A thread dedicated to Lebanon's environment :)

Waking up to climate change
Over a hundred people gather in the Ain al-Mreisseh plaza to protest climate change
Hayeon Lee, NOW Staff , September 22, 2009

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Monday’s event at Ain al-Mreisseh, organized by IndyAct. The banner reads, “Movement Against Climate Change.”

At around 8:15 on Monday evening, as thousands of Lebanese strolled about the Corniche, by Ain al-Mreisseh square, enjoying their Eid al-Fitr, a group of more than a hundred people did their best to disrupt the relaxed atmosphere.

Dressed in white t-shirts and holding alarm clocks over their heads, the protesters did everything they could to create veritable cacophony, with some beating drums and playing instruments, while others chanted, “Wake Up, Wake Up!”

At the same moment, in more than two thirds of the world’s countries, some 2600 other organized outbursts of noise were breaking out. It was all part of the Tcktcktck campaign, which aims to draw attention to global warming and spur citizens into demanding that their leaders “sign an ambitious, fair and binding global deal to end climate change.”

In terms of drawing attention, the campaign has already racked up one victory of sorts – a video montage of the global protests, including a 15 second clip of the Ain al-Mreisseh demonstration, which was organized by local NGO IndyACT and played before the UN General Assembly in New York on Tuesday. But it was not the General Assembly that the protests sought to influence so much as the G20 meeting of Heads of State, also being held in New York, and which is a warm up for the pivotal UN talks on a global climate change treaty that are scheduled to take place in Copenhagen this December.

“[I’m here because] global climate change is affecting everyone, and nobody is doing much about it,” said Dana Salman, 25, who found out about Monday’s event in Ain al-Mreisseh through Facebook and brought several friends along. “We have to act now or it’s going to be too late.”

Her sentiment was echoed by Naji Qorei, a chemical engineer volunteering at IndyACT, who said that “it is time to act and save the planet from the risks of climate change.”

While scientists have for years now agreed on threat posed by climate change to the planet, the world’s leaders have yet to take the serious steps that are needed if catastrophe is to be averted.

Soon, whole island nations will disappear under water, deserts will replace once fertile lands and diminishing resources strain vast stretches of the earth. In the Middle East, a number of countries like Iraq, Turkey and Syria, are already arguing over scarce water supplies, a problem exacerbated by global warming.

Here in Lebanon, Hiba Farhat, the public relations officer at IndyACT, said that the recent forests that have been devastating much of what is left of the country’s woodland were related to climate change, noting a similar increase of such fires in Greece and Spain.

Besides forests, climate change will also affect snow cover and water supply, as well as Lebanon’s agriculture.

Even Lebanon’s national emblem is at risk. According to a presentation by Nabil Nemer, a forest entomologist, the country’s mean annual temperature rose 0.7 degree Celsius between June 2008 and June 2009, producing an increase in cephalcia tannourinensis, or Lebanese Cedar sawflies, a pest that is threatening the last of Lebanon’s famed cedars.

In line with the theme of urgency and alarm, IndyACT unveiled at the Monday protest, the “Climate Change Countdown Clock,” which as the name implies will countdown the days until the Copenhagen conference on December 18. The clock, which will stay in Ain al Mreisseh square until the conference, will be accompanied by banners emblazoned with headlines and facts related to the climate change issue.

While there is still a long way to go, the sight of so many young activists at Monday’s event must have been encouraging for those who organized the demonstration and have long advocated action on climate change.

Ryan Choukair, for instance, is 13 and says he came to the event because “I think climate change is killing our planet, so somebody should really take action.”

Nearby, 17 year-old Rita Kerbaj, who volunteers for IndyACT, managed to persuade five young men who had come to the Cornish that evening with no greater purpose than to relax and enjoy the evening, to instead, join the demonstration to make a difference.

“Personally, I’m a vegetarian and I have all white lights at home, I use lights that save energy,” said Kerbaj. “And I don’t litter, I recycle… I try to be carbon-free as much as possible.”

The Green Party of Lebanon the other week had a photo exhibit in Centre Ville dealing with the environmental deterioration in Lebanon. I cant find the article though.

Photo exhibition highlights Lebanon's environmental woes
By Elissar Harati
Special to The Daily Star
Monday, September 14, 2009

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BEIRUT: Lebanon’s Green Party held a photo exhibition in Downtown Beirut over the weekend to highlight the plight of the country’s environment. The “Outdoor Photo Exhibition on the Environment in Lebanon,” which ran from September 11-13 next to the Cervantes Institute and the party’s headquarters, aimed to raise awareness about the problem of pollution.

Young citizens played a key role in the project, as most of the photos were taken by young members of the Green Party, explained Dalal Mouawad, the party’s education officer for students.

Mouawad described the initiative as a success, despite the fact that rain and wind over the weekend damaged some of the exhibited photos.

Mouawad took several of the photographs herself, such as one depicting the enormous garbage dump in Bourj Hammoud, taken from a plane.

The problem of garbage disposal is one of continuing concern in Lebanon, where the Bourj Hammoud waste site and two other major dumps, one in Sidon and one in the North, emit toxic gases that can be harmful to nearby inhabitants.

All three of the dumps are also located near the sea, and during winter storms, mounds of waste frequently break off into the Mediterranean waters. Trash from Lebanon has washed up on the shores of other Mediterranean countries, including Syria, Cyprus and Turkey.

“The solution,” Mouawad said, “is to re-cultivate and recycle the solid garbage.”

Other photos at the exhibition drew attention to the problem of wildfires. Alongside every photo, captions provided statistics to highlight a specific environmental concern. “Did you know that only 12 percent of green spaces are remaining?” asks a caption next to picture of burned trees.



The lack of urban planning is another environmental concern that was highlighted in the exhibition. A panoramic picture shows a mountain in Metn being destroyed by cranes. Private construction companies dig rocks to produce concrete, but the process is not regulated by the state as these companies are usually owned by important politicians, said Mouawad.

Another photograph, which shows two men crouched on a rock, fishing next to a sewage pipe, highlights the problem of water pollution. Fifty-seven percent of sewage goes unfiltered in the sea, says the corresponding caption.

Air pollution was the focus of another photo, which shows the red and white towers in Zouk emitting thick black smoke. These electricity production towers are adjacent to many beach resorts. The caption informs viewers that factories and automobiles contribute to more than 90 percent of air pollution in Lebanon.

The Green Party is a newly established political party which sees environmental issues and the management of resources as crucial to Lebanon’s future.

In its mission statement, the party describes itself as an “environmental, developmental, secular, democratic and modern party endeavoring for Lebanon to remain an inherited national treasure.”

The party is not represented in Parliament but has been lobbying for the signature of its “Environmental concept paper,” which can be accessed at www.greenpartylebanon.org. The proposal urges, among other things, municipalities to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Environment Ministry, rather than the Interior Ministry. “Environmental work is too decentralized,” argued Mouawad.

“We need to coordinate with the municipal councils on water and waste management.”

You can also see some of the exhibit at the following Link below. Very shocking stuff.
http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/default_en.aspx

http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/Pictures/picture_84/14686193.jpg

Ecotourism; the next best thing in Lebanon?
Aline Sara, NOW Staff , September 23, 2009

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Ecotourists row an inflatable boat at a natural reserve in Kfar Zabad in the Bekaa valley on June 14, 2008. (AFP/Ramzi Haidar)

There is little doubt that Lebanon was once one of the choicest pieces of real estate in the Middle East, and even the wider Mediterranean, blessed as it is with two dramatic mountain ranges, a stunning and fertile valley between them, abundant rivers and springs, and, of course, the famous ancient cedar forests. Yet, as the newly-arrived tourist discovers as soon as he leaves the Rafik Hariri Airport, nature is hardly the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about life in Lebanon. The sad truth is that the last half century has been particularly hard on Lebanon’s prodigious natural gifts. War, overdevelopment and rampant forest clearing have all contributed to the reality that there is little green about Lebanon, either in outlook or color.

There are however some reasons for optimism, as there is a growing environmentalist movement in the country and a budding ecotourism sector that promotes low-impact, small-scale travel that is good for both nature and local communities.

Ecotourism is gaining ground, as a slew of new “Ecolodges" that allow tourists to enjoy some of the most stunning corners of the country have opened up in and around traditional villages. These resorts are oriented around the idea of total self-sustainability, and offer hope that the relationship between the economy and the environment can be something other than the former pummeling the latter.

There is a real market for ecotourism in Lebanon, there being both the high supply of and demand for eco resorts, said Gilbert Moukheiber, manager of the Alternative tourism project at MADA, a Lebanese NGO.

Environmentally friendly tourism in Lebanon dates back to 1996, when the company Wadeh Expeditions began offering the country's first "ecotours". In the thirteen years since, a steadily increasing number of companies have popped up to take advantage of the large potential for outdoor recreation here, offering everything from snowshoeing and back-country skiing in the winter to hiking, river rafting, herb picking and “donkey safaris” in the summer.

Ecolodges, accommodations designed to have the least possible impact on the environment, are also flourishing in Lebanon. Tarhal, another MADA project, is based in the northern areas of Hermel, Akkar and Donniyeh and focuses on involving local communities in the venture. Local residents are trained in cleaning, cooking and receiving visitors in their often newly-revamped and eco-friendly homes, rendering the experience at once more authentic and more beneficial for hosts and visitors alike. For example, since opening on May 22, Tarhal’s ecolodge in the northern village of Kwakh has received over 300 guests.

Similarly successful has been EcoVillage, which lies at the bottom of the gorgeous valley in the Chouf, just 20 kilometers outside of Beirut,

Advertising itself as an "organically-grown project," EcoVillage, explains founder Karim el-Khatib, is the product of a group of Greenpeace activists' desire to create a place "to teach about sustainability in a setting that is itself sustainable and clean, from energy to food to waste."

Khatib describes the place as a family-run organic farm, where visitors can hike, swim and lounge around the restaurant area. Yoga and meditation is also available, usually at an additional cost. Responses, says Khatib, usually come along two lines; some visitors embrace the concept while others struggle with their loss of comfort, such as A/C or their cars.

Given the latter, it is surprising that, as Moukheiber says, eco-resorts have so far attracted mostly Lebanese visitors. "[The country] is not well-structured on the political map, but the potential is very present,” he said, adding that expatriates and foreigners are increasingly flocking to eco resorts.

On a recent trip to EcoVillage, at least one foreigner was impressed by the environmentally-oriented entrepreneurial spirit he encountered.

“Lebanese seem open-minded and receptive to new ideas," said Ali Flint, an American who used to work in banking and is now traveling the world. The country's unique natural beauty, with its beaches and mountains, will draw lots of "California-type people," he added.

Be that as it may, a number of visitors found some cause for concern at the resort. One young woman from France said that most of the EcoVillage’s employees seemed to be Filipino immigrants and wondered what kind of working conditions they were subjected to, as migrant workers are often exploited and underpaid in Lebanon.

Khatib maintained that most of the staff are locals, and that the Filipinos who are working there are paid well.

And it is hard to fault the goal EcoVillage set for itself when it first opened in 2003: to educate youth on the environment.

"Kids come for the Green Day Out project,” Khatib says. “We teach them about wild plants, or how long it takes for a cigarette bud to decompose. We host treasure hunts and talk about biodegradability."

Likewise, the Lebanese company Adventure Group has made educating children a central mission, according to Moukheiber. To that end, the group offers “Green classes" in the summer and "White classes” in the winter to give young people hands-on training on how to protect and preserve the environment.

While instilling environmental consciousness in the future generations is the best way to save what’s left of Lebanon’s great outdoors, hopefully, if ecotourism becomes the next big thing it Lebanon, resort owners won’t fall into the trap of trying to maximize profits at the expense of the very environment they say they want to save.

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^^ The largest pine forest in the middle east,in Jezzine :cheers:

Jezzine is so amazing !!!!!!
and so underrated and underestimated
there is lots of potential in jezzine...!!! :(

Going organic in Beirut
A new organic grocery shop in Achrafieh reflects the growing popularity of organic food.
Hayeon Lee , October 15, 2009

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A New Earth Store in Achrafieh had its opening last week, attesting to the growing popularity of organic food. (NOW Lebanon)

The moment she saw it for the first time under the pale moonlight in 1995, Jacqueline Jraissaty knew it was exactly the piece of land – located near Saida in the Chouf just before a village named Joun – on which she wanted to start her organic farm. Although it took her five years to nurture the land with endless horse manure to finally make it arable, she is now the owner and cultivator of a picturesque farm that hosts hundreds of different fruits and vegetables, along with pet turtles, dogs, cats and hens. She has 10 regular customers who, each week, are delivered a basket full of fresh fruit and vegetables. What they get depends on what is ripe and available. Jraissaty emphasizes the ill-effects of commercial farming, which harms both land and human health. “I think the earth should go organic,” says Jraissaty.

Jraissaty is one of several passionate organic farmers in Lebanon who want people to know more about the benefits of going organic. These farmers also have considerable choice over where to sell their produce. Just in Beirut, a range of organic shops, including Healthy Basket in Hamra, Healthy Corner in Ghobeiri, and Beit al-Soha – the oldest organic shop in Lebanon of over 12 years – across Hotel Dieu, offer good business to organic farmers. On the other hand, Lebanon’s very first farmers’ market, Souk al-Tayyeb, which takes place every Saturday morning near downtown Beirut, and Souk al-Ard, which takes place every Tuesday morning in Hamra, draw large organic-buying or simply curious crowds.

Thanks to these efforts, organic foods have been gaining ground in Lebanon over the past few years. And last week in Achrafieh, the first organic grocery store, called A New Earth, had its official opening.

According to one of the store’s owners, Sabine Kassouf, “We’re trying to have everything you can find in a grocery store.” This is a new idea, says Kassouf, considering the fact that most of the other organic shops focus mainly on organic fruits and vegetables, while outdoor markets that might offer a wider variety usually occur only once a week. The store is on its way to being fully stocked with everything and anything organic, ranging from fresh produce, mouneh, or local Lebanese preserves, to organic pasta, baby food, ketchup and beauty products.

A New Earth store’s opening was a tasting session, as well as an opportunity for customers to meet the farmers, producers and cooks of the organic foods in the store. Near the entrance, Rita Khoury gave out cups of delicious organic wine from Adyar, which is run exclusively by monks in Batroun, Metn, and the Chouf of the Maronite order. A drink and a step or two further on, there were tables of sample organic mouneh prepared from Waditein in the Bekaa valley, as well as of samples of organic vegetarian kibbeh, rice puddings, and kaiten – a kind of Japanese fruit jello – freshly prepared by Guna biorestaurant.

On the next table below some steps, Maysoon Nasreddine from the Chouf served small vegetarian shawerma sandwiches made of saytan, or vegetarian “meat” based on soy beans. Her neighbor, Fadi Daou, from the Adonis Valley, was serving zesty organic tomatoes and sundried tomatoes. He said that farming and eating organic is “full of pleasure, first. Then it protects the environment. And third, you produce tasty food, which is healthier to human beings and the earth.”

At the table across from Nasreddine and Daou, Wael Sabbagh offered hempseed cookies. Hemp, as Sabbagh puts it, is the “misunderstood cousin of hashish,” which is not only believed to be the most nutritious single food source on the planet, but can be used to make oil, cookies, milk, paper and construction material, among others.

While there is no doubt that organic farming is altogether a good thing, the original concept came from the aim of preserving the earth, rather than human health, according to Rami Zurayk, professor of agriculture at the American University of Beirut, who teaches organic farming and also has a blog called “Land and People.” For this reason, it is still not proven for sure that organic is necessarily better than eating local, conventionally farmed food. For instance, a recent article published by the Lancet, discussed a British study which questioned the popular belief that organic food is necessarily more nutritious than regularly farmed food.

A food stamped “organic,” in addition, does not guarantee fewer food miles, which measure how fresh and carbon-free a food is. Zurayk gave the example of organic strawberries sold in London, which are, in fact, shipped from Egypt.

Lastly, there is the class issue. Getting organic certification can be limited to those who have the means. On the other hand, those who can buy organic food come from certain economic backgrounds.

But it still holds true that going organic means you consume less pesticide and other harmful chemicals, while contributing to the preservation of our precious environment. Also, the high cost of organic foods, argues Daou, is because non-organic farmers – one of the most exploited people in the world – charge too little for their efforts, rather than because organic farmers charge too much.

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An activist locked himself inside a glass room in Ain al-Mreisseh in Beirut on Friday for three days and nights to raise awareness of climate change. (AFP/Ramzi Haidar)

Emigrants’ Garden in Jounieh

Raising awareness of the environment and providing recreational parks for all the children of Lebanon was the goal of Regina Fenianos when she founded the Green Garden Group in November 2001. On May 12, plans for her most ambitious project in Jounieh were presented to Los Angeles Lebanese Americans at a reception hosted by Lebanon’s Consul General Houssam Diab.

Overlooking the bay of Jounieh, the park will cover 5,000 square meters and will be known as the Emigrants’ Garden.

“Jounieh was the port from which most Lebanese departed to every continent,” Mrs. Fenianos explained, “and it is fitting that this will be the site to honor their accomplishments wherever they settled.”

The municipality of Jounieh has donated the land, but $500,000 must be raised to create gardens structured in the shapes of the five continents to which Lebanese emigrated and to grow plants indigenous to each.

The park will include a research center where emigrants can trace their roots, a museum containing photos and histories of emigrants, and an open air podium. A donation of $5,000 will earn placement of one’s name on the “Wall of Fame” in the garden.

^^ :Applause: , Can't wait till i see this REAL !!!

5,000 Square meters how big is it ??? i mean can u compare it to a size of a known piece of land ???

Ya3ne 100 meters by 50 meters (if it's rectangle shaped). It's not huge but it's still better than nothing.

World's 'last man' calls for action on climate change
Activist spends days in cube to raise awareness

http://www.nowlebanon.com/Library/Images/MainPagePictures/climatechange-activist-420.jpg

BEIRUT: The last man on earth is sitting inside a clear glass cube on the Beirut Corniche, suffering under the sun’s unbearably harsh rays and rising sea levels. The summers are far hotter than he remembers and the rain much heavier. While this scene may not actually be a reality today, one Lebanese activist who chose to live inside a transparent box for three days to highlight the dangerous effects of climate change is certain it soon will be.
Environmental activist and actor 24-year-old Rami Eid spent 72 hours inside a tiny 2x2 meter box, coming out a little worse-for-wear Sunday, to highlight the damaging effects of global warming and to push Arab world leaders to take fast and effective action against the problem at Copenhagen summit later this year.
The climate change demonstration “The Last Man,” set up in Ain al-Mreisseh on Friday and organized by independent Lebanese activists IndyAct, visually showed the bleak future for mankind where we failed to act against global warming when we had the chance.
As part of the demonstration Eid was forced to put up with simulated “climate changes” to show the future of food shortages, extreme temperatures and rising water levels, which threatened to fill up the very cube he was living in.
The cube itself represents the earth in which we all live and the “last man” the future generations forced who will bear the brunt of our inaction today, organizers IndyAct said.
“He represents the last man enduring a fierce struggle for survival against climate change effects,” the environmental rights group said. “We are trying to powerfully show the country that this generation can really change the course of the future.”
As temperatures reached an already uncomfortably 30 degrees Celsius outside, inside the cube Eid experienced the world in 70 years time, with the glass serving to heat the surrounding air up, replicating the long-term effect of green house gas emissions. Under the constant glare of the curious Lebanese public, Eid was forced to go to the toilet in a bottle when no one was looking in the middle of the night, and survived on what little food he brought in with him.
Eid has been live blogging the experience from the cube, sharing the story of the last man with the world. “I can’t explain to you how hard it is to live with a flood,” he said, “and I am sure you don’t wish this upon people let alone your children’s children. But by 2080 this can be a reality,” he warned.
“Being in this situation really makes me relate to a certain extent with poor countries that get hit with natural disasters all the time. The poor are the main victims of natural disasters,” Eid said. “There are plenty of them, especially in Lebanon.”
Eid is hoping that his stunt was taken as seriously as the message itself. “I hope we all learned something from this, I know I did. There has been enough talking – it’s time to walk, and our youth in Lebanon are one of our biggest hopes to sustain climate change here and elsewhere in the world.”
Early last month IndyActgroup staged a protest in Beirut as part of global “Wake-Up Call” events held in 2,000 locations around the world. The event was attended by throngs of Lebanese fighting to increase awareness of the cause.
A “Climate Change Countdown Clock” was erected to symbolize the three months the international community has left to forge an agreement to combat climate change at the UN summit.
IndyAct has joined forces with several international organizations to demand Arab leaders attend the December meet and sign a binding treaty to halt climate change. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned last month that it would be “morally inexcusable” if the international community failed to agree on a new treaty in Copenhagen.

A Lebanese eco-friendly search engine

www.gusfinder.com

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Lebanese environmental activists wear masks depicting Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri (R) as well as leader and head of the Free Patriotic Movement Michel Aoun (L), during an act to mimic the politicians talking, in Beirut November 12, 2009. The project was organized by the League of Independent Activists (IndyACT) and it calls on the new government to place more priority on the creation of policies dealing with climate change. The Arabic characters read, "Is climate change in the government statement?".

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^^ best thing I've seen all day!!

where is Hassan Nasrallah?

off building a sand castle with berri!

^^ :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: good one ;)

^^ :rofl:

better then nothing i guess

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Environmental activists run wearing only their underwear in Beirut to raise money for young Arab activists wishing to take part in the COP15 summit. (AFP/STR)

Emigrants’ Garden in Jounieh



The municipality of Jounieh has donated the land, but $500,000 must be raised to create gardens structured in the shapes of the five continents to which Lebanese emigrated and to grow plants indigenous to each.


Garden? yay! great. but in the shape of the earth? a bit tacky and kitsch no? :S .. besides not all plants grow in jounieh's mediteranean climate.
and also, wont importing new species risk spreading floral diseases that can cause huge ammounts of deforestation? (what happened with many countires that were colonized by early europeans for example?) i'm just guessing.

i say without the silly earth shape, and instead a natural "english garden" style garden like this in munich
http://www.cityscouter.com/images/munich/sun-bathers-english-garden.jpg
with a statue dedicated to all immigrants like this: Immigrant Statue (http://www.dickeystudios.com/images/Commissions/Immigrant%20Statue.jpg)

so simple! Something that visiting immigrants can actually use (by relaxing on the grass) instead of go, take a photo and leave.
i'm such a genius :|

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

http://www.hopenhagen.org/

^^ signed it

Green party promises big impact in 2010 municipal elections
Corruption, confessionalism in crosshairs of Lebanon’s eco warriors
By Farah-Silvana Kanaan
Special to The Daily Star
Friday, December 04, 2009

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Green party promises big impact in 2010 municipal elections
Interview



BEIRUT: For many Lebanese, “going green” does not necessarily go hand in hand with political engagement. But according to Philippe Skaff, president of the Green Party of Lebanon (GPL), the green movement needs decisive political action to bring about fundamental change regarding the environment. “There will be no change unless there is a party that actually penetrates the political system and becomes part of the decision-making process. This is why the Green Party is preparing itself to take political action,” Skaff told The Daily Star.

As a secular party committed to the environment, sustainable development and human rights, GPL has been hailed as a breath of fresh air in Lebanon’s stale sectarian-based political system.

To the often-heard voices that argue Lebanon faces much bigger issues than the environment, Skaff had a clear message: “This is ignorance and shortsightedness because the repercussions of our long-term lack of focus on the degradation of our [environment], resources, and our cultural heritage … cannot be undone. There’s no winner and loser in this scenario – everybody loses forever.”

As GPL only became officially operational in August 2008, the party did not have enough time to run in the June 2009 parliamentary elections. Skaff, however, promised major participation in the 2010 municipal elections, slated for May.

“We are going to be very aggressive; we want to be part of the municipal bodies all over the political map. We don’t want the Green Party to be an elitist party that is only watching from a distance, we want to be close to the people as we’re interested in their wellbeing,” he said.

GPL has devised an elaborate plan of action leading up to next year’s elections. Lobbying for implementation of pending reforms in the new electoral law, such as introducing proportional representation, quotas and the election of mayors by their constituents, is “the number one step,” according to Skaff.

A road tour encompassing at least 100 municipalities across the country has been prepared.

“This … will allow us to listen to the problems of each municipality as told by its own people. We will [translate these] into solutions and put them in our program,” Skaff said.

A number of mayors from major municipalities have already expressed a desire to run under GPL’s umbrella.

Skaff admitted GPL’s funding arouses curiosity, especially amongst its critics, but emphasized the party’s independence.

“The Green Party has so far been funded by seven or eight people and organizations. We are one the few parties that doesn’t have a country behind it. We don’t have at the head of the party a billionaire. Our top people are not from family-based clans, so the only way to fund the party is through benevolence, as we want to keep our independence,” Skaff said.

Addressing GPL’s achievements thus far, Skaff pointed out that the mere establishment of a Green Party in Lebanon was a “major achievement” in itself, because it has been formed against all odds, in a very hostile environment among severe sectarian divisions.

Women count for almost half of the party’s political, executive and consultative bureaus. GPL has more than 900 official members, without any national recruitment campaigns.

“To have over 900 members in one year, in a party that goes against the stream, says a lot about [our potential]” Skaff said.

GPL’s winning of seats at the American University of Beirut’s recent student elections was also a major boost.

“Our grassroots are among the young and university students. Every time I meet with them … I recharge, because I get inspired by their passion and enthusiasm for this party.”

Skaff also recalled GPL’s efforts to tackle deforestation during the forest-fire season last summer, which included collecting money to buy new firefighting equipment and helicopters, as part of the Akhdar Dayem (Green Forever) organization supported by Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud.

GPL and the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation have formulated a 20-year plan to recover eight percent of Lebanon’s forest cover, which Prime Minister Saad Hariri is to present as part of the official government program.

According to Skaff, the plan will create much-needed jobs in the mountains and help boost rural economies. The plan also proposes the establishment of a so-called “Green Brigade,” as an environmental security body under the authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

“I’m sure the new government will give [the plan] top priority once it gets the confidence vote, as we know for a fact that Hariri is very aware of the environmental issues facing this country,” he said.

Skaff complained that the Ministry of Environment is one off the smallest ministries, with no budget and hardly any political clout.

“Everybody tries to avoid it, it’s like a hot potato that [politicians] like to throw at each other,” he said. “It’s ironic … the richest resource is the state’s lowest priority.”

Skaff outlined the “three major battles the Green Party needs to wage” as abolishing confessionalism, fighting corruption, and promoting sustainable development.

“Corruption in any society is like a cancer, nothing can survive it – no laws, no long-term plans, nothing,” Skaff said.

Another “monster” GPL is ready to take on is the sectarian mentality of the Lebanese. “The National Pact [a 1943 informal agreement that allocates political power along confessional lines] which some are still defending, and which I don’t think is national at all, is the source of all our pains and disasters,” Skaff said.

Skaff added that most of Lebanon’s politicians are driven by personal interests.

“They have divided themselves among so many simplistic lines that they have become a caricature of themselves. They know very well that these labels have nothing to do with defending their communities. They’re using them as an excuse to get to a position within the mafia system that has been actively running the country for 60 years,” Skaff said.

“Every time we elect a government, yet the real decisions are always taken at these dialogue roundtables by the four or five bosses that are actually running the country. It’s a pure mafia. Just replace spaghetti with hummus,” he added.

Pollution costs Lebanon $500 million a year
By Agence France Presse (AFP)

BEIRUT: Pollution and climate change cost Lebanon more than half a billion dollars a year, the environment minister said on Friday ahead of the UN climate talks. “The state loses up to $550 million to pollution annually, $100 million of which is due to climate change,” Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal told a conference in Beirut. The tourism, health and agriculture sectors are most affected by the losses, Rahhal said. The government, which for the first time plans to start a fund for environmental issues, has concrete plans to fight climate change, he added. “We aim for 12 percent of Lebanon’s energy to be produced through alternative sources by 2012,” he said, adding Lebanon should capitalize on the wide availability of wind, water and sun. Rahhal warned that temperatures in Lebanon were expected to rise two degrees on average in the next four decades, and five degrees by the turn of the century. Rainfall is also expected to drop 50 percent by 2099 if measures to fight climate change are not put into effect, he added. Prime Minister Saad Hariri is heading a Lebanese delegation at the UN summit on climate change in Copenhagen next week, accompanied by members of civil society groups. – AFP

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Lebanon and United Nations to Develop Solar Energy Projects
Submitted by Maurice Picow on December 17, 2009

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Lebanon’s Energy Ministry plans to work with the UN’s regional development project, UNDP to use solar energy for both heating and energy in various parts of the country, reports the UPI.

The UN agency currently has at least 25 development projects ongoing in Lebanon, with at least two of them involving solar energy.

We’ve already reported that solar energy is being developed in Lebanon for powering the country’s Alfa mobile phone service company as well as for providing electricity at a new student center at the American University of Beirut which received an award for “green” architecture. The new student center, called the Charles Hostler Student Center, now receives most of its electricity from solar panels to catch the sun’s rays and convert them into electricity.

Lebanese Water and Energy Minister Jebran Bassil announced plans to work on solar projects through the Lebanese Center for Preserving Energy, Lebanon’s Daily Star newspaper reported. The Center was established in 2007 by the Lebanese government in cooperation with the UNDP for the purpose of dealing exclusively with issues related to awareness on energy conservation and renewable energies.

Besides solar energy, Lebanon currently has a number of environmental projects in operation, including ones to prevent forest fires as well as ones to save and preserve the country’s national symbol, its stately cedar trees. There are also projects dealing with preserving the country’s Mediterranean coastline despite plans by developers to construct a Disneyland Dubai-like artificial island project, which will be designed to be shaped like giant cedar trees (like Palm Island in Dubai) and cost more than $8 billion to build.

Lebanon has still not fully recovered from the 2006 war with Israel, which severely damaged a large oil refinery near Beirut, causing serious oil spills. And perhaps opting for projects involving solar energy will help to reduce the country’s dependence on imported oil, which has caused a lot of pollution. It’s surely a better idea than building an extravaganza of artificial islands, which will cause serious damage to the country’s coastline.

i heard on the news today that the US is going to donate 100 billion dollars each year to fight the climate change....does anyone know if lebanon will get a share of this money ??

AFDC reforests 10,000 meters of Jezzine pine land

Daily Star staff
Wednesday, December 23, 2009


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BEIRUT: The Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) reforested 10,000 meters of pine land in the southern village of Jezzine as part of its second reforestation campaign, a statement by the organization said on Tuesday. The campaign was organized by AFDC in collaboration with the companies HST and Timberland Lebanon and was part of the National Campaign to Conserve and Restore Lebanon’s Forests. The gathered first discussed the importance of reviving Lebanon’s forests and its benefits on the environment, on social behavior and economic development. They later joined in the reforestation of 10,000 meters of Pine land in the area of Safray in Jezzine. – The Daily Star

Does anyone have any of the Band Med recyling commercials? I always see them on MTV liban, i really like them but cannot find them anywhere.

Reforestation project for a greener Shhour village
iloubnan.info - January 15, 2010
BEIRUT - Un projet visant à établir une zone verte pour les avantages récréatifs et économiques dans le village de Sh'huur au Sud-Liban a été inauguré aujourd'hui par SE l'Ambassadeur d'Australie, Mme Jean Dunn, lors d'une cérémonie en présence de responsables de la Force intérimaire des Nations Unies au Liban (FINUL) ainsi que des autorités locales.

Le département des affaires civiles de la FINUL apporte son soutien s’occupe de la coordination du projet de reboisement, financé par l'ambassade de l'Australie, qui vise à planter un total de 2300 espèces différentes d'arbres, y compris des noix, des olives et des pins, au cours des trois prochains mois. Le premier arbre de ce projet a été planté vendredi.

Les arbres seront plantés à plusieurs endroits dans la municipalité, notamment le long des cinq kilomètres de la rivière Litani, dans les zones récréatives, à proximité des collines déboisées et le long des routes dans le village.

AFDC and NDU students launch a reforestation campaign
iloubnan.info - January 24, 2010
BEIRUT - In collaboration with the Association for Forest Development and Conservation (AFDC), NDU students launched on Friday a campaign to expand green areas in Lebanon. The launching event took place under the patronage and in the presence of Environment minister Mohammed Rahal. The campaign includes raising awareness on the problems of deforestation in Lebanon as well as tree planting activities.

Lebanese Ministry of Environment recognizes Rymco as Carbon Neutral

January 27, 2010
BEIRUT - Rasamny-Younis Motor Company S.A.L. (RYMCO) was handled a Certificate of Acknowledgement from the Lebanese Ministry of Environment recognizing the company “for its valuable efforts for becoming a carbon neutral”. RYMCO is the exclusive dealer of Nissan Motors (Nissan, Infiniti), GM vehicles (GMC), Renault trucks, Nissan Diesel (UD), FAW trucks, and Kawasaki in Lebanon

Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Fayez Rasamni expressed gratitude for this appreciation and reiterated Rymco’s perseverance to achieve its green targets, “Rymco will maintain efforts to minimize the company’s carbon footprint and improving its overall environmental, health and safety performance for more efficient and eco-sustainable operations” he added.

RYMCO is the first automotive dealer in Lebanon to have signed on with UK based EcoSecurities to assess, measure and offset the Company’s direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse. By becoming carbon neutral, Rymco will continue taking pioneering steps towards elaborating and promoting its environmental commitment.

Rasamny-Younis Motor Company S.A.L. (RYMCO), a joint stock company, was established in 1957 in Lebanon. RYMCO is one of the leading vehicle retail dealerships in Lebanon where it holds majority market share in the new vehicle retail industry, and commands a considerable portion of the used vehicle market. RYMCO operates a chain of independent showrooms and stores, a bonded warehouse as well as state-of-the-art servicing and maintenance facilities. The company has an automotive dealership arrangement with auto manufacturers in the US, Japan, Europe and China that include the likes of automotive giants Nissan Motors (Nissan, Infiniti), GM vehicles (GMC), Renault trucks, Nissan Diesel (UD) and FAW trucks. RYMCO marine is another unit within the RYMCO operations specialized in the sales and servicing of boats under the brand name of Gulf Craft.

Becharre Committee to Safeguard the Evironment

BEIRUT, By Aline Tawk | January 22, 2010
Garbage collection, sorting out the trash and recycling, raises awareness on environmental issues among young people… In Becharre, the CSE plants trees… and hope.
They call him “Hakim Echarbine” (Cypress doctor). He’s Youssef Tawk, the founder of the Becharre Committee to Safeguard the Environment (CSE), the doctor who dedicated his whole life to serving people and nature. .

In 1991, he returns to Lebanon after a few years in Belgium where he studied medicine and in Africa on a humanitarian mission. The war at home is not over yet, and the people in his hometown of Becharre are too busy with politics and fighting… They don’t even take the time to pick up the trash that’s piling up on every street corner. In theory, it would be the responsibility of a non-existent municipality and of a government that no longer exist.

Disgusted by conflicts and the smell of trash, Youssef decides to organize a garbage collection with the help of some friends “in order to clean up the village and revive souls”… This is how CSE starts out as the village’s “official garbage collector”. But the small groups soon understood that this will not be their only mission and the reforestation of the Makmel Mountains will quickly become their main preoccupation.

Reforestation:
It’s with the financial help of Yves Rocher Foundation that the first Cedar seedlings are planted on the land around the famous Becharre forest. The seeds are picked in the Ehden and Tannourine forests, and then sown in little bags in the tree nursery set up by the Committee. When the plants are 2 or 3 years old, they are planted in the ground the watered and cared-for for about 10 years. But the task isn’t all that easy: there is a lack of information on cedars culture in Lebanon and the percentage of failure is demoralizing but CSE members don’t give up and learn from their own experience. This takes a few years but in 1996, failure does not exceed 10%. There are other problems threatening trees: for example goats that eat little trees or snowmobiles that squash them, hikers leave picnic leftovers in the forest or simply locals who don’t all care much about protecting the environment. This encouraged CSE to launch awareness campaigns and projects for the sustainable development of the region.

