In cooperation with the Municipality of Batroun, the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
As part of the Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) network that the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF) seeks to implement in scientific partnership with the University of Balamand, with the support of the European Union (EU), and in cooperation with ministries, public administrations, municipalities, and civil society.
The Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF) announces the successful efforts leading to the declaration of the Batroun Coast Marine Protected Area, issued by the Batroun Municipal Council under Decision No. 134/2025.
This decision represents Hima No. 41 within the series of marine protected areas in Lebanon, in cooperation with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL).
This initiative aims to promote the concept of strengthening protected areas through local authorities in order to preserve coastal and marine ecosystems, promote responsible fishing, support fishermen’s livelihoods, and ensure the protection and sound management of environmental heritage and natural resources. These efforts contribute to improving living conditions and raising economic standards through sustainable ecotourism.
The Batroun Hima was officially declared by Municipal Decision No. 134/2025, issued on 1 October 2025 by the Batroun Municipal Council, based on the Municipal Law, the Public Accounting Law, and decisions of the State Council, in line with the requirements of public interest and environmental protection.
The decision stipulates the declaration of a natural Hima for the Batroun city beach and its surrounding natural environment, and the adoption of a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of the coastal and marine area. This framework ensures the conservation of environmental resources and regulates their use in a balanced and equitable manner.
The decision also outlines several key objectives, including:
- Regulating sustainable uses within the marine protected area.
- Implementing a sustainable management system to preserve the characteristics of the marine ecosystem.
- Protecting natural, archaeological, cultural, and social heritage, and strengthening integration with the national marine protected areas network.
- Supporting sustainable development, protecting marine resources, and promoting responsible fishing.
- Improving the living and economic conditions of local fishermen.
- Encouraging marine ecotourism and traditional marine and river-based products.
- Promoting environmental education and culture, and strengthening a sense of community responsibility toward the sea.
- Restoring marine habitats and fish nurseries and marine biodiversity.
- Enforcing applicable laws and coordinating with relevant official authorities.
The decision also provides for the establishment of an Administrative Advisory Committee composed of the Municipality of Batroun, the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). This committee will oversee planning and management and seek the necessary funding for the administrative, environmental, and tourism development of the Hima.
