Guiding the Steps Towards a Post-War Recovery of Lebanon’s Natural Ecosystems: Understanding the Stakes and Looking Forward was published in 2026 by the National Council for Scientific Research – Lebanon (CNRS-L) and the Ministry of Environment. The report provides a national science-based assessment of the environmental impacts of the 2023–2024 war on Lebanon, covering forests, agricultural lands, soils, air quality, marine ecosystems, fisheries, and rubble management. It aims to guide post-war ecological recovery through evidence-based planning, monitoring, and “Build Back Better” principles.
Key insights:
Lebanon’s total physical damage was estimated at US$6.8 billion, with US$7.2 billion in economic losses and US$11 billion in recovery and reconstruction needs.
Around 5,000 hectares of forest cover and 2,154 hectares of orchards were burned, including olive, citrus, and other productive agricultural lands.
Soil testing found localized contamination hotspots, including high phosphorus levels and chromium exceedances in 45% of samples, raising concerns for agriculture, groundwater, and public health.
Air quality was affected by smoke, debris, and combustion residues, with PM2.5 levels reaching up to 65 µg/m³, exceeding WHO daily guidelines.
Marine water quality remained generally stable, with no detectable heavy metal contamination in monitored sediments and biota, but fisheries were heavily affected, with 26 vessels damaged or destroyed and around 390 tonnes of fish landings lost.
Radiological testing found no depleted or enriched uranium, with radiation levels remaining within natural background ranges.
The report estimates a US$299 million core ecological recovery envelope, plus US$145 million for rubble and debris management, stressing that unmanaged rubble could worsen soil, water, and public health risks.
Recovery should prioritize soil remediation, forest and land rehabilitation, fisheries support, air and environmental monitoring, sustainable rubble management, and integration of nature-based solutions into reconstruction.