Garbage collection, sorting and recycling
In 1996, thanks to financing by UNDP’s LIFE program, SEB launched a project for garbage collection, sorting and recycling of trash in Becharre. The inhabitants’ motivation for this was surprising and soon enough over 80% of homes in the town starting sorting their trash … unfortunately, following the first municipal elections after the Civil War, the project, run by the new municipality was forgotten …

The Cedar EcoClub, discovering ecotourism
In 2001, the EcoClub, a youth hostel and awareness center was inaugurated at the Cedars thanks to the financial help of World Vision. This center that has many objectives was one of the first clubs to launch the ecotourism wave in Lebanon.

The EcoClub was an opportunity for the SEB to widen the reach of heir awareness programs by organizing nature trips for students and families from all over the world. Cross-country skiing, a healthy and nature-friendly sport gained in popularity along with other “green”activities such as hiking, rock-climbing, camping… The EcoClub was SEB’s first self-sustainable project… a proof of the economic efficiency of sustainable development.

Today the SEB is proud to watch over 50.000 little cedars in the mountains, even though financial means for their maintenance are starting to lack “we are so busy with our fieldwork that we do not have time to look for the funds we actually need to maintain the cedars and plant-nursery, but we never lose hope because, since our beginnings, help often came by itself… each one must do his duty toward others and toward nature without worrying too much about how it can be done” explains Youssef Tawk, still very active and full of energy after all these years.

Environment Minister takes part in the helicopter-borne seeding of the West Bekaa
iloubnan.info - February 20, 2010

BEIRUT - Under the patronage and with the participation of Environment Minister, Mohammad Rahal, the helicopter-borne reforestation campaign in the west-Bekaa of pine and oak seeds continues, organized by "the association of a new green Lebanon” and in collaboration with the helicopters of the Lebanese army.

Starting August, Jabal Moussa will become a destination for ecotourism
AFP / iloubnan.info - February 21, 2010

BEIRUT – The Jabal Moussa Association announced that in August this summer, the forest north of Beirut would be turned into a nature reserve to protect biodiversity and a new destination for ecotourism in Lebanon.
At an altitude ranging from 350 meters to 1574 meters above sea level, Jabal Moussa spreads on 1250 hectares from Nahr el Dib in Kesrouan, to Nahr Ibrahim in Jbeil.

One of my dream projects for Lebanon is finally happening !!! :banana:

The Green Party will turn Beirut river into a Green River :cheers:

مشروع بيئي لـ"حزب الخضر" يربط أوصال العاصمة
ويحوّل نهر بيروت ومحيطه إلى متنفس طبيعي
المستقبل - الاثنين 22 شباط 2010 - العدد 3575 - بيئة - صفحة 8

د
بدلاً من أن يكون نهر بيروت البالغ طوله 8,5 كلم وعرضه 30م مصدر مياه يفيد العاصمة ومحيطه ومكاناً بيئياً يجذب اليه أبناء المنطقة، تحول مجراه الى مكان تتجمع فيه المياه المبتذلة الناتجة من المجاري الصحية وضفافه الى مكب للنفايات.
ولأن النهر بات يشكل مشكلة بيئية مزمنة، يولي "حزب الخضر" معالجة النهر أهمية كبرى، كونه شرياناً حيوياً في قلب العاصمة، لذلك وضع مشروع "النهر الأخضر" لتحويل نهر بيروت من مشكلة بيئية عبر تخطيط مدني طبيعي الى مسار أخضر يربط أوصال المدينة ويشكل الشريان الحيوي والمتنفس الطبيعي عبر نشاطات ومشاريع مختلفة تجارية ورياضية واجتماعية.
يتطلب المشروع تضافر جهود القطاعين العام والخاص في منطقة التطوير من قناطر زبيدة، حتى مصب النهر في منطقة الدورة، مع أخذ الدراسة الخاصة بالمشروع لاختلاف المحيط المباشر للنهر باختلاف المناطق التي يمر بها من محيط طبيعي صناعي أو سكاني مدني.
[ الدراسة
تقسم منطقة الدراسة الى سبع مناطق رئيسة تحدد كما يلي:
المنطقة (أ): بطول 3000م تقريباً، تبدأ من قناطر زبيدة حتى جسر الباشا حيث إن حدود النهر في هذه المنطقة هي حدود طبيعية.
المنطقة (ب): بطول 1100 م تقريباً، تتألف من امتداد النهر من جسر الباشا الى منطقة التحويطة، ويحد النهر في هذه المنطقة على جانبيه مساحات خضراء تفصله عن الطرقات المحيطة به.
المنطقة (ث): بطول 1000 م تقريباً، تبدأ من التحويطة الى سن الفيل، وفي هذه المنطقة تقتصر مساحات التطوير على مجرى النهر نفسه بسبب الطرق المحاذية له.
المنطقة _(ج): بطول 700م تقريباً، من ملعب كرة القدم في سن الفيل الى جسر الواطي، بحيث يمكن تطوير وتحسين ملعب كرة القدم والمنطقة المحيطة به لتكون نواة لنشاطات رياضية مختلفة.
المنطقة (ح): بطول 1100م تقريباً، من جسر الواطي الى جسر برج حمود المؤدي الى منطقة الاشرفية، حيث يمكن ضم الارض الخالية هناك (سوق الأحد) بالمساحات المحيطة بالنهر وامتداده الشرقي وتحويل المنطقة الى سوق حديث ومنطقة للنشاطات الترفيهية.
المنطقة (خ): بطول 800م تقريباً، من جسر برج حمود الى طريق عام الدورة، ويكون النهر في هذه المنطقة قريباً من المناطق السكنية بحيث تقتصر مساحات التطوير على مجرى النهر نفسه.
المنطقة (د): بطول 900م تقريباً، من طريق عام الدورة الى البحر، حيث سيتم اقتراح نقل المسلخ وتوسيع الدراسة لتشمل منطقة الردم الحالي من الدورة. إن تطوير مصب النهر سيعتمد إنشاء حوض مائي أو مرفأ ترفيهي وما يرافقه من خدمات تجارية وترفيهية.
[ استراتيجية التطوير
تعتمد استراتيجية التطوير على ركائز تقوم على:
دراسة الحدود المائية في المناطق المختلفة (مجرى نهري طبيعي، مدرجات، جدران...)
الاستفادة من المساحات العامة المحاذية لمسار النهر لإنشاء حدائق وخدمات.
الاستفادة من المنشآت والخدمات في البلديات المختلفة مثل ملعب سن الفيل الرياضي وسوق الاحد.
اقتراح تغطية النهر في مناطق محددة بغية تأمين الربط بين ضفتيه والاستفادة من مساحات عامة إضافية.
اقتراح نقل المسلخ من منطقة مصب النهر واقتراح حوض مائي مفتوح على البحر ضمن تصميم متكامل يشمل منطقة الردم المحاذية لمصب النهر بحيث تتضمن مختلف الخدمات التجارية والترفيهية والرياضية والاجتماعية.
[ سكاف
يؤكد رئيس الحزب فيليب سكاف أن المشروع يهدف الى تحسين البيئة الاجتماعية المدنية في بيروت بتحويل مجرى النهر ومحيطه الذي يشكل عاراً بيئياً الى مكان غني بالمساحات الخضراء.
ويلفت الى أن دراسة المشروع اعدتها الشركة الهندسية "ARGA GROUP" وتم رفعها الى وزير الداخلية والبلديات زياد بارود وسيتم عرضها على وزارات البيئة والطاقة والسياحة على أمل موافقة مجلس الوزراء، مشدداً على أن المشروع سيحول أراضي المشاع الممتدة على طول النهر الى حدائق ومنتزهات تضم العديد من المطاعم والمؤسسات التجارية ومرآب للسيارات، كما سيكون هناك قطار كهربائي على طول النهر سينقل الناس داخل المناطق الواقعة ضمنه دون الحاجة الى استخدام السيارات مما يخفف من التلوث البيئي.
ويوضح سكان أن المشروع سيقوم بدراسة البيئة المحيطة بالنهر بالتعاون مع البلديات المعنية (بلدية بيروت وسن الفيل وبرج حمود والحازمية) كما سيتم مسح جغرافي وهندسي للمنطقة وإقامة بنى تحتية داخل النهر ومعالجة مشكلة جفاف المياه في مجراه.
وأشار الى أن مدة تنفيذه تتراوح ما بين 8 الى 10 سنوات وستكون على مراحل كما أن تمويله ممكن وهو سينعكس ايجاباً على البلديات التي ستستفيد من كافة النواحي الاقتصادية والبيئية وكذلك القطاع الخاص لأن القيمة العقارية ستتضاعف على ضفاف النهر الذي سيكون مكاناً للعديد من المشاريع السكنية، كما أن النهر سيجذب العديد من المؤسسات التجارية التي ستنشئ المطاعم والفنادق الصغيرة.
ويقول "إن كل ذلك سيساعد في تحريك العجلة الاقتصادية في منطقة لا توجد فيها مقومات الحياة، كما أنه سيكون متنفساً لبيروت التي تفتقر الى المساحات الخضراء، وسيتم وسط النهر بعد معالجة مياهه المبتذلة بمحمية وادي بيروت، مشيراً الى أن المشروع يحمل قيماً جمالية وصحية واجتماعية واقتصادية ويطالب سكاف الدولة بأن تعمل بجدية لمكافحة التشويه والتدهور البيئي الحاصل وإعلان حالة طوارئ بيئية ورفع الغطاء عن المحميات السياسية التي تدير الكسارات والمرامل. وينوه بجهود وزير البيئة محمد رحال، داعياً الى تفعيل دور الوزارة وزيادة موازنتها حتى تستطيع أن تواجه التحديات البيئية التي يتعرض لها لبنان.
[ زعرور
وترى نائب رئيس الحزب ندى زعرور أن المشروع هو ثورة على واقع النهر الذي أصبح مصدراً بيئياً مزعجاً جراء التلوث الحاصل فيه مما سينعكس ايجاباً على المناطق الممتدة على ضفافه من خلال الحدائق والمؤسسات التجارية والتي ستستفيد منها كل البلديات تنموياً.
وتلفت الى أن المشروع يحل المشكلة البيئية الحاصلة وينعش بلديات المنطقة، مشددة على أن تعاون الوزارات المعنية والبلديات يساعد في تحقيق المشروع بأسرع وقت ممكن.


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http://www.almustaqbal.com/issues/images/3575/C8-N2.jpg

Rahhal launches reforestation project in Qaraoun
By The Daily Star

Monday, February 22, 2010

BEIRUT: Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal dropped two tons of tree seeds over Rashaya and the Western Bekaa Sunday as part of a reforestation project.

The project was launched in the village of Qaraoun and consisted of dropping some 2 tons of tree seeds, using a Lebanese Army helicopter, over 500,000-square-meters of land. Rahhal stressed the importance of the project, saying Lebanon has lost 70 percent of its forestland.



He said Premier Saad Hariri included environmental issues in the policy statement, especially those to do with the area around the Litani River. “The [Cabinet] will discuss a complete plan to eliminate pollution at the Qaraoun Lake and Litani River,” he said. – The Daily Star

^^The green river project sounds amazing.. but did I understand right that it will take 8 years to implement?

Also... the river sometimes passes in areas where it is bordered by road on both sides, those areas I am assuming will not be converted into parks? I wonder how the little electric train will be able to be added in those areas where I feel space is tight....

^^8 years is pretty fast for such a project. For some reason it sounds too good to be true. I really hope it fully materializes...

^^ me too,i wish they did the same to Abu Ali river in Tripoli:(

^^ Just look at it! (Taken Yesterday,Courtesy of Taha Naji)

http://i48.tinypic.com/2agkfns.jpg

Its a shame :ohno: they should really do something about the amount of garbage in the river

At the annual Green Lebanon meeting, Philippe Skaff unveils the Beirut River project:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7ogBEx_aXA

^^ He said they are going to cover it???!!!!!!

yes that's what he said -_- that's the new fashion in lebanon or what ? to cover things up and avoid the problem?!

^^ WTF is wrong with them??

^^And they call themselves the "Green Party"

Well it wasnt really a river to begin with...

No it isn't a river, and it will definitely be an improvement...also covering it will protect what little water exists there from pollution and garbage, and they might use it to irrigate the parks....
I also wonder how effective dumping seeds would be in restoring the forests... the main problem in the mountains is GRAIZING. what's the use of dumping all those seeds if the tree sprouts are just gonna end up getting munched by goats, they are the reason our forests have not been able to regenerate themselves. There should be regulations put in place and people to enforce the laws and actually protect the wilderness..otherwise these rash solutions will be just a waste of money....

^^ Just look at it! (Taken Yesterday,Courtesy of Taha Naji)

http://i48.tinypic.com/2agkfns.jpg

Its a shame :ohno: they should really do something about the amount of garbage in the river

mnih lal samak :lol:

yeah it is a shame but does anyone care from the government or to a lesser degree from the municipality? Why doesn't the municipality ask for an increase in budget to collect the daily trash accumulated from the vegetable wholesale market? I doubt that they even attempted to ask or maybe they did and someone from the government turned them down.

The solution is simple: increase the budget, buy collection trucks and schedule daily trips and the area will remain spottless but we champion making simple things very complicated in Lebanon or we are too dumb to figure out solutions unfortunately.

I still say that Tripoli needs to dump its MP's to the trash collection agency to be because they are pretty much impotent.

No it isn't a river, and it will definitely be an improvement...also covering it will protect what little water exists there from pollution and garbage, and they might use it to irrigate the parks....
I also wonder how effective dumping seeds would be in restoring the forests... the main problem in the mountains is GRAIZING. what's the use of dumping all those seeds if the tree sprouts are just gonna end up getting munched by goats, they are the reason our forests have not been able to regenerate themselves. There should be regulations put in place and people to enforce the laws and actually protect the wilderness..otherwise these rash solutions will be just a waste of money....


Grazing is a main issue.. and it has affected forest regeneration. But, for the most part this re-seeding is happening on terrains to which urbanization isn't present, or on specific reserves. The only goats present are the wild mountain goat, and there is absolutely no way to prevent their grazing other than outseeding them. Plus the mix of Pine and Oak trees they seed could very well be bitter tasting to the goat for all we know.... oak saplings aren't usually grazed upon anyways.

Remember most deforestation was due to lack of laws, and eventually chronic wildfires.. The only way to re-seed is via helicopters in this area. Municipalities that do house a lot of livestock do have laws as to where their livestock can graze (set pastures)... but this is only in fully governmentally controlled areas. A lot of the south and east is pretty much void of these laws.

And it works very well... Falougha's mountains used to be bare (you can see the pictures I posted in the Photo Forum) and they mass seeded it all at once Only one mountain was seeded (a while ago, as you can tell by the size of the trees) and the other one (with the Sohat factory) is still void of trees. They are planning on doing that one soon. Our mountains there are also loaded with deer and mountain goats

Sidon prepares to launch its first medical waste treatment center


By Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff



SIDON: Sidon Municipality is preparing to lay the foundation stone for its first ever medical waste treatment center this week. The project, sponsored by the Spanish Embassy and funded by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), will cost around 800,000 euros (around $1,095,500) and cover an area of about 600 meters.



The ceremony marking the commencement of work will be held this Thursday.

The waste treatment center will be the first of its kind in a city that suffers a major environmental crisis due to the presence of a massive waste dump on the seafront. Hospitals in Sidon generally do not abide by environmental laws or health and safety standards, unloading tons of organic waste on the dump site which is then carried by the sea to shore whenever a storm hits the area.



Speaking to The Daily Star, Sidon’s Mayor Abdel-Rahman Bizri said that the time had come for the end of such heinous environmental crimes. “This center will operate in Sidon at a time when we are waiting for a resolution to the whole issue of the waste dump,” he said.

I still can't believe they are going to cover the river up :ohno: Beirut deserves a nice clean river,and yes,it's a river.

That's not what I understood from the video

fVYpACvlvUk

its really inspiring.... im seriously looking forward to plant some trees this summer..:)

^^It is very easy to get involved, almost every bigger town in Lebanon holds these planting events. And if not you can actually go speak to the mayor and suggest it.. most mayors are very accessible in Lebanon and are willing to fund these activities because 1) it creates a better image in their city 2) they save on cost of having to do it with paid workers and 3) the mayor ends up looking like a great guy doing this hahah. But, just look out for posters promoting planting events.. they are everywhere!

LF to plant cedar trees in Aley
iloubnan.info - March 07, 2010

BEIRUT – The Lebanese Forces Party organized on Sunday a campaign for planting cedar trees in the town of Bmahryeh in the district of Aley-Shouf. Over a thousand cedar trees were planted with the collaboration of the town's municipality. MPs Fouad Saad and Fadi Haber were also present along with the town's Mayor, people and dignitaries.

And if anyone is interested, you can become a volunteer for one of the leading reforestation projects in lebanon:

http://www.afdc.org.lb/becomevolunteer.php

Bergamo Acquisition Corp. Announces Project for Lebanon

Lebanese Government Providing 100% Financing to Guarantee the Performance of the Project

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bergamo Acquisition Corp. (OTC Pink Sheets: BGMO) is pleased to announce a new solar power project for the Republic of Lebanon. This week Bergamo key management will travel to Lebanon to conclude the Letter of Intent ("LOI") with the Government of Lebanon. Attending this meeting on March 11, 2010 for Bergamo will be Salim Chamdia and Haseeb Fatani, both Vice Presidents of Bergamo E & A. Attending the meeting for Bergamo subsidiary Suntrough Energy, Inc. will be Fazal Chaudhry. The total cost for the project will be USD $500 Million. Under the terms of the LOI, the Lebanese government will provide 100% of the total finance package. Bergamo E & A will be responsible for the technical know-how and will provide a turn-key operation for the government of Lebanon under the terms of the LOI and the letter of credit to be issued by the Lebanese government to support Bergamo activities and its involvement in the project.

The Letter of Credit will be issued to Bergamo E & A, the wholly owned subsidiary of Bergamo Acquisition Corp. It should be noted that Bergamo will not be required to find a lender or finance source for the project. It should be also be noted that all of the terms have already been agreed to in advance of this meeting. This meeting is to formalize understandings and move forward between Bergamo E & A and the Government of Lebanon.

For most of the past two weeks, Bergamo President and CEO Hillard Herzog has been overseas in connection with the agreement with Esoft Informatics Private Ltd. The Company anticipates an announcement on that funding shortly. Mr. Herzog's travels are total and apart from the project in Lebanon as announced in this release today.

The Bergamo team is aggressively working on other projects and will be updating investors as developments are confirmed.

^^ any word about how much electricity this will be able to generate?

Dreaming of an oasis in Beirut's concrete jungle
Proposal aims to transform unsightly Beirut River into 8.5-kilometer stretch of parks, green spaces
By Patrick Galey
Daily Star staff
Tuesday, March 09, 2010

BEIRUT: For its numerous charms – which helped bring nearly 2 million tourists to Lebanon in 2009 – Beirut, to speak politely, is not famed for its greenery.

New developments on lucrative plots crop up like concrete mushrooms as Lebanon’s capital undergoes further regeneration as uniform grayness homogenizes the city with scant regard for the environment.

Beirut possesses very few areas that could legitimately be termed “green spaces” – all of which are in various states of disrepair, and only periodically available to the public.

But help may be at hand for the estimated three-quarters of Lebanese who call Beirut and its wider suburbs home.

Lebanon’s Green Party is leading a drive to furnish Beirut with more verdant spaces starting, it hopes, with the ambitious Green River project.

The plan is to transform the 8.5-kilometer stretch of the Beirut River between Qarantina and Hazmiyeh from its current dumping-ground status to something far more environmentally and aesthetically pleasing, as Green Party president Philippe Skaff tells The Daily Star.

“We saw this so-called river and for about 8 months of the year it is dry and used as a big sewage dump. It’s unhealthy, has no use and is an eyesore.

“Our idea is to cover [the river] thus creating a green line with parks, cycle paths and have a lot of [areas for] activities. The river is huge and it can magically be transformed into a huge green space in Beirut. It could be a good example for other cities.”

It is, Skaff says, a vision borne out of frustration at Beirut’s apparent inability to tolerate green spaces as Lebanon’s urban population swells.

“Beirut lacks urban planning. There was no vision for Beirut when we took our independence,” he says “Of course you also have corruption. There might be some laws governing urban planning but these were not respected because of corruption. This contributed to the chaos that we see.”

The project is still in its planning and survey stages, but tentative movements toward political persuasion have been made, Skaff says.

“We have started lobbying and this is creating some public interest. We already rallied some MPs and the next step will be a much more in-depth study in order to assess the cost,” he says.

If given the go-ahead, the Green River will span seven municipalities, but Skaff is confident the cross-ministry consensus required for the Green River’s go-ahead is achievable.

“There will probably be no objections. This should be a project that flies above political agendas. It is of major public interest and one thing we should know is that it’s feasible. There is a lot of red tape and that should be broken.

“It is not costly at all for the government. All it needs to do is create a regulatory environment and pass the necessary laws, then this can go ahead.”



The project will be funded entirely privately, alleviating financial concerns from a government currently grappling with the second-highest debt-to-GDP ratio in the world.

Land will be bought from relevant municipalities and developed in an environmentally sustainable way. The profits generated by such real-estate opportunities will finance the river’s revitalization, according to Skaff.

“Instead of developers destroying cultural places, this will be a designated place for high-rise construction on both sides [of the river],” he says. “If this project sees the light, the value of the land will increase dramatically and encourage investment in real estate.

“What is the cost [of the project]? We don’t know yet. The devil will be in the details.”

Potential plans could include the proposed removal of an abattoir between the Dora highway and the sea, as well as the intended incorporation of Sin al-Fil’s popular Sunday Market into Green River blueprints.

In addition to parks, cafes and leisure facilities, Skaff hopes to endow Beirut with its first high-speed electric train route, to follow the shape of the river from the Mediterranean to Hazmiyeh.

Once complete, the Green River will sit aside the existing Green Valley, an initiative by Metn MP Ghassan Mukhaiber, which guarantees the river is protected from development along a further 15 kilometers of its course.

Skaff believes the Green River project is the ideal antidote to the allergy to green spaces developers in Beirut seem to display. He adds that political spats continue to deny citizens of recreation areas.

“When there is corruption, money wins and the land in Beirut is so expensive that economically it doesn’t make sense to use it other than to build on. It’s very hard to see how you can protect plots of land without a master plan and without municipalities buying land to turn it into green spaces.”

Exactly that needs to occur for the Green River to come to fruition, Skaff says.

“It is the Cabinet that should take care of the regulatory environment. If there is a will there’s a way. There is nothing stopping it. You are not moving people from their homes, you’re improving their lifestyle, you’re solving an environmental project and the funds will be self-generated by the private sector,” Skaff says, before adding pensively: “If small politics start interfering, there might be a problem.”

Skaff estimates that 600,000 people living in east Beirut would directly benefit from the Green River project, with millions more free to enjoy its recreation areas. The plan could be completed within 10 years, he adds.

“This is not a lot. This means that whoever is eight now, at 18 he can take his bicycle and ride [along the river]. You cannot be against a project like this because all positive aspects will be shared by more than 600,000 people.” – Additional reporting by Wassim Mroueh

Dreaming of an oasis in Beirut's concrete jungle
Proposal aims to transform unsightly Beirut River into 8.5-kilometer stretch of parks, green spaces
By Patrick Galey
Daily Star staff
Tuesday, March 09, 2010

BEIRUT: For its numerous charms – which helped bring nearly 2 million tourists to Lebanon in 2009 – Beirut, to speak politely, is not famed for its greenery.

New developments on lucrative plots crop up like concrete mushrooms as Lebanon’s capital undergoes further regeneration as uniform grayness homogenizes the city with scant regard for the environment.

Beirut possesses very few areas that could legitimately be termed “green spaces” – all of which are in various states of disrepair, and only periodically available to the public.

But help may be at hand for the estimated three-quarters of Lebanese who call Beirut and its wider suburbs home.

Lebanon’s Green Party is leading a drive to furnish Beirut with more verdant spaces starting, it hopes, with the ambitious Green River project.

The plan is to transform the 8.5-kilometer stretch of the Beirut River between Qarantina and Hazmiyeh from its current dumping-ground status to something far more environmentally and aesthetically pleasing, as Green Party president Philippe Skaff tells The Daily Star.

“We saw this so-called river and for about 8 months of the year it is dry and used as a big sewage dump. It’s unhealthy, has no use and is an eyesore.

“Our idea is to cover [the river] thus creating a green line with parks, cycle paths and have a lot of [areas for] activities. The river is huge and it can magically be transformed into a huge green space in Beirut. It could be a good example for other cities.”

It is, Skaff says, a vision borne out of frustration at Beirut’s apparent inability to tolerate green spaces as Lebanon’s urban population swells.

“Beirut lacks urban planning. There was no vision for Beirut when we took our independence,” he says “Of course you also have corruption. There might be some laws governing urban planning but these were not respected because of corruption. This contributed to the chaos that we see.”

The project is still in its planning and survey stages, but tentative movements toward political persuasion have been made, Skaff says.

“We have started lobbying and this is creating some public interest. We already rallied some MPs and the next step will be a much more in-depth study in order to assess the cost,” he says.

If given the go-ahead, the Green River will span seven municipalities, but Skaff is confident the cross-ministry consensus required for the Green River’s go-ahead is achievable.

“There will probably be no objections. This should be a project that flies above political agendas. It is of major public interest and one thing we should know is that it’s feasible. There is a lot of red tape and that should be broken.

“It is not costly at all for the government. All it needs to do is create a regulatory environment and pass the necessary laws, then this can go ahead.”



The project will be funded entirely privately, alleviating financial concerns from a government currently grappling with the second-highest debt-to-GDP ratio in the world.

Land will be bought from relevant municipalities and developed in an environmentally sustainable way. The profits generated by such real-estate opportunities will finance the river’s revitalization, according to Skaff.

“Instead of developers destroying cultural places, this will be a designated place for high-rise construction on both sides [of the river],” he says. “If this project sees the light, the value of the land will increase dramatically and encourage investment in real estate.

“What is the cost [of the project]? We don’t know yet. The devil will be in the details.”

Potential plans could include the proposed removal of an abattoir between the Dora highway and the sea, as well as the intended incorporation of Sin al-Fil’s popular Sunday Market into Green River blueprints.

In addition to parks, cafes and leisure facilities, Skaff hopes to endow Beirut with its first high-speed electric train route, to follow the shape of the river from the Mediterranean to Hazmiyeh.

Once complete, the Green River will sit aside the existing Green Valley, an initiative by Metn MP Ghassan Mukhaiber, which guarantees the river is protected from development along a further 15 kilometers of its course.

Skaff believes the Green River project is the ideal antidote to the allergy to green spaces developers in Beirut seem to display. He adds that political spats continue to deny citizens of recreation areas.

“When there is corruption, money wins and the land in Beirut is so expensive that economically it doesn’t make sense to use it other than to build on. It’s very hard to see how you can protect plots of land without a master plan and without municipalities buying land to turn it into green spaces.”

Exactly that needs to occur for the Green River to come to fruition, Skaff says.

“It is the Cabinet that should take care of the regulatory environment. If there is a will there’s a way. There is nothing stopping it. You are not moving people from their homes, you’re improving their lifestyle, you’re solving an environmental project and the funds will be self-generated by the private sector,” Skaff says, before adding pensively: “If small politics start interfering, there might be a problem.”

Skaff estimates that 600,000 people living in east Beirut would directly benefit from the Green River project, with millions more free to enjoy its recreation areas. The plan could be completed within 10 years, he adds.

“This is not a lot. This means that whoever is eight now, at 18 he can take his bicycle and ride [along the river]. You cannot be against a project like this because all positive aspects will be shared by more than 600,000 people.” – Additional reporting by Wassim Mroueh

In addition to parks, cafes and leisure facilities, Skaff hopes to endow Beirut with its first high-speed electric train route, to follow the shape of the river from the Mediterranean to Hazmiyeh.

This would be one of the most exciting project for Beirut ever announced. And it seems there WILL be a river but I believe it won't be as wide as it is now.

^^ any word about how much electricity this will be able to generate?

no clue no details..

Lebanon to introduce 12% renewable energy by 2020
Thursday, 11 March 2010 14:31

In interview with Lebanon Minister of Environment, Mr Mohammad Rahhal told Newsletter of EU Delegation in Beirut: “Lebanon will follow-up on the Copenhagen Accord within the framework of G77 + China and the Arab League positions that will be formulated with the start of the new rounds of negotiations. As declared in Copenhagen, Lebanon has voluntarily committed to introduce 12% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2020. In addition, international funds will be mobilised for financing adaptation projects for the most vulnerable sectors.”

What are the main challenges facing Lebanon today, in terms of protecting the environment?

The major environmental challenges facing Lebanon are solid and liquid wastes of all sorts, non-rational land use and construction, emissions released from the transportation, energy production and industrial sectors and uncontrolled use of pesticides and fertilisers in agriculture. All these cause severe pollution of water, air, soil and biodiversity, and none can be resolved without inspection and law enforcement. Therefore, the Ministry of Environment plans to take the following measures in the near future:
- Developing/refining the monitoring system of the Ministry;
- Improving the system of management of complaints;
- Drafting and enacting the necessary application laws, decrees and decisions;
- Establishing the necessary databases for water quantity and quality, air quality, soil, biodiversity, solid waste, etc.
- Elaborating inter-ministerial coordination rules, including the serious consideration of the establishment of an environmental police body;
- Reviewing the form and content of the existing system related to penalties and fines for environmental damage;
- Strengthening the capacities of the various players (officials, officers, judges, experts, etc.).

Climate change is a global problem. How does Lebanon intend to follow-up the decisions taken at the COP-15 in Copenhagen?

The major outcomes of COP-15 were the drafting of decisions that “took note” of the Copenhagen Accord and that extended the mandate of the Ad-Hoc Working Groups on Long-Term Cooperative Action and Kyoto Protocol until the COP-16 in Mexico.

The Lebanese delegation will be involved in all formal and informal consultations and discussions that will be organised in order to reach an agreement in COP16.

Lebanon will follow-up on the Copenhagen Accord within the framework of G77 + China and the Arab League positions that will be formulated with the start of the new rounds of negotiations. As declared in Copenhagen, Lebanon has voluntarily committed to introduce 12% renewable energy in its energy mix by 2020. In addition, international funds will be mobilised for financing adaptation projects for the most vulnerable sectors.

Environment is a cross-cutting issue and pollution directly affects people’s lives and health. Are there plans to mainstream “green” issues?

The Government policy statement indicates several environment related initiatives under the mandates of various ministries such as energy and water, tourism and public works and transport. The Ministry of Environment is in the process of preparing several environmental mainstreaming proposals, the most important of which are:
- Lobbying for the adoption of the Strategic Environmental Assessment and the Environmental Impact Assessment draft decrees prepared in 2000 and 2004;
- Reactivating the finalisation and adoption of the National Environmental Action Plan;
- Undertaking joint green initiatives with the Ministry of Energy and Water (preparation of a wind atlas, increased reliance on renewable energy, integrated environmental river management), Ministry of Public Works and Transport (promotion of public transport, changing the taxi fleet into less polluting hybrid vehicles), Ministry of Industry (strengthening environmental compliance by the industrial sector), Ministry of Tourism (promotion of eco-tourism and sustainable tourism), Ministry of Agriculture (reforestation, integrated pest and crop management).

What can be done to increase environmental awareness in Lebanon, develop recycling and reduce waste?
Could the “polluter pays” principle be introduced in Lebanon?

The following measures are considered by the Ministry’s Service of Guidance and Awareness to increase environmental awareness:
- Integration of environmental concepts in public sector institutions and advocacy for the adoption of environmental policies (greening of public administration);
- Building private sector capacity;
- Disseminating environmental management principles among the private sector;
- Enhancing academic research and programmes related to the major national environmental anddevelopmental concerns;
- Informing the public of major environmental and developmental issues through the media and press, brochures and training. The website of the Ministry of Environment is already being updated. The “polluter pays” principle is already foreseen by law # 444/2002 and just needs harmonisation of efforts between all concerned ministries in order to be applied.

Well I spoke to a representative of the Green Party, and I must say: the project is a bit weird. Notwithstanding that it is a great idea to actually turn the concrete bunker river into a park, the project has little to do with creating green space, as far as I understood. The renderings I was shown had pretty walkways and flowerbeds. But when I asked what they would do in winter, when there is water in the river, the rep was completely surprised; she didn;t know there's water in the river in winter. So each winter they have to rebuild the entire park?

I guess it makes more sense to create open green spaces, to give the river back part of its riverbed and plant plants that benefit from the yearly floodings. That way there is some open green space, where people can walk and play, and lay in the grass in summer.
Another point of critique, unfortunately, is that once again the people living around the area have not been included in the process of brainstorming. Instead, the project was given to an architecture office to create a great design with little relevance for the neighbouring residents. It is kindof a Beiruti disease to be totally untransparent and exclude any kind of civil guidance, but in case of creating an open space FOR the people who live here it would make sense to involve the people to actually come up with a plan that is relevant to the city, and its citizens, not to an architecture office or political party that needs exposure. The added value for the environment would actually be that those involved will be more aware of the importance and value of green space... which is as important as creating green space I think.

It's a great idea but I'm afraid that it's in the wrong hands, once again...

Bergamo Acquisition Corp. Announces Project for Lebanon

Lebanese Government Providing 100% Financing to Guarantee the Performance of the Project

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bergamo Acquisition Corp. (OTC Pink Sheets: BGMO) is pleased to announce a new solar power project for the Republic of Lebanon. This week Bergamo key management will travel to Lebanon to conclude the Letter of Intent ("LOI") with the Government of Lebanon. Attending this meeting on March 11, 2010 for Bergamo will be Salim Chamdia and Haseeb Fatani, both Vice Presidents of Bergamo E & A. Attending the meeting for Bergamo subsidiary Suntrough Energy, Inc. will be Fazal Chaudhry. The total cost for the project will be USD $500 Million. Under the terms of the LOI, the Lebanese government will provide 100% of the total finance package. Bergamo E & A will be responsible for the technical know-how and will provide a turn-key operation for the government of Lebanon under the terms of the LOI and the letter of credit to be issued by the Lebanese government to support Bergamo activities and its involvement in the project.

The Letter of Credit will be issued to Bergamo E & A, the wholly owned subsidiary of Bergamo Acquisition Corp. It should be noted that Bergamo will not be required to find a lender or finance source for the project. It should be also be noted that all of the terms have already been agreed to in advance of this meeting. This meeting is to formalize understandings and move forward between Bergamo E & A and the Government of Lebanon.

For most of the past two weeks, Bergamo President and CEO Hillard Herzog has been overseas in connection with the agreement with Esoft Informatics Private Ltd. The Company anticipates an announcement on that funding shortly. Mr. Herzog's travels are total and apart from the project in Lebanon as announced in this release today.

The Bergamo team is aggressively working on other projects and will be updating investors as developments are confirmed.

I read today on naharnet that the ministry denied every approving of this project, and that this project will not commence

This made me happy

http://www.youtube.com/user/LebKataeb#p/u/39/g6fh-MN2aOI

Waiting for the sun
Matt Nash, March 19, 2010
Read more by this author

Lebanon is embarking on some solar power initiatives but obstacles remain. (AFP Photo DDP/ Michael Urban Germany OUT)

When it comes to electricity, the private sector is not waiting for the state. Green initiatives are on the rise, even though Lebanese law will probably stymie some in their infancy. A case in point is the ongoing negotiations for an innovative partial solar power plant in Zahle that looks doomed to fail.

Late last week, representatives of the American company Bergamo Acquisitions Corp. visited Lebanon to discuss building a combined solar and heavy fuel oil power plant with Electricité de Zahle, a privately-run electricity distributor serving the Bekaa’s biggest town and its area.

The talks centered on drafting a letter of intent – a mostly non-binding paper that often precedes a formal agreement but which in this case included a non-disclosure agreement – for Bergamo, and its affiliate SunThrough Energy, to build a plant capable of producing 60 megawatts of electricity per year and operate it for one year for a fee of $225 million.

Although representatives of Electricité de Zahle refused to comment on the proposed deal, an anonymous source involved in the negotiations confirmed that around half of the electricity this proposed power plant produces would come from solar technology and the other half from burning heavy fuel oil – Lebanon’s most common method of electricity generation.

Sixty megawatts of added electricity supply is just a fraction of what Lebanon needs to end daily power rationing, and should the parties draft an actual deal, it will still be subject to government approval.

