The Broad Outlines of a Possible Maritime Policy in Lebanon (2)

What maritime policy could – or should – Lebanon pursue as part of its development efforts? And what role might the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), which succeeded the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership initiated in Barcelona, play in this context?

The Union for the Mediterranean has essentially adopted a “land-based” framework. Whether through political and security cooperation aimed at establishing a common area of peace and stability, economic and financial collaboration to build a zone of shared prosperity, or cultural and social initiatives to foster understanding between cultures and exchanges among civil societies, the ultimate goal remains the creation of a shared prosperity area within a Euro-Mediterranean Free Trade Area (EMFTA). All of this unites the land.

Yet the Mediterranean is a sea surrounded by land, not lands separated by a sea.

Which maritime projects might be integrated into this process?

Three criteria will be decisive in selecting and prioritizing the relevant themes:

– The country must be able to advance to the implementation phase without any obstacles hindering the proposed momentum.

– Prioritize sectors capable of creating a large number of jobs and offering genuine opportunities for growth and advancement, thereby promoting social mobility.

– Prioritize projects based on the most urgent needs, while fostering dialogue and cooperation with partner states.

Missions and Projects

Beyond port and commercial functions, a state’s maritime responsibilities encompass a range of sovereign and security capabilities: monitoring maritime space, safeguarding of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), combatting illicit trafficking, conducting search and rescue operations at sea, and preventing pollution. These missions are strategic for national sovereignty, economic stability, and the protection of the population.

1 – Protection of the EEZ: Lebanon’s Exclusive Economic Zone spans roughly 22,700 km². Maritime delimitation agreements with Israel (2022) and Cyprus have clarified the legal framework – a prerequisite for effective monitoring. Oversight of the EEZ must be both effective and continuous.

2 – Surveillance and control of coastal areas: Lebanon’s 225 km coastline includes commercial and fishing ports, densely populated urban areas, and sensitive industrial and energy facilities. Coastal control is therefore both a security and civil-protection imperative.

3 – Combating illicit maritime trafficking: The State is responsible for tackling the smuggling of goods, drug and arms trafficking, and illegal maritime migration.

4 – Maritime rescue and navigation safety: Within its area of responsibility, Lebanon carries out search and rescue (SAR) operations at sea, primarily through the Lebanese navy and Civil Defense. This requires close coordination among the navy, port authorities, and emergency services. A fully operational maritime SAR center, meeting international standards, should also be established.

5 – Maritime pollution is primarily of terrestrial origin: the dumping of untreated wastewater, coastal landfills, urban runoff, industrial pollution, and accidental oil spills in ports. The potential development of offshore gas resources makes it essential to strengthen anti-pollution emergency plans, enhance land-based prevention measures, and ensure close coordination between civilian and military actors.

6 – Training in maritime professions: It is a vital component of national maritime capabilities. It determines the safety of navigation, the efficiency of port and logistics operations, the State’s credibility in carrying out its sovereign missions, and the future growth of the blue economy and offshore activities. It is also a source of intercommunal integration and job creation.

Strategic Framework

– Establish a national maritime surveillance framework (EEZ and coastline).

– Enhance offshore patrol capabilities and aerial assets.

– Create a national maritime SAR coordination center in line with international standards.

– Build a structured and sustainable national capacity for pollution response.

– Establish an Institute for maritime professions, bringing together civilian and military participants.

– Make the sea a central pillar of the national sovereignty strategy and economic recovery plan.

Priorities to Define

Within this overarching maritime policy framework,  the State should clearly and concretely set its priorities.

1 – Establish national maritime governance to ensure continuous and effective coordination among all civilian and military maritime actors.

2 – Implement a national maritime surveillance framework (EEZ and coastline) to guarantee the State’s effective sovereignty over its maritime domain.

3 – Intensify the fight against maritime trafficking and transnational crime, reducing the economic losses and security risks associated with such activities.

4 – Develop a national search and rescue (SAR) capability at sea, safeguarding human lives and fulfilling Lebanon’s international obligations.

5 – Build a national capacity to combat maritime pollution, preventing and managing pollution, particularly in light of potential offshore development.

6 – Establish a Lebanese Institute for maritime professions and ensure the availability of essential maritime skills.

7 – Make the sea central to the national economic recovery strategy; turn the maritime domain into a driver of sustainable development.

Such a maritime project – already partially underway in Lebanon – fully aligns with the priorities of international partners: ensuring regional security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean; combatting transnational trafficking and organized crime; protecting human lives at sea; and safeguarding the marine environment.

Designed as a civil–security cooperation program, in line with international law and Lebanon’s multilateral commitments, it adopts an approach that integrates governance, operational capabilities, training, sustainable development, job creation, and community integration. Such a Lebanese maritime strategy should be able to progress alongside the necessary revitalization of the Union for the Mediterranean…

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A Maritime Future for Lebanon?