LEBANON (Enmaeya News) - October 22, 2025

Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture announced that units from the First Land Border Regiment successfully intercepted an attempt to smuggle a group of goldfinches into Lebanese territory.

This operation was carried out in coordination with the ministry to protect natural resources and prevent illegal wildlife trafficking.

The confiscated birds were handed over to the Akkar Agriculture Department following legal and administrative procedures.

Specialized teams are monitoring the birds’ health and preparing them for release back into their natural habitat once they are deemed fit to survive independently.

Under the instructions of Agriculture Minister Dr. Nizar Hani and with guidance from the Environmental Public Prosecutor, all necessary measures were taken to ensure the birds receive proper care and rehabilitation under suitable environmental and sanitary conditions.

The Ministry of Agriculture praised the Lebanese Army’s crucial role in combating smuggling and protecting wildlife, emphasizing that such cooperation is a cornerstone of Lebanon’s efforts to preserve its biodiversity and wildlife resources, particularly in border areas prone to illegal hunting and trafficking.

The ministry noted that goldfinches are a protected species under Lebanese law and international conventions, highlighting their ecological importance and beauty.

“Protecting these species is a national and moral duty,” the ministry said, reaffirming Lebanon’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of natural resources.