While Electricité de Zahle is older than the state of Lebanon itself, it has not actually produced electricity since the 1970s. Based on a concession agreement with the government, it only distributes power from Lebanon’s state-owned plants to residents in the central Bekaa district.

Diala Chaar, a finance expert with the Higher Council of Privatization, told NOW Lebanon that Lebanese law stipulates any license for a new power plant must be issued and approved by the state and that, under the current law, Electricité de Zahle cannot go it alone.

Past proposals for new plants – including one that would have created electricity with wind turbines – never came to fruition. It is unclear, therefore, what fate will befall this latest idea.

While one source said the letter of intent should be finished “this week” with a final agreement soon after, Zahle’s mayor, Assad Zhogaib, was less optimistic.

“There are just talks about it,” he said. “Up till now there is nothing serious. The government does not allow production of electricity and connecting to the grid… To go into a contract with a company, I think we are still far away from that. We are still negotiating with the government to see how we could [legally and logistically build a plant].”

Those hoping for greener power in Zahle are not the only ones running into logistical problems with solar energy. Lebanon’s electricity grid – controlled by the state-run Electricité de Liban – is “locked”, meaning private companies or individuals who produce their own energy cannot share with the national system.

In many countries, particularly Spain and Germany, governments encourage green energy projects by private companies or individual residents through something called a feed-in tariff – a typically state-subsidized fee paid for putting electricity into the system.

For example, if a resident puts photovoltaic (solar) panels on her roof and generates more electricity than she uses, her house is tied into the national electricity grid and she can sell her extra power to the local utility company.

Not only does Lebanon disallow residents or companies to tie into the national grid, it is also quite cold to the idea of feed-in tariffs, said Pierre Khoury, acting project manager of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), which should soon be a formal part of the Ministry of Energy and Water.

“The feed-in is a very complicated and sensitive issue in Lebanon because it includes independent power producers, political interference, big-business investment. It’s a huge issue,” Khoury said.

The LCEC, which began in 2002 as a UN project and is awaiting a law to solidify its status as the Ministry of Energy’s green arm, is thus not trying to fight for feed-in tariffs, Khoury said. Instead, they are pushing for “net metering” – a system where solar – or any renewable – energy produced by individuals feeds into the national grid, and, instead of being paid, they subtract what they give from what, if anything, they take.

Being frozen out of the national grid is not stopping small renewable energy projects from going ahead, however. There are a number of solar projects in the works or in the tube in Lebanon. In the past few years the United Nations Development Programme has been fitting state buildings (primarily schools and hospitals) with solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels, said Hassan Harajli, project manager of the country energy efficiency and renewable energy demonstrations project for the recovery of Lebanon (CEDRO).

An increasing number of resident Lebanese are also going green on their own. Solar powered water heaters are the most popular items individuals buy to reduce their carbon footprints – and their energy bills – said Yassin Itani, sales and commercial manager for A-Mack Solar, a local green energy company.

Some are investing in photovoltaic panels, but the cost is still prohibitive, Itani said. While individual use varies, Itani said it would take at least 40 panels to power a household full-time, an investment of over $28,000 for the panels alone. Harajli explained that since residents cannot feed into the national power grid, anyone with solar panels also has to invest in batteries to store power in their homes.

The Ministry of Energy and Water is about to embark on a new green initiative that involves solar power, Khoury said. Earlier this month, the ministry announced it would spend $9 million previously earmarked as a subsidy for fuel oil on environmentally friendly projects.

Khoury told NOW Lebanon that $7 million would go toward replacing inefficient incandescent light bulbs throughout the country, $1.5 million would be used to help individuals buy solar water heaters and $0.5 million would be spent on solar-powered street lights. This move is a small step toward the government’s goal – outlined in the latest ministerial statement – of having 12 percent of Lebanon’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2020.

With a much-touted “300 days of sunshine” Lebanon may seem the ideal spot for large-scale solar farms, though Khoury said recent, reliable studies on the issue are scant.

Conducting such a study “is not on our priority list,” Khoury said. “We’re still at the level of the low-hanging fruit.”

It is said to know that the state is preventing this from happening, instead of encouraging it it is blocking it. This is a perfect example of corruption in our government. This is why technological advances and private business innitiatives don't do well in Lebanon, hence lower employment and higher immigration rates.

Baalbek saved from floods by UNDP programme


By Evita Mouawad
Special to The Daily Star
Monday, March 22, 2010


BAALBEK: The area of Baalbek-El Hermel has been known for its high risk of floods and desertification that have caused its land to become dangerously infertile.


The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been working in the area since 2006, and the “Flood Risk Management and Water Harvesting Project” has finally been achieved, thanks to generous funding from Spain and with the cooperation of the Lebanese Agriculture Ministry.


On Saturday, a visit to the flood management infrastructure in Arsal was organized, hosting Agriculture Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan, Ambassador of Spain Juan Carlos Gafo, Arsal Mayor Abdel-Rahman al- Houjeiry and UNDP’s resident representative Marta Ruedas.


Before touring the area, guests gathered at Al-Nassim Restaurant for a conference.


After thanking everyone who has worked to realize the project, the ambassador stated that Spain had contributed $25 million back in 2006 for the reconstruction of the country after the Israeli attacks of that summer.


Also, $6 million of this fund has been reserved for projects taking place in Baalbek-Hermel, an area that was especially affected by the events of 2006 which have dangerously aggravated the desertification of its land.


Gafo concluded by stating that “Spain is determined to help Lebanese areas that are most in need of development projects thus underlining the strong cooperation between the two countries.”


The Spanish Embassy also offered the residents of Arsal an excavator, to help them dig more water reserves and manage the water structures.


Ruedas, meanwhile, who has been a strong leading administrative figure for the Arsal Project thanked the Agriculture Ministry of “for believing in this project,” she also thanked Arsal residents who were passionately committed to it, as well as the Spainish Embassy “for its generous funding of the project.


“It is of vital importance to protect the people of Arsal from floods and droughts now and in the future” she said explaining that recovery funds that have followed floods in 2007 reached $3 million, and that these expenses can be avoided through prevention.



The aim of UNDP was to build structures that can protect the area from the damage caused by floods that harm its land, livestock and most of all its people.


Part of these structures is a gigantic water reservoir built on a mountain top that can capture up to 13,000 square meters of water. The water reserves will in turn help 150 farmers with the irrigation of their fields.


Ruedas stressed on UNDP’s commitment in the area “not only to improve the condition of the land, but to improve the livelihood of the people of the area as well.”


Over 160 stone walls have also been built to stop the water current from flooding the region. Antonio Youssef, technical expert of the flood risk management program, told The Daily Star that the walls were place in strategic points across the area in order to prevent floods that have reached seven to eight meters of water in the past.


A water reservoir had also been dug in the core of a big hill, capable of holding large amounts of water that it will be able to contain and keep from destroying the land.


The Agriculture Minister stressed on the ministry’s commitment to fight the floods and droughts in Arsal, saying “we are not here today to celebrate the start of a project, we are here to announce the achievement of one, and the commencement of many more in the area.”


Hassan thanked the representative of Spain for his country’s contribution and determination. He also stressed on the importance of reforestation which is crucial to keep the land moist and fertile.


He finally said that these activities of water harvest and reforestation should be undertaken “not only to salvage the current situation but also to for the sake of future generations to come.”

Germany inaugurates waste management plant in Aytaroun
Country also launches reforestation project in Taybeh
By Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff
Thursday, March 25, 2010

SIDON: A waste management plant and a reforestation project were inaugurated on Wednesday in South Lebanon in collaboration with the German Embassy in Beirut as part of the embassy’s reconstruction program following the 2006 war with Israel.

The Solid Waste Management Plant was opened in Aytaroun while the reforestation project was launched in Taybeh. Both were followed through by the Environmental Fund for Lebanon (EFL), which was created by the German Embassy after the war.

The launching ceremony was held at the Aytaroun Municipality in the presence of German Ambassador to Lebanon Brigitta Siefker-Eberle, Lebanese Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal, Italian ambassador to Lebanon Gabriel Checchia and Aytroun Mayor Salim Mrad.

The Aytaroun waste plant was destroyed in the summer 2006 war and was later reconstructed by the Italian nongovernmental organization COSV and was funded by the Italian Embassy in Beirut.

In 2008, and upon the request of the municipality of Aytroun, the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the EFL used a sum of 155,000 euros to extend the plant’s capacity. The extension was completed in February 2010 and the plant’s capacity increased from 4 tons a day to 15 tons a day, which meant the plant could also serve neighboring municipalities.

“I am also pleased to say that the Aytaroun municipality has begun to raise awareness about waste processing,” Siefker-Eberle said.

As for the reforestation project in Taybeh, it was funded by EFL and came after the area was damaged by the 2006 war. The project included creating a public garden in the municipality square and planting about 5,000 trees. Furthermore, a public market will be held weekly in the garden to support the region’s economy, according to Siefker-Eberle.



Each project costs between 50,000 euros and 200,000 euros and they formed two of the 18 projects the German Embassy has launched since 2006.

“After the 2006 war Germany donated 4.5 million euros to Lebanon to create EFL in the aim of remedying the environmental damage. An additional sum of 4 million euros will be donated in the spring for the same purpose,” the German ambassador added.

Director of GTZ in Syria and Lebanon Majdi al-Manshawi also announced that the EFL will apply to invest in more environmental projects on May 14. These would include environmental projects with economic benefit; projects that would help reduce global warming; projects that would help limit industrial water pollution; and projects that would encourage adopting cleaner production methods especially in Kesrouan and the Litani.

“EFL has been given 8.5 million Euros by the German government to execute its projects with the collaboration of GTZ,” he said.

As for Mrad, he thanked the German and the Italian embassies but regretted the negligence of the Lebanese government toward its own people.

“Governmental and nongovernmental organizations from inside and outside the country have shown their capacities, but where is the role played by the Lebanese government?” he asked.

Mrad added that Aytaroun was a village that had been repeatedly damaged by war and by 22 years of Israeli occupation. “The municipality signed a reforestation agreement with the Environment Ministry last year but the project was not executed,” he added.

Lebanon may waive tariffs on hybrid cars
By The Daily Star

Saturday, March 27, 2010


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BEIREUT: The 2010 draft budget will include an item that will exempt companies and individuals from paying any import tariffs on hybrid cars.

Finance Minister Raya Hafar Hassan and Environment Minister Mohammad Rahal made this joint announcement after a meeting on Friday.

“Hybrid cars will be exempted from all import duties in an effort to encourage Lebanese own environmentally friendly vehicles,” Hassan told reporters at a press conference.

The new draft budget has not been sent yet to the Cabinet for approval.

“We discussed ways to cooperate between the Finance Ministry and the Environment Ministry in an attempt to control pollution,” Hassan said.

She added that the World Bank has warned in its last report that environmental deterioration will cost Lebanon $560 million annually.

“What is more important is that an environment disaster will have a serious impact on the health of the citizens in the country,” the minister said.

Hassan also disclosed that the ministry is studying a plan to replace the entire taxi fleet in Lebanon with environmentally friendly vehicles.

She admitted that revenues from tariffs on imported cars represent a big chunk of the government’s revenues.

“It is true that we get lot of money from tariffs on imported cars but the health of the citizen is more important,” the minister said. – The Daily Star

^^ YES !!!!!!!!!!!

Ehmej Gets New Forest Firefighting and Community Center

http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/c783aca7d24b761bc22576f3002e763c/Body/0.82?OpenElement&FieldElemFormat=jpg

U.S. Ambassador Michele Sison has inaugurated a new forest firefighting and community center in Ehmej, the U.S. embassy said in a statement.

The ambassador was joined by MPs Walid al-Khoury and Simon Abi Ramya, representative of the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works Adib Dahrouj and Mayor of the Municipality of Ehmej Nazih Abi Samaan, Representatives from the Association of Forest Development and Conservation (AFDC) and the Volunteers of Almat also attended the dedication.

The statement said that the center will improve Ehmej municipality's firefighting capacity, supporting both Ehmej and the surrounding communities.

"The two-floor center will not only house firefighters and their equipment, but will also serve as a community and education center for the residents of Ehmej, focusing on the protection, conservation and growth of the forests in Ehmej," it said.

Sison said during the event that the facility's two-pronged mission is to "protect the lives and properties of the region's residents, and also help ensure that the region's natural beauty that draws in tourists is preserved for generations to come."

Funding for the facility was provided as part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Humanitarian Assistance Program.


Beirut, 27 Mar 10, 10:50

Was on MTV news tonight.
First lighting pulp uses green energy sources ( sun and wind ) was tested successfully today on Dahr El Baidar road,first of more than 250 pulps used to cover road from Dah El Baidar to Beqaa.

i just hope this be implemented on all Lebanese roads on the next couple of years.will save lots of Electricity.

Was on MTV news tonight.
First lighting pulp uses green energy sources ( sun and wind ) was tested successfully today on Dahr El Baidar road,first of more than 250 pulps used to cover road from Dah El Baidar to Beqaa.

i just hope this be implemented on all Lebanese roads on the next couple of years.will save lots of Electricity.

Lighting pulp? Is this like a streetlight that is powered by wind and solar?

^^ Yup ,and looking gr8 :cheers:

GEOWASH EXPANDED ITS PRESENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST REGION WITH THREE NEW MASTER FRANCHISES

GeoWash expanded its presence in the Middle East region with three new Master Franchises.

After awarding the first GeoWash®Master Franchise for the United Arab Emirates in 2008, we increased our regional presence at a very fast pace through our Master Franchisees for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (2009), the Sultanate of Oman (2009) and the Republic of Lebanon (2010).

http://www.geowash.com/

^^I was watching the Geowash thing on the news the other day.. looks amazing. It waxes the car and washes it with only 2 L of water!


More pics of the green river project, I don't think they have been posted yet
All courtesy of patrickgaley

View of Emile Lahoud Highway
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The 7 municipalities it spans
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Sample Park
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These are also renders.. however they look so different I am not sure if the site is actually valid...
http://www.architizer.com/en_us/projects/view/beirut-river-development/5477/

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Batroun to witness trial-run of solar street-lighting project
By The Daily Star

Saturday, April 17, 2010

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BEIRUT: A pilot project that will see solar energy being used in north Lebanon is set to be launched this weekend, with financial assistance from Spain.


Spain’s Ambassador to Lebanon, Juan Carlos Gafo, will attend the inaugural ceremony of the first experimental phase of the municipal solar street lighting system in Assia, Batroun on saturday.


According to a statement issued by the Spanish Embassy, the event will be attended by Assia’s Mayor Emile Bedran, UN resident coordinator Marta Ruedas and Water and Energy Minister Jibran Bassil.


The achievement is part of the Country Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Demonstration Project for the Recovery of Lebanon (CEDRO).


CEDRO is a $9.73 million initiative being funded by the Spanish government through the United Nations Development Program, which is managing the funds in close collaboration with the Energy Ministry.


CEDRO aims at supporting Lebanon’s recovery, reconstruction and reform activities. It also seeks to complement the national power sector reform strategy through the implementation of end-use energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and through the removal of barriers for the promotion of sustainable energy applications in Lebanon.



The project will take place on three levels. The first involves the establishment of a demonstrative model addressing public sector building and facilities, the second works on activating the replication process, and the third aims at triggering a national sustainable energy strategy and action plan.


The Spanish Embassy said it hoped that this project would represent a joint achievement within what is expected to be an “increasingly fruitful collaboration between the Spanish and Lebanese governments” and serve as a clear example of Spain’s commitment to the development of Lebanon. – The Daily Star

Pining for a forested past
Matt Nash, April 22, 2010 - www.nowlebanon.com


http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/3913/googleforest04221004032.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/i/googleforest04221004032.jpg/)
caption: Beirut’s pine forests used to cover over 1.2 million square meters, but today are confined to a small park largely closed to the public. (Image via Google Earth)

Options are limited for anyone looking to spend Earth Day in Beirut embraced by trees.

While the capital’s municipality boasts 49 parks, taken together they comprise only 0.5 percent of Beirut’s 85 square kilometers. City residents say they want more green space, but prospects for that happening soon look slim.

The trees and fields that until relatively recently comprised the vast majority of today’s municipal Beirut have mostly been paved over and replaced with houses and high rises. Beirut today has around 460,000 square meters of green space – half of it closed to the public – a starkly different look for the land that now comprises the city.

Beirut has spent the majority of its 5,000-year life as a city enveloped by trees and fields. When Crusaders surrounded it early in 1110, the walled city surrounding the port was barely 211,000 square meters large and was ringed by pine forests.

Wood from the trees helped the invaders wage war – as it would later with foreign armies, from the Malmuks to the Allies during World War II – and the forests started shrinking. Druze Emir Fakhr al-Din II, who ruled Beirut from 1593 until 1635, restored the “picturesque pine groves” during his reign, wrote Samir Khalaf in his book Heart of Beirut.

By 1696 pine forests covered some 1.25 million square meters of modern Beirut and its southern and eastern suburbs, according to Taha al-Wali’s 1993 book Beirut: History, Culture and Urbanism. Over 150 years later, the tide began to turn as Beirut exploded.

At the turn of the 19th century, most of the 6,000 or so Beirutis lived inside the 211,000 square meter walled city, which was known as “a charming, labyrinthine medieval enclosure surrounded by an unspoiled natural habitat with a fresh, healthy and seasonable climate,” Khalaf wrote.

Throughout the 1800s, new residents poured into the city, spilling beyond its medieval walls. As Beirut grew, its Ottoman rulers roped off a large swath of pine forest from development and what is today known as the Horsch Beirut (Beirut Forest) became municipal property in 1878 – two years before the city’s population swelled to 100,000.

The forest, however, shrank and shrank as Beirut grew, dwindling to 800,000 square meters in 1967 and 330,000 today, according to an article by Fadi Shayya in the book At the Edge of the City, which he edited and released this year.

Horsch Beirut now represents 72 percent of Beirut’s green space but a full 66 percent of its greenest area is closed to the public. After Lebanon’s devastating civil war, the municipality closed the forest – which was bombed by the Israelis in 1982 – to redesign and re-plant it.

Aside from a brief period in the 1990s, only a small area of the forest, dominated by a parking lot and athletic courts, has been open to the public. Authorities have long argued that the experiment of opening the entire forest failed because those who came littered, damaged property and turned the place into a make-out spot, according to Shayya’s book.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9946/googleforest230.jpg (http://img217.imageshack.us/i/googleforest230.jpg/)

Today only people over the age of 35 with special permission from the Municipality of Beirut can enter the garden – something a few authors in Shayya’s book suggest is motivated more by ensuring the forest is the domain of the affluent and well-connected than preserving it.

Maya Rahbany, an agricultural engineer who works for the municipality, told NOW Lebanon that opening the 66 percent of the forest dominated by trees and plants does not seem likely in the near future.

“Eventually, we’re going to try to open it,” she said. “It’s a matter of time.”

How much time? Rahbany said the decision rests with the municipal authorities. Beirut’s mayor did not respond to an interview request.

In the coming years, however, a 72,000 square meter public garden should open near the coast. Construction giant SOLIDERE – incorporated by the late former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri to rebuild downtown Beirut – is building the park on reclaimed land, though the company’s most recent annual report does not say when it will open.

The company also plans to open a 23,000 square meter “Garden of Forgiveness” adjacent to Nejmeh Square, though progress on the project has stalled, and the company has not recently released an expected completion date for it.

These two gardens, however, were first planned in the 1990s, and few new public park designs have been announced since.

The Green Party has a plan for turning 8.5 kilometers along the Beirut River into public green space, though it would require the coordination and action of several municipalities and take over 10 years to complete.

In the lead up to last year’s parliamentary elections, candidates for Beirut’s first district on both sides of the political aisle told NOW Lebanon that residents listed more green space as one of their top concerns. As construction continues unabated around the city, it’s getting harder to imagine where any new parks will go.

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=162688

Launching of “Beyond” the environmental magazine
BEIRUT
iloubnan.info - May 03, 2010

“Beyond” magazine was officially launched at La Plage restaurant in Beirut, with the presence of environment minister Mohammad Rahal, and a crowd of dignitaries.

Published by Pascale Choueiri Saad, the magazine will shed the light on ecological problems as well as various Lebanese riches, as said the publisher in her inaugural speech.

“Beyond”, published in English and Arabic, will be quarterly at this stage. Its pages feature interviews, news and photos.

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Pascale Choueiri Saad with minister Rahal

This story was the top headline today on BBC. Pretty Sad:


'Ugly Beirut' struggles to survive peace

"Beirut is an ugly city."

This statement would infuriate plenty of proud residents of the Lebanese capital, but veteran architect Assem Salaam stands by his words.

He points to the evidence: a jungle of grey concrete that towers over his garden, hiding what used to be a spectacular sea view.

Of course all cities change, but change does not have to be so aggressive and so inhuman
Assem Salaam
Architect

It is not the loss of the sea view that Mr Salam mourns.

And, he says, it is not the common place nostalgia for the old and familiar that drives his bitterness about an extraordinary pace of construction in his city.

"Of course all cities change, but change does not have to be so aggressive and so inhuman," he says.

"Take London for example. It has changed immensely since I first visited in 1942, but I can still take the same bus route as I did then, or walk the same streets.

"Beirut, on the other hand, has changed beyond recognition," he says.

Captured hearts

Sprawled on the hills that roll down towards the Mediterranean, Beirut was once known as the "Paris of the Middle East".
Beirut during the civil war (photo from 7 May 1976)
The 20-year civil war destroyed much of beautiful Beirut

Over the years, the city's sophisticated charm, its winding streets and the mixture of French colonial and Ottoman architecture had captured the imagination, and hearts, of countless visitors.

But from the mid-1970s onward, as Lebanon descended into a two-decade long civil war, much of Beirut was reduced to rubble.

The war also changed the demographics of the city, Beirut's once mixed religious and ethnic neighbourhoods became increasingly divided and hundreds of thousands of people left the country.

Today, the legacy of the civil war still mars Lebanon's divisive and turbulent politics but the city itself, it seems, has moved on.

Beirut's skyline is dotted with cranes and the skeletons of half-finished high rises. On every corner, it seems, there is a construction site.

For plenty of people, this building boom which is turning Beirut into a chaotic glitzy metropolis is a sign of better times. For others, it is a disaster.

Surviving the peace?

"They have destroyed my city," says Joe Kodieh, resident of Beirut and theatre director whose latest play deals with the loss of the city's architectural heritage.

What's happening is very sad, but it's not in our power to stop it
Rasheed Jalekh
Beirut municipality

"Beirut survived the war, but its not going to survive peace. What survived two decades of war, we are destroying now, in the name of modernity," Mr Kodieh says.

Across Beirut, hundreds of high rise buildings have replaced old buildings. The city's architectural heritage is being wiped out, because there is no legislation to protect it.

"What's happening is very sad, but it's not in our power to stop it," says Rasheed Jalekh, representative of the Beirut municipality.

"The municipality can only stop construction if we own buildings, but we don't and we don't have the money to buy them."

Mr Jalekh says that a handful of buildings could still be saved, if only parliament passed legislation that would protect them.

But for decades Lebanon's leaders have been preoccupied with political wrangling and crises, and issues like architectural heritage have struggled to get attention.

Politicians have also failed to come up with a comprehensive urban development plan for Beirut, which has resulted in chaotic and disorganized construction.

Beyond reach

The only neighbourhood of the city that is being rebuilt according to a plan is the downtown area.
Walking along Beirut's Corniche
The Corniche sea front walk is fast becoming Beirut's only public space

Its renovation is entirely in the hands of Solidere, a company which was founded in 1994 by Lebanon's then-Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, who was assassinated in 2005.

His son, the current Prime Minister Saad Hariri, has recently moved into his new palatial residence in the city's newly-rebuilt centre. But Mr Hariri does not have many neighbours - the buildings, used mostly for offices and shops, are far beyond the reach of most Lebanese.

Solidere has often been criticized for destroying historic buildings that could have been saved, and for turning the colourful historic centre, which used to be a meeting point of cultures and religions, into a glitzy but soulless area for the rich.

"The neighbourhood has lost all its character, no-one can afford to live there," says architect Assem Salam.

'Build parks instead'

Beirut is losing not only its architectural heritage, but also open space.

Although the city never had many public parks, thousands of gardens that surrounded old houses had once provided Beirut with plenty of green space.

Today most of them have turned into parking lots for the brand new high rises.

"There isn't really a place where I can take the kids for a bike ride or a walk," says 30-year-old Amir, who, like most Beirut residents, brings his three-year-old son to play on the Corniche, a boardwalk along the Mediterranean.

"They should build parks instead of building apartment blocks that most of us cannot afford," he adds.

But with plenty of demand from the wealthy members of the country's huge diaspora and Arabs from the Gulf, construction companies are reaping profits and they have no incentive to stop building in Beirut.

According to Assem Salam, it's not the lack of building regulation that is destroying Beirut, but what he describes as the government's total disregard for public good.

"The real problem is that the existing regulations are set to benefit real estate companies and the government, but not people," he says.

I thought this article was really informative, especially this one section:

“It is also necessary to mention some 232 species of plants that present an economic potential, whether medicinal, edible or aromatic varieties, she continues. Some of them are overexploited, in particular the two most popular: sage (medicinal) and oregano (the famous “zaatar”), which are even exported.” She condemns the fact that plants that are special Lebanese varieties are exploited elsewhere, without the rights of the country being protected. “Some information confirms that the Cyclamen libanoticum, an endemic species of flowers as its name indicates, would currently be commercialized in a private exploitation in England without the knowledge of the Lebanese authorities, she continues. It should not be allowed to take resources out of Lebanon without preserving the rights of the country.” This explains the magnitude of the government’s indifference to these riches that have an economic value added to their ecological value.


Full article read here: http://iloubnan.info/environment/reportage/id/10/liban/Vegetable-biodiversity-in-Lebanon:-a-squandered-wealth

That flowering plant, Cyclamen libanoticum can be purchased from greenhouses in the jabal.. its a beautifull plant! Its crazy that there is a "black market" so to say.. for plants. http://www.cyclamen.org/libanot_set.html

« The Green Building » sector opens its door in Beirut
BEIRUT | iloubnan.info - June 02, 2010

The official inauguration of Project Lebanon 2010, the 15th international edition of the specialized trade exhibition for construction, building materials, equipment and environmental technology for Lebanon and the Middle East was held on Tuesday June 1st in Beirut, under the auspices of PM Saad Hariri, represented for the occasion by Minister of Economy & Trade Mohammad Safadi. The 15th edition of the exhibition is taking place in BIEL till June4, 2010.
The international trade exhibition for construction, building materials, equipment and environmental technology for Lebanon and the Middle East is organized by International Fairs & Promotions (IFP) with the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Beirut and Mount Lebanon and in the Order of Engineers & Architects of Beirut. It will be open to public from June 1st to June 4th 2010 from 4:00 pm to 10 pm.

More than 600 exhibitors from 25 countries will gather at Project Lebanon pavilions that extended on some 20 thousand SQM’s; an outstanding +25% surge in terms of space & participation versus 2009.

According to Albert Aoun, Chairman and CEO of IFP group (International Fairs & Promotions organizing the event with the support of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture in Beirut and Mount Lebanon and in the Order of Engineers & Architects of Beirut, the 15th edition of Project Lebanon remains the largest to date, since its official launch in 1995. “Coinciding with the economic boom that the country is experiencing in its different sectors, despite the worldwide economic and financial crisis that severely affected emerging & mature markets” he recalls. He mentionned the crisis having little to no effect on the financial, tourism, investment & ever growing real estate sectors, assuring that “When the building trade is thriving, all is thriving”, according to experts.

An continuous increase of building permit

Within this framework, Aoun stressed on that the Lebanese Construction activity has significantly expanded in the first four months of 2010 indicating that the area of newly issued construction permits has reached some 5.1 million square meters in the first four months of 2010, up by 56.5% from the same period of 2009”.

This year is distinguished by the large number of national pavilions exhibiting at Project Lebanon 2010: from Belgium, Luxembourg, China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, Poland, Turkey, UAE, Czech Republic, Switzerland in addition to KSA, Bahrain, Austria, KSA, Kuwait, Ukraine, Spain, Cyprus and many others showcasing state of the art construction solutions, innovative products on top of acting as a launch pad to new brands in an ever maturing sector. The event is divided into 3 inside zones and 1 outside area dedicated to heavy machinery.

The Sustainability Week

Concurrently happening with Project Lebanon 2010 as of Wednesday June 2nd, a conference comprising workshops & seminars pertaining to green construction solutions and green buildings amidst many other interesting topics will be held at BIEL. They will be organized as part of the second edition of the “Sustainability Week”, to be inaugurated tomorrow by minister of Energy & Water Resources Engineer Gibran Bassil, in cooperation with the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) the Order of Engineers and Architects in Beirut, the ASHRAE Lebanon Chapter and the Lebanese Green Building Council (LGBC).

The « Sustainability Week » is being held till upcoming Friday. On the program: Renowned Worldwide & local speakers will exchange, debate & discuss urgent environmental matters of which: Climate Change, Green Buildings in Lebanon, Workshop on LEED Ratings and Sustainable Design Practices Sustainable Transportation, the MASDAR Initiative and the Sustainability Challenge, Smart Homes Programme Experience Energy Efficiency Retrofitting of Buildings.

Also.. if this possibly applies to anyone here.. But recently my dad bought solar panels for our house, and its this new green initiative in lebanon that banks lend you the money - interest free - to purchase solar panels!
We have two huge firms in beirut that produce photvoltaic solar panels that are being used on all new buildings coming up in the country, as well as all new large scale housing complexes. The same companies can be contacted for pricing of solar panels you may want to install on your house:)

Aramex Introduces Hybrid Bikes In Lebanon
New bikes help reduce emissions and overall carbon footprint. In line with ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability

Beirut , Lebanon - June 2, 2010:

In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced the introduction of a new range of bikes, incorporating the latest innovation in hybrid technology, to its operations in Lebanon. The new hybrid bikes will be utilized by the company’s couriers across all stations in the country.

The move is part of Aramex’s ongoing efforts to reduce carbon emissions, while incorporating specific techniques and measures that lessen the impact of its operations on the natural environment.

“Aramex has consistently demonstrated its commitment to extending its corporate citizenship through its dedicated environmental initiatives,” said Asmahan Zein, Aramex Country Manager – Lebanon. “This initiative further underscores our focus on finding solutions for a greener world and protecting the environment of the communities we serve.”

“At Aramex, environmental sustainability has always been at the core of our corporate ethos,” said Raji Hattar, Aramex Chief Sustainability Officer. “This is clearly reflected in our operational practices, which involve utilizing the latest and most sophisticated technology to boost our environmental efficiency. Given that emissions represent a significant environmental impact, the hybrid bikes will enable us to not only lessen our carbon footprint but also bring a more efficient fleet of bikes into function within our Lebanese operations.”

“Today, technological innovation has made it possible for us to significantly reduce the amount of vehicular emissions, in addition to increasing fuel efficiency and improving overall performance,” said Nicolas Boukhater, GM of ANB, Aprilia’s authorized dealer in Lebanon. “Aprilia’s line of latest hybrid bikes makes optimal use of these technologies, while improving overall safety and riding pleasure, making them a perfect match for Aramex.”

Rahhal and Hamadeh call for preserving Lebanon’s environment
June 7, 2010

Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal told LBCI television on Monday evening that he intends to build cooperation across the government to fight environmental violations.

Many of Lebanon’s environmental problems are caused by neglect as well as issues involving practices of the private and public sectors, he added.

Meanwhile, Democratic Gathering bloc MP Marwan Hamadeh—who heads the Parliamentary Environmental Committee—told LBCI television on Monday that Lebanon must fight pollution and littering.

The Environmental Committee is ready to issue legislation to protect the environment, “but unfortunately the government is unable to do this,” he also said.

-NOW Lebanon

That line in bold is the one thing that stops us from accomplishing so many things. There are a few all inclusive legislations that have been formulated to protect our environment, our flora and fauna, prevent and charge people for littering and ensure re-planting wherever possible. All it requires is a stamp OKAY from the damn parliament and these groups will gladly take the initiative to ensure all is being followed.. no politician has to move their butt.

Ramy you deserve an Award for being the most GREEN person in this forum :D thumbs up :D

hahah! Thanks man:)

You know my "green" obsession started in Falougha lol. Its actually so very easy to go visit your day3a or municipalities mayor/head and talk to them about these issues.
The thing is they do not usually have a work force, so if you volunteer your time and give them a rough estimate of costs they are usually for greening the area (amongst other things)

Like I told Zippo. I helped re-plant a lot of Falougha's empty gardens on the road, plus suggested a few more portable garbage cans be placed around the town. I once participated in the cleaning of the streets, but after all the work by the volunteers and the newly installed garbage cans there hasn't been a repeat road clean! wooo hahah

I even suggested policing at night during the summer.. because the place gets overcrowded with us + the visiting 5aleeji ppl... And they actually have two cops now on motorcycles hahahah.


I suggest you all contact your town's office and suggest greening the place up as well!

Love this idea..

Nadine Feghali and Dima Boulad decided to take their frustration with the lack of urban planning and green spaces in Beirut to the next level with a “Green Intervention”. In 9 spots around Beirut, the installations shout out their call for change.

The public intervention was up 6am on friday june 4th 2010, for World’s Environment Day.

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http://i48.tinypic.com/qrls0l.jpg

Save Qadisha valley,sign the petition!!!

http://petitions.tigweb.org/qadisha

North projects aim to boost forest-fire response
Creators also hope AFDC will attract visitors to region
By Patrick Galey
Daily Star staff
Wednesday, June 09, 2010

http://1.1.1.3/bmi/www.dailystar.com.lb/admin/storage/articles/2010682133400.3_helicopter.jpg

Patrick Galey

Daily Star staff



AKKAR: The crowd holds its breath as the Sikorski helicopter circles acrobatically overhead, its propeller blades shattering the silence across the valley floor. Children scream with delight as it hangs motionless, suspended for a moment in mid-air, before jettisoning its load of hundreds of liters of water.

In this spectacular manner, spectators are told, Lebanon’s newest weapon in the fight against forest fires will perform.

The aerial display coincides with the opening of two landmark environmental projects in northern Lebanon, which aim at increasing locals’ awareness – and preparedness – in preventing the devastating blazes of previous summers.

Nestled high in the Andket peaks close to the Syrian border, a brand new helipad and natural pond is declared ready for use. It will provide rapid response crews with a water source to swiftly dampen an area when a fire takes hold.

On the other face of the verdant wadi, the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) Center is about to be officially opened by a delegation from Beirut which arrives by helicopter.

(Another chopper, carrying the Italian Ambassador from Baabda, is too big to land in the center’s grounds, so security services are scrambled several kilometers away to collect the esteemed passenger.)

The two projects, the culmination of more than a year of cooperation between government ministries and Lebanese and international NGOs, will provide Andket residents and Lebanese Civil Defense Forces with a space to practice fire preparedness drills. In addition, its creators hope the environment center will attract visitors to sample some of Lebanon’s most unspoilt scenery.

“This is a place where we can observe the forest and have intervention. It also serves as a training center and as a site for a pioneering ecotourism project in Lebanon,” Nadine Zoghby, AFDC national campaign coordinator, told The Daily Star.


“We created a water pond mainly used for forest-fire intervention. When there is a fire, you need to be ready; you can’t bring water in from Beirut or the sea as it takes a long time. [With the pond and heliport] we have water on demand and this will be important for forest-fire intervention.”

Among those to speak at the AFDC center opening was Italian Ambassador to Lebanon Gabriele Checchia who, once he touched down, highlighted the significance of preserving Lebanon’s forests. “From the air we breathe to the paper we write on, it is incredibly difficult to sum up the importance of forests in our daily lives,” he said.

The Italian mission in Lebanon has donated 3.5 million euros to reforestation projects in the Akkar region alone, with Andket’s center implemented by the Italian World Wide Fund.

Checchia called on elected officials to continue the progress made in combating the causes of forest fires.


“There is a very urgent need for local authorities and MPs to safeguard and restore Lebanon’s great heritage and promote an ecological attitude,” he said. “We want to avoid the destruction of biodiversity and avoid desertification” in Lebanon, he added.

