Adonis El Khatib, President of the Middle East Center for Sustainable Harvest and Anti-Poaching (MECSHAP), accompanied by Shereen Bou Raffoul, Field Operations Coordinator of APU and Lebanon Office Director of CABS, paid a visit to Judge Claude Ghanem, Government Commissioner to the Military Court, to discuss avenues of cooperation and coordination aimed at reducing the threats posed by illegal hunting to biodiversity and sustainable hunting practices.
During the meeting, Judge Ghanem affirmed his readiness to pursue and suppress violations, whether committed by military personnel or civilians, stressing the importance of respecting applicable laws and regulations. He also highlighted the vital role of awareness and education in guiding society toward more responsible practices, describing public awareness as the cornerstone of effective environmental protection.
He further praised the field experience and expertise developed by APU in combating illegal hunting and its contributions to wildlife conservation.
For its part, the unit’s management expressed its appreciation for Judge Ghanem’s interest in this important issue, which represents a key component of environmental security, particularly given Lebanon’s position as one of the most significant migratory bird corridors between Europe and Africa. This unique status places a national and international responsibility on Lebanon to safeguard its natural heritage and preserve it for future generations.
