About the Authority
Eng. Rafea Al-Aribi
Eng. Rafea Al-Aribi
The Libyan Authority for Heritage and Wildlife serves as the national competent authority responsible for the protection of Libya’s cultural and natural heritage, the conservation of wildlife, and the safeguarding of biodiversity. Established pursuant to Prime Minister Decision No. (130) of 2024, the Authority leads national efforts in the fields of environmental and heritage protection. It officially commenced its operations on 19 May 2025 as the national institution mandated to develop policies and programs for the protection of environmental and heritage resources in accordance with modern institutional frameworks.
The Authority’s work is guided by Libya’s distinctive environmental and geographical significance, as the country represents a natural bridge between Mediterranean and desert ecosystems and a strategic migratory corridor for birds between Europe and Africa. This is further complemented by Libya’s rich civilizational legacy spanning thousands of years, reinforcing the country’s national responsibility and international role in safeguarding this natural and cultural heritage as part of humanity’s shared legacy.
Within this mandate, the Authority works to protect rare and endangered species, conserve natural habitats, combat illegal hunting (poaching), and develop the national protected areas system. It also undertakes the documentation of cultural and natural heritage assets and promotes environmental research and monitoring programs in line with internationally recognized standards and best practices in nature conservation and heritage protection.
Furthermore, the Authority seeks to strengthen Libya’s position as an active partner in global efforts to protect biodiversity and cultural heritage by enhancing cooperation with international organizations, building institutional capacities, and promoting environmental governance, thereby contributing to the protection and sustainable management of natural and heritage resources for future generations.
Our Mission
To protect Libya’s cultural and natural heritage and conserve wildlife through knowledge-driven policies, sustainable management of environmental resources, effective institutional programs, and international cooperation that strengthens the protection of natural and heritage assets for future generations.
Our Vision
To be Libya’s leading national authority in heritage and wildlife protection, and a recognized contributor to global efforts for the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Our Values
The Libyan Authority for Heritage and Wildlife carries out its mandate based on a set of institutional values that reflect its commitment to professional standards and international best practices, including:
The Role of the Authority
The Libyan Authority for Heritage and Wildlife plays a central role in safeguarding Libya’s environmental and heritage assets by leading national efforts to protect cultural and natural heritage, conserve wildlife, and promote the sustainability of biodiversity. This is achieved through the development of national policies, the implementation of specialized programs, and the strengthening of environmental and heritage governance frameworks.
The Authority is also responsible for protecting endangered species, combating illegal hunting (poaching), developing the national system of protected areas, and promoting the scientific management of ecosystems. In addition, it works on documenting national heritage assets, developing specialized environmental and heritage databases, supporting scientific research, and promoting environmental and cultural awareness, thereby strengthening a national culture of protecting natural and heritage resources as a key component of sustainable development.
Areas of Work
The Libyan Authority for Heritage and Wildlife operates within an integrated institutional framework aimed at protecting cultural and natural heritage, conserving wildlife, and promoting the sustainability of biodiversity. This is achieved through the development of national policies and programs, as well as the strengthening of local and international partnerships.