The Management and Sustainable Development in Forest Areas project was started in 2009 following the formation of a cross-ministry committee in 2007 which was charged with curbing forest fires that ravaged swaths of Lebanese biomass.

Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal, whose ministry helped in the funding of the project, praised the multifaceted approach the committee had taken to tackling the threat of blazes. “To protect the environment we need cooperation between all parties. This project is a great example of cooperation between civil society organizations, municipalities, ministries and foreign countries,” he said.

“Unfortunately we lack cooperation in Lebanon and now is the time to think of the people’s problems and priorities. For the first time, interest in environmental issues is clear in the policy statement.”

Official estimates put Lebanon’s current forested areas at just 35 percent of what they once were, having been exploited for construction and scorched by repeated and uncontrolled fires.

United Nations departments also contributed to the project, including its Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

“We hope other similar projects will be launched in regions in need,” Ali Moumen, FAO representative in Lebanon, said at the opening. AFDC’s center, as well as providing accommodation for visiting ecotourists, will focus on training and equipping Andket residents in manners of forest preservation – a key aim of the forest fire committee, Zoghby said.

“It’s making people aware of the forest and who better to protect this forest than the local community? It’s part of their identity and cultural heritage,” she said. “Ownership of this project ultimately belongs to the people of Andket.”

Rahhal said that while political differences in the past had contributed to the destruction of much of the country’s natural resources, he was hopeful a coherent regional approach would avert a further decline in Lebanon’s flora. “We have a national unity government and there is work to be done in our country so we should put our differences aside,” he added.

Zoghby said the Akkar project proved that the government viewed the issues of forest conservation and fire prevention with sufficient gravity. “Since 2007 this issue has been taken seriously. All of the concerned ministers are very active in the field and the environment minister has taken on a lot of responsibility. On many different levels this is now treated as a priority,” she said. – Additional reporting by Carol Rizk

Aramex to Zoom with ‘Green’ Mopeds in Lebanon

Tue, 2010-06-08 20:21 — chief

Aramex has announced that it will be deploying hybrid bikes in Lebanon to deliver its courier:
In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, Aramex, the global logistics and transportation solutions provider, today announced the introduction of a new range of bikes, incorporating the latest innovation in hybrid technology, to its operations in Lebanon. The new hybrid bikes will be utilized by the company’s couriers across all stations in the country.

http://www.google.ae/url?source=imgres&ct=img&q=http://news.cnet.com/i/bto/20080312/piaggio-mp3-430-0208.jpg&sa=X&ei=bnkOTLX7B46g4Qai6tTtDA&ved=0CAQQ8wc4BQ&usg=AFQjCNHkOOABUQrnNnVWugVJO5S-baM-GQ

Fast Forward launches the “Darreja” Campaign for alternative sustainable transportation in cooperation with IndyACT

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/4664/32502429268855515617640.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/i/32502429268855515617640.jpg/)


Beirut – 12 June, 2010: In cooperation with IndyACT, the League of Independent Activists, Fast Forward has launched, through “Darreja”, its campaign for alternative, sustainable transportation in Lebanon.

This campaign was born from the mobilization of a group of young individuals who would like to have the choice of using alternative and environmentally friendly means of transportation ranging from public means of transportation such as buses and tramways to non-motorized vehicles such as bicycles.

These days, with the absence of a plan organizing transports, it is increasingly difficult to move around Beirut without getting stuck in traffic.

In the framework of this campaign, “Darreja” has two objectives: to demonstrate that the bicycle could be a real means of transportation and that implementing bicycle lanes allowing for safe cycling is perfectly feasible.

On Saturday, June 12th several bikers have cycled on a bicycle lane drawn symbolically along the Corniche. They were able to enjoy an exclusive space without imposing on those of the pedestrians or the vehicles.

The campaign lead by Fast Forward aims to promote the development of alternative and sustainable means of transportation on the national level. “Darreja” is the first of a series of events aiming to raise awareness and call for urgent action from the authorities.

Lily Abi-Chahine, an activist in the “Darreja” Campaign, stated that “the participation of individuals in this event reflects their desire for a swift and conclusive solution for the traffic and pollution problems. Using bicycles is a first step that we encourage, just like using public transports and carpooling”.

With 1.3 million private cars, Lebanon holds one of the highest rates of motorization in the Middle-East. Nearly 70% of motorized commuting is done by individual car, which generate elevated CO2 emissions.

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/9739/bannerkq.jpg (http://img72.imageshack.us/i/bannerkq.jpg/)

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1610/banner3za.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/banner3za.jpg/)

- End –

For more information, please contact:
Ali Fakhri Communication officer, tel. – fax: +961-1-447192, mobile: +961-71-421593, e-mail: comms@indyact.org

“Darreja” on Facebook:
Fast Forward Group


http://indyact.blogspot.com/2010/06/fast-forward-launches-darreja-campaign.html

Take Back Program: Nokia and AFDC join efforts to raise awareness on mobile recycling
BEIRUT | June 18, 2010


Under the patronage of the Minister of Environment Mr. Mohammad Rahhal, Nokia launched on June 9, 2010, its Take Back Program in Lebanon in partnership with the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC) with the objective of raising environmental awareness and providing practical solutions for recycling of mobile phones and accessories in Lebanon. The launching took place at restaurant Tawlet Souk el Tayeb in Mar Mkhael.
With the launching of the Take Back program, the Lebanese community, as a whole, now has the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of the environment by giving away their old mobile devices by dropping them off at Nokia’s care centres and the AFDC centres all across Lebanon.

Nokia uses the best recycling technology to ensure that no devices are wasted in the process. Up to 80 per cent of a Nokia device can be recycled and precious materials within it can be reused to help make new products such as kitchen kettles, park benches, dental fillings or even saxophones and other metal musical instruments. Plastics that cannot be recycled are burnt to provide energy for the recycling process, and other materials are ground up into chips and used as construction materials or for building roads so nothing goes to waste.

Also, and in order to raise awareness about recycling, Nokia and AFDC will be running a series of sessions in companies and universities to give people more information on why, how and where to recycle their old and unwanted devices, chargers and mobile accessories.

Haisam Jamal, General Manager of Nokia Levant said, “It is clear from the surveys conducted by Nokia that when mobile devices finally reach the end of their lives that very few of them are recycled. Many people are simply unaware that these old and unused mobiles lying around in drawers can be recycled or how to do this. Nokia is working hard to make it easier, providing more information and expanding our global take-back programs.

“Today, we are proud to launch our Take Back Program in Lebanon and we hope that the Lebanese community will take part in this initiative. By working together, small individual actions could add up to make a big difference,” he added.

Asked by iloubnan.info about the environmental benefits of implementing such a project, Mr. Robert Nadra, the Care Manager at Nokia stated that “If the three billion people globally owning mobiles brought back just one phone we could make a big difference - saving 240,000 tonnes of material that can be turned into many different types of new products - infinite possibilities!”

Answering a question on choosing Souk Al-Tayeb premises to launch the project, Mr. Nadra told iloubnan.info that, “The initiators of the Souk el Tayyeb project have been very active in the environment scene and we felt that Tawlet souk el Tayyeb was the perfect venue to launch our campaign”.

To her part, Mrs Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, AFDC general director, urged the Lebanese to actively participate in this program which has important environmental benefits. Mrs Bou Fakhreddine added that recycling of mobile phones saves thousands of tons of the earth’s precious, rare and non-renewable resources as well as reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and creating green jobs. Finally, she called upon everyone to become part of this project and ensure its success.

A symbolic action on Ramlet El Bayda Beach in Beirut to combat climate change
BEIRUT | iloubnan.info - June 27, 2010

http://i47.tinypic.com/14wsl0p.jpg

Young people from all over Lebanon did a symbolic action on Ramlet El Bayda Beach in Beirut calling upon individuals, institutions, and governments to join "the global effort to combat climate change." According to the organizers, 200 activists from Merci Corps, within a scheme of local initiatives through local municipalities and the League of Independent Activists (IndyACT), drew with their bodies “20:12” on the Lebanese flag.
This initiative "is a preparatory step to launch IndyACT’s new regional campaign “20:12” that will take place on the 10th of October on the Global Day for Action against Climate Change," IndyAct said in a communiqué. "This campaign, which will be held in 10 Arab countries, relies mainly on the efforts of institutions and individuals to take simple steps in reducing carbon dioxide emissions – the primary reason for climate change – and to call upon their governments to accelerate their efforts in adopting similar and serious plans to support these efforts."

IndyACT will launch an extensive publicity campaign coupled with actions and activities to shed light on environmentally friendly practices that these individuals can do with the support of their governments to directly contribute to saving the planet.

“The action that was held today is included in the priorities and goals of the organization especially that it involves young people in a global issue whose results will affect everyone and in all parts of the world. This action falls within a series of programs that Mercy Corps is conducting in 7 different countries of the world and is working to disseminate in others" said Director of Mercy Corps Lebanon Stephen Healy. "Mercy Corps hopes that young people will be a powerful force in their communities and will participate in making decisions that will affect them and their communities, and will be able to have opportunities to contribute to the development of their countries.”

Climate change is considered the biggest threat to mankind on the planet. According to UN reports, climate change threatens to kill and displace over a billion people by 2050.

"The only solution to climate change is the reduction of burning of oil and coal which are the primary source of carbon dioxide, and relying on renewable and safe energy such as wind and solar energy", say IndyAct. "After over two years of trying, world governments are still negotiating to reach a global agreement that will save us from climate change."

Negotiations were expected to end in Copenhagen end of last year. But despite progress, states could not agree and therefore extended the negotiations another year ending in Mexico at the end of this year.

“Although there is no substitute for the need to reach a strong global agreement on climate change, we cannot wait until that happens; we have to start acting now as individuals, institutions, and governments to reduce our addiction to oil and coal as a source of energy” said Wael Hmaidan Executive Director of IndyACT. “We call upon everyone to join this campaign before its launch in October so that it will be a coming from all and does not belong to any individual and institution,” he added.

^^ so the world WILL end in 2012..... zippo was lying after all !!!

^^lol... no martyr they are just doing this to be symbolic haha

In other news.....

Trees4Lebanon initiative just planted around 2,000 cedar trees in West Beqaa. They have a website, its still under-construction I presume because it sucks and shows nothing lol. This group started up in 2008, and by the end of this year they are expected to have planted more than 100,000 trees!


But, the important part about this is that by 2020 they are expected to have planted 1 million trees across lebanon (not only cedars). They are an NGO so they do require donations, which actually have been frequent by those SMS donation events as well as just average people donating. The weird part about their initiative is that so many industries and ministries help them (because costs of doing this is in the millions) but the only ministry that has not done anything is the Ministry of Environment!

Now, not to say the ministry of environment doesn't do anything, because they do help every other green initiative in Lebanon... its just weird that they don't help this one as well.

Some good news:)

EU, Lebanon open Tripoli, Mechmech waste plants
By Ali Beydoun
Special to The Daily Star
Thursday, July 01, 2010


BEIRUT: The Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR) and the Union of Municipalities in Tripoli and the Municipality of Mechmech, in collaboration with the EU delegation laid the cornerstones of two state-of-the-art solid-waste management plants in the Tripoli and Akkar regions, on Tuesday. A grant of 14.2 million euros has been poured into this project by the EU; meanwhile the Lebanese Cabinet has also decided to allocate part of the national budget for the future maintenance of this project, making this a joint EU-Lebanon endeavor.

“What we are building now will still be functioning in coming years as it [maintenance] is being funded by the Lebanese side as well” said an EU delegation official.

The facility in Tripoli will manage 150 tons of waste per day while the Mechmech facility will handle 8 tons per day.

Both facilities are expected to be completed within 15 months. These two projects are part of a long-term, larger project which will include the construction of other similar facilities in the Chouf, Ansar, Tyre, Khiam, Abassieh, Baalbeck, and Minieh, said Rola Kabbani of OMSAR.

Composting of organic waste will also take place in the facilities in the Chouf, Ansaar, Tyre, Khiam, Baalbeck, and Nabatiyeh. Awareness campaigns on proper waste-sorting methods to the general public will also be held. The project will also include the distribution of 13, 663 waste bins to the above regions as well as 52 garbage trucks.

Ceremonies were held in both Tripoli and the village of Mechmech (where the Akkar facility will be built).

In Mechmech, residents welcomed the EU delegation and Lebanese officials by throwing rice at their vehicles in celebration of their arrival. Notable speakers at the events were Minister of State for Administrative Reform Mohammad Fneish from OMSAR, and Patrick Laurent, ambassador of the EU delegation in Lebanon, as well as the mayors of both municipalities, respectively.

In his speech, Laurent stressed the need for these facilities as a means to target the dangerous pollution levels and climate change in Lebanon. “Personally, I am very worried about Lebanon on this subject,” said Laurent. In a comment to The Daily Star, Laurent added that the current “lack of infrastructure [for solid-waste treatment] is appalling.”

The current situation in Lebanon generally involves the use of landfills and waste “dumps” where waste is piled on and compacted into the ground. When not in landfills, solid waste can often be found in the sea, in rivers, or in lakes.

Due to geographic proximity, any drastic geological issues that occur in Lebanon would affect the European environment as well, said an official from the EU delegation. Laurent added that as a result “this is not a charity to Lebanon; this is assistance” as part of a global environment concern.

Fneish stressed in his speech the importance for all Lebanese to work together to conserve Lebanon’s national resources.

“Particularly in this regard, each citizen has the possibility and even the duty to contribute to the protection of the environment,” said Laurent in his speech as well.

On september 19th in el mina Lebanese rock band DTA (doors to aspiration) is holding a concert promoting to keep Lebanon clean.

Pollution in Zouk....

http://mtv.com.lb/MTV_News_Special_Reports/Pollution_in_Zouk?type=1&filter=0

Saida's Garbage Mt

http://mtv.com.lb/MTV_News_Special_Reports/Garbage_in_Saida?type=1&filter=0

Blockage of Rivers.. specifically Nahr el Mout:(

http://mtv.com.lb/MTV_News_Special_Reports/Blocking_of_Rivers?type=1&filter=0

^^ the saida video tells you a lot about the land reclamation project... it shows you the shape of the area to be reclaimed and what some of the plots will be used for...

^^ the saida video tells you a lot about the land reclamation project... it shows you the shape of the area to be reclaimed and what some of the plots will be used for...

too bad the link is broken now!

Rahhal launches first marine environmental project:banana:
July 27, 2010 share

Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal launched on Tuesday Lebanon’s first marine environmental touristic project from the fishermen port in Dbayeh, north of Beirut, NOW Lebanon’s correspondent reported.

Rahhal said the project, estimated at a cost of $125,000, calls for changing the Dbayeh port’s installations to enable tourists and fishermen to take boat trips from the port.

-NOW Lebanon

Cedars Forest Friends continues expansion efforts in Bsharri
By Antoine Amrieh
Daily Star correspondent
Wednesday, August 04, 2010


Listen to the Article - Powered by




BSHARRI: The Committee of the Cedars Forest Friends pursues its large-scale project to expand Bsharri cedar forests, despite certain setbacks this year. It will also hold a celebration mass inside the expanded territories on Friday.

The project to expand the cedar forests on the Makmel Mountain in north Lebanon was launched in 1999 and continues to grow, thanks to the efforts of the committee, the Bsharri municipality and civil society bodies.

Several measures have been launched so far as part of the project, including the reforestation of vast spaces and the protection of existing trees.

Two forests are located in the mountain, the famous Arz ar-Rab cedar forest and the newly forested Lebanese Cedar Friends Forest. The first is in the middle of the Makmel Mountain and overlooks the Qadisha Valley, while the second is on the western foot of the mountain.

The committee aims at joining the two to the Tannourine forest, thus completely covering the Makmel Mountain with 10 million cedar trees.

Qozhaya Tawq, an engineer working with the committee, explained that about 300 million square meters will be reforested with the help of the Bsharri municipality, the Alfredo Harp Helu Foundation, Bank Med and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

“So far 65,000 new trees have been planted and 95 percent of them were seeds taken from the God’s Cedar Forest,” he said, adding: “The trees are between 2 and 8 years of age and the committee takes care of them, in terms of irrigation and protection.”

To irrigate the large surfaces, the committee has been benefiting from two nearby artificial lakes. The first was formed in coordination with UNDP and has the capacity to hold 17,000 cubic meters of water, and the second was dubbed Mary Isabelle Harb Helou and has the capacity to hold 25,000 cubic meters of water.



However, the latter lake suffered some damage this year, when vandals tore through its protective plastic cover. “We were forced to empty 60 percent of the water in order to fix the damage … We later filled the lake with snow,” Tawq said.

As for providing cedar trees for planting, Tawq explained that the Alfredo Harp Helu Foundation has been funding the work of a specialized arboretum in Bsharri. The nursery is currently producing 20,000 cedar trees a year but the committee’s plan is to increase its productivity to 100,000 trees per year.

In addition to expanding the Lebanese Cedar Friends Forest, the committee has also been working on protecting the cedars of the God’s Cedar Forest.

Head of the Committee of the Cedars Forest Friends Joseph Finianos explained that one of the steps to be taken soon was closing the highway that goes through the forest.

“We will divert the main highway that goes through the forest to the other side, which will allow us to add three old cedar trees to the forest and to keep the cedars safe from pollution. Also, another location will be assigned to roadside sellers of antiques and artifacts,” he said.

Furthermore, the committee is constructing an eco-house, as part of its project, and it is using rocks found in the mountains in order to keep the building in harmony with its surroundings. The house will have a reception room and a room for scientific environmental studies.

Visitors are invited to visit the Lebanese Cedar Friends Forest on Friday to celebrate the committee’s achievements and the occasion of the Transfiguration of Our Lord.

Maronite Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir will preside over a mass, organized by the Tourist Committee for Jibbet Bsharri, in cooperation with the Committee of the Cedars Forest Friends and the Bsharri municipality.

Environment research projects launched to halt damage
Ministry initiatives will tackle water treatment, waste sites
By Carol Rizk
Daily Star staff
Wednesday, August 04, 2010


BEIRUT: Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal launched on Tuesday four environmental studies, which will tackle water treatment at the Litani River, quarries, waste dumps and an updated report on Lebanon’s environment situation.

The studies were launched during a news conference attended by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) representative in Lebanon Marta Ruedas, UNDP director in Lebanon Seifeddine Abaro, and officials from the public and private sectors.

The research projects will be funded by the government and it is estimated to take four years to complete, with a budget of $1.4 million for the first year.

Rahhal explained the four studies in detail and started by tackling the water treatment project at the Litani River and Qaraoun Lake.

“Money was paid to municipalities, ministries and institutions. Had the amounts been collected since 1990, we could have built another river and another lake. Many countries paid irregularly and we couldn’t see any result,” he said. “This has happened all over Lebanon, not only on the Litani.”

He noted that the water treatment projects were not the responsibility of the Environment Ministry but that of the Water and Energy Ministry. “We have permission, according to the policy, to prepare a complete plan from Baalbek to Tyre concerning the Litani,” he said.

Another project to clean the Litani River and protect it from pollution will be launched parallel to the study.

Rahhal continued to tackle the second study, which concerns quarries. He regretted that a “mafia” regulated quarries, and that people were not implementing a decision issued by the previous government.

He said quarry owners often justified their violations with sectarian reasons, and noted that the Environment Ministry only had a few employees charged with studying the files of quarry businesses.

“Any business that doesn’t implement the government’s decision and doesn’t have a permit will be closed … We are responsible for every permit given … The problem is the lack of supervision because we are understaffed,” he said.

Rahhal also explained that Lebanon had about 25 large waste dumps, but lacked law to regulate them or to regulate waste processing.

He focused on the Sidon dump and stressed the gravity of the situation in the southern coastal city. He then said several meetings were held with concerned authorities concerning this issue and “we hope to start implementing our plan, so that in 3-and-a-half years we will be able to build waste treatment centers all over Lebanon.”

The environment minister then discussed the fourth study to update Lebanon’s environmental reality report, which was created in the mid 1990s.

He said environmental reports should be updated every two or three years and not every ten years, adding that the report will help assess damages in each sector.

Rahhal then underlined the importance of environmental studies in Lebanon, especially with the rising effects of climate change. “If we continue to deal with environmental affairs in this manner this will be the end to our planet,” he said.

''Clean up the rivers'' operation
August 03, 2010

BEIRUT - ''Operation Big Blue'' Non Governemental Organisation is planning an awarness and cleaning campaign of Lebaneses Rivers called “Clean up the rivers” on Sunday, 25th September. The association’s facebook page indicated the 8th of august mistakenly. It will occur in four rivers. Civil society is called to join the movement.

25 September, on my birthday :D

http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/Pictures/picture_390/BeirutRiverPicture1.jpg
http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/Pictures/picture_394/BeirutRiverPicture5.jpg
http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/Pictures/picture_396/BeirutRiverPicture7.jpg
http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/Pictures/picture_392/BeirutRiverPicture3.jpg

Anyone has news about this project?

^^Post 39 http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=964442&page=2

And on page 5 the first few posts I put up other renders.... It looks like a great project doesnt it?!

It is Ramy, i really hope it doesn't remain just a project. we need this lung especially that the actual river course is a huge hideous concrete canal. we need updates because to my knowing one internal security force official had a counter proposal to turn the whole river course into multi-level parking lot. he even ridiculed the project, i literally jumped to my tv screen to strangle the ass hole

^^ No way! What a stupid counter proposal.

My one worry for the project is its renders will mirror what the final project looks like. Personally I hate grass, but if we are going to have a functional park in Beirut the good majority needs to be grass (short grass!) so it can be utilized. There also needs to be large areas of just trees and benches so people who want to walk can walk in peace, or read can read in peace.

Garden parks are beautiful, but they only work when there are other parks people and kids can go play on. In our case, we need to screw the garden and get a social park being created, and future parks that come up can be garden parks (ie. the renders)

i am afraid that such a park will end up like other beirut parks full of nawar and trash!

there should be a paid entrance so that none of the nawar enters this place.

btw "souk el ahad" should be removed first! we can't build a green park near a trash park. (sin el fil municipality wanted to remove the souk and build instead a park but unfortunately ex president lahoud forbid them to do so after giving the souk an official permission from the state)

by the way guy, I came up with a similar idea and posted it on "Your dream project for Lebanon (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=40022970&postcount=106)" thread on July 20th, 2009 :cheers:

Project: Beirut Parks and Green Spaces

We all agree how bad Beirut is in need for green areas and parks! However with the poor urban development and increasing land value, it seems unlikely to happen!

Here's a feasible idea for developing (2) urban parks to satisfy Beirut's needs for green spaces:

Park (1)= Beirut Central Park
I've always been amazed by the Central Park (http://fthats.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/central-park-new-york-wallpaper.jpg) in Manhattan, NYC. The Beirut Central Park would follow the same concept. However it will not be a wide open space, but an elongated stretch of green spaces -perhaps following the "Beirut Metro" (http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/2059/leroyalmapb.jpg) lines suggested before. Width of the park would vary between 30 & 50 meters depending on the area. All roads cutting that park will become tunnels passing under it along with the metro system.

The park will be V shaped:
The first stretch will pass by Cola, Verdun, Hamra.
The second stretch will pass by Hamra, Sannayeh, Centreville.


Park (2)= River Park
Basically transforming the hideous Beirut river to an urban park along it's banks, something like this (http://www.beijingguide2008.com/changpu_river_park/cpr23.png). Of course, studies should be made so the river won't flood the park during winter.

http://img11.imageshack.us/img11/7069/leroyalmap.jpg

^^actually i came up with similar idea, but it was to transfer Beirut river to something like this river in Seoul

http://www.terrapass.com/images/blogposts/seoul-river.jpg

http://korea1malaysia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/seoul-2-river.jpg

i am afraid that such a park will end up like other beirut parks full of nawar and trash!

there should be a paid entrance so that none of the nawar enters this place.

btw "souk el ahad" should be removed first! we can't build a green park near a trash park. (sin el fil municipality wanted to remove the souk and build instead a park but unfortunately ex president lahoud forbid them to do so after giving the souk an official permission from the state)

Paying for parks would suck... if enough of the population visits these parks the "nawar" will become uncomfortable and will go back to the corniche lol.
Is souk el ahad that bad? I thought it was a giant farmer's market where people sold their foods, jams, even food (usually migrant workers). It looks fine from pictures.. however I never have seen it in person.


Rabih and Hassoun... I like both your ideas. Of course feasibility is the key thing here like Rabih stated. For instance, it would be likely to flood if we adopted a similar scheme as Seoul has. Plus I would rather have leisure park then walking park, only because we do not have a leisure park to begin with

This museum is soo cool! A look into the diversity of the animal kingdom in Lebanon (or that was once living in Lebanon)

http://mtv.com.lb/MTV_News_Special_Reports/The_Unique_Museum_In_Zgharta?type=1&filter=0

August 10, 2010
A Green Project in Lebanon
American U. of Beirut's environmental efforts mark a rare example of sustainability in the region

AUB
by Brooke Anderson

Beirut

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and sitting on some of Lebanon's most expensive real estate is a green space with no plans for development—at the American University of Beirut.

In 2002, when the country's most prestigious private university devised its 20-year master plan, environmental sustainability was one of the key considerations. The administration decided that the entire middle section of the 61-acre campus would remain a forest of native plants and trees, a rarity in a region where colleges favor sprawling lawns and ornamental plants.

Equally significant, the university decided that all building construction would have height limitations and be environmentally friendly.

"We're sending a big message. Land that's worth hundreds of millions of dollars, we're not allowed to touch," says Mohammad Tassi, project manager for the university's Facilities Planning and Design Unit, established in 2002. "On the contrary, we have to invest in the environment's future."

Two years ago, the university opened the Charles Hostler Student Center, a five-building complex that replaced a 250-car parking lot. It is as sustainable as structures get in Lebanon. The buildings have natural stonewall insulation, and pipes with cold water from the sea run through the roofs to keep the temperature lower. When humidity rises, windows on the roofs automatically open.

The center also makes the most of natural light, with shades on the south side where the sun comes in, but none on the north side. Water from sinks and showers is recycled and used to water plants. Outside, waterfalls of recycled water keep the courtyards cool, roof gardens provide quiet retreats for students, and loose tiles along the walkways allow for drainage.

"We want this to be a living campus. You become more sensitive to nature and the environment when you're living in a surrounding like this—it becomes a culture," says Jala Makhzoumi, an associate professor of landscape architecture at the university and coordinator of the university's Landscape Design and Eco-Management Program., who is also working on a greenbelt project around the city of Arbil in her native Iraq. "What AUB is practicing is very avant-garde in Lebanon—and the rest of the region."

Other architects and sustainability experts agree.

"There's a short-sightedness and a lack of awareness that's preventing green architecture," says Saleem Khoury, an architect in Beirut. "You have to take into consideration the whole view of life in Lebanon. It affects the way we drive, the way we throw away trash, everything. Even in our education, solar energy isn't part of the curriculum."

Mustafa Alwani, an architect in the Dubai office of the British firm Aedas, believes the Middle East has yet to get serious about green architecture, including some high-profile projects.


"It's sad," he says. "Here, green design is just for advertising, because people like to look good in the media." But when you student the design of such vaunted projects, he adds, it's not really green.

Amid Beirut's urban sprawl, the American University of Beirut has the largest green space in the city and is a model for the country's environmental activists and even some building developers.

The university is starting to see returns on that investment on its campus as well. More students are pursuing projects in environmental sustainability than in previous years, local developers regularly visit to get ideas for their own projects, and, of course, the university is also saving money on energy costs. The institution estimates it will save $350,000 on water and energy costs.

"I wish my apartment's bills were this low," says Bassem Barhoumi, director of the Facilities Planning and Design Unit. He thinks that eventually other developers will follow the university's model when they see both the environmental and economic benefits of green planning.

With Beirut's construction boom driving the national economy, American University of Beirut's patch of green might seem insignificant amid the city's vast proliferation of skyscrapers. But there are some signs things are changing.

"We don't expect people to follow us on open spaces," Mr. Tassi says. "But they can in water and energy consumption, and the way they build. They can have green roofs. It's not that difficult."

Paying for parks would suck... if enough of the population visits these parks the "nawar" will become uncomfortable and will go back to the corniche lol.
Is souk el ahad that bad? I thought it was a giant farmer's market where people sold their foods, jams, even food (usually migrant workers). It looks fine from pictures.. however I never have seen it in person.


Rabih and Hassoun... I like both your ideas. Of course feasibility is the key thing here like Rabih stated. For instance, it would be likely to flood if we adopted a similar scheme as Seoul has. Plus I would rather have leisure park then walking park, only because we do not have a leisure park to begin with

do you really wanna know how souk el ahad looks :P? i dt want to give a bad immage about lebanon on the internet!

So much green news lately, I've been very pleased. I love this promotional campaign too!

:banana:200 people win solar water heaters in energy lottery:banana:
By Hani Abdulahad
Special to The Daily Star

Thursday, August 12, 2010



BEIRUT: Two-hundred people have become the proud recipients of free solar water heaters, courtesy of the Energy Ministry’s efforts to promote a more energy-efficient future.

Minister Jibran Bassil was on hand for Wednesday’s lottery drawing, which selected the winners from among a pool of more than 23,500 people who qualified.

They were eligible for the draw because their electricity meter capacity stands at 15 Amperes, whether as new subscribers to the network, or as subscribers who recently upped their capacity from either 5 or 10 Amperes.

Bassil told reporters that the draw was held openly, and broadcast live on television, in order to promote transparency. In addition, the winners were divided by region. The minister reached into a plastic box containing the slips for subscribers in a given area of the country, to ensure that the new solar equipment would be spread equally around the country.

The region of Shiyah saw 17 winners, followed by Nabatieh (11), Halba (10), Baalbek (10), Riyaq (10), Bint Jbeil (9), Tyre (7), Antelias (7), Wadi al-Zein (7) and Barqayel (7).

“Our goal is to encourage people to purchase solar-powered heaters, because they mean huge savings,” Bassil said.

Two weeks from now, the winners will be able to report to where their subscription is registered and receive the paperwork for the solar equipment, which will be made ready for them to pick-up from September 1.

In October, a second draw is to be held, when another 200 people will be selected.

Bassil said his ministry’s motto is “a solar heater in every home.”

Bassil was joined at the event by Pierre Khoury, the manager of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), along with representatives from Electricite du Liban and the Finance Ministry.

The minister said an upcoming program would see cooperation with the Central Bank and private banks, to fund the purchase and the instillation of solar heaters, all with zero-percent-interest loans.

Bassil said the free giveaway was meant to give subscribers a “sense of the importance of the monthly savings on the electricity bill caused by having a [solar-powered] heater.”

The LCEC is working in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program to promote solar power, and the Energy Ministry has been active in promoting energy-saving initiatives, some of which involve solar energy, with the assistance of countries such as Spain.

The efforts include pilot solar-powered street lighting projects in Batroun in north Lebanon, while south Lebanon has been the target of a campaign to introduce energy-efficient light bulbs.

Italy provides $18.3m in soft loans for green projects
By The Daily Star

Thursday, August 12, 2010



BEIRUT: Three internationally funded multi-million-dollar development projects that will tackle environmental and health concerns in the country, were approved on Tuesday.

The programs are sponsored by the Steering Committee of the General Directorate for Development Cooperation (DC), a subsidiary of the Italian Foreign Ministry, as part of Lebanon’s commitment to promote sustainable growth.

The first initiative, which will take place in the Michmich and Hrajel municipalities, will focus on cutting environmental pollution and improving the overall health of the local population.

It will aid in the construction of sewage-treatment plants and increase household access to clean drinking water.

It will also strive to improve the quality of ground water and help local water-management companies to better their managerial practices and cut costs.

The work is estimated to cost $18.3 million and funding will be provided through a “soft loan,” which is issued at a below-market interest rate and can be paid off over a long period of time. Such loans usually help build sustainable infrastructure and oftentimes can be repaid by the institutions once they begin making a profit.

The second development grant, thought to be worth over $1.7 million, has been personally approved by DS director general Elisabetta Belloni and will go toward supporting Lebanese and Palestinians who live in one of the nation’s 12 refugee camps.

“The project will focus on basic service delivery at a local level, the environment and water protection, economic-activities promotion, social-services empowerment and reduction of the unemployment and the marginalization of vulnerable groups,” Belloni said.

The money will supplement existing DS projects already running in the camps.

The third project, which will be financed by a grant worth over $1.3 million, will directly help Lebanon meet its green-energy commitments by funding installation of solar panels on houses that can be used to heat water and reduce mainframe electricity consumption.

Some 900 panels are expected to be erected on public buildings over the next few months as part of the “Climate Change Mitigation – Renewable Energy” project that will run in coordination with the Environment Ministry.

Lebanon is officially committed to increasing its renewable-energy output to 12 percent by 2020 in order to offset its growing carbon emissions.

The cost of this has been estimated to be almost $3.5 billion by the environmental NGO Green Line. – The Daily Star

Civil society organizations clean up banks of Orontes River in Hermel
By The Daily Star

Saturday, August 14, 2010


BEIRUT: Civil society organizations cleaned the banks of Orontes River in Hermel on Friday, as part of an environment awareness day. Several sports clubs, civil society organizations and volunteers in the region of al-Shawagheer in Hermel organized an eco-friendly day at the banks of Orontes River. They retrieved plastic and nylon bags from the water, in an attempt to underline the importance of the river as a natural wealth and a tourist destination. The river is known among extreme sports fans to be an ideal place for rafting. – The Daily Star

___________________________
Close vicinity to this river (nahr el assi) is absolutely beautiful, so green and refreshing. I really hope the Hermel municipality forests the outskirts of the town because right now they look like deserts, even though its probably some of the most fertile soil in Lebanon. (ill post some pics I took later)

Eco-tourism in Lebanon finds increasing interest
Tour operators, NGOs say sector not very profitable despite boom
By Cynthia O’Hayon
Special to The Daily Star
Saturday, August 14, 2010


BEIRUT: Alternative tourism is expanding in Lebanon: Eco-tourism is popular this summer, as awareness about tourism activities that help preserve the environment is on the rise.

At the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, established by Parliament in 1996 to preserve Lebanon’s natural heritage, the number of visitors jumped by 25 percent in 2010, according to Nizar Hani, the scientific coordinator of the reserve.

For Nidal Ghorayeb, founder and director of Esprit Nomade, an eco-tourism tour operator, the changes are obvious.

Ghorayeb cites “its popular aspect: people in Lebanon are becoming more and more interested in eco-tourism.”

But even if most tour operators or NGOs in the sector agree that it’s booming, the definition of eco-tourism remains vague.

The International Eco-tourism Society, established as an NGO in 1990 to promote eco-tourism as a tool for sustainable development, defines it as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.”

For Michel M. Moufarege, founder and manager of the tour operator Liban Trek, eco-tourism is “simply a respectable way of introducing our activities as responsible, non-mass tourism, environmentally and rurally concerned.”

It also implies the involvement of local communities in the tourism activities.

“We try to make the local inhabitants participate; we encourage tourists to buy food from them and we always hire local guides,” says Ghorayeb.

Eco-tourism also has an educational dimension.

“We try our best to talk to the tourists, to encourage them to discover the world of eco-tourism and all its activities in order to teach them the love of the nature,” says Marc Aoun, founder and director of the NGO Vamos Todos.

Eco-tourism ranges from activities like hiking or mountain climbing to buying food from local shops in small villages.

But for Pascal Abdullah, head of the tour operator Responsible Mobilities and the NGO Lebanese Mountain Trail, a distinction should be made between “rural tourism” in all natural areas and “eco-tourism,” which is limited to protected or fragile areas.

“Not all activities in nature can be put under the label of eco-tourism,” he argues.

“Responsible tourism,” an expression used to underline the importance of human behavior in environmental protection, also triggers skepticism.

Andre Beshara, a co-founder of Lebanese Adventure, a tour operator, thinks responsible tourism “doesn’t mean anything – it’s more about responsible behavior toward the environment and local communities.”

Even though the concept remains blurred, eco-tourism initiatives are spreading in the country, and the Lebanon Mountain Trail is a leading example. The NGO established a 440 kilometer-long hiking trail, from Qobeiyat in the north to Marjayoun in the south, thanks to funding from USAID.

Given the increasing number of NGOs and tour operators, the two main types of organizations working in the sector, all sorts of activities are offered under the label of eco-tourism. Tourists can choose between hiking, climbing, rafting, visiting farms, camping, watching birds or stars and skiing during the winter.

