Hunting random birds in Lebanon .. between hobby and environmental crime

At the heart of the Lebanese nature, where the mountains converge with the plains, bird hunting is highlighted as one of the traditional activities that a person has practiced since ancient times. However, this hobby, which was considered part of the cultural heritage, has turned in recent years into a controversial phenomenon, as it has become a real threat to biological diversity and the environment in general. The random fishing of birds in Lebanon is no longer just an entertainment activity, but rather is seen as an environmental crime that leads to the extinction of many types of birds and threatens the environmental balance.

Lebanon is an important transit point for migratory birds, as about 407 species of birds pass through its lands between a resident and an immigrant. However, the laws regulating hunting are not applied effectively, allowing the spread of random hunting that causes large numbers of protected and rare birds. Reports indicate that 92% of the Lebanese do not know the existence of a law that regulates hunting, which reflects the absence of environmental awareness and legal culture related to this issue.

The fishing methods used, starting from traditional firearms to non -ethical techniques such as using windows and lights to attract birds at night. These practices not only kill birds, but also contribute to the destruction of the environment.

Laws related to bird hunting

There are laws regulating bird hunting in Lebanon, but their application is often weak. According to the Lebanese Wildlife Protection Law, hunting is allowed only during certain seasons and using specific means. Fishermen must obtain special hunting permits, and it is forbidden to hunt endangered or reserve species.

However, there are still many violations of these laws. Reports indicate that some fishermen ignore the specific seasons and hunt during the ban periods.

In light of these complex circumstances, the question remains: How can Lebanon regain its environmental balance and protect its endangered birds? The solution lies in promoting environmental awareness and strictly applying laws to ensure the protection of this precious natural resource.