21-07-2025
Libya's 100-metre rule: why you can't build by the sea
Protecting the coast: inside Libya's 100-metre law
As coastal development projects continue to grow in popularity across Libya, one recurring question arises: how close can one legally build to the shoreline?
The answer lies in what is commonly known as the 100-Metre Law — a cornerstone regulation designed to protect Libya's coastal strip, which is classified as public property that must remain accessible to all.
This legal framework was first introduced under Law No. 5 of 1969 on the Planning of Cities and Villages, which explicitly prohibits construction within 100 metres of the seafront. The intent was to safeguard the natural beauty of the coast and guarantee public access to the sea. This was further reinforced by Law No. 32 of 1977, which confirmed the classification of the coastal strip as state-owned public land.
The significance of this law extends beyond urban planning. It serves as a vital environmental protection measure, shielding marine ecosystems from unregulated construction and curbing encroachments that threaten the coastline's ecological and touristic value. More broadly, it upholds the principle of public right of access — ensuring that Libya's beaches remain open to everyone, not privatised by individuals or commercial entities.
The law does, however, provide one narrow exception: state-led projects of a public or touristic nature may be permitted within this buffer zone, but only if they adhere strictly to environmental and planning regulations.
Respecting this legal boundary is not merely a matter of compliance; it reflects a broader civic responsibility to preserve Libya's natural heritage. As pressures on the coastline increase, particularly from private investment, upholding the 100-metre rule is a way of protecting the public good — ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy free and unspoilt access to the sea. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
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