“Lebanon is a big playground,” says Beshara, to emphasize the recreational dimension of eco-tourism. It can even include volunteering: the tourists combine travel and charity work during their stay, to help local organizations.

Residents of Lebanon constitute the majority of the tourists, but eco-tourism activities attract more and more foreigners and non-residents, especially during the peak summer season.

While NGOs receive funding for their activities, tour operators rely solely on the income from their clients. However, profit-making and safeguarding the environment isn’t always a smooth match.

Esprit Nomade refuses to take more than 50 hikers on its excursions “because we’re trying to do eco-tourism responsibly,” says Ghorayeb.

“Groups always have impact on nature, so we try to limit it.”

He readily admits that eco-tourism isn’t a very profitable business, even though it’s becoming popular.

“But we do it out of passion, not for the money,” he adds.

Eco-tourism remains almost entirely in the hands of the private sector, with the few exceptions of natural reserves like Chouf Cedar and Tannourine, or the municipality of Ehmej, a small village east of Jbeil where tourists can enjoy preserved natural life and landscape.

The involvement of the Tourism Ministry in eco-tourism is minimal, while the boom is seeing companies formed under the “eco-tourism” label. Professionals fear it may cause unethical competition and a range of abuses, and turn the environment-protecting dimension into a profit-making one.

“The business works well, but there is a lot of competition, and it is not always regulated and honest. The organizations are not all registered with the Tourism Ministry and it is becoming a mess,” says Beshara.

Abdullah says that although he works closely with the Tourism Ministry, he feels that he, more than the government, is making the effort

“We wrote a charter of eco-tourism in order to establish criteria, but it has yet to be implemented by the Tourism Ministry,” he notes.

Currently, the Tourism Ministry’s website makes no mention of the concept of “eco-tourism,” although it mentions the country’s nature reserves and traditional activities such as hiking, often associated with the sector.

Eco-tourism professionals would like to see the government establish a legal framework for eco-tourism organizations and activities in order to regulate the sector and promote it among the Lebanese.

The Environment Ministry has just started working on projects with eco-tourism organizations, but Beshara says that “real cooperation” has yet to take shape.

“Awareness, though it has increased, is still a weak point,” says Abdullah.

The sector appears to enjoy future potential for growth, and the government’s role in eco-tourism promotion certainly has room for expansion as well.

Cannot wait till the report comes out! And I approve of the more reserves idea, I really really hope Monte Verde becomes a reserve

Minister signs agreement to conduct environment study
By Alice Hlidkova
Special to The Daily Star
Tuesday, August 17, 2010


BEIRUT: An agreement to conduct a national study on the environment was signed Monday, nearly a decade after the last such report was produced.

Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal signed an agreement with the consulting firm ECODIT to produce the report, which he said would provide details about “air and water pollution and environmental damage that affects agricultural crops and green spaces.”

“It’s a very important report, and it should be updated every two or three years,” Rahhal said. “The last such report was produced 10 years ago,” he said, referring to the State of the Environment Report 2001.

In addition to receiving members of ECODIT to ink the agreement, Rahhal hosted a series of meetings at the ministry, where he said he was working to gain approval for seven new nature reserves, with a focus on maritime settings.

Rahhal said the recent endorsement by Parliament of the Shnanir Nature Reserve in Kesrouan and Wadi Hujeir in Marjayoun encouraged him to ensure that other areas receive the designation.

The environment minister said he was working to add another seven reserves to the country’s list of nine officially protected areas, pledging to develop programs over the next four months to focus on marine preservation in five of the seven proposed reserves.

Rahhal said that declaring an area a protected reserve was the “quickest and cheapest way to protect forested areas.”:cheers:

“If we look at our reserves, in Bentael, Chouf, Tannourine and Ehden, there has been no fire or other problem in them for the last 10 to 15 years,” he said.

After Parliament’s recent endorsement of two new reserves, work was now underway to expand the list to areas in Akkar and Dinnieh.

“We hope to see results by the end of the year,” the minister said.

The ministry’s focus will be on upgrading managerial arrangements and salaries, as well as generating outside funding for the reserves.

The Bentael reserve currently lacks a project manager, while equipment and vehicles that are unofficially designated for nature reserves lack the official paperwork, a problem the ministry is trying to solve by the end of the year.

By law, the Environment Ministry is responsible for the protection of nature reserves, but much of the funding for such areas comes from international donors, and there has been a cut-off of funds from the ministry since 2005.

The committees responsible for the nature reserves are now awaiting the approval of the 2010 budget, which will end the financial drought.

Rahhal noted that only managers, rangers, coordinators and guides are paid from the ministry’s budget, while the committees overseeing the protected areas are made up of volunteers.

Rahhal also hosted a meeting of leading cement firms which focused on the drive to reduce the volume of landfill waste currently being generated by the companies so that they comply with the standards required by an environmental audit.

With approximately 20 percent of GDP now being generated by tourism, Rahhal said that it was essential to improve environmental conditions, since tourists aren’t only interested in nightlife.

Green ambition
Lebanese school strives to be green pioneer

Students returning to school this autumn at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in Mount Lebanon will face a new educational requirement: mandatory environmental-awareness classes. It’s part of an $81 million, 15-year plan to become the greenest university in the Middle East, a big task in a country where Mother Nature ranks low on the priority list.
Inspired by the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference in Denmark last year, USEK is launching an environmental facelift which administrators say will give the school the distinction of being the first carbon-neutral university in the region.

“When there is a will, you can do the impossible,” said Claude Khoury Azar, director of the USEK development office. She said the campus can play a major role in the country’s attitude toward the environment because universities are role models. “So why not start right now?” she said.

The plan is extensive, and includes four major strategies: shifting behavior, and building LEED certified buildings, transportation and sustainability operations.

With more than 2,700 vehicles entering the campus every day, one of USEK’s plans is to create a car-free campus. To do that, they’ll relocate the parking lot to an underground locale and have hybrid shuttles ferry students to campus. On top of the parking lot will rest an “eco-garden” where people can study or chill out with friends.

When asked about the so-called “climate action plan,” most students were supportive.

“I think it’s a great idea. I think the university is a good place for this. It’s a small society, after all,” said Christina Rizkallah, a third-year psychology student who admits she does nothing in her personal life to protect the environment, but would ride a hybrid bus if it were offered.

“Lebanese are not good with the environment. It’s a shame, but they really don’t care. They throw their trash everywhere,” she said.

“It’s a good project,” said student Tony Chaaya, who thinks the environment is “important for our country, and for our life.”

But like Rizkallah, Chaaya does not personally take any measures to help the environment. “I don’t do anything to preserve the environment in Lebanon because I feel it’s useless to do it alone. Even if 10 percent of the population does something, it’s useless, because the majority of people keep on throwing garbage everywhere.”

That attitude is common among Lebanese, says Nada Zaarour, vice president of the Lebanese Green Party.

“As with everything in Lebanon, we start with a good plan and then don’t follow up,” she said, alluding to the difficulty of implementing large-scale change in the country. “This causes us to feel down. But the project will make students more responsible.” And, she added, it’s something citizens can tackle themselves, whereas politics and regional stability are beyond their control.

“It’s a good plan, a starting place,” she said. “We should encourage them. Everything they’ve proposed can be done,” including the use of alternative energy like solar and wind power, a water-treatment plan, and a recycling program. Well, not exactly recycling…

“They will separate the waste, and the materials will be picked up by big factories like Sanita (a paper company),” said Khoury Azar, implying that those companies would then use the waste.

“In the cafeteria, they will switch from plastic plates to real plates. Classes and offices will begin using recycled paper, environmental pens and bags that biodegrade. All the materials will come from Lebanon,” she said.

Despite the high costs of such an undertaking — most of which will come from the university and the rest of which will come from private donations — project engineers believe it will result in an energy savings of 50 percent by the year 2025.

Contributing to those energy savings will be the construction of LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certified buildings, a first for Lebanon. Architect Dr. Antoine Haddad is designing them.

“If you design the building with wide windows, you can capture daylight and save a lot of lighting energy,” he told NOW Lebanon. “For existing buildings, we’re working on photovoltaic systems (using semiconductors to generate electrical power) for the roofs. Also, if you have trees, plants and water around the buildings, it will keep it cooler. What’s most important for me is to give the students more spaces where they can sit and enjoy the views, so I worked a lot on the interaction between students and roof garden and sport area.”

Tuition, which currently ranges from about $3,600 to $9,000 per year, will not rise, but some are concerned about the cost of the project.

“This project is very expensive, and the people who make donations for it might have a big influence on the university,” said student Nicole Faraj. “I especially fear the influence of political parties. I want our university to stay the way it is: politically neutral.”

“When political parties give money for a project, it’s not because they like it, but because they want to increase their influence. Political parties don’t care about our university and about the environment.”


http://www.nowlebanon.com/Sub.aspx?ID=125478

Cannot wait till the report comes out! And I approve of the more reserves idea, I really really hope Monte Verde becomes a reserve[/B]

Have you heard of a plan to turn Monte Verde into one? I wonder if they could, given that it's probably pretty expensive land by now. If there is strong resistance, they might try at least to change the zoning laws there and in similar areas, to reduce the size of developments, and increase the distance between them. Combining pocket reserves with areas near reserves where density is reduced would be a huge step forward. At least you'd feel reassured when admiring the beauty of a place that it would preserve at least some of its characteristics.

What I find strange, nowadays, is that almost every time I see something beautiful in Lebanon, rather than just soaking in the beauty I feel tense, wondering when what seems to be the inevitable bulldozers are going to move in!

Anyway, if you've heard of plans to create a reserve in Monteverde, it would be very interesting to hear how they'd propose going about it...

I heard some hairdressers talking about it last summer, so how they came to hear about it.. I dunno. As you may have noticed by now, I pick up a lot of the jabal gossip haha!
As far as I know, majority of Monte Verde is government owned property, and not municipal or even personally owned. In this sense, it is already a "reserve" as much as it could be because development cannot happen within the wadi itself or the bordering mountain side.. the only place you see development is where it offshoots from a neighbouring town (like Beit Mery).
To create it into a reserve, I would still want the road to stay in existence (its pretty vital for the towns up there to get to the capital quickly), but just halt any development from increasing into the forests from what they are right now. The Monte Verde Hills is probably the most advancement into the forest that has been noted in recent history, and hopefully will be the last.

So no, I havent heard any plans.. but I have been trying to get the Ministry of Environment to do a study there, and propose it as a vital mountain reserve (as far as I know, and have actually seen for myself, the Monte Verde is home to the majority of hyenas, waewae's and mountain cats we have in that area... destroy it and they are going to get pushed into the city where they pose a danger - like the recent incident in Ras el metn!). I guess we will see... maybe a reserve is too difficult to accomplish like you said, but zoning laws would be the very least I would accept

Turtle power
Alice Hlidkova, August 27, 2010

http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=197159#

Every August, Lebanon's sea turtles visit the Palms Island Nature Reserve off the coast of Tripoli to lay their eggs. NOW Lebanon has compiled photos taken by marine biologist Ghassan Ramadan Jaradi to explain the realities of protecting the endangered turtles.

Bankmed's Green initiative, an informational site about environmental awareness, BEAUTIFUL! (http://www.happyplanetlebanon.com/nature-reserves.html)

Just watched Future TV news;

two new parks , one in Byblos , they started working on it: 14000 Sq m,it's going to be the first of its kind in the middle east.

the other one in dog river area, 70,000 sq m.

Just watched Future TV news;

two new parks , one in Byblos , they started working on it: 14000 Sq m,it's going to be the first of its kind in the middle east.

the other one in dog river area, 70,000 sq m.

Any links Hassoun?

^^ Not yet

minister of environment announced that in a visit to Byblos.

^^best news on this thread!!!!
I wonder what will be so special with this park to make it the first of its kind in the ME

^^best news on this thread!!!!
I wonder what will be so special with this park to make it the first of its kind in the ME

@Elie, I love that BankMed site! They also have great commercials promoting sustainability and the environment

^^best news on this thread!!!!
I wonder what will be so special with this park to make it the first of its kind in the ME

Minister Rahhal said,it's the design that makes it the first of its kind in the ME.

Just watched Future TV news;

two new parks , one in Byblos , they started working on it: 14000 Sq m,it's going to be the first of its kind in the middle east.

the other one in dog river area, 70,000 sq m.

Really great to hear that there might be a park on the Nahr el Kalb! Wonder if it will focus on the stela or on the forests around Jeita? Or both?

Re Jeita, I read somewhere recently that there are now traces of contamination from buildings nearby (above?)- would hope it is not true, but it would make sense if construction is not hooked up to a waste network.

Re the stela, they represent a very strange cross-millenia message board, which could be the basis for an interesting little trip through ancient fertile crescent history. From a Unesco site: "The stela of Nahr el-Kalb, the Lycus or Dog River, sum up the entire history of Lebanon, from High Antiquity to the present, evoking clearly the successive advances of the Pharaonic, Assyro-Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Arab, French and British armies which braved all the obstacles surrounding this difficult and very steep crossing point to carve commemorative stela on the rocks." )

In a report issued yesterday, Greenpeace organization stressed the need of “A network of Marine Reserves in the Coastal Waters of Lebanon”.

The report appears in an advanced stage of Greenpeace’s ‘‘Defending Our Mediterranean Campaign’’. It includes an analysis of the contemporary conditions of Lebanese marine coastal habitats and an overview of the fishing sector. Conclusions are alarming: coastal waters are seriously jeopardized.

Pollution and illegal fishing practices are the main causes behind the destruction of marine life. Though, the Mediterranean Sea is a rich and diverse environment, home to many unique species and important ecosystems, encompassing up to 9% of the world’s marine biodiversity.

The report calls for the establishment of a network of marine reserves and the re-enforcement of sound fishering policies along the whole Lebanese coast.

As Garabed Kazanjian – Greenpeace Mediterranean oceans campaigner – said, the matter is to, “Ensure the conservation of the coastal marine biodiversity and help replenish the depleted fish stocks”.

Greenpeace is now concluding the final details with the Ministry of Environment and the Byblos Municipality for a marine reserve in Byblos - considered as a pilot project.

iloubnan.info

LEBANON: Top five environmental threats


BEIRUT, 14 September 2010 (IRIN) - Lebanon faces a number of environmental threats, including air and water pollution, risks associated with climate change, and the impact of the 2006 war with Israel. IRIN takes a look at the top five.

The Mediterranean

Habitat destruction is putting Lebanon’s fishing industry, which according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) accounts for around 6,500 jobs, at risk of collapse if part of Lebanese waters are not designated protected zones in the near future, according to a new Greenpeace report A Network of Marine Reserves In The Coastal Waters of Lebanon.

Greenpeace says 18 designated marine nursery reserves should be created along the Lebanese coastline to replenish endangered fish populations which have been in decline for three decades.

With the prospect of offshore oil and gas exploration (approved by the Lebanese parliament in a new law), Greenpeace warns that “Lebanese coastal waters are also at high risk of accidental spills if exploitation of underwater marine petroleum oil reserves develops in Lebanon.”

Air Pollution

Scientists are warning that pollutants in Beirut’s air have reached concentration levels so high as to become toxic for human health.

Long-term exposure at levels of concentration exceeding 40 micrograms per square metre, according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards, may decrease lung function and increase the risk of respiratory symptoms in humans. According to WHO, levels should be below 20 micrograms per cubic metre to prevent ill health.

While the Mediterranean climate and stagnant air may “trap” toxic gases, the report suggests that 52 percent of the air pollution is from vehicles. Residents of Beirut on average own 2.6 cars.

Climate change

Climate-dependent sectors of the economy in Lebanon such as agriculture and tourism could be affected, according to the 2009 report Rising Temperatures, Rising Tensions, by the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

With 60 percent of Lebanon’s economic activity taking place in a narrow coastal strip along the Mediterranean, it could be susceptible to flooding and erosion as sea levels are predicted to rise. Climate change could also close off previously viable economic activities such as the export of water intensive crops.

Water

Lebanon is the least water scarce country in the Middle East with an annual average rainfall exceeding 800 million cubic metres (mcm), which helps sustain more than 2,000 springs during the seven-month dry season.

However, due to water shortages especially during the dry season the average household in some areas receives under 50 litres per day, which WHO says is the minimum to ensure a healthy environment. It is particularly urban centres, say scientists, that will experience water shortages. Over 80 percent of Lebanon’s population lives in urban areas.

According to experts, the number of rainy days has fallen from 80-90 a year on average 20 years ago to 70. The intensity of the rainfall has correspondingly gone up, meaning less of it seeps into the soil, and more of it runs along the ground, causing soil erosion, landslides, flash floods and ultimately desertification.

Lebanon gets 35 percent of its water from snow. With a rise in temperatures snowfall will decrease and the snowline will rise, according to surveys at the Regional Water and Environment Centre of Saint-Joseph University in Beirut.

War

During the July War of 2006, the largest environmental catastrophe was the bombing of Jiyeh power station causing 15,000 tons of oil to seep into the ocean and affecting 150km of the Lebanese coastline as well as parts of Syria’s coast.

According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) 2007 Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment report, “the environmental legacy of conflict is broadly similar with environmental and health issues linked to toxic or hazardous ashes, oils, heavy metals, industrial chemicals, rubble, solid waste and sewage. These may pose health risks to clean-up workers, local communities and at several sites have the potential to leak into water supplies unless sites are thoroughly decontaminated and the pollution contained.”

Everyone's Favorite Project! Or what should be everyone's favorite:)

Beirut river: a future oasis of greenery?
BEIRUT, By Anne Ilcinkas | September 20, 2010

A concrete Beirut, a suffocating Beirut, or a free Beirut? That’s the ambition of the Green Party of Lebanon. In order to give Beirut inhabitants green spaces worthy of this name, the president of the party Philippe Skaff launched a large-scale project consisting of laying out Beirut River all along with its banks. This is a pharaonic project set to be achieved in 2020 if everything works appropriately.
Beirut: 1.6 million inhabitants, a surface area of 20 km2, 393 000 m2 of green spaces which 300000 are closed to the public (Bois de Beyrouth). 0.8 m2 of green space per capita, a fifty-time smaller area than the one recommended by the World Health Organization (40m2/capita). The city, reputed in the past to its greenery, is overrun with concrete. Traditional houses, and their private gardens, inevitably disappear from the landscape in favour of the buildings ever higher. In the face of this understanding, it’s the duty of the young Green Party of Lebanon to react. “We brought Beirut’s map in order to see where it is possible to create a green space. We saw the zone of Beirut river,” president Philippe Skaff remembers. Since 8 months, the group has been working on the project of laying out Beirut river.


The goal is, “To change the open-cut sewer represented by Beirut river into a clean one flowing the whole year” by creating a million m2 of green spaces and cultural and sports buildings on its banks.” Today, Beirut “river” is a thin stream, dried up during the hottest months, curbed in concrete canal and bordered by freeways.

The project is still at the beginning stage. The concept is launched, the preliminary sketch is carried out. Phase 3 is on the rails: a three-dimensional simulation of the project must be revealed during a press conference at the end of September.

What the river looks like today
http://iloubnan.info/uploads/resisable_images/other/fleuve2.jpg

City planners of Erga firm voluntarily worked on the project. The zone stretches over the whole canal built during the nineties in order to dike the river, that is to say 8.5 km between Hazmieh and Dora. An artificial lake of retention must be built in order to guarantee the flow all the year round. The banks of the river, once cleaned, will be converted into a park. An electric train should meander all the way along the river and cycle lanes as well.

However, this very ambitious project must have the authorization of political decision-makers. Many contributors are concerned, among-others the Ministry of Energy and Water to which belongs the river, the five implicated municipalities and their supervision ministry, Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Environment.


To answer the tricky financing question, Philippe Skaff and his group consider a private public partnership. “ The project must be self-financed. We must create an interesting environment for the companies in which they can make profits,” he explains. Concretely, this happens by creating para-governmental society, like the Solidere (a company in charge of reconstructing the Beirut City Center after the civil war). It should be noted that this new agency would manage a territory four times bigger than the Solidere territory. The private company is in charge of attracting investors who would enrich the urban zone behind the park with buildings, offices or commercial centers. A part of these profits will be used to finance public and cultural spaces and the “river revival”.

For the moment, everything is still conceptual. Studies on the attraction of the Beirut basin, geological and financial studies and the impact studies weren’t carried out yet.

Even though it’s a long-term project, Philippe Skaff hopes that his political efforts will deliver: “ By the end of 2010, we will know if the dream is possible or if the country is sentenced to support nightmares one after another.” With the laying out of the river, the party retains a moral role and would like to be the guarantor of the public interest respect. “We have no financial interest”, Philippe Skaff specifies.

“We just want to see the project getting started and give the example to other political parties: finding solutions in order to change the practical life of the citizens instead of sinking into quicksand of the useless conflicts and verbal controversies.

Another render we do not have from before:
http://iloubnan.info/uploads/resisable_images/other/fleuve3.jpg

If everything works well, Philippe Skaff sets a time frame of 10 to 15 years to go by as for the conception and the implementation. But faced with this long-term project, mankind has to be optimistic. Bernard Shaw says, “The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.”

Old postcard of beirut river
http://iloubnan.info/uploads/image/Reportagev3/Environment/fleuveberouth/fleuveinterieur3.jpg

MTV news today: work started on 'Byblos Park' :banana:

Where is Byblos is it? And any details about it?? (size, pics??)

Where is Byblos is it? And any details about it?? (size, pics??)

وزير البيئة: لولا تعاون القطاع الخاص لما أطلقنا المشروع
حديقة عامة في جبيل هي الأكبر في لبنان
مساحتها 18 الف م2 وكلفتها 1,5 مليون دولار
أطلقت بلدية جبيل برئاسة زياد الحواط الاعمال لانشاء حديقة نموذجية صديقة للبيئة على مساحة 18 الف متر مربع في وسط المدينة في جوار المنطقة الاثرية، خلال حفل اقيم في مركزها البلدي الثقافي، برعاية وزير البيئة محمد رحال وحضوره الى رئيس مجلس الانماء والاعمار نبيل الجسر ممثلا بالمهندس نبيل عيتاني، وعدد كبير من الشخصيات والاهالي.
والقى رئيس البلدية زياد الحواط كلمة اشار فيها الى ان "البلدية ركزت على ضرورة انجاز تخطيط مدني وتنظيم عمراني يناسب قيمة المدينة الاثرية والتمدد العمراني ويراعي ايجاد مساحات خضراء في الاحياء والاسواق وتجميل الطرق بالزهور والاشجار وخلق حديقة عامة مركزية تشكل متنفسا آمنا يلعب فيه اولاد المدينة ويلتقي فيها سكانها، لان جبيل – بيبلوس مدينة التاريخ والحاضر والمستقبل نريد ان يكون مستقبلها احلى وتحديدا ان تكون بيئتها احلى"، شاكرا الوزارة على "اختيارها هذه المدينة كونها مدينة ذات ابعاد ثقافية وحضارية وتاريخية".
واوضح ان "هذه الحديقة هي من أكبر الحدائق التي تعمل وزارة البيئة الحالية على انشائها وهي تمتد على مساحة 18000 متر مربع في عمق مدينة جبيل، سوف يخصص 12 الفا منها للمساحات الخضراء والحدائق وبركة المياه والمسرح اما الباقي فموقف سيارات يتسع لنحو 320 سيارة وهو بالتعاون مع مجلس الانماء والاعمار في اطار برنامج الارث الثقافي والتنمية المدينية الممول من البنك الدولي".
ولفت الى ان "الحديقة تتضمن ايضا بيوتا قديمة سوف يخصص احدها مشغلا لتعليم الحرف على انواعها بدءا من حرفة النفخ على الزجاج التي تسعى البلدية الى استحداثها بهدف اعادة احياء هذه الحرفة في لبنان والمساهمة في خلق فرص عمل لسكان المدينة، كما سوف يحول بيت آخر الى ناد يشكل مساحة التقاء للمسنين ومقرا لنشاطاتهم".
وقال: تندرج هذه الحديقة من ضمن خطة متكاملة تهدف الى جعل جبيل مدينة "صديقة للبيئة". وتراعي هذه الخطة اعادة تشجير وهندسة الحدائق الاخرى المتوافرة في المدينة واولها في محيط السور القديم التي ستسمى حديقة المغترب اللبناني ونحن بصدد انهاء هندستها بالتعاون مع مجموعة garden green، العمل على اعداد مشروع تربوي ينفذ مع المدارس الرسمية والخاصة ويهدف الى توعية الجيل الصاعد على قضايا البيئة والعمل معه على فرز النفايات والمحافظة على البيئة.
وختم: "ان هذه الحديقة التي تبلغ كلفتها نحو مليون ونصف مليون دولار، سوف تتحقق بجهود وتعاون وزير البيئة الصديق محمد رحال، كما نوجه شكرنا الى حاكم مصرف لبنان لتشجيعه ودعمه لانجاز هذا المشروع الحيوي للمدينة ولقاصديها ونشكر ايضا مجلس الانماء والاعمار الذي له الفضل في تنفيذ وادارة مشروع الارث الذي يعيد تأهيل شوارع المدينة ومحيطها الثقافي".



ok so 18000 sq m including green spaces, a lake or fountain (not sure) and a theater and it will be built close to the archeological area, most important part of the article.

I feel like we are going through a green revolution.. so exciting!

http://www.nowlebanon.com/Library/Images/Uploaded%20Images/a/bahr-loubnan-side-01.jpg

I just got this one in my email today
http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsLetter/Library/Images/RAOUCHE-door.jpg

^^These are all over Beirut. Some include Baalback and Saida's sea castle.

Nice campaign.that should really make people think twice before throwing their garbage into the sea.

World Bank grants $200m loan for Beirut water project
By The Daily Star

Saturday, October 02, 2010



BEIRUT: The World Bank provided a $200 million soft loan Thursday to finance a $370 million project to supply Beirut with clean water from Awali River.

In addition to the $200 million from the World Bank, the Beirut and Mount Lebanon water department will provide $140 million. The cost of land appropriation is $30 million.

The project involves channeling Awali River though a network to the capital and Southern Suburbs, and is divided into three phases.

The first phase entails the construction of Bassri dam which will cost $100 million.

Energy and Water Minister Jebran Bassil said the World Bank will finance $100 million of the $265 million dam project.

He added that this is the first time the World Bank will finance a dam project in Lebanon.

The World Bank said the project had started 15 years ago but had faces numerous obstacles, and stressed the dam would have great benefits for the residents of Beirut and its suburbs.

World Bank officials say that Bassil and Finance Minister Raya Hassan have urged the government to proceed quickly with this project since it would solve the chronic water problem in the capital.

The government is studying plans to finance and build 15 dams across Lebanon but the Finance Ministry warned these mega projects would drain the Treasury’s financial resources.

Hassan and other ministers favor the idea of allowing the private sector take part in the dam projects, whether through a build-operate-transfer scheme or through a soft loan. – The Daily Star

1,000 trees planted in Chouf reserve for World Animals Day
NGO says more must be done to protect wildlife
By Patrick Galey
Daily Star staff
Monday, October 04, 2010


BEIRUT: A leading animal rights groups gathered activists from across the country on Sunday to plant 1,000 trees as part of Lebanon’s celebrations of World Animals Day (WAD).

Animals Lebanon coordinated the ceremony in a bid to highlight the plight of forests which once teemed with wildlife.

“Conflict, urbanization and unregulated hunting have all contributed to our local wildlife being decimated,” said Lana al-Khalil, Animals Lebanon president and the Lebanese Ambassador for WAD since 2008.

“We all need to do far more to protect our wildlife and the habitats that sustain them. Bears, hyenas and jackals should not be ending up in unregulated zoos, pet shops or personal animal collections.”

Present at the ceremony was a representative of Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal and Nora Jumblatt, a seasoned animal rights campaigner and the wife of Progressive Socialist Party Leader Walid Jumblatt.

“The International World Animal Day and the efforts of Animals Lebanon fall within the successive campaigns sponsored by the Ministry of Environment to preserve biological diversity in Lebanon,” Rahhal wrote in his Sunday speech. “The preservation of living organisms is essential to human life.”

Lebanese fauna has been in decline for decades, largely owing to poor regulation of hunting licenses; many exotic species are popular sport for hunting enthusiasts.

The 1,000 trees were planted in the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, a specially protected area of land, guaranteeing the safety and security of all wildlife within it.

The reserve is the largest of its kind in Lebanon, comprising some 5 percent of the country’s surface area and housing at least 32 species of mammals.

Khaled Sleem, coordinator of the American University of Beirut’s Ibsar program, asked those gathered to take the opportunity presented by WAD to consider the necessity of preserving Lebanon’s once-blooming forests.

“People depend on nature for ecological services and livelihoods and the loss of biodiversity equates to a deterioration of the livelihoods of countless societies as well as the quality of life for everyone,” he said.

WAD was started in 1931 as a way of highlighting the plight of global endangered species. It later came to encompass all animals, wild or domesticated.

Animals Lebanon has recently finalized its draft law seeking to illegalize mistreatment of animals and is set to submit the legislation to the Agriculture Ministry. Currently, abusing animals carries only a paltry financial penalty, owing to outdated welfare laws.

Khalil said that legislation was the next necessary step toward safeguarding animal rights in the country.

“It’s very important because as an organization we go about our days trying to rescue animals and some are local wildlife,” she told The Daily Star. “You can do this rescuing but there is no long term legislation so there is no resolving the problem.

“If these laws are passed it’s a deal to be able to protect animals. In this way, animal abuse would not just be immoral, it would also be illegal. We do feel that Lebanon can be a regional leader in animal welfare,” she added.

However Khalil feels civil society still has a vital role to play when it came to maintaining higher standards of animal treatment all year round.

“It’s one day during the year to pay tribute to the animals, but that’s why there are organizations in Lebanon to pick up the cause for the other 364 days,” she said.

1,000 trees planted in Chouf reserve for World Animals Day
NGO says more must be done to protect wildlife
By Patrick Galey
Daily Star staff
Monday, October 04, 2010


BEIRUT: A leading animal rights groups gathered activists from across the country on Sunday to plant 1,000 trees as part of Lebanon’s celebrations of World Animals Day (WAD).

Animals Lebanon coordinated the ceremony in a bid to highlight the plight of forests which once teemed with wildlife.

“Conflict, urbanization and unregulated hunting have all contributed to our local wildlife being decimated,” said Lana al-Khalil, Animals Lebanon president and the Lebanese Ambassador for WAD since 2008.

“We all need to do far more to protect our wildlife and the habitats that sustain them. Bears, hyenas and jackals should not be ending up in unregulated zoos, pet shops or personal animal collections.”

Present at the ceremony was a representative of Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal and Nora Jumblatt, a seasoned animal rights campaigner and the wife of Progressive Socialist Party Leader Walid Jumblatt.

“The International World Animal Day and the efforts of Animals Lebanon fall within the successive campaigns sponsored by the Ministry of Environment to preserve biological diversity in Lebanon,” Rahhal wrote in his Sunday speech. “The preservation of living organisms is essential to human life.”

Lebanese fauna has been in decline for decades, largely owing to poor regulation of hunting licenses; many exotic species are popular sport for hunting enthusiasts.

The 1,000 trees were planted in the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, a specially protected area of land, guaranteeing the safety and security of all wildlife within it.

The reserve is the largest of its kind in Lebanon, comprising some 5 percent of the country’s surface area and housing at least 32 species of mammals.

Khaled Sleem, coordinator of the American University of Beirut’s Ibsar program, asked those gathered to take the opportunity presented by WAD to consider the necessity of preserving Lebanon’s once-blooming forests.

“People depend on nature for ecological services and livelihoods and the loss of biodiversity equates to a deterioration of the livelihoods of countless societies as well as the quality of life for everyone,” he said.

WAD was started in 1931 as a way of highlighting the plight of global endangered species. It later came to encompass all animals, wild or domesticated.

Animals Lebanon has recently finalized its draft law seeking to illegalize mistreatment of animals and is set to submit the legislation to the Agriculture Ministry. Currently, abusing animals carries only a paltry financial penalty, owing to outdated welfare laws.

Khalil said that legislation was the next necessary step toward safeguarding animal rights in the country.

“It’s very important because as an organization we go about our days trying to rescue animals and some are local wildlife,” she told The Daily Star. “You can do this rescuing but there is no long term legislation so there is no resolving the problem.

“If these laws are passed it’s a deal to be able to protect animals. In this way, animal abuse would not just be immoral, it would also be illegal. We do feel that Lebanon can be a regional leader in animal welfare,” she added.

However Khalil feels civil society still has a vital role to play when it came to maintaining higher standards of animal treatment all year round.

“It’s one day during the year to pay tribute to the animals, but that’s why there are organizations in Lebanon to pick up the cause for the other 364 days,” she said.
nice article ramy. I hope more trees would be planted this year. We need urgent official campaigns. more than 1000 000 tree should be planted and after every fire accident, double amount of trees should be planted.
Water projects in bekaa and hermel so that trees could be built there either!! it's a must!

State to renovate Batroun citadel, add public gardens
minister stresses need for responsible development
By Antoine Amrieh
Daily Star correspondent
Tuesday, October 05, 2010


BATROUN: Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal launched a project to renovate the surroundings of the Msailha citadel in Batroun, north Lebanon, on Monday.

The area was turned into a stone quarry during Lebanon’s 1975-1990 Civil War.

Rahhal said this was the first step “in the project of rehabilitating the surrounding of the citadel which we carry in our heart, it represents our history that we should preserve and pass to our children.”

The minister was addressing people who gathered to celebrate the event.

The aid of United Nations Development Program (UNDP)’s representative in Lebanon Edgar Shehab, head of “G” Environmental Association Nader Nakib, head of Batroun’s municipal union Tannous Feghali and a number of locals and environmentalists were in attendance.

Head of Saint Abda Monastery – operating under the Lebanese Maronite order, that owns the land to be rehabilitated – Father Butros Ziadeh, also participated in the event.

“We have chosen the Msailha citadel as part of a plan to rehabilitate [the area] of stone quarries. A portion of the Lebanese government’s budget was allocated for restoring the 15 [facades] of stone quarries on state property and replanting them again,” said Rahhal.

“As part of continuing the project, we will rehabilitate all the areas surrounding the [Msailha] citadel and turn them into public gardens,” he added.

He said the project “will cost $120,000 and cover an area of 8,000 meters squared, with the highest point having a height between 65 and 70 meters,” noting that it would be privately funded.

He added that the process of stipulating the criteria by which companies would be chosen to perform the rehabilitation tasks was now complete.



Rahhal said that companies were chosen to renovate three facades this year and the remaining ones would see similar projects next year.

The minister expressed regret for the damage “inflicted by stone quarries on Lebanon’s nature and environment.”

While acknowledging that quarries, as with factories, were present in every country as they are necessary to carry out certain projects, he said those “projects should be executed under one title which is the sustained development and the respect of environment.”

The minister called upon all concerned authorities to “halt the operations in all factories, stone and sand quarries that are operating without a license, fining their owners and forcing them to rehabilitate the lands on which they operated.”

He highlighted the importance of “cooperation between ministries, civil society, and institutions to execute all projects, “welcoming” the cooperation demonstrated by the supervisors of properties owned by Saint Abdeh’s monastery, along with that of the private sector and municipalities.

“Amid this tense atmosphere [I call] for looking forward for the role of state institutions, their responsibilities, projects … and to try to [distinguish] between the concerns of people, their interests, ministries’ projects and other problems,” he said.

“I hope that politics will [continue] serving the environment which is our future and that of our nation and children,” added Rahhal.

The attendees then toured the citadel’s surroundings.

“As part of continuing the project, we will rehabilitate all the areas surrounding the [Msailha] citadel and turn them into public gardens,” he added.

.

i saw that on tv, they will place a kind of steel fence that will cover the whole side of the mountain that was chipped away by the quarry and then climbing plants will be planted and within a couple of years the whole side of the mountain will be covered.

^^ finally,one of my dreams coming true.

nice article ramy. I hope more trees would be planted this year. We need urgent official campaigns. more than 1000 000 tree should be planted and after every fire accident, double amount of trees should be planted.
Water projects in bekaa and hermel so that trees could be built there either!! it's a must!


