Why does Beirut have no green spaces?

Beirut, once known as the "Paris of the Middle East," is a city of dense urban fabric, chaotic traffic, and vanishing public spaces. Unlike many global capitals that prioritize parks and greenery, Beirut has barely any public green spaces. Apart from the historic Sanayeh Park—which many Lebanese no longer visit—the city offers little in the way of accessible nature.

The lack of green spaces in Beirut is not a coincidence; it’s the result of decades of uncontrolled urban development, weak public policies, and a prioritization of private real estate over public well-being. During the post-war reconstruction era, land was rapidly privatized, leaving little room for parks or communal areas. Today, even existing green pockets are often neglected, fenced off, or threatened by new construction projects.

Green spaces are more than just aesthetic additions; they provide shade, improve air quality, and offer much-needed spaces for social interaction. In a city where pollution levels are high and summer temperatures are brutal, the absence of greenery exacerbates public health issues and limits opportunities for respite.

So, why does Beirut have almost no green spaces? Because urban planning has long been driven by profit rather than public interest. Without urgent intervention, the city's remaining open spaces will continue to disappear, leaving future generations with even fewer places to breathe.