BEIRUT (Enmaeya News) — September 22, 2025

Lebanon’s Ministries of Environment, Interior and Municipalities, and Agriculture have issued a joint circular banning all wild bird hunting across the country, citing the start of the autumn migration season.

The circular highlighted Lebanon’s key role as a migration corridor for birds, including rare and globally endangered species. During migration, birds rely on specific areas in Lebanon for rest, food, and shelter, while certain regions serve as “bottlenecks,” critical passageways for flocks during spring and autumn.

Lebanon has ratified several international agreements on wildlife and biodiversity protection, including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA), and the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). As a result, the country is legally obligated to protect these species and their habitats.

Under Lebanon’s Wild Hunting Law (Law No. 580 of February 25, 2004), the Minister of Environment sets hunting seasons and specifies permitted species based on recommendations from the Supreme Council for Wild Hunting. Since the formation decree for the next council has not been issued, no official decision has been made for the 2025/2026 hunting season. Consequently, all wild bird hunting remains strictly prohibited.

The ministries warned that any hunting activity is illegal. Violators risk confiscation of weapons, nets, or other hunting tools, as well as fines under the law. The use of traps, nets, lights, or devices mimicking bird or animal sounds is banned even if a hunting season is later declared.

Authorities, including municipal police, internal security forces, and forest rangers under the Ministry of Agriculture, are instructed to strictly monitor and prevent illegal hunting. Offenders will be formally recorded and referred to the relevant authorities.