I agree man! But, it is up to us to promote planting... There are a few campaigns out there (I can give you links and contacts to them if you are interested) that call on volunteers to help plant. These are huge campaigns where they plant on huge stretches of mountain
But, you can also help locally if you are from a village. Just talk to your mayor and get them to fund it. So long as you can provide the people to plant the trees (ie. all volunteers, no expenses) the municipality will be glad to purchase trees and get someone else to do the hard stuff lol


On another note, The Batroun Citadel gardens sounds amazing... but I honestly do not remember what that area looks like... anyone have a pic?

^^ Courtesy of Me
Notice how shabeeb el quarry managed to almost destroy the castle

http://i56.tinypic.com/2b2wes.jpg

Thanks man!!! That area will look amazing with a garden in place... cannot wait!

So the castle was actually built on the side of the mountain and they quarried around it?

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1220/5122212145_88d86b105d_b.jpg
The Lebanese company Uniterminals hosted a reception to launch the British eco-friendly ‘Mop Skimmer’ machine, which recovers oil which is recycled and the ‘Bio Tubes’ that are oil-eating bacteria which consume traces of oil which can still be trapped within the water.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5122211495_9e4ea666cc_b.jpg
By promoting better practices and supporting innovative approaches to green technologies, Uniterminals are hoping to transform the oil terminal into one of the most environmentally friendly terminals in Lebanon. 26 Oct. 2010

^^ Where is this in Lebanon?

^^ Dora

British device offers opportunity to avert environmental disasters

http://www.beirut-online.net/portal/images/news/British_device_offers_opportunity_to_avert_environmental_disasters_1288164881.jpg

Those looking for a solution to Lebanon’s disastrously polluted coastline might not automatically head to an oil depot for salvation. But for one of the country’s 23 petroleum storage firms, a simple, British-made device provides an opportunity to avert environmental catastrophe. It comes in the form of a small, innocuous metal box.

The OPEC E-series MOP Skimmer, to give it its full title, is quite a contraption. Containing several layers of absorbent material which extracts oil from a depot’s waste water (not to mention millions of oil-eating bacteria), the skimmer has arrived in Lebanon to help reduce oil residue in sea water in line with recognized international standards.

The first model was formerly unveiled Tuesday at one of Beirut’s largest oil depots in Dora, an area flanked by a stretch of sea bejeweled with shimmering oil slicks.

Attending were representatives of the Environment Ministry as well as British Ambassador to Lebanon Frances Guy, who told The Daily Star that the MOP skimmer could spread affordable eco-friendly technology to Lebanon’s other oil storage facilities.

“Different representatives of different terminals are here and they seem to have demonstrated some concern over dealing with potential pollution that they are creating. This is very positive,” she said. “These inventions are simple, effective and not expensive, that people can put into operation to help make their operations cleaner along this coast.”

Simple and effective the skimmer may be, but it is not a new design. In fact, the latest weapon in Lebanon’s green fight is based on technology that is 30 years old.

Andy Kemp, general manager of ecological technology firm EPIQ, which helped install the skimmer in the Dora terminal, explained that many facilities lacked the technology to avoid dumping oil into the east Mediterranean. “This is the first of its kind in Lebanon but it is not a new design. The whole idea is to eliminate the discharge of oil and other people could do with the technology,” he said.

“In the end you are reducing the amount of oil that goes into the sea to minimal levels. In Lebanon, some [depots] discharge [oil waste] straight into the sea. Some don’t have any facilities at all, save for a small pit to collect oil which is then pumped out to sea.”

Several areas of Lebanon’s coastline are heavily contaminated by oil and other waste products pumped offshore by factories and commercial units. In July 2006, amid heavy Israeli bombardment of key infrastructure targets, Jiyeh’s oil-fired power station was bombed and 30,000 tons of fuel washed into the sea.

One man who knows the environmental practices of Lebanon’s oil depots is president of the Association of Petroleum Importing Countries Maroun Chammas who commended the skimmer’s performance.

“The recommendation is to use more sophisticated means to remove oil deposits which go into the sea and technology like this can help this process,” Chammas said.

But not everyone is convinced about oil companies’ newfound ecological streak. Garabed Kazanjian, oceans campaigner for Greenpeace Mediterranean, said Lebanon’s oil industry was one of the country’s worst polluters.

“All excess oil [at depots] is channeled into the sea and this is one of the major forms of pollution,” he said. “There is no major monitoring process done by the Government to see if ships or companies are conforming to certain environmental standards.”

Kazanjian cautiously welcomed technology such as the skimmer to Lebanon’s shores, but insisted that devices of its kind did not offer a cure to polluted seas.

“We are glad this process has started in Lebanon but it’s not going to amend the issue. We would like to see [oil companies] follow up on this,” he said.

Guy remained optimistic that Tuesday’s demonstration of how to avoid oil parts per million breaking 15 – the maximum safe concentration, already surpassed in several areas – in water along Lebanon’s seaboard.

“Representatives of [petroleum companies] Total and Medco are here today and that’s a start. They’ve seen how efficient this is and they can pick up ideas,” Guy said. “There is some interest in this technology in this area where they are beginning to recognize that the negative effects of oil need to be dealt with.”

Talking more about marine pollution was in line with increasing environmental awareness at a national level, Guy added.

“We are still a little in a culture [in Lebanon] of throwing rubbish out of your car window. I can remember when that was a problem [in the UK]. We are doing public awareness campaigns and it’s unfortunately part of the overall culture to think of today and not care what the results are. That is beginning to change and hopefully it will now accelerate,” she said.

Source: http://www.beirut-online.net/portal/article.php?id=8113

Wow so far some great news all around. this is good too:

http://www.beirutnightlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Edgar-Chehab-Pascale-Chouiri-Saad-H.E-Minister-Ziad-BaroudPhilipe-de-Bustros-Clement-Tannouri.jpg

Lebanon witnessed the launch of “Cedar of Lebanon, pledge of eternity”, a first of its kind documentary book on the immortal Lebanese Cedar. The signing ceremony was held in Phoenicia Hotel under the auspices and presence of H.E. Minister of Interior and municipalities Ziyad Baroud. It was attended by the country’s VIPs, members of the press as well as the authors – Pascale Choueiri Saad, Lara Hanna Debs and Clement Tannouri- who unveiled the book’s first edition.

“The funds raised through the book will be donated to the reforestation of two public parks in Beirut- Sioufi and Sanayeh”, said Pascale Choueiri Saad, co-owner of Green Cedar Lebanon and co-author of the book. “We believe there is a strong need to create awareness around the enormous damages and environmental tragedies that our beloved country is encountering”, she added.

Showing in its own way the majestic culture, history and ecology of the Cedar of Lebanon, the book complements national efforts to enhance public awareness on the importance of preserving the Lebanese forests in order to avoid enormous damages and environmental tragedies. The authors define their book as a pledge to keep Lebanon green by building a civic responsibility, especially towards the environment.

Lebanese Minister of Interior Ziyad Baroud praised this initiative by raising his voice to stop damaging what is left of the green Lebanon: “Our primary goal is to reduce illegal deforestation in Lebanon. We share Green Cedar’s commitment to protecting the natural environment, and we applaud all the involved parties for making Beirut a greener city”.

“Cedar of Lebanon, pledge of eternity” book is the second initiative of Green Cedar Lebanon. All the funds of their first book “Green Lebanon, the book” were donated to “Akhdar Dayem” association. This year, all the profits of the sold books will be offered to the UNDP for the reforestation of two parks in Lebanon, Sioufi and Sanayeh in collaboration with the Municipality of Beirut.

“We announce hereby the launch of the environmental revolution and are delighted to have UNDP through its environment and energy program join our troops”, said Philippe de Bustros President of the Environmental and Public Gardens Committee, member of the Municipality of Beirut council. “Beirut is ours… Let us raise our voice, let’s put an end to this recklessness. Simple words will be turned into laws, laws into work, and work into a spark of hope that will change the reality of our city”, he added.

AUB spearheads international consortium for marine biodiversity to study organisms with therapeutic potential
BEIRUT | iloubnan.info - October 23, 2010

An AUB team of scientists and researchers helped spearhead a six-million-euro international project that will study the potential therapeutic properties of marine resources, while preserving biodiversity.

Members from ibsar, the Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures at the American University of Beirut, had initiated discussions with a Finnish team, back in 2008, to establish joint research projects rooted in biodiversity.

The result was Project MAREX, which brings together 19 academic, research and industrial partners from 13 countries (Belgium, Chile, Finland, France, India, Italy, Lebanon, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, and UK), who will collaborate to collect, isolate, and classify marine organisms from the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans as well as from the Mediterranean, Baltic, and Arabian Seas.

Extracts of marine organisms will be studied for several therapeutically and industrially significant biological activities, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticoagulant activities by applying a wide variety of screening tools, as well as for ion channel/receptor modulation and plant growth regulation.

AUB Professors Najat A. Saliba and Marwan E. El-Sabban attended the project's kickoff meeting held in Helsinki, Finland in early October 2010, during which the four-year, six-million-euro MAREX project entered the realm of implementation.

"This project asserts AUB’s leadership position as both regional and international partner in issues related to biodiversity," said El-Sabban, who teaches human morphology at AUB.
"Several members of ibsar, with diverse expertise, will now engage in extraction, bio-fractionation and screening for important biological activities and industrial applications from marine organisms both from local sources and from other partners across the globe," explained Saliba, a chemistry professor.
Among the key objectives of the MAREX project are to find more environmentally-conscious marine sources of biotechnology products and increase public awareness about marine biodiversity.

AUB to raise awareness about E-waste
BEIRUT | iloubnan.info - October 20, 2010

Under the patronage and in the presence of the Lebanese Minister of Environment Mohammed Rahhal, Beeatoona NGO is organizing an E-waste awareness and collection day at AUB, in collaboration with AUB’s Center for Civic Engagement and Community Service (CCECS) and the Environmental Club.

The event will take place on Wednesday October 20, 2010, at the Bathish Auditorium in West Hall, AUB, at 1 pm, the American University of Beirut announced.

During the two-hour event, a presentation will be made by Beeatoona on the dangers of E-waste, i.e., discarded electronic devices, and the vital need for E-cycling. The audience will be provided with awareness material, as well as the list of official E-cyclers to where they can drop their E-wastes. The AUB community will then participate in the E-waste collection, bringing in their items for proper disposal through Beeatoona such as broken CDs, empty toners, computers and parts, cell phones, batteries, etc.

E-waste is currently the most rapidly growing environmental issue on the globe, due to rapid technology progress and planned obsolescence. Knowing that this kind of waste has been classified as hazardous, containing more than 1000 toxic substances that can lead to chronic illness and death, 65 percent of the Lebanese still keep their electronics at home

With the aim of reaching out to a wider range of the public, AUB has just initiated a collaboration program with Beeatoona in order to sound the alarm in its surroundings. This initiative is part of Beeatoona’s continuous awareness campaign on the E-waste issue, engaging 400 schools in Lebanon and Jordan, a large number of corporations and educational institutions, as well as more than 60 computer retailers in Lebanon that are serving as official E-waste collection points.

AFED organizes Arab Environment Conference 2010
iloubnan.info - October 28, 2010

The Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) will be organizing its Annual Conference: Arab Environment 2010, under the theme ‘ARAB ENVIRONMENT: WATER’. The conference will convene in Beirut, Lebanon, under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Saad Hariri on 4-5 November 2010 at Habtoor Grand Hotel and Conference Center, and is expected to attract over 30 ministers of energy and environment, business leaders, academicians, civil society and media, from the Arab region and beyond.

Entitled “ARAB ENVIRONMENT: WATER”, the 2010 AFED report will be presented at the 2010 AFED annual conference. The report was prepared by a group of prominent scientists and researchers, and it highlights the need for more sustainable management of a scarce resource.

The report is designed to contribute to the discourse on sustainable management of water resources in the Arab world, stressing the urgent need for policy reforms. It states availability and needs, taking foremost facts into account.

Barren Beirut
A long way to a greener city
Ana Maria Luca, November 1, 2010

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Beirut has one of the lowest rates of green space in the world. (AFP/Joseph Barrak)

Twenty-seven-year-old Bassem Boustany was brought up in an apartment in Dekwaneh, one of Beirut’s grey residential suburbs. The neighborhood features narrow, crooked streets with no green spaces in sight. But his parents thought of putting together their own little reserve of oxygen: a small garden on their balcony.

“We’ve had it even before I was born. My parents take good care of it, especially my mother, who likes to tend to [the plants] and to talk to them. We have one plant that has huge flowers. Every few months, it blooms for only one night, only to have the flowers close before dawn. It has always been an event for us,” says Boustany.

However, he tells NOW Extra, the few green public spaces the Lebanese had during his childhood became smaller and smaller, until some disappeared entirely.

Fortunately, there are still several small public gardens scattered around Beirut, the most recognized are the Sanayeh Garden, which is located in the proximity of Hamra in West Beirut, the Sioufi Garden in the Achrafieh neighborhood, the Jesuit Garden in Rmeil and the Gibran Khalil Gibran Garden in downtown Beirut. University campuses, such as the American University of Beirut, are not open to the public, and so they cannot be considered part of the capital’s green space.

“There are so few dedicated green spaces in Beirut, and they are not a priority. In our culture, there is no such thing as ‘going to the park’,” Boustany laments.

People’s lack of understanding of the need for greenery in their neighborhoods, as well as the municipalities’ disinterest in urban planning are the main reasons why Beirut’s green spaces are disappearing, Marc Debbaneh, a landscape manager at Exotica, told NOW Extra.

“People need to realize the importance of green spaces. They still chop a tree whenever they see one, while the trend should be to plant a tree, not cut it down,” he says.

Also, the new trend in designing buildings in Beirut is to include balconies as an inhabited space for sale, says Debbaneh, as opposed to older buildings that feature bigger balconies and wider terraces.

In an effort to put Beirut back on the green track, Debbaneh says his company managed to build the only living wall in Lebanon, which is a 17-meter-high wall made of plants. But projects like green roofs and living walls are not readily available for just anyone, even if the materials used by the landscape designers are local. That is why home gardens remain the only reasonable alternative in Beirut.

“It might be expensive to hire a landscape designer for a garden and its maintenance, but if you do that yourself, it might cost you almost nothing,” Boustany explains. “It barely cost us anything, because I suppose we use wild plants mostly.”

Requests for rooftop gardens and living walls are rare and are usually exclusive to wealthy residents, entrepreneurs and companies. Municipalities rarely have projects related to green spaces, as space itself is a rare commodity in the overly-crowded capital.

Some environmental organizations in Lebanon are trying to change the mentality and are running awareness programs in schools around Lebanon to teach children the value of having a garden. The Green Line, an NGO which runs this type of program, works with 120 public and private schools from all over Lebanon. But those efforts still have a long way to go when it comes to changing mentalities.

“I think people got used to the lack of green spaces, just as they got used to the lack of good infrastructure. They do not really think about it anymore, beyond the usual complaints. Now they take long trips to barely accessible areas like Nahr Ibrahim to have their ‘picnics’ on a tiny river bank littered with garbage,” Boustany concludes.

Acclaimed architect Djurovic calls for more public spaces in overly urbanized capitalBy Simona Sikimic
Daily Star staff
Saturday, October 30, 2010

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BEIRUT: Shaded by two ancient trees lies a simple plot of land, barely visible from the bustle of Downtown shops and traffic, but gaining recognition from the architecture community as one of the capital’s most prized contemporary works.


Despite its unpretentious air, Solidere’s “Square Four,” better known as the Samir Kassir Memorial Garden, has picked up a string of international awards for its clever use of space and its symbolism as the last remaining natural oasis, preserved amid a sea of construction and cranes.


It’s identification is a reminder that even in a city renown for its obsession with glamor, where public spaces have long been passed over for the pomp of boutique shops, towering offices and sky-rise hotels, the basic human need for gardens and places of rest remains undimmed.


“If such a small project can get such worldwide recognition, just imagine what we could do on a larger scale,” said architect Vladimir Djurovic. “The city needs this – its people need this. When you look at every other great city in the world they have all factored in how to make the lives of its citizens more manageable, but we have, and continue to, totally ignore this.”


It is this outlook which helped Djurovic secure the Cityscape Architecture Review Awards as well as this year’s American Society of Landscape Architects Design Award, but, it is also crucially what first brought the Lebanese-born environmentalist to the attention of the Aga Khan Award for Agriculture (AKAA) judges in 2007.


While the highly influential AKKA award – established in 1977 to recognize architectural excellence in Islamic societies – has gone to rehabilitating some world famous sites like the great Alexandria Library, it prioritizes projects that further cultural and environmental sustainability.


And in Lebanon, nothing is more key than reversing unbridled construction and promoting natural spaces, said Djurovic. (Perhaps that is why this year another of Beirut’s green spaces – the landscape of the AUB campus – made it on to the shortlist.)


The young architect stands out for his dedication to conserving a space’s integrity as much as possible, refusing projects that bear a heavy toll on the environment and working with sustainable materials that are true to a site’s guiding natural element, be it trees, water, or even desert.


Working for the likes of fashion designer Elie Saab, Djurovic is increasingly in demand, picking up a string of public commissions, including the Hariri memorial garden, and ensuring that at least the tiny corners of the city, handed over to his care, remain green.


Although initially slow on the uptake, the backlash against endless urbanization is gathering clout. Resident protests are attracting increasing media attention while politicians have begun denouncing new demolitions and developers are increasingly incorporating more outdoor spaces into plans.


These small steps, however, are certainly not enough, especially in a city where green spaces are estimated to compose an average per capita ratio of just 0.8 square meters, in contrast to the WHO ideal of “greenery per capita” standard of 40 meters – a discrepancy of 5,000 percent.



The unbridled construction boom has ripped apart the city’s cultural heritage and driven up pollution to levels deemed “toxic to human health” by university findings.


“Any remaining space that we have must simply have to be reclaimed into green areas,” said Djurovic. “We don’t need any more buildings or memorials, what we need is more public spaces.”


This could be a key first step, and if proposals by the country’s Green Party are to be believed, could add an additional 800,000 to 2,000,000 square meters of grounds to the capital.


“This is a terrible situation and requires a radical solution. The municipality must restructure its urban planning and step in to preserve land for its inhabitants,” said Philip Skaff, head of the Lebanese Green Party. “Even if contractors are creating more features in their own designs, if you plant a few trees only the tenants will have access. This is not the point.”


“Public spaces promote social cohesion and help cities be less violent,” he said. “The first thing you do to a crazy person when they reach an asylum is ensure they have access to big open fields, this calms them, much like a park helps someone exposed to cars, traffic and noise all day.”


Despite the need, the authorities continue to be slow to act. The Pine Forest, Beirut’s biggest park, remains largely closed, while much of the Corniche is still in a state of disrepair.


“You have to entice and attract people to a space, but Beirut’s few public spaces are dangerous and dirty. But all one needs to do is clean them up,” said Djurovic. “Unfortunately, there is no will to do this and all people seem to care about is making money or impressing other people when the most impressive thing one can do is have a beautiful outdoor space left as nature intended.”


“No one wants to live in a polluted, smog-filled city with no greenery,” said Djurovic. “People claim that contractors are bringing in money but they are actually making property prices fall. A property that is located next to a good view and is close to nature can retail as four or five times as much.”


The new Beirut municipality administration has at least recognized the problem and claims to be formulating a more sustainable developmental strategy. When, and if, such a strategy will be unveiled, remains to be seen, and could well come too late to preserve Beirut’s remaining public areas.


“All green spaces are residual leftover spaces in the city, which developers couldn’t use. It would be wonderful to have a place, just one, where the garden was put first and the buildings followed,” Djurovic said.



Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_ID=1&article_ID=120943&categ_id=1#ixzz148i2lDnB
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

Maybe slightly off topic, but this link is to a photo gallery of the 2006 oil spill, its just crazy seeing how far the damage went: http://www.moe.gov.lb/OilSpill2006/realimgs.htm

Project to plant a tree for every square kilometer of Lebanon begins


Tuesday, December 07, 2010


BEIRUT: As fires raged across Lebanon desecrating hundreds of thousands of square meters of woodland in its wake, volunteers in the south of the country made strides in offsetting the devastation by planting new forests that will soon replace previously arid land.

Aided by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers, local NGO Jouzour Loubnan planted the first batch of indigenous trees – including cedars, carob and almod – in the Aynata municipality over the weekend.

Heavy rains early Monday inhibited the group from finishing the sowing of an expected 10,452 trees – a number picked to match Lebanon’s surface area – but the NGO expects it will complete the project by the end of the week.

The trees will be continuously monitored for the first three years to ensure they remain properly irrigated and are protected from hazards such as disease, shepherds and livestock.

“Our system has proved very successful and our tree survival rate is around 90 percent,” said Jouzour Loubnan, co-founder Hiba Aboulhosn. “For every one of our trees that die we make sure we plant another one … but our main focus is not reforestation and we largely work on [reclaiming] land.

“We plant in high altitude, largely arid conditions in an attempt to revive local communities, create biodiversity and help our environment.”

The three-year old forestation project is backed by the Agriculture and Interior Ministries and the Ministry for Administrative Development and receives support from the French government.

“This initiative is illustrative of the spirit of conviviality that rules in the country of the Cedars, hopeful that the seedlings will be tokens of hope for the whole of Lebanon,” French Embassy charge d’affaires Didier Chabert said.

http://www.zerowastelebanon.org/

December 19th is zerowaste day. Sign up!

World Bank approves Greater Beirut water supply project
By The Daily Star

Saturday, December 18, 2010

BEIRUT: The board of the World Bank in Washington approved Thursday a $200 million water supply project in Greater Beirut designed to satisfy people’s access to water, noting that residents pay on average 3.4 percent of their household income to private water suppliers.

The project aims to meet the water needs of 1.2 million people including low-income southern Beirut areas.

It will build the infrastructure required for the intake, treatment, conveyance and storage of water to meet the pressing daily demand for 250,000 cubic meters of potable water. This new supply will reach residents of Baabda, Aley, parts of Metn, Southern Beirut and the Mount Lebanon region including 350,000 low-income residents of the southern Beirut suburbs. Residents outside this area will also benefit indirectly as pressure on the water supply is managed more evenly.

Country director for the World Bank in Lebanon Hedi Larbi said this vital water project is one of the first and major achievements of the national unity government of Lebanon thanks to excellent cooperation between the finance minister and the water and energy minister.

“The project will have tremendous positive impact on the health, convenience and economic well being of the people of the capital city,” he said. “The people of Greater Beirut have been waiting for such a project for a very long time. They finally will have more clean water to meet their urgent needs.”

The cost of inaction in the water sector in Lebanon is estimated at about 1.8 percent of GDP or around $433 million per year. The Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon area houses about half of the total Lebanese population and while the municipal connection rate is high, continuity of water supply is low, especially during the lean summer season. Households pay private water suppliers to meet their needs with water of often inferior quality. Poor residents in particular can ill afford the higher costs associated with this inefficient supply mechanism.

“Lebanon is one of the lucky countries of the Middle East with a relative abundance of water resources and rivers,” said Parameswaran Iyer, Project Leader and Senior Water & Sanitation Specialist at the World Bank. “The Lebanese water supply and sanitation sector has not achieved the level of service provision in line with this natural resource and the country’s level of economic development. This project is a great positive step in that direction.”

The Greater Beirut Water Supply Project had been a priority on the infrastructure list in Lebanon for quite a time, said Iyer. It was something to celebrate that there was now the green light to move ahead with work to ensure safe and sustainable water supply to a large part of the city and parallel capacity building to the Beirut Mount Lebanon Water Establishment to manage the system, he added.

The project is also important to the government’s goal of reconciling economic development with environmental and social sustainability through better public services for all. The World Bank’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) also supports infrastructure concentrating on energy, water and urban transport. The CPS guides the World Bank Group’s business in Lebanon and sets out a selective program of Bank Group support, linked to the country’s development strategy, in coordination with other development partners and donors. – The Daily Star

when will this project be completed?

^^ No idea! If I come across any updates I will post them here

This is from the Cancun environmental summit, what we said:

Lebanon has proposed that developed countries adopt at least a 40 percent emissions reduction based on 1990 levels by 2020 and an 80 percent cut by 2050.

From the Zero Waste campaign (campaigning against the use of incinerators etc)

Taken from IndyAct
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And another update... AUB is running a air pollution study for a few months. It will be around different highways in Beirut. Basically will be the most comprehensive study on what pollution we are breathing in and will hopefully give the NGOs leverage to ratifying some stalled proposed environmental bills

Adapted from dailystar

To protect the remaining 12 percent of the forests, Semerjian (this is the president of the Green Party in Lebanon) said that Lebanon needs to plant more than 30 million trees in the next 10 years.

Sawdust from Lebanese cedars has been found in ancient Egyptian tombs, and the Bible recounts how the trees were brought to Jerusalem for the building of Solomon’s Temple. The cedar even appears on the Lebanese flag. But with climate change and the devastation caused by forest fires, Lebanon can’t take these great trees for granted.

Fortunately, the local NGO Jouzour Loubnan has stepped into the breach and begun planting three ancient species— cedars, almonds and carob. Carob and almond provide fruit, while planting native trees ensures that the ecosystem can sustain them.

The NGO is being assisted by the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Jouzour Loubnan co-founder Hiba Aboushosn said, “Our system has proved very successful and our tree survival rate is around 90 percent. . . . For every one of our trees that die we make sure we plant another one . . . but our main focus is not reforestation and we largely work on [reclaiming] land.”

The trees will be watched carefully during the first three years to protect them from livestock and disease. Most trees will be planted strategically in high, arid places where they will have the most effect on the environment and encourage biodiversity.

Jonzour Loubnan plans to plant 10,542 trees, one for every square mile of Lebanon.
“This initiative is illustrative of the spirit of conviviality that rules in the country of the Cedars, hopeful that the seedlings will be tokens of hope for the whole of Lebanon,” said French Embassy charge d’affaires Didier Chabert.

-Green prophet


This is the Lebanese Oak... so beautiful!

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This Lebanese oak tree has survived for 1500 years, but many others were destroyed in recent forest fires.

This is great news... so long as Sleiman isn't lying. All they really need is 1 year correlating activities with IndyAct, Reforest Lebanon, Cedars of Lebanon, Green Party etc and they can manage to get a comprehensive environmental law passed (Green Party has already drawn one up), and they will have the volunteer force and the knowledge to actually design parks in Beirut, and everywhere else (courtesy of Green Party most likely). As long as they are to provide funding, Cedars of Lebanon, Reforest Lebanon etc will replant all forests that were affected by fire and more.. like they have been doing since their start!
_______________________________-

Sleiman pledges to work hard on reforestation issue
By The Daily Star

Friday, December 24, 2010

BEIRUT: President Michel Sleiman pledged Thursday to make 2011 an “exceptional year for the environment” by ensuring the reforestation of Lebanon.

Sleiman, joined by Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal, Agriculture Minister Hussein Hajj Hassan and former Environment Minister Antoine Karam, was speaking at Baabda Palace at the launch of the Campaign to Increase Green Spaces in Lebanon.

Sleiman said the government should join with civil-society groups in ensuring the drafting of an effective reforestation plan, to preserve the environment and spread awareness on the issue.

“Lebanon’s name is strongly linked to the tree, which is a natural resource for the country that we have not been able to preserve correctly,” Sleiman said.

Swathes of wilderness have been destroyed by fires this year, as extra damage to green spaces took place during the fall, when Lebanon experienced unseasonably warm and dry weather.

For his part, Rahhal described the green wealth as Lebanon’s “petroleum.”

Speaking at the event, Rabih Salem, a civil-society representative of the Environment Ministry, noted the importance of such a campaign and the use of helicopters to seed areas that have been ravaged by fires as well as trash dumps.

According to a Baabda Palace statement, a military helicopter has been put at the service of the campaign. Sleiman also called for the protection of the country’s oil resources. – The Daily Star

They talked about Beirut River project on one of MTV programs (Men el ekher) , and they played a video about the project,it was AMAZING!!! :drool:

i just wish they start soon with it.

U.S.-funded waste separation plant set to open in Ain Baal
By Mohammed Zaatari

Tuesday, January 04, 2011

TYRE: The U.S.-funded waste separation plant in Ain Baal, east of the southern city of Tyre, is set to fully operate in February to replace a hazardous and unregulated garbage dump that civilians threatened to close down last week by force.

“The waste separation plant will limit the pollution caused by the random accumulation of garbage at the outskirts of the city,” said the head of the Tyre Municipalities Union, Abdel-Mohsen al-Husseini during a first round of trial of the Ain Baal plant Monday.

Establishing a waste separation plant would introduce solutions to the current environmental challenges posed by the accumulating size of waste in Tyre and surrounding areas.

Last week, a group of residents and farmers threatened to take unilateral action in closing the Ain Baal waste dump due to the government’s dormant policies to limit environmental dangers.

Husseini said that the city’s waste dump has reached a stage where it cannot take in additional garbage, yet waste was still being unloaded daily from several towns in and around Tyre. “The Ain Baal waste dump’s closure is imminent,” he added.

Environmental expert Ali Shaaban said the trial phase was meant to test the daily capacity of the new separation plant in treating the city and the surrounding areas’ waste. “During today’s trial we confirmed the plant’s ability to absorb 150 tons of waste every day,” he added.

Shaaban added the plant would break up the waste and transfer some of it to agricultural fertilizers from which farmers of the city could benefit.

Tyre is facing environmental threats from the increasing amount of untreated waste which could harm groundwater supplies. – Mohammad Zaatari

Green wheels, Lebanon on two wheels!
Beirut | liveachrafieh.com - December 26, 2010

During summer 2010 a brand new Lebanese association was officialised: Green Wheel. This association, which does not seek profit, belongs to Marc Geara, real estate promoter and bike maniac. Interested in their projects, we have gone to meet with them.

“Promoting the use of bikes in Lebanon” seems to be Marc Geara’s credo. His passion for bikes started very young when he first got a mountain bike. Last year he bought a road bike, to bike around Lebanon with some of his friends. Sharing the same passion for the two wheel engine, they usually devour the Lamartine Valley kilometre after kilometre. Biking, a real sport! But not only… Marc Geara is well aware of that. Before anything else it is a hobby and a mean of transportation. It is upon those two dimensions that the association wants to focus.

The idea for the members of the association is to “give the Lebanese the taste for biking”. In order to do that, there needs to be sufficient infrastructure so that users can bike around safely. This is the issue that the first project “green wheels” tries to address in collaboration with the Damour Town Hall. On a banana field, we build a 4km long circuit with a bike rental location, water supplies and a restaurant. Everything is made so that the place is as pleasant as possible. It should be ready by April 2011.

The association is also in contact with other town halls, like Jbeil, Zahle or Beirut. Zahle and Jbeil have previously organised Biking Days, respectively on October 10th and October 31st. Both were truly successful. All the bikes were rented at Zahle, people were even queuing up to wait for them to come back. Jbeil’s mayor announced the construction of a bicycle path between Jbeil and Amchit.

However Green Wheels has to main projects. First of all, they want to reorganise Beirut so that it can be easier to move around using a bike. To achieve that, they would like to connect strategic locations using bicycle paths basically: Mar Mihail – Gemmayze – Saifi – Spears – Hamra – Ras Beirut, some universities and gardens. They are currently still in discussion with Beirut’ and Paris’ city Halls officials so that the project could coordinate efforts from both Lebanon and France.

Finally the dream for Marc Geara would be to build a bicycle path all along sea front. From north to south Lebanon, in parallel to the highway. It means a 274km long path! To live the dream though, the association has to convince using it’s other projects. The Beirut project, however difficult it may seem will be the key to success.

Popular support is also important. To become a member, 30 000 Lebanese pounds are enough. One can give more of course.

A brand new project that deserves to be given attention, notably because the starting point of an association it it’s crucial phase, it is where it defines itself and it’s goals. The projects launched here are big but not crazy. It works for a greener Lebanon and a greener Beirut.

In Lebanon, storming the gates of ... the local park
Activists take on Beirut officials who are jealously guarding the city's lone green refuge, the 80-acre Horsh Sanawbar, refusing most residents access with a variety of excuses, from fear of sectarian fights to vandalism.

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A Lebanese woman and her child stroll through the Horsh Beirut park in the Lebanese capital. Special permission, granted to few, is required to visit the park, which is closed off to the general public (Borzou Daragahi, Los Angeles Times / January 6, 2011)

By Borzou Daragahi, Los Angeles Times

January 6, 2011, 5:34 p.m.
Reporting from Beirut —

The majestic expanse of green rises like Central Park from this cramped city of concrete, brick and steel.

Grassy hills line wide footpaths overseen by graceful trees. Migrating birds sip from pools of water. And when it rains, the carefully cultivated violet wildflowers glisten in the half-light and the entire park is cloaked in the sharp scent of pines, a rare natural oasis, a refuge in the Lebanese capital.

Except that it's not.

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The park is fenced and gated, forbidden to anyone without the written permission of local authorities (with a few loopholes; more on that later).

The 80-acre Horsh Beirut or Horsh Sanawbar, the Pine Woods, is a victim of Lebanon's sectarian troubles as well as what some critics describe as an elitist attitude among authorities who deem the park too nice to let just anyone in.

"People in Lebanon don't understand the concept of public space," said Zahra Wahid, an environmentalist who leads children on nature tours at the park (with permission, of course) and supports keeping the public out for now. "When they opened it up once a week, people started ripping out the plants and taking them home."

Activists find the notion that Lebanese don't understand public space insulting. They point out that people behave just fine along the Corniche, the palm-tree-lined promenade along the Mediterranean shore used by hosts runners, fishermen, strollers and the occasional Brazilian martial arts troupe.

"The municipality can't expect people to be perfect," said Fadi Shayya, an urban planner, activist and author of "At the Edge of the City," a book about the park. "They have to hire people to clean. They have to hire guards."

Authorities are quick to point out that the triangular park, about three times the size of Echo Park in Los Angeles, rests at the heart of the country's sectarian divide, geographically at least. To one side are Shiyah and Ghobeiry, largely Shiite Muslim neighborhoods; to another is Tariq al-Jadida, a Sunni district; Christians live in the adjacent Badaro.

"Divisions are occurring even within families," said Khalil Choucair, a member of Beirut's municipal council who supports the decision to keep the park closed. "With this huge space that lacks the minimum standards of security, fights can occur. Such things might explode."

This sort of reasoning doesn't impress a growing group of environmental and civil society activists, who say many young residents probably think the park is another of the closed-off compounds of nearby diplomatic outposts.

The activists have begun demanding access to the park, just about the only publicly owned green space in the city that's any larger than a garden. They've consulted with a lawyer for possible legal action, launched a publicity campaign and lobbied politicians. They argue that not only has the closure done more harm than good to the country's fraying social relations, it is illegal and unjust.

"When you have a place that's designated as public space, then it's for all the public," said Mohammad Ayoub, founder of Nahnoo, Arabic for "we," a nonprofit organization advocating for the park's opening. "Legally they can close it at night or for specific safety reasons, but you can't close all day. It's owned by Lebanese."

Even more outrageous to them, Western visitors and some Lebanese do get access to the park; they can apply for a permit at the municipal headquarters, the seat of local government, as long as they're 35 or older and "of decent character," something that authorities have yet to define. A letter from a doctor prescribing time outdoors helps. Flashing a Western passport to the gatekeeper or pretending you're a foreigner can also get you access, activists and residents say.

On a recent day, a muscular security guard from the nearby French Embassy could be seen jogging along a path while an upper-class Lebanese woman played with her young daughter and an elderly man in a track suit took a stroll.

Ayoub calls such apparent discrimination a violation of the Lebanese Constitution, which guarantees all citizens equal rights "without any distinction whatsoever."

"A lot of people are in need of a place to meet with their friends," he said. "Poor people have no place to go. They can't afford 20,000 lire [about $13.33] for coffee at a cafe."

The park was once part of a much larger 310-acre forest that was whittled down over the decades. Successive wars and invasions left it in a state of disrepair. Then the French, who consider Lebanon part of the Francophone world, came to the rescue. The provincial government of Paris and its suburbs provided $2 million for renovation of the park, with the proviso that it be reopened to the public by 2002.

Even though the renovation was completed and sectarian troubles were relatively calm then, local authorities decided to keep the park closed. The trees, they contended, needed more time to grow, lest they be damaged by the people who were supposed to enjoy them.

