Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — In a bid to strengthen Lebanon’s environmental resilience, the Ministry of Environment and the United Nations Development Programme have launched a new initiative to combat forest fires in the Mount Lebanon region.

The Forest Fire Risk Management Project, backed by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, was announced July 2 at the Beit Mery Municipality. The program targets Baabda and Aley — two districts highly prone to wildfires — and aims to improve Lebanon’s ability to prevent and respond to fires driven by climate change and poor land use.

Local mayors, civil defense units, and representatives from the Ministry of Environment, UNDP, and the Swiss Embassy attended the launch.

The project will incorporate data collection, risk mapping, early warning systems, and specialized training for municipal and emergency personnel. It draws from previous experiences in Lebanon’s North and South and emphasizes community-led planning and preparedness.

“With climate risks growing, proactive local governance is more important than ever,” said Melanie Hauenstein, UNDP’s resident representative. Beit Mery Mayor Roy Abou Chakra also stressed the need for deeper coordination between local and national institutions.

The project aims not only to curb fire-related destruction but to encourage sustainable forest management and protect Lebanon’s biodiversity, particularly in regions where forests serve as key ecological and recreational assets.