Tannourine Demands Urgent Probe into Cutting of Rare Ancient Trees

The Environmental Committee in Tannourine issued a statement expressing deep concern over recent environmental violations in the Dhour Al-Shqafan area of Houb, involving the illegal cutting of ancient and rare forest trees. This incident follows a similar violation by the same offender a year earlier in Ain Al-Raha, raising serious questions about the ongoing infringements on the town’s forest resources and the lack of sufficient deterrence to prevent recurrence.

Upon reviewing the available data and reports related to the case, the committee noted that inspections by the relevant authorities identified trees that had been cut down, described as being between dry and green. The report also indicated that the violator had been permitted to transport the cut wood.

Committee members conducted a field visit to the site in April, during which no dry trees were observed that would justify the extensive cutting that occurred later. Instead, they noted that the felling affected ancient trees with significant environmental and natural value. The committee emphasized that the harsh climatic conditions experienced in recent years cannot automatically justify considering the trees dead or lifeless, as many damaged trees and branches can recover their natural growth with improved environmental conditions. Therefore, a scientific assessment is necessary before any decision to cut trees is made.

The committee also pointed out that the same violator had previously been involved in a case concerning cut wood following the environmental violation in Ain Al-Raha. This history underscores the need to handle the current case with utmost seriousness, rigor, and transparency by thoroughly verifying all related facts.

The committee called on the Ministry of Agriculture to dispatch a team of forestry experts and specialists to conduct a technical and scientific field inspection. This team should determine the nature, age, and health status of the trees before they were cut and provide a scientifically documented estimate of the environmental damage caused by these actions.

Additionally, the committee demanded that the transportation or disposal of the wood resulting from the cutting be prohibited and that the wood be confiscated by the competent authorities until all investigations and technical and judicial inspections are completed. This measure aims to prevent benefiting from the violation’s outcomes or erasing any evidence that could help determine the extent of the damage and assign responsibility.

The committee addressed Agriculture Minister Dr. Nizar Hani, known for his careful attention to forest and environmental issues and his commitment to protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage, urging him to give this case the necessary focus and to oversee the investigations and required inspections until the full truth is revealed and the applicable laws are enforced against anyone proven to be involved in harming the forest resources.

It stressed that ancient trees represent a national treasure and natural heritage that belongs not only to the town’s residents but also forms part of the entire national environmental legacy. From this perspective, any violation against these trees or misuse of permits granted for purposes other than those intended requires strict accountability and the implementation of measures to prevent similar violations in the future.