"They say it's only about respecting public space," said Shayya, the urban planner. "But in private they voice their elitist and sectarian inclinations about keeping all the poor people out of the park."

Still, uneasiness in Beirut is palpable. Violence between young Shiite and Sunni toughs has erupted numerous times over the last few years, and authorities fear that opening the park will create a powder keg.

Unlike "West Side Story," Lebanese don't mess around with knife fights. Many families have Kalashnikov assault rifles. During a dispute in August between Sunnis and Shiites over a parking space in the lower-middle-class neighborhood of Bourj Abi Haidar, some pulled out rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

But advocates such as Ayoub say the park could ease tensions among the country's religious groups by allowing them to interact. In Iraq, for instance, even during the darkest days of the civil war that pitted Shiites against Sunnis, Baghdad's 250-acre Zawra Park offered families a respite from the violence on the streets, albeit after a thorough pat down.

"They keep saying that our young people are antisocial," Ayoub said. "But what do they expect when they have no other recreation except going on the Internet?"

Talking recently at a downtown Beirut cafe, City Councilman Choucair kept adding reasons to keep the park closed, even as he expressed hope that it would be opened by this summer.

He mentioned the threat of fires and sexual predators as well as concern that the tree branches were still not high enough to allow people to romp through the park.

"The people do not understand the challenges we face," he said. "The people have to be patient and understand our situation."

Wind power can help ease Lebanon's energy woes: report
By Simona Sikimic
Daily Star staff
Thursday, January 27, 2011


BEIRUT: Onshore wind energy can alleviate the country’s constant and growing energy needs, a report released this week has found.

“The National Wind Atlas of Lebanon” concludes that harnessing the green power source could realistically generate up to 6.1 gigawatts each year, or about 75 percent of the country’s 2010 electricity consumption.

“We have huge potential and we can really benefit from [green and wind energy],” caretaker Energy and Water Minister Jibran Bassil told a conference held Tuesday at the Metropolitan Grand Hotel in Sin al-Fil. “These findings and this study give us hope.”

“We always used to hear different figures … one international firm said it expected that [5 gigawatts] of energy could be produced from wind, and we thought this number was exaggerated.”

“No one should expect that the solution to [Lebanon’s energy problems] will come from wind alone,” Bassil continued, saying a diverse energy basket would help ensure “energy security.”

The map is the first of its kind and is expected to entice private firms to invest in the energy sector. It was carried out in cooperation with the ministry, the United Nations Development Program and the internationally funded Country Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Demonstration Project for the Recovery of Lebanon (CEDRO), which aims to see Lebanon meet its target of generating 12 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020.

Lebanon suffered severe power shortages last summer with parts of the country staying without electricity for up to 18 hours a day. As much as 96 percent of national energy needs are imported, with the World Bank estimating that existing capacity will have to double within the next five years to meet rising demand.

Lebanon’s wind potential lies in four principal areas: a strip extending from roughly the Cedars in Bsharri to the region of Qobeiyat in Akkar, and three small pockets along Lebanon’s eastern border with Syria, each one located roughly due east of Baalbek, Zahle and Rashaya.

On the coast some small capacity has been identified in the Amioun area of Koura while offshore potential is very small and only possible in the northernmost tip of the country, at distances of 10 to 20 kilometers from the coast.

Heavily populated areas or those containing protected woodlands were excluded from the map.

Spanish Ambassador Juan Carlos Gafo said Spain was playing a “key role in transferring expertise to Lebanon, and it has funded the three stages [of CEDRO], with $10 million going to reducing the cost of producing energy and improving lighting methods.”

“What Spain is doing affirms the country’s commitment to enabling Lebanon to combat climate change.”

However, the current data will need to be built upon in order to obtain a more accurate picture of Lebanon’s wind potential, according to Garrad Hassan, the company responsible for drafting the map.

Time constraints forced measurements to be taken from existing wind masts that only captured wind speeds at heights of 10 meters, and not 50 and 80 meters as needed for electricity generation, the report said.

The findings were also taken as monthly averages instead of daily values, further decreasing the accuracy of the findings, which Garrad Hassan admits could be as much as, and possibly, more than 10 percent off in either direction of the projected result.

It is hoped that the guidelines will be sufficient to attract funding, with investors being called upon to conduct their own additional studies if needed.

Issues such as political instability, grid inefficiency, electricity theft, low fee collection levels and graft have previously discouraged international firms and donors from pouring money into the underdeveloped energy sector.

^^ PLEASE GOD,MAKE THIS HAPPEN!!!!

I have a cousin who works in the sector and he had said its feasible and actually cost effective.... but again the municipalities we are targeting are politically charged = issue

Tyre project works to facilitate foot traffic tourism
By Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff
Tuesday, February 01, 2011

http://www.dailystar.com.lb//admin/storage/articles/201121014510.3-TYRE.jpg
Tyre project works to facilitate foot traffic tourism

TYRE: It’s officially called the Cultural Heritage and Urban Development project, but what it really means is that tourists will be able to discover the city of Tyre on their own, on foot, without being shuttled around by bus in this small but disconnected city.

CHUD, which covers a separate project in Baalbek, has entered its second phase in Tyre, and is being funded by the French Development Agency and the World Bank. The Council for Development and Reconstruction is overseeing execution, while the Municipality of Tyre is also part of the bureaucratic mix.

Tyre is a tourist magnet thanks to its seaside and rich archaeological sites, but the logistics of getting from one place to another are off-putting to newcomers. The fishermen’s port, the Crusader cathedral, and two separate locations of Greco-Roman ruins – one inland and one on the beach – are not far from each one another, but first-time visitors can have a difficult time navigating among them.

The other option, being taken by bus to the various sites, robs visitors of the experience of walking through the city.

The second stage of CHUD is designed to change this.

“The first part of this stage will develop and enhance the area surrounding the city’s old fishermen’s port, by renovating the exterior of historical buildings, and organizing the traffic situation,” said Ali Badawi, the DGA’s director in Tyre

Part of Serail Street, near the port, will become pedestrian-only, and parking meters are also scheduled to be installed.

According to Badawi, the second stage of CHUD will cost almost $7 million, out of the total of $17 million dedicated to the three stages of the project. The first stage was comprised of infrastructure works on the seaside corniche and the renovation of historical buildings.

Badawi said the second stage will also connect the ruins of the well-known Triumphal Arch of Tyre, located in the neighborhood of Al-Bass, with the rest of the city, so that visitors can move around by foot

“All these areas will be connected together, so the visitors can walk even from Cinema Hamra to the tourist sites around the city,” Badawi said, referring to a centrally located landmark.

Tyre municipal council member Mohammad Bahr hailed the project as a leap forward, one that will let the city capitalize on its rich history and massive archeological sites as well as its beautiful coast, which has had its share of visitors in recent boom tourist years.

Bahr said the project would re-structure several major open spaces, such as Bawwaba Square, which is located near the souq, and expand a central parking lot.

Bahe added that the project will remove both the old popular market and the vegetable market, located at the eastern part of Tyre. “A simple metal compound will be built to house the same shops located in the souq,” he added.

Several shop and stand owners in the souk feared that the municipality’s plan to build a new hangar to house their establishments, even if outfitted with modern amenities, may leave them unemployed.

“The owners of the stands in the souk have been here for 15 years now, and the replacement of the souk with a new structure would threaten the livelihoods of more than 100 families,” said Yahya Awad, the head of the Butchers’ Union and a member of the souk council.

“We met with members of the municipality and stressed the rights of the shopowners, who are not ready to give up their occupations and sources of income,” Awad added.

While a satisfactory conclusion to the souk businesses might not be ready, it’s hoped that the second stage of CHUD, when completed in two years’ time, will finally turn Tyre into a truly tourist-friendly destination.

What a waste
Mona Alami, February 8, 2011

http://nowlebanon.com/ContentPictures/garbage-leader-420-02811100444.jpg
The garbage mountain in Saida. (AFP photo)

“The Nehmeh landfill is a disgrace. The situation is getting worse by the day, and many residents of nearby villages seem to be developing deadly diseases,” said Beaawarteh Mayor Tarek Gharzedine.

The Nehmeh landfill is not the only one to raise eyebrows in Lebanon, as the Land of the Cedars is literally being buried under piles of rubbish. Saida is another area that has become infamous for its mountain of garbage, large parts of which, with every storm, get tossed into the Mediterranean Sea. The total volume of the Saida landfill is estimated at about 1 million cubic meters and is about 45 meters high and 150 meters in length, according to the International POPs Elimination Project.

Besides the main landfills spread across Lebanon, there are about 200 other “unofficial” waste dumps. “I believe this figure to be actually much higher, around 700 landfills,” said Wael Hmaydan, head of Indyact, an environmental organization in Lebanon. Landfills are rarely built according to environmental guidelines.

Every year, Lebanon produces about 1.5 million tons of solid waste. The 2.2 million people that waste management company Sukleen services in the Beirut and Mount Lebanon area alone create about 2,500 tons of garbage per day. Some 40 percent of Lebanon’s garbage ends up in makeshift dumps, and 50 percent in established landfills. About 10 percent gets recycled.

Waste treatment is very minimal in the country. For example, in Tripoli trash is simply dumped into the city’s landfill without being sorted and without any of it being composted. Some of the trash in the Zahle landfill is sorted, though none of the organic waste is composted, according to a report published by the Ministry of Environment.

While Mohammad Rahhal, caretaker minister of the environment, said that “the development and adoption of a comprehensive national plan for waste has become a priority,” little has been accomplished.

One reason so little is done to reduce the amount of solid waste that gets deposited in dumps across Lebanon is that responsibility for waste management is assigned to individual municipalities, which are usually cash strapped and lack the facilities to deal with the problem, if they address it at all. Minister Rahhal said that he submitted a draft law to the cabinet a few months ago addressing the garbage problem as part of a broader environmental regulation scheme. “But the law never reached parliament due to the prevailing political dissensions,” he told NOW Lebanon.

Another problem lies in the minimal recycling efforts made in Lebanon. Recycling is an important part of waste management in most Western countries but in Lebanon is limited to haphazard individual efforts. In addition, separating combustible organic waste from other materials such as glass and plastic to create quality compost for farmers is a technique that is practically non-existent here. “While it is true that some compost is produced in Lebanon, it is of such poor quality that farmers tend to throw it away,” said Hmaydan.

Some endeavors, such as the Italian ROSS Program, have tried to help Lebanese municipalities build solid waste management strategies. It launched pilot initiatives in the South Lebanon villages of Kherbet Selim, Bint Jbeil, Kfar Sir and Aytaroun aimed creating a sustainable system that would benefit locals, the municipalities and the environment. However, such efforts have remained limited in scope.

The annual cost of environmental degradation resulting from poor solid waste management is estimated at approximately $15 million, according to a 2002 World Bank report.

Some efforts, apparently, have also been thwarted by private interests. According to a source in the government who spoke on condition of anonymity, “A few years ago, we were approached by a Kuwaiti company, which submitted a proposal for waste management using incineration. The company was relying on a German technique to burn non-recyclable waste at 2000 degrees while producing at the same time energy,” he said. “The company’s initial plan was to process 180 million tons, a figure that was scaled down by the government to 120 million. The proposal stated that each ton of waste would be processed for $35 and allow for the creation of carbon credits.” Though the plan would have helped the economy and energy sectors while reducing the toll of solid waste on the environment, the country’s waste management companies, which turn a huge profit from the way the current system functions, had it nipped in the bud, according to the source. The recent Environment Ministry report, however, does include a similar option, though the price the government would have charged to process the waste was $20 higher than the Kuwaiti plan.

But environmentalists like Hmaydan still recommend a zero-waste approach to solving Lebanon’s garbage problem, in which every material that can be recycled is, and the rest is composted or incinerated.

Regardless of the challenges at hand, all viable options seem to be on hold until the formation of a stable and functional Lebanese government. The environment, many in Lebanon believe, can always wait.

Carpooling in Lebanon. An environmentally friendlier way to commute to work, check it out!

http://www.lebanoncarpooling.com/

All villages should use this place as a model...

Southern town of Arab Salim looks to go solar
By Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff
Thursday, March 03, 2011

http://www.dailystar.com.lb//admin/storage/articles/201133025570.3-SOLAR.jpg
Southern town of Arab Salim looks to go solar

NABATIEH: The southern town of Arab Salim is looking forward to being fully solar-powered after its residents approved the launch of a pilot project under the supervision of their municipality, in an attempt to save electricity and reduce pollution.

Zeinab Moqalled, who heads a local NGO in Arab Salim, earlier initiated the town’s solid waste management project, which has been successful.

“We hope that Arab Salim’s solar power system will be a model project, as was its solid waste disposal plan … I think it will be a successful one because the town is already environmentally equipped,” Mokalled said, referring to the town’s forest reserves and its solid waste disposal project.

Residents of Arab Salim and local officials met last week to hear a detailed presentation on the solar power project, and unanimously approved the plan, which will cover around 1,000 families in the town.

Mayor Mahmoud Amin Hassan said the municipality will play a central role in the project, dubbed “A Solar Heater in Every House,” by contributing a first payment of $100 for each home to install the new equipment.

“We’re interested in the alternative energy project because it will ease the strain of power outages on our residents,” he said.

The first phase will cover 100 homes in the town. “We have asked the residents to fill out forms, submit documents, and register their names with us,” Hassan said, “and there are more than 70 applicants in only three days.”

Work on the project is scheduled to begin next month.

The mayor believes that “a municipality’s work should not be limited to filling potholes,” and cites several benefits for his community.

He described the constant problems with electricity supply as putting municipal officials “in confrontation” with local residents, who blame them for power problems.

The local company implementing the project has also pledged to contribute another $100 for each home’s payment, like the municipality, meaning the remaining cost for each home should not exceed $400.

Company president Ahmad Noureddine, an engineer, predicted each home using the equipment will save around $260 a year on electricity, “meaning that two years’ worth of savings will cover the cost of the solar heater.”

Homeowners will have to raise their water tanks to two meters above ground before installing the equipment, designed to heat 200-liter-tanks of water, and accompanied by a backup electrical heater for rainy days.

Noureddine estimated that users can benefit from solar power for over 10 months, during which “hot water will be available day and night, and in case of cold or rainy weather, electricity can be used to heat water for a limited number of hours.”

The launching of the new project is helped by the fact that solar heaters are not a new phenomenon in the town, but were installed in several homes in recent years, despite the cost of the equipment exceeding $1,500 per home.

“My three brothers and I installed solar heaters in our houses three years ago,” said Hassan Mahmoud Abdullah, who said the move enhanced both financial and psychological well-being.

“It’s enough to wake up in the morning to find hot water instead of cursing the electricity company or the generator owners,” Abdullah said.

Sidon Municipal Union to fund waste treatment
By The Daily Star

Friday, March 04, 2011


SIDON: The Municipal Union of Sidon and Zahrani decided Thursday to fund a center for household solid waste treatment in a bid to close the city’s huge waste dump amid the absence of a Cabinet to take necessary decisions. Sidon’s Mayor Mohammad Saudi informed heads of the union’s municipalities at a meeting at the office of south Lebanon Governor Nicolas Bou Daher that the waste treatment center was ready to operate and to receive 350 tons of waste daily. Saudi announced that the attendees have agreed that municipalities would forward a request to caretaker Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud asking that the ministry cover the costs of waste treatment in the center by allocating 40 percent of the municipalities’ share of funds from the Independent Municipal Fund for the process. –M.Z., The Daily Star

A mayor taking matters into his own hands.. bravo!

Sidon calls on nearby towns to pay for dump
By Mohammed Zaatari
Daily Star staff
Tuesday, March 08, 2011


SIDON: Sidon’s municipality will no longer authorize the municipalities of surrounding towns and villages to fling their waste in the city’s dump if they fail to contribute to the funding of a waste treatment plant, municipality officials said Monday.

Sidon’ municipal council said it will not allow what they called “uncooperative towns” in south Lebanon to continue dropping their waste in the coastal city’s notorious dump.

Sources close to the municipality told The Daily Star that Sidon Mayor Mohammad Saudi would wait one more week to reach an agreement with municipal councils of nearby towns and villages.

However, the sources added that if an agreement is not reached Saudi would hold a news conference to reveal those municipalities’ refusal to contribute to the launching of a waste treatment plant.

Following a decision by the Union of Municipal Councils of Sidon and Zahrani to fund a center for household solid waste treatment last week, Saudi had asked the municipalities to file a request to caretaker Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud to allocate 40 percent of each municipality’s share of funds from the Independent Municipal Fund to cover the costs of waste treatment at the new center.

The participants at last week’s meeting at the office of south Lebanon Governor Nicholas Bou Daher were informed by Saudi that the waste plant was ready for household solid waste treatment and to receive 350 tons of waste daily.

A statement released by the Sidon Municipality during the weekend said that the city’s huge waste dump was incapable of absorbing more waste after it reached full capacity.

“After its absorbing capacity crossed the red line, we are close to an environmental disaster in Sidon,” the statement added.

But several mayors of south Lebanon villages surrounding Sidon declined to allocate 40 percent of their municipality budget to the plant.

Several sources at Sidon’s municipal council told The Daily Star that the dispute between the Sidon municipality and other municipalities is not a financial one but a political one caused by the rift between Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

“What we are witnessing today is a political price being paid by Sidon after Berri’s candidate lost a parliamentary battle in Sidon to Hariri’s Future Movement candidate in 2009,” one source said.

Saudi, who was elected as mayor of the municipality during elections in 2010, said the waste treatment center would solve the decades-old waste problem in the Sidon area. “Sidon has for long carried the burden of hosting the waste of the region on its coast and it is time for all municipalities to contribute to this solution,” Saudi added.

In a bid to solve the dispute between the municipalities, Sidon Mufti Salim Soussan held a meeting in which he reiterated that the environmental disaster that was threatening Sidon does not differentiate between people and would affect all southern villages.

“This treatment center should start operating,”he said.

Soussan added that the treatment center could start functioning before funds to cover energy supplies and the salaries of employees are secured. “This was agreed upon among the municipalities of Iqlim al-Tuffah, Jezzine … Kafarhouna, Arab Salim, Jarjouh and Jabaa,” added the Mufti.

However, according to Soussan, less than 24 hours later some of the municipalities contacted Sidon and repudiated the signed agreement. According to Soussan Sidon, which does not produce more than 130 tons of waste, would bar all other municipalities from dumping their waste in the city’s dump if they fail to contribute to its funding.

غرينبيس تكشف تلويث شركة "سانيتا" وناشطوها يغلقون مصدره
حالات, لبنان — أغلق ناشطو غرينبيس اليوم أنبوب المخلفات الصناعية التابع لشركة سانيتا (يونيباك) في منطقة حالات شمال لبنان. وذلك إعتراضاً على تصريف نفاياتها الكيميائية والمخلفات النفطية من محطة توليد الكهرباء الخاصة بها مباشرة في البحر.

http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/image_full/lebanon/ar/photosvideos/photos/5168070.jpg

http://www.greenpeace.org/lebanon/ar/news/greenpeace-exposes-polluting-sanita?utm_source=SilverpopMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=March+2011+Sanita+Action+%281%29&utm_content

^^ :banana:

GR8 NEWS!!!!!
am really so excited about it , i saw a report on MTV like few weeks ago about the pollution produced by that facility.it was horrible!!!

WATER PROJECTS (Note dates--- so we can see their completion times as it comes out)

World Bank approves Greater Beirut US$ 200 million water supply project
27 Dec 2010
The board of the World Bank in Washington recently approved a US$ 200 million water supply project in Greater Beirut designed to satisfy people’s access to water.
According to World Bank statements, residents pay on average 3.4% of their household income to private water suppliers.
The project aims to meet the water needs of 1.2 million people including low-income southern Beirut areas, according to the same source.
World Bank officials believe the project would have a positive impact on the health, convenience and economic well being of the people of the capital city.
The project would build the infrastructure required for the intake, treatment, conveyance and storage of water to meet the pressing daily demand for 250,000 cubic meters of potable water, according to newswires.
This new supply would reach residents of Baabda, Aley, parts of Metn, Southern Beirut and the Mount Lebanon region including 350,000 low-income residents of the southern Beirut suburbs. Residents outside this area would also benefit indirectly as pressure on the water supply is managed more evenly, according to the same source. The cost of inaction in the water sector in Lebanon is estimated at about 1.8% of GDP, as per newswires. The Greater Beirut and Mount Lebanon area houses about half of the total Lebanese population and while the municipal connection rate is high, continuity of water supply is low, especially during the summer season. Households pay private water suppliers to meet their needs with water of often inferior quality.
The project is also important to the government’s goal of reconciling economic development with environmental and social sustainability through better public services. The World Bank’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) also supports infrastructure concentrating on energy, water and urban transport. The CPS guides the World Bank Group’s business in Lebanon and sets out a selective program of support, linked to the country’s development strategy, in coordination with other development partners and donors.

Lebanese Agriculture Ministry to build 30 artificial lakes, launches $27m agricultural program
29 Nov 2010
The Ministry of Agriculture announced that it has raised $27m for the construction of artificial lakes during the next six years.
It noted that the ministry is relying on funding from international institutions along with its own to construct more than 30 artificial lakes across the country. It added that the bidding process for the construction of three artificial lakes has already started. In parallel, the ministry launched the Hilly Areas Sustainable Agricultural Development Project (HASAD), a new six-year agricultural program for rural areas.
The project aims at supporting farmers in Lebanon''s poorest regions such as Akkar, Dinniyeh, Baalbek, Hermel, the South as well as Mount Lebanon. The project is expected to cost $16.5m and is financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and The OPEC Fund for International Development.

I'm very late in posting this, but I had it bookmarked from a while back and forgot to share. (Basically an extension of AmeriLebs post earlier)


CEDRO project launches the National Wind Atlas of Lebanon

26 Jan 2011

CEDRO project launched on January 25 2011, The National Wind Atlas of Lebanon at the Metropolitan Palace Hotel, and was held under the auspices and in the presence of the Minister of Energy and Water, The Spanish Ambassador and Mr. Shombi Sharp, UNDP Deputy Country Director.

The event hosted approximately 200 energy and environment specialists in addition to stakeholders from the private and public sectors and the media.

The event was launched with a brief introduction by Ziad El-Zein from LCEC, followed by Hassan Harajli, CEDRO’s project manager, who presented a documentary related to CEDRO’s achievements so far, namely;

• The implementation of solar water heating systems in various governmental hospitals, military barracks across the country, in addition to Roumieh prison
• Photovoltaic technology systems which consist of converting sunrays into electrical current in 25 public schools and community centers in Akkar, Bekaa and the South of Lebanon
• The Installation of induction floodlights in the old port of Byblos city (a first of its kind in Lebanon in terms of new technology integration and energy efficiency application).<<Did this happen already?
• The first municipal PV street lighting implemented in Assia and Batroun. <<I believe this was completed... I'll look around, but I recall reading that somewhere
• Lighting efficiency systems in public institutions and last but not least in the knowledge prevision, among other projects

Furthermore, the CEDRO documentary informed the audience of the research the project is doing to assess the renewable energy potential of the country. This involved mainly the National wind Atlas of Lebanon which will do away with all speculations and determine the exact constrained potential of onshore and offshore wind power in Lebanon and the study to assess the total bioenergy potential of Lebanon.
Hassan Harajli presentation was followed by the Spanish Ambassador Juan Carlos Gafo who said that Spain was playing a “key role in transferring expertise to Lebanon, and it has funded the three stages of CEDRO, with approximately $10 million going to reducing the cost of producing energy and improving lighting methods.”
“What Spain is doing affirms the country’s commitment to enabling Lebanon to combat climate change.”
Mr. Sharp thanked the Spanish Ambassador and the Minister of Energy and Water for their support and back up to make the different achievements as far as energy efficiency and renewable energy through CEDRO project.
Energy and Water Minister H.E Gebran Bassil stated that “Lebanon has a huge potential and we can really benefit from green and wind energy. These findings and this study give us hope.”
“We always used to hear different figures … one international firm said it expected that 0.5 Gig watts of energy could be produced from wind, and we thought this number was exaggerated.”
“No one should expect that the solution to Lebanon’s energy problems will come from wind alone,” Bassil continued, saying a diverse energy basket would help ensure “energy security.”
Finally CEDRO distributed the National Wind Atlas Report to all the audience.


The Wind Atlas Report (http://www.undp.org.lb/communication/publications/downloads/National_Wind_Atlas_report.pdf)

^^To summarize the report above for you... these are the optomistic findings of wind energy utilization in Lebanon:

*potential onshore wind power capacity of Lebanon is 6.1 GW.

*areas for possible offshore wind development within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Lebanon are limited to a small area close to the coast. The maximum distance from the coast for which a sea depth of less than 50 m is observed is approximately 10 km. Due to this, the supplied wind map covers considerably more than the region that is available for offshore wind power development.

*PAGE 45 onwards of the report has cool wind maps of the country

It's about time,i really hope the new government (if we r going to have any) gives this project a priority one on its list,to be executed within a year or two maximum,,,7lna b2a.

Diageo GTME commits to Lebanon reforestation
Nicole Mezzasalma
26-Apr-2011


The Diageo Global Travel & Middle East team is undertaking several charity challenges to raise money to plant one million trees in Lebanon

Liquor supplier Diageo Global Travel & Middle East (GTME) has committed itself to funding the planting this year of one million new trees in Lebanon, home to the firm’s only in-market company, founded 15 years ago. Records show that while around 35% of the country was covered by forests in 1965, in 2007 this figure had dropped to 13%, and at this rate Lebanon could lose most of its forest cover in the coming decade.

The impact of deforestation in Lebanon includes poor air quality leading to health problems, desertification of the land due to erosion of the soil and loss of arable land and jobs, as well as a water deficit. According to Diageo GTME, a judicious reforestation policy in the country could reduce by 20% water lost directly into the sea, and that water availability in the country could increase by between 50% and 100%.

Diageo GTME has forged a partnership with local NGO the Association for Forest Development and Conservation (AFDC), which hosts young trees in Lebanon until they are re-planted at their final destinations. The supplier will raise money in two ways: through a corporate donation and charity fundraising efforts by employees. These include charity auctions at Diageo’s offices in Singapore, Miami and London, in addition to a vertical mile challenge undertaken by the GTME team in the Middle East, which will scale the highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel Hafeet in Al Ain.

Other events that can be sponsored by members of the duty-free and travel-retail industry include a Singapore to Kuala Lumpur cycle challenge by members of the GTME Singapore team, which will cover 500km in four days; the Three Peaks Challenge undertaken by members of the GTME London/Europe team, who will climb the three highest peaks in the UK within 24 hours on May 4–5; and GTME London office employee Matt Woodhams’ 154-mile cycle through the 2012 Olympic road race course on Midsummer’s Day. Click on the links above to learn more about each event and donate money.

Stork hunter outrages environmentalists

April 28, 2011 01:53 AM
By Maher Zeineddine
The Daily Star

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Apr/28/Stork-hunter-outrages-environmentalists.ashx#ixzz1KpaKeNTX
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/dailystar/Pictures/2011/04/28/3-stork-hunter_634395515600615944_main.jpg

CHOUF: Environmental professionals and activists are outraged over photos showing dozens of dead storks, which were put on Facebook by an amateur hunter who killed the birds in north Lebanon.

Environmental organizations and institutions condemned the killing as a crime against the environment and biodiversity, and warned that the Facebook photos could damage the country’s reputation.
Mounir Abi Said, head of the wildlife education center The Animal Encounter, told The Daily Star that the photos showed “a real massacre against migratory storks and were a shock to us, by all moral, human and environmental standards.”

According to him, the photos represent a scandal that will affect the country’s reputation as well as the agreements it has with other states on the protection of wildlife. Some of the photos, which have been removed from the individual’s site, display piles of dead birds, with hunters posing in front of them.

“They are not aware that by displaying the photos and showing off, they are being condemned by the entire world,” Abi Said said.

Abi Said called on the agriculture and environment ministries to take strict deterrent measures to stop the killing of migratory birds, especially those that are integral to the environment’s biodiversity.

According to Abi Said, storks are important to European farmers because they help destroy agricultural pests.

“They [storks] are considered farmers’ friends in Europe because they kill agricultural pests and save millions of dollars worth of pesticides for the agriculture sector,” Abi Said said.

Abi Said also said that storks mate for life and hunting one stork amounts to losing two or more as the stork that loses its partner can no longer reproduce.

The director of the Chouf Cedar Reserve, Nizar Hani, said around half a million storks cross Lebanon when they migrate from Eastern Europe during the spring season. According to Hani, Lebanon is an important flyway for migratory birds between Europe and Africa as well as the second most important flyway for migratory birds in the world.

“There are over 370 kinds of birds in the country and most of them are migratory,” Hani said, citing a study by Ghassan Jaradi, a professor of ecology and taxonomy at Lebanese University.

The study revealed 246 of the 374 bird species in the country are migratory birds, and that of 24 species of bird in the Middle East threatened with extinction, 14 are found in Lebanon.

According to Hani, hunting in the country affects the movement and stability of migratory birds and although the country’s environmental reserves offer a haven for these birds, hunters continue to kill migratory birds, damaging the environment and its biodiversity. “We killed birds while the world celebrated year 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity,” Hani said.

Dr. Salim Hamade, the coordinator of the UNDP project on migratory birds, condemned the killing of the storks, describing it as a “flagrant and criminal violation of peaceful migratory birds crossing over the country.”

According to Hamade, the individual who shot the storks violated the country’s hunting law as the killing happened in a populated place. He also killed migratory birds, which are protected by the hunting law. Hunting is banned in villages, cities, public gardens, and natural reserves as well as at a distance less than 500 meters from residences.

Hamade said the perpetrator should be punished according to the law and praised Environment Minister Mohammad Rahhal for his efforts in establishing the Higher Council for Hunting, which is supposed to issue hunting permits based on exams.

But Hamade said the council lacked the capacity to punish violators of the law and urged the Interior Ministry to fulfill its duty to provide necessary personnel to the Environment Ministry.

Hamade said the Environment Ministry was working on bringing the offender to justice.







A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Daily Star on April 28, 2011, on page 3.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Apr/28/Stork-hunter-outrages-environmentalists.ashx#ixzz1KpZaHnPd
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)

I hope they fine the shit out of him and everyone else in the pictures....

I never thought I'd see a picture of Lebanon's equivalent to trailer trash (the stereotype of course).

I'm so sad.. those birds are amazing to see when they fly over because they cast big shadows on the ground:(

unfortunatly their are many people like him in Lebanon! This isn't a unique event! environmental education in the school curriculum is lacking. for some reason many people in Lebanon are obsessed with hunting birds. Not quite sure why!

http://favicon.daylife.com/imageserve/0a9L9fsaU55wK/favicon.pngGetty Images

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00sA41X3eM8yp/x610.jpg

Lebanese civil defence members join efforts to remove rubbish from the cliff and waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north. Beirut's landmark Pigeon Rock is seen in the background.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dtI59z1Oi6mu/610x.jpg

A Lebanese civil defence member joins efforts to remove rubbish from the waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north. Beirut's landmark Pigeon Rock is seen in the background.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dow5ZheioaJ5/x610.jpg

Lebanese commandos abseil down the face of Beirut's landmark Pigeon Rock as they join efforts to remove rubbish from the cliff and waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0c6rfY36Sy1rd/x610.jpg

A helicopter hovers overhead as Lebanese civil defence members and members of the military join efforts to remove rubbish from the cliff and waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north. Beirut's landmark Pigeon Rock is seen in the background.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/03rk5OEgUJeHb/610x.jpg

Lebanese civil defence members and members of the military join efforts to remove rubbish from the cliff and waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north. Beirut's landmark Pigeon Rock is seen in the background.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fiK7j3a35d6q/610x.jpg

Lebanese commandos abseil down the face of Beirut's landmark Pigeon Rock as they join efforts to remove rubbish from the cliff and waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06ja5Bic836oq/610x.jpg

Lebanese members of the public join efforts to remove rubbish from the cliff and waters of the Mediterranean off the coast of Beirut as part of a government campaign to clean up the Lebanese coast on May 8, 2011. The campaign, in which Lebanese men, women and children took part, aims at collecting garbage and refuse from the shores and waters of the Lebanese coast from the border with Israeli in the south to the border with Syria in the north.

^^Operation Big Blue!!!!

I'll be joining them by the end of the month.... they are planning to expand to villages and towns... doing city cleanups and encouraging recycling and erecting of garbage bins frequently throughout the town. Maybe.. Operation Big Green? lol

unfortunatly their are many people like him in Lebanon! This isn't a unique event! environmental education in the school curriculum is lacking. for some reason many people in Lebanon are obsessed with hunting birds. Not quite sure why!

This is unique... bird hunting is mainly of fowls and cordon bleu... storks, are by far, not common killings. These cordon bleu are for food. Fowls, are for game. Much like wild boar and quail.



Melkart you know I hate generalizations.. stop lol

Ramy last time I was in Lebanon (1996) we spotted an owl. and the residents around us left in a rush to their houses to get their rifles. Was that a unique incident too?

habibi, last time you were in Lebanon was 1996.

Btw, is this the one time that you saw people urging to kill an owl? If so, this is what we term a unique incident.

u are right it has been a while since i have been there. but with news articles like the one above, and the stories that I have heard don't paint a pretty picture either. I am not gonna waste my time arguing about whether those people have changed or not or whether my perception is twisted. At the end of the day Hunting is still a major problem, and reported incidents of endangered birds being shot are not a rare occurance. National Geographic had an article not too long ago about an eagle that was shot down in Lebanon. Ofcourse not everyone in Lebanon has that mentality. for example the guy (a Local) who found the injured eagle nursed it back to life. so there is definitly hope. however after hearing such reports my gut feeling tells me that maybe just maybe we have some educating to do!

Woosh it at City Mall

http://www.plus961.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Woosh-city-mall-beirut-225x300.jpg

It seems like you’ll soon be able to have your car washed at any parking spot in City Mall since the service buttons are available everywhere.

Woosh claims to be the first eco-friendly car care provider in Lebanon, and they clean cars through the use of special waterless products.

Source: http://www.plus961.com/2011/05/14/woosh-it-at-city-mall/

Wind atlas stated we can have 1500 mw...dont think the blurb was right tho.

Lebanon’s endangered natural treasures
June 18, 2011 02:08 AM
By Annie Slemrod
The Daily Star

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/dailystar/Pictures/2011/06/18/3-Lebanon-nature_634439588307940739_main.jpg

SANNINE, Lebanon: Abu Rabih has lived and made his living in the mountains near Sannine for most of his life.

He has farmed on terraces cut into the smaller slopes, among the purple thistles and the human size tufts of sweet smelling yellow flowers.

Over the course of his 75 years, Abu Rabih has seen the landscape change.

More people have moved to the area, he says. Construction has increased. And some plants have vanished, he adds, and along with them wild animals. He says the area’s last bear was killed “between 1945 and 1950,” and now “I see very few” of the once commonplace wolves and hyenas.

It isn’t just Abu Rabih who has noticed these losses. This country contains around 2,300 known plant species, and 92 of these, such as Sannine’s spiky purple Cousinia Libanotica, only grow here. According to a recent report, many of these plants, and the habitats in which they grow, are under threat.

Conducted by local researchers on behalf of the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, “Important Plant Areas of the South and East Mediterranean Region” identifies 20 “important plant areas” in the country as priority areas for conservation.

Abu Rabih’s Sannine is one of the 20. The three primary areas the report deems to be of the highest priority are the Makmel Mountains, Qammouaa-Dinnieh, and the Jabel Moussa-Nahr Ibrahim area.

One of the report’s authors, Mohammad al-Zein, who teaches at the Lebanese American University, says choosing 20 areas, let alone narrowing it down to three, wasn’t easy. “The entire country is an important plant area,” he says. “Lebanon is a biodiversity hotspot within a biodiversity hotspot, which is the Mediterranean.”

The report mentions urbanization, climate change, deforestation, and tourism as among the major threats to plants here.

If Abu Rabih is concerned about the loss of plants and animals in his mountains, he has also occasionally made a living off of his surroundings, and not just by farming.

He occasionally makes and sells charcoal. This process involves building a pyramid with wood he has chopped, covering it with leaves and soil, and setting it alight.

