Law No. 170 of 2020 establishing the Abbassia Beach Nature Reserve.

This Law, consisting of 14 articles, establishes the Abbassia Beach Nature Reserve, driven by Lebanon's commitment to international agreements on civil and commercial rights and asset preservation, as well as the Ministry of Environment's mandate to establish and manage ecologically important nature reserves. More in detail, Article 3 outlines the following goals for establishing the Nature Reserve (i) protect marine and coastal natural resources from all forms of pollution, and to preserve ecological balances, wetlands, and their ecosystems; (ii) conserve natural landscapes, as well as plant and animal species, especially endangered, rare, or unique organisms and their habitats. This also includes preserving biological balances, ecological systems, and biodiversity against all causes of degradation, pollution, and the risk of extinction; (iii) promote the sustainable use of natural resources for scientific research and organized ecological tourism, to preserve them for future generations in the public interest. Under Article 5, the Abbassia Beach Nature Reserve will be managed by a nine-member Volunteer Committee, appointed by the Minister of Environment. It shall be responsible for the reserve's overall management, budget, protection, and scientific initiatives. It must include representatives from relevant ministries, local authorities, environmental groups, and specialists, operating under the Ministry of Environment's supervision with ministerially defined tasks. Additionally, the Committee will hire a dedicated operational team, including rangers, to handle daily management, conservation, and law enforcement. Article 9 strictly prohibits any actions that harm the nature reserve or its buffer zone, specifically outlawing activities that disrupt the ecosystem, disturb the natural balance, cause pollution, damage biodiversity, or alter the landscape. This includes most forms of hunting (except for angling), unauthorized removal of marine life, littering, setting fires, and any other destructive or defacing acts. Conversely, Article 11 permits public visits and environmentally friendly activities within the reserve, provided they are in accordance with its management plan. Furthermore, Article 12 stipulates that all proceeds from entry fees, activity fees, confiscations, and fines for violations will be used by the reserve committee to enhance the nature reserve's.