The Ministry of Culture, tasked with protecting the Valley of Qannoubine -a UNESCO World Heritage Site- sent on Friday a representative to inspect suspicious works reported.
Following examination, Culture Minister Rony Arayji stated that workers were not only cutting trees, but were also opening an agricultural road; violating the laws that protect the Valley of Qannoubine.
Minister Arayji also noted that all works were being conducted without the prior consultation of the Ministry, urging the Monastery of St Antonios to bring all work to an immediate halt.
On Thursday, the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International broadcast a report stating that 40 tons of wood were cut from the Qannoubine Valley.
An official at the valley reported to LBCI that the trees were cut because they were hindering the growth of fruitful trees; however, these trees were cut in an illegal manner; without the approval or consultation of the ministry of agriculture.
Consequently, the monastery was fined an amount of 80 Million LBP for violating the laws that protect the valley.