Lately, he says that the process of producing charcoal “has changed a bit. Now there are a lot of people working in it illegally.”

He says that the oak trees he uses for charcoal grow back after they are cut down. “[In the past] we used to chop [the oak] tree down [only] every 30 years,” he says. “The bad thing now is that there are some people cutting down pine trees. These kind [of trees] don’t grow again after they are cut.”

Mariana Yazbek, a professor at the American University of Beirut and another of the report’s authors, says that Abu Rabih is exactly the type of person that today’s conservation efforts should try to reach.

“This is a person who has lived off of [local] resources, and they have seen how they have declined and how it has reflected their life directly,” she says.

“The old idea of having a protected area that’s fenced and no one can come in, it might work in some areas, especially those that that are bigger than Lebanon, [where] resources are plenty.”

But not here. Yazbek says that conservation should now focus on management and sustainability. Although there are showy plants that exist only in Lebanon, such as the purple Iris Sofarana, she says the collection of a common food item, thyme (zaatar), exemplifies the direction conservation should head in.

“In the past it used to be the community [who collected thyme],” Yazbek says. “In a certain village, they knew their surroundings, so they would collect it in a sustainable way to ensure they would have some next year.”

Now, workers are hired to pick thyme, and they pull it up from its roots. Like the cutting of pine trees or the overharvesting of oak near Sannine, this does not encourage re-growth.

“If you teach people how to collect herbs in a sustainable manner, so they can use them to make products and sell them, they will make money out of it,” Yazbek says. “Then they will be encouraged to conserve their area because they will benefit from conservation.”

Before this sort of community based conservation begins, the authors have a lot of work to do. Their report is mostly based on written literature that’s outdated, some of which goes back to 1930.

“In this literature we found 140 threatened species,” says Yazbek. “Considering all the urbanization in the past 80 years, I would assume this number has gone up by many-fold.”

For now, until the funding for their field work comes through, the authors have begun to take the public on biweekly “Wild Plant Walks.”

In addition to documenting plant life, Yazbek says that the walks aim “to increase the awareness of the diversity of plants that we have here … the orchid family is the biggest family in flowering plants, it has about 30,000 species. But everyone knows the one species … that is being sold at every flower shop.”

“So part of these walks is to show people that what you see in that florist shop is just one thing.” There are also wild orchids here, she says. “There is a wild diversity that people are simply not aware of.”

And maybe, says Yazbek, the walkers just “might know something about plants that we don’t know.”

To find out more about the Wild Plant Walks, visit www.ibsar.org

Green buildings for the rich gain ground in Beirut June 25, 2011 02:24 AM By Tamara Qiblawi The Daily Star



BEIRUT: Water tables are plummeting and air temperatures are soaring and Lebanon’s real estate sector – a cornerstone of the Lebanese economy – is slowly but surely beginning to realize that a major answer to global warming lies in the way they go about their work.

There are three main incentives for a building to “go green,” said Nader Nakib CEO of green building consultancy group G-Building. These are known in the business as the “Tripple Bottom Line:” financial, social and environmental. In the medium-term, explains Nakib, a green building beneficiary can enjoy low operation costs and a boost to the self-esteem while saving on environmental resources.

“We’re trying to adapt people to consume less,” Nakib said in an interview with The Daily Star.

From his corner office in the Al-Shurooq building of Qintari, Nakib laid out some of the benefits of greening construction in a city that has hosted one of the most concentrated urban development feats in the world.

He has carved out a work space compliant with international environmental standards inside a non-green building, in hopes of inspiring other Beiruti businesspeople to adopt their own green ventures amid piles of concrete that are decidedly not green.

“It makes a lot of business sense to go green,” said Nakib, particularly with a subsidy recently launched by the Central Bank, guaranteeing that at least 15 percent of the construction costs of any internationally certified green-endeavor be obtained interest-free.

G-Building has worked closely with the Central Bank to foster a more green friendly urban landscape, while at the same time seeking out ‘business pioneers’ who will help to create new benchmarks in the Real Estate industry that will squeeze competitors into adopting green technologies.

In the high-end Saifi neighborhood, for example, G-Building is helping to lay the groundwork for a cluster of green-compliant buildings named District S. The “district” is crisscrossed by pedestrian passageways and encircled by bike racks, a testament to the environmentally conscious behaviors it says it wants to promote.

It will be only the fifth project in the world to receive the coveted Leader in Energy and Environmental Design certification for neighborhoods, which means that energy costs in those houses will be cut by roughly 70 percent, indoor water by 62 percent, and natural gas by 20 percent.

But a slashing of energy spending does not necessarily mean good news for a buyer’s wallet. Apartments at District S have been priced at nearly $7,000 per meter, which compared to even Lebanon’s spiraling real estate prices, will likely put the overwhelming majority of Lebanese off.

Still, Nakib insists that ‘greening’ is not an enterprise restricted to the rich. The wealthy, he said, are simply pioneers, helping to mainstream green buildings into the Lebanese street.

to post this here or in the sports thread? well,i loved the natural grass colored mountain.

Weekly Leaks: Ski this Summer in Lebanon?


http://www.beirutnightlife.com/wp-content/themes/Transcript2/timthumb.php?src=http://www.beirutnightlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Grass-Slopes.jpg&q=90&w=629&zc=1

Did you know that this summer you can ski in Lebanon? Yes Ski!

Where? On what?

The answer is on grass at the Faqra Club. Check the exclusive image of the Grass Slopes here.

A one of a kind project in the region that will be creating a hype this summer.

Faqra Club’s Grass Ski Slopes is a great activity for sports enthusiasts and those craving mountain life! With almost 24,000 m2 of Lawn-type grass and FIS homologated trials, you can indulge in the joys of grass skiing & mountain boarding anytime day or night! with this unique slopes. Skiing has become an all year-round event in Lebanon!

To officially launch the event, Faqra club will be welcoming European Ski Champions to launch their new event in the Middle East GRASS SKI organized by Matisse Events. This event will take place this Sunday the 17th of July 2011 starting midday. On this occasion, everyone will get the chance to watch the spectacular performances of different International Ski Champions from Europe.

All guests 11 years and older will have the opportunity to try this new extreme sport for the first time for free all Sunday long.

Following this event, weekly lessons are organized for those who are interested in Ski on grass.

Source: http://www.beirutnightlife.com/news/weekly-leaks-ti/

This is so embarrassing!

http://www.smh.com.au/world/rising-dump-the-tide-of-rubbish-is-engulfing-a-divided-lebanon-20110715-1hhzt.html

Green Buildings for the Rich Gain Ground in Beirut
12 Jul 2011 | By The Daily Star

Water tables are plummeting and air temperatures are soaring and Lebanon's real estate sector - a cornerstone of the Lebanese economy - is slowly but surely beginning to realize that a major answer to global warming lies in the way they go about their work.

This article was originally published on the Daily Star News website (www.dailystar.com.lb) on June 25, 2011, written by Tamara Qiblawi.

There are three main incentives for a building to “go green,” said Nader Nakib CEO of green building consultancy group G-Building. These are known in the business as the “Tripple Bottom Line:” financial, social and environmental. In the medium-term, explains Nakib, a green building beneficiary can enjoy low operation costs and a boost to the self-esteem while saving on environmental resources.
“We’re trying to adapt people to consume less,” Nakib said in an interview with The Daily Star.
From his corner office in the Al-Shurooq building of Qintari, Nakib laid out some of the benefits of greening construction in a city that has hosted one of the most concentrated urban development feats in the world.
He has carved out a work space compliant with international environmental standards inside a non-green building, in hopes of inspiring other Beiruti businesspeople to adopt their own green ventures amid piles of concrete that are decidedly not green.
“It makes a lot of business sense to go green,” said Nakib, particularly with a subsidy recently launched by the Central Bank, guaranteeing that at least 15 percent of the construction costs of any internationally certified green-endeavor be obtained interest-free.

http://www.archileb.com/dbpics/General-Images/NEWS/Green-Buildings-Yamara-Qiblawi-Dailystar-July-2011-Body-01.jpg

G-Building has worked closely with the Central Bank to foster a more green friendly urban landscape, while at the same time seeking out ‘business pioneers’ who will help to create new benchmarks in the Real Estate industry that will squeeze competitors into adopting green technologies.
In the high-end Saifi neighborhood, for example, G-Building is helping to lay the groundwork for a cluster of green-compliant buildings named District S. The “district” is crisscrossed by pedestrian passageways and encircled by bike racks, a testament to the environmentally conscious behaviors it says it wants to promote.
It will be only the fifth project in the world to receive the coveted Leader in Energy and Environmental Design certification for neighborhoods, which means that energy costs in those houses will be cut by roughly 70 percent, indoor water by 62 percent, and natural gas by 20 percent.
But a slashing of energy spending does not necessarily mean good news for a buyer’s wallet. Apartments at District S have been priced at nearly $7,000 per meter, which compared to even Lebanon’s spiraling real estate prices, will likely put the overwhelming majority of Lebanese off.
Still, Nakib insists that ‘greening’ is not an enterprise restricted to the rich. The wealthy, he said, are simply pioneers, helping to mainstream green buildings into the Lebanese street.

Source: www.archileb.com

Lebanon to launch Litani venture with Kuwait contribution
Electricity & Water 9/23/2011 1:31:00 PM

By Ali Al-Nasser and Omar Halabi (with photos) BEIRUT, Sept 23 (KUNA) -- Lebanon's much-trumpeted venture, irrigation of the whole of the south from the Litani River, is expected to become a reality soon, with major contributions by Kuwait.
Nawwaf Al-Dabbous, the representative of Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), said in remarks to KUNA on Friday that signing the accord for financing the project would be in October.

For his part, Dr. Yousef Karam, the head of the water department of Lebanon's Development and Construction Council, said in a statement to KUNA that the council board approved the accord with the contractor for executing the venture. A copy of the deal would be sent to the funders, he added.

The project will secure transfer of 110 million cubic meter of water per year to various regions of southern Lebanon, to be used for irrigation of vast orchards.
KFAED is now overseeing, and contributing to, up to 55 development projects in various regions of the country, in line with a standing policy to aid all natives.
The Kuwaiti fund plans to launch projects for water treatment, sewage water and renovation of Nabatieh Hospital.

The mega Litani River project is expected to secure water to 150,000 donums of land, in addition to securing 20 million cm of water to 99 towns in the south.
KAFED has lent Lebanon up to USD 600 million as contributions to various projects. (end) oh.an.rk KUNA 231331 Sep 11NNNN

Public Green Space in Developing cities


The United Nations (1991) identifies that the number of people living in cities almost tripled in the world. More specifically it identifies that in developed countries the urban population doubled while in developing countries it linearly quadrupled. The main factor behind this transformation is a population boom of the 20th century coupled with the rapid economic growth which is unfortunately associated with a decline in the share of agriculture in economic activities and increased share of the industrial and service sectors, the latter of which are mostly located in urban areas.

Public spaces and green spaces have many functions in a city that are important. Some of which are physical, ecological, social, provision of recreation opportunities, as well as opportunities for pedestrian circulation, provision of comfort for citizens , encouragement of natural habitats to remain in the city, as well as the reduction of noise and air pollution among others. To be able to provide these contributions, public green space needs to be planned systematically and maintained or at least protected. I believe gardens are much more than natural vegetation's in a dense urban context These spaces have a potential through which many cultural, social, economic, and political concerns, can be directed, expressed and brought forth to the public sphere.

Provision of urban green spaces has to be planned and realized together with the planning of housing, transport infrastructure, etc. In developing countries where all these planning resources are inadequate and are coupled with traffic congestion, air pollution, insufficient services such as water and electricity green spaces are regarded as less important aspects of land use.


The problem of disregarding planned green spaces in cities have been exacerbated and highlighted by the World Health Organization(WHO). Currently the WHO has established indicators for what makes a city healthy. These include a varying amount of issues including private green space, pollution levels, water quality etc....It specifically established a metric that links public green space to public health with an international quota of 10 square meters per person as a benchmark for healthy cities.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E4m3UfRcBfA/ThR9wZ_kTZI/AAAAAAAAACc/qLRjm7kYT4M/s640/2.jpg

Several cities have produced the number for themselves to compare to the WHO number. Only a few Western European Cities make the cut for surface area. Not a single Middle Eastern City comes anywhere close.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fJA0PNE6j2U/ThR__ym1kII/AAAAAAAAACg/XOZvzu_QNgY/s640/3.jpg

City Intiatives:
None the less cities across the world cities are taking measures to add green space, trying to meet the WHO criteria in order to be included IN THE HEALTHY CITY NETWORK

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kHvvHiEvdQ/ThSFMtg5-WI/AAAAAAAAACk/5d5VMKHYGzk/s640/mm.jpg


- In Cairo, an moderate Islamic NGO, the Aga Khan Development Network, created a new Park in the center of the city. The park was basically a gift but the land had to be expropriated by the Egyptian government. 0.04m2 PBS/person
- In Beijing, the government planned a ring of green spaces around the city, expropriating land and trying to distribute it radically
- In New York, the city government is teaming up with private interests to transform existing privately owned parks into publicly accessible green space. This adds up to a distributed network of greens.

Gardens in Beirut

Beirut has even less available public green space than these examples. Only 1.8% of its surface area is green, this would have to be multiplied by 22 to arrive at the WHO indicator. The city would have to demolish 41% of the city, and transform it into a park, in order to meet the World Health Indicator.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8-Z8QWd8O-8/ThSFvZe1eVI/AAAAAAAAACo/QoVuaq8Z7LQ/s640/greenlines.jpg

The Greenest Beirut has ever been was during the war, from 1982 and 1992. This is because a line divided the city--a no-man's zone where fighting occurred--which was overgrown and created a green desert landscape. To qualify for the WHO city networks Beirut will need to demolish 41% of its existing fabric, and this is only regarding the existing urban population which is still continuously increasing.


In CITIES that value the density of their urban fabric, a green infrastructure needs to be inserted into the existing city fabric. We need to reimagine what and how we can inject public green space in such cities. Such is the case in Beirut where the urban fabric and the real estate is in such high demand for housing and other basic urban needs.We need to start dreaming of new types of public green-spaces that can be inserted into existing congested cities.

^^there's something about this article that doesn't feel right!...Can you please mention the source, or is it a personal work?

^^there's something about this article that doesn't feel right!...Can you please mention the source, or is it a personal work?

This is from a new blog source..forgot the name..Its a lebanese female who i think is an architect and puts out things on green initiative ideas.

September 24th

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6184396037_255afaf85d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hibr/6184396037/)
by Houssam Mchaiemch (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hibr/6184396037/) by Hibr (http://www.flickr.com/people/hibr/), on Flickr

^^

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6186077351_f0471a82a6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/6186077351/)
September 24 (moving planet) On the Move without your Car - Lebanon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/6186077351/) by 350.org (http://www.flickr.com/people/350org/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6186602044_b3a9b43b0e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/6186602044/)
September 24 (moving planet) On the Move without your Car - Lebanon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/350org/6186602044/) by 350.org (http://www.flickr.com/people/350org/), on Flickr

Lebanon begins landmark reforestation campaign November 26, 2011 01:00 AM By Olivia Alabaster The Daily Star


BEIRUT: Fairouz first performed “Lebanon the Beautiful Green” back in 1957, singing, “Lebanon o beautiful green on your hills, My heart’s story and nostalgia of my mind, O stars that stay up late with me.”

Over half a century later and the landscape of Lebanon is a much changed vista. Forest coverage has fallen 35 percent in this time and while in 1980 forests still covered 30 percent of the land they now cover just 13 percent.

While Lebanon may be one of the most forested countries in the region, many factors – from chaotic urban construction to mismanagement, war, and forest fires – have contributed to the decimation of Lebanon’s green spaces.

Campaigners have recently increased efforts to protect the country’s forests, and last week saw the launch of the country’s first ever national forest strategy, under the auspices of the Agriculture Ministry and in cooperation with the German Development Cooperation Agency.

Over the course of one year, experts, nongovernmental organizations, and officials from various ministries and municipalities will meet with the aim of constructing a National Forest Program – a first-of-its-kind coherent strategy designed to halt and even reverse deforestation efforts.

The Agriculture Ministry in 2010 set a 20 percent target for nationwide forest coverage by 2020: equal to a rather ambitious-sounding addition of two million new trees each year.

Funded by the U.S. development agency, USAID, and overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative was launched last year to help Lebanon reach this target, and Friday inaugurated the start of the NGO’s fall planting season in Tannourine in north Lebanon, in the presence of Batroun MP Butros Harb and the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Maura Connelly.

The LRI has now begun planting in five sites around the country, with plans to plant 120,000 seedlings – representing 25 native species, including cedar, pine, wild almond, juniper, fir and oak – this year alone.

The focus of the LRI’s work is to “ensure the survivability of these native trees once they have been planted,” according to Richard Paton, project director at LRI.

Various reforestation efforts over the years have failed, Paton said. Looking at previous projects, he said, “One of our major concerns has been the low rate of survivability of these species once they’re planted.”

Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, director at the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation, an NGO working alongside the government to coordinate the national strategy, explained why so many previous efforts to re-green Lebanon have not succeeded.

A lack of coordination between various stakeholders has jeopardized efforts, she said, as has the fact that newly reforested areas are often soon destroyed by savage summer wildfires.

A lack of knowledge on the ground prevents the correct preparation and maintenance of seedlings, Bou Fakhreddine added. But, she said, “The main failure has been because most activities lack of monitoring – you need to monitor seedlings for several years.”

As such, the LRI is working with local communities on a grassroots approach to reforestation. Over the last year, in the run up to the launch of this season’s first planting season, the NGO has been working with nine native tree nurseries in Lebanon to help them modernize their methods and promote better practices in terms of how seedlings are planted.

Crucially though, the LRI is working to ensure that the seedlings “are sufficiently cared for after they are planted, which is up to three years, with sufficient irrigation, and that they are not damaged through grazing,” Paton said.

As part of the LRI’s policy of engaging with the local community, the NGO is aiming to hire 25 people in each of the five sites in which it is working, from full-time guards on each site to part-time planters and seasonal workers.

“At the grassroots level, that’s where we think we can have the most impact,” Paton explained. “To make a difference and promote change from the bottom up.”

Aside from teaching new methods and employment, the LRI is also working with local schools and communities to boost awareness of reforestation efforts, and the benefits that forests provide, from protecting biodiversity and economic worth.

The NGO is also working alongside the Lebanese Army to highlight the dangers of forest fires and to help mobilize local volunteer fire fighting groups.

And while the NGO has funding for four years, Paton hopes that by 2014 it will become an independent entity capable of bringing in funding, from private donors, the diaspora and USAID and European partners to help protect Lebanon’s forests for generations to come.

Nehme Harb, head of the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve Committee, speaking at Friday’s launch, highlighted the importance of Lebanon’s forests. “The forest stands witness to God’s greatness and the frailty of people. We have been entrusted with this precious gift and we must preserve it.”

Bou Fakhreddine, at AFDC, is quietly confident Lebanon can meet the 2020 target of 20 percent coverage.

“There’s a lot of work still to be done,” she said. But she believes the National Forest Program will be a key step forward.

At Friday’s launch of LRI’s project, “Bridging the Ancient Cedar Forests of Tannourine and Bsharri,” Paton recalled comments made by the first director of the U.S. Forest Service, Gifford Pinchot, over a century ago.

“He invoked the majesty and threats to the ancient cedars of Lebanon in arguing for the conservation of forest resources in the United States,” he said.

Wind-generated electricity from Akkar viable: Danish experts
February 01, 2012 02:39 PM
The Daily Star

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/dailystar/Pictures/2012/02/01/106_634637058553553164_mainimg.jpg

BEIRUT: A visiting delegation of Danish experts was quoted Wednesday as saying that wind-generated electricity in the northern region of Akkar, expected to produce some 140 Megawatts of power, could be available in as little as 13 months.

The National News Agency reported the head of the Public Works, Energy and Water parliamentary committee, MP Mohammad Qabbani, as saying, “They told me they can generate power from wind in the Akkar region to the tune of 60 to 80 MW, which means a total of 140 MW."

His comments came following a meeting with the Danish delegation headed by Danish Ambassador to Lebanon Jan Top Christensen. “They said they can do this within 13 months from the day the contract is signed,” Qabbani added.

Austere electricity rationing has long left parts of the country without power for several hours a day.

Endemic power cuts have worsened in the past weeks as maintenance work on several production units takes its toll on electricity supply. The situation has prompted residents to launch a series of protests across Lebanon, particularly in the south, Chouf and Bekaa regions.

Energy Minister Jibran Bassil, who has come under fire due to the lengthy electricity cuts, argues that the problem of power shortages stems from the negligence of previous governments as well as insufficient investment in the electricity sector.

According to a study last year by the UNDP, wind power could eventually produce at least 1,500 MW of electricity, which equals the country’s current output.

“There is currently an 800 MW gap between energy supply and demand in Lebanon which is being filled by private generators,” the Danish ambassador said in recent remarks. “From a societal and an environmental point of view, this is completely inefficient.”

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Politics/2012/Feb-01/161816-wind-generated-electricity-from-akkar-in-13-months-danish-experts.ashx#ixzz1l8XKmv4f

No more smoking at the Lebanese parliament starting from today #Annahar

In Arabic

مشروع اسباني للإنارة على الطاقة الشمسية

http://www.annahar.com/media/images/03/eco/taibe-1-ph-rd-640.jpg
المشروع هو جزء من 60 مشروعاً تنفذها الامم المتحدة.

بتمويل إسباني، نفّذ برنامج الأمم المتحدة الانمائي في الجنوب مشروع إنارة على الطاقة الشمسية في ثلاث بلدات في اتّحاد بلديات جبل عامل هي الطيبة وقبريخا والقنطرة، بلغت كلفته 50 ألف دولار. افتتح المشروع سفير اسبانيا خوان كارلوس غافو ونائب مدير البرنامج شومبي شارب، وذلك في مكتبة الطيبة العامة في حضور النائبين علي فيّاض وقاسم هاشم وأسعد يزبك ممثلا الوزير علي حسن خليل وقائمقام مرجعيون وسام الحايك وقائد القطاع الشرقي في "اليونيفيل" الجنرال خوليو ايسلا الى رئيس اتّحاد جبل عامل علي الزين وعدد من رؤساء البلديات والمخاتير.
وشكر فيّاض الحكومة الاسبانية والبرنامج على تنفيذ المشروع الذي يسهم في المحافظة على البيئة ويوفّر الطاقة البديلة.

Beirut is Amazing project aims at greening the capital
June 14, 2012 01:50 AM
By Olivia Alabaster
The Daily Star

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/dailystar/Pictures/2012/06/14/77516_mainimg.jpg
Hamad aims to create an interaction space for all age groups. (The Daily Star/Mohammad Azakir)

BEIRUT: The mayor of Beirut Wednesday launched the green “Beirut is Amazing” campaign, which will see the renovation of some of the few existing green spaces in the capital and the construction of some new areas.

Currently there are 0.8 square meters of green space per resident of Beirut, roughly 2 million people. The World Health Organization recommends a minimum of 40 square meters per head.

Speaking Wednesday at the Beirut Municipality building, Beirut Mayor Bilal Hamad introduced the project, which he said would see the capital regain some of its former beauty, when it was once a “gem in the Middle East.”

In a series of partnerships with the private sector, some on a voluntary basis, a series of studies have been conducted at various gardens across the capital, with the aim of recommending how they can best be renovated.

Works on some of the capital’s gardens, including Sanayeh Garden, Beirut’s largest public space, are set to begin soon.

After a history of conflict and mismanaged urban construction, Hamad said, much of Beirut has turned into a cement city, with little regard for aesthetics or planned architecture.

The Amazing Beirut campaign will see green spaces and islands renovated and maintained – work on this has already begun in Corniche al-Mazraa – and certain gardens re-landscaped, so that they can become “havens for interaction” and increase the total number of green spaces in the capital.

Acknowledging it was an “ambitious project,” Hamad called for further cooperation and partnerships with the private sector, inviting companies to “adopt” gardens.

“This great, ambitious project cannot be achieved without everyone contributing to bring back this image of beautiful and green Beirut,” the mayor said.

At Sanayeh, which was originally built in 1907, studies have been undertaken by engineer Zeina Majdalani and the Azadea company. With little infrastructure or lighting, dilapidated toilets, and the haphazard planting of trees, works, set to begin next month, will see the creation of a children’s play area, reading spots, and an exhibition space.

More trees will also be added, as will a running track, Hamad said, and the fountain will be repaired.

Public gardens, he said, should not just be for elderly residents to enjoy.

“In Europe all ages go there: women, children and young people. By re-landscaping them we want to make them attractive to all groups, a place for interaction,” he said, adding that Beirutis used to gather in such squares, which no longer exist.

Sioufi garden in Ashrafieh will also benefit from a makeover, once studies are completed. It will be fitted with a small stage, to “encourage local Lebanese talents,” and a small duck pond will be constructed.

The St. Nicolas garden, also in Ashrafieh, will be renovated, and its fences removed to allow it to “become part of the street. And the people will be part of it.”

Hamad also discussed plans for the Hippodrome, which currently houses the horse racing track. The undeveloped section of the park, he said, will become the “Beirut Central Park,” and the stables and seating will be renovated.

Currently, only a small section of society, namely horse-race enthusiasts, is acquainted with the park, and consequently, “Some people have never discovered this haven.”

The Ile de France municipality has helped construct a master plan for the redevelopment of the Hippodrome, which will also see the creation of an amphitheater, and an area for equestrian sports. In one year, Hamad added, studies should be fully completed and work should be set to begin.

He discussed less concrete plans to turn the Cite Sportive stadium in Tariq al-Jadideh into a sports center for the public, which would include running tracks and areas for various sports, and a public library and wedding arena.

Critics, he said, have accused the municipality of being a “Solidere part II,” in reference to the company responsible for the rapid development of Downtown Beirut, but, he insisted, “there will be no stores, nothing commercial, we will make it a public space.”

“Our aim is that all the land that is owned by the municipality will be opened to the people of Beirut,” he said.

But in answer to a question on Horsh Beirut, which accounts for 77 percent of all open space in the city but is only open to those over 35 and in possession of a permit, Hamad said more studies were required to ready the park for public entrance.

There are fears, he said, that should this “heaven in the middle of Beirut,” be opened to all, immediately, it would not be properly preserved.

The decision to set the minimum age at 35, which was taken by a previous municipality, was an “ugly” one, Hamad said, and he disagreed with the exclusivity of the park. But, he added, “We are still thinking about how best to manage the Horsh.”

“Eventually it will be reopened to the people, but let us finish our studies,” he added. “We’re in no hurry.”

A coalition of 12 nongovernmental organizations have organized a “picnic festival” this coming Saturday at 13 different locations around the city to campaign for the reopening of the park, which has been closed now for over 20 years.

Read more: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Jun-14/176775-beirut-is-amazing-project-aims-at-greening-the-capital.ashx#ixzz1xkRuj3Lb

Its great to see project like Green Lebanon taking shape slowly & steadily

I have heard that There a lot of Flower shops available in Beirut as well as other places of Lebanon

I am very much interested in it

Hope to see more postings related to Flowers Lebanon

cheers

Went to Zahle the other day, for the first time ever. I love how the street lights have each got a tiny wind turbine and solar panel. Also saw ads for solar power installations for houses. EDZ is doing a great job there!

Private firms called to show interest in wind power plan
Bassil says project could be contracted in 2013

The Ministry of Energy and Water will launch, on Monday, an expression of interest for a project to build a wind-powered electricity plant, Minister Gebran Bassil said. The plan aims to produce 60 MW of energy to be sold to Électricité Du Liban (EDL). Interested companies should file their applications within two weeks from the announcement.

Albert Khoury, chairman of Hawa Akkar, a company dedicated for wind energy projects, said the ministry has taken a bold initiative through inviting private ventures. “We will certainly apply for the project,” he said.

Hawa Akkar had earlier proposed building a 60 MW wind farm in Akkar. The company said that the project can be up and running within 18 months from getting the government’s approval.
According to Khoury, wind energy enterprises should be allowed to produce much more than 60 MW: “There is a potential to produce some 1,500 MW of energy from wind, according to the Wind Atlas (study published in 2011).”

The 2010 electricity plan indicated that by 2013 private sector ventures should be producing between 60 MW and 100 MW through wind powered plants.

Bassil said the following step, before launching the international bid for the project, is getting the Cabinet’s approval. “The winning firm will sell its output to the EDL through a contract similar to that signed with the power ships,” Bassil said. He said the project could be contracted by early 2013.

Reported by Hanadi Chami


Wonder why only 60?

^^


Is this another project?

LEBANON: Hawa Akkar plans 60MW wind farm in Akkar region
Wed May 9 2012, 15:07 PM


Lebanese energy company Hawa Akkar has announced its plan to build a 60MW wind farm in Akkar region. Hawa Akkar officially announced the launched of their project at a news conference at the Four Seasons Hotel on May 8, 2012.

The developer will produce, transfer and distribute the electricity generated from the project to end users. Hawa Akkar didn't give an exact project timeline, but said it could bring the project into operation within 18 months, once it receives the planning consent.

^^ No, sounds like both articles are referring to the same project. This is awesome news though!

oBe0ni1SuMo

Tender for wind power project coming soon
Private firms will be allowed to sell energy to EDL

A total of 23 local and foreign companies have expressed their interest in building wind farms to generate electricity, the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) said on Tuesday (October 16).

The plan is for a project to generate 60MW of electricity from wind that would then be sold to Electricité Du Liban (EDL).

A technical committee comprising experts from the MoEW, the EDL, and the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) will assess the applications. “The committee has already been formed, it comprises ten technical experts from the three parties,” said Ziad Zein, public relations officer at LCEC. The committee will assess the applications filed by the firms. Qualified companies will be shortlisted for the tender that would be launched later. “The committee will file its report to the Minister of Energy and Water, who will decide the next step to be done,” Zein said. The MoEW will announce a public tender and raise the issue to Cabinet based on the committee’s report.

Cabinet’s approval is needed for launching any project involving energy production. MoEW plans to sign a contract with the winning firm by early 2013. The electricity law does not allow direct private sector involvement in energy production, however it does not prohibit leasing power generated by private firms. “Law 462 has not been amended to allow private firms to produce energy, but after signing the contract for leasing energy from power-generating vessels, the MoEW found that it could apply a similar method for leasing renewable energy from the private sector,” said Zein.

Albert Khoury, chairman of Hawa Akkar, a firm specialized in wind energy projects, said the ministry has taken a bold step by inviting private ventures. But, he said, wind energy initiatives should be allowed to produce a lot more than 60MW.

According to Zein, the possibility of building more than one 60 MW plant depends on the number of companies that fit the project’s strict technical and financial requirements. “For instance it is widely known that building a 60 MW wind farm costs some $120 million on average, so the financial capacity of the firm is one of the conditions.” The experience of firms in the field of wind energy production is another requirement. Other specifications are related to the location of the project, the land on which it would be built, and its proximity to the EDL’s power grid.

Solar water heaters' market grows in 2011
Metn, Zahleh, and Nabatieh have biggest share

The solar water heaters market was valued at $18 million in 2011, with a total of some 12,200 heaters installed, according to a report published by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The report was compiled within an initiative by the GEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in cooperation with the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC). The initiative is part of an agreement signed by the UNDP and the Ministry of Energy and Water in 2009. It aims to expand the use of solar water heaters locally.

The growth in the installation of solar water heaters is mostly attributed to the interest-free loan program offered as part of the initiative’s national financing mechanism, which involves the Central Bank and eight local banks. Up to 3,500 households benefited from these loans.

Solar water heater installations are distributed across the country, with most witnessed in Metn, Zahleh and Nabatieh. These installations save a total of 3.6 MW of energy, 18,400 tons of C02, and $3.7million per year.

The solar water heater with an average capacity of 266 liters costs around $1,500. It contains a solar panel collector that heats the water in a storage tank. Interested users should first apply for a loan at a commercial bank offering this service.

Reported by Nader Houella

GREAT NEWS, I am loving this Thread :D

A bit old news but I like how these projects are gettin more frequent even though on a small scale so far.

Solar power lights illuminate highway to Hermel

http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/
Sept 2,2012

http://www.greenpartylebanon.org/images/content/front_slider_7.jpg

HERMEL, Lebanon: The road home for residents of the Bekaa town of Hermel is lit up for the first time, with the Transport Ministry now putting the final touches on new solar powered street lights in the area.
Seven hundred sixty-six light posts were erected along the 10 kilometer road from the old train station on the Baalbek-Homs highway to Hermel, and on the 5 kilometer stretch connecting the town to Al-Qaa.
Turned on earlier this month, the lights serve a dual purpose: They are meant both to increase road safety and are part of an effort to preserve the environment in a place which is still relatively unpolluted.

Topping the light posts are mirrors which store solar energy during the day. Beneath them are bulbs that switch on at night or in foggy weather using the stored power. They are lit between nine and 12 hours out of every 24 period.

According to Ahmad Shahin, an engineer who is tasked by the Union of Hermel District Municipalities to supervise work, the project cost $1,072,000, paid by the Transport Ministry, which also supervised construction. The lights’ operation will be guaranteed for one year by the company which installed them.

The project is the country’s largest initiative using solar power as the only means to produce electricity. As such, it will be able to illuminate the highway without fail despite Lebanon’s ongoing power rationing woes.

It is also a result of efforts by the Hermel municipalities to preserve the town’s diverse ecosystem.

One factor contributing to its success is that Hermel enjoys between 310 and 320 sunny days a year on average.

Abdel-Monhem Abdeen, who owns a restaurant on the bank of the Al-Assi river at the entrance to Hermel, said both residents and visitors have expressed satisfaction with the new lights, which facilitate nighttime driving and will presumably make driving easier on foggy winter days.

But many Hermel residents are skeptical about the quality of the equipment used, and whether the municipalities union will have sufficient funds to maintain the lights after the year’s guarantee is up.

Nizar Dandash, the head of the League of University Professors for the Protection of Environment, believes the project “is a step in the right direction since the Bekaa enjoys plenty of sunny days and because the initiative reduces pollution.”

However, Dandash fears the equipment used in the project might be substandard, a problem that could lead to high maintenance costs. Backing up such fears is the fact that many previous infrastructure projects in the Bekaa have not met industry standards.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Mustafa Taha, the union’s head, said they had asked Transport Minister Ghazi Aridi for street lights several times. Eventually, the minister proposed the solar power as an energy and cost-saving move. Taha said the union accepted because of its interest in protecting Hermel’s environment, which he said has been spared the gas emissions and chemical wastes of other areas that host factories.

“The union has promised to handle maintenance for the project,” said Taha, adding that the Transport Ministry was responsible for equipment quality, having acquired the panels, batteries, bulbs and posts for the lights.

One of the wind power projects

http://www.hawaakkar.com

http://www.voanews.com/content/american_aid_helps_lebanon_replant_its_cedar_forests/1574227.html

Two water projects coming to Batroun
$82 million contracts awarded to joint ventures

The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) has awarded two contracts for water treatment projects in the Batroun district. The projects include a new sewage network in Kfarhelda and the construction of a dam in Msaylaha.

The MoEW awarded the sewage network contract in Kfarhelda to Homan-Veolia. The company is a joint venture between OTV International, a subsidiary of France-based Veolia Water, and Homan Engineering Company, a construction subsidiary of Beirut-based Homan Group. Homan-Veolia will be in charge of constructing and organizing the integrated wastewater system linking Tannourin, Douma, Beit Chlala, and Kfarhelda, among other Batroun regions, to wastewater treatment networks. The project costs nearly $27 million and will also reduce environmental damage to the Al-Jawz River.

As for the dam project in Msaylaha, the MoEW awarded the contract to Batco-Maltauro, a partnership between two contracting firms. These partners include Batco Group, a Beirut-based construction and engineering firm, and Italian firm Maltauro Group which has previous experience in wastewater systems in the country. The dam will be 35 meters high, allowing static water storage of around six million cubic meters, and dynamic storage of up to 12 million cubic meters. The project costs $55 million and is expected to end water shortage in the region.

The project is part of the recently-launched National Wastewater Strategy. The Msaylaha Dam is the first of nine other dams planned within this strategy.
Reported by Yassmine Alieh

Beirut River Solar Snake: The First Solar Farm In Lