Lebanon faces a harsh blend of energy scarcity and environmental pressure that is reshaping its landscapes. In many parts of the country, heating options are limited as households cope with unstable fuel supplies and rising costs. As a result, trees that formed long-standing green belts, often adapted to the region’s dry climate, are being harvested at an alarming rate. The consequence is a visible strain on oak forests, pines, firs, and junipers—some remnants of centuries past—that are now increasingly vulnerable to illegal cutting, especially in rural and peri-urban areas.
Communities rely on wood more than ever to warm homes, given the high price and irregular availability of diesel and other fuels. In several municipalities, traditional wood use has grown to become a practical necessity, particularly in modest households that lack access to reliable electricity or modern heating appliances. This shift in energy use highlights the broader energy poverty that influences land stewardship and forest health across the country.
In the Byblos region, renowned for its scenic beauty and rugged mountain terrain, wood harvesting has intensified as communities strive to meet immediate heating needs. The impact is a steady erosion of centuries-old trees that have shaped the region’s character and ecosystem. Efforts to maintain sustainable forest practices are ongoing, but challenges remain amid economic strain and governance pressures in local administration.
Meanwhile, national authorities have stressed the importance of preventing internal tensions from flaring as the crisis persists. The security apparatus and interior agencies affirm their readiness to counter attempts that might inflame sectarian tensions. This stance underscores a broader commitment to stability during a period of economic and social stress, even as communities grapple with daily survival needs.
Lebanon is marked by its rich religious and cultural mosaic. Alongside the majority Sunni and Shia Muslim communities, substantial Maronite Christian, Catholic, and Orthodox populations contribute to a diverse social fabric. Smaller groups, including Druze and other confessional minorities, form part of the country’s intricate social landscape. This diversity influences political dynamics, community relations, and the country’s approach to shared resources, including land and forests. The current pressures on energy and environment intersect with these demographic realities, shaping how communities respond to scarcity and how authorities frame conservation and public safety measures.