Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — In a major step towards strengthening Lebanon’s environmental protection sector, the Ministry of Agriculture has officially appointed 106 new forest and marine trainee rangers. This long-awaited move follows the approval of Decree No. 519, issued on June 22, 2025, and comes after years of delays and protests by successful candidates from the 2017 Civil Service exams.

Minister of Agriculture Nizar Hani confirmed to An-Nahar that these appointments fulfill constitutional and legal obligations, noting that the decree received the official signature of President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. Despite prior political and sectarian objections, Hani emphasized that the new hires reflect Lebanon’s social diversity, even if not perfectly balanced.

The minister also highlighted the crucial role of rangers in safeguarding forests, marine environments, and fisheries amidst rising environmental threats such as climate change, illegal logging, and dynamite fishing. With 106 new recruits joining the existing 120 rangers, the ministry is now preparing to request the recruitment of an additional 160 officers through future Civil Service exams, while enhancing collaboration with Lebanon’s security forces to reinforce environmental law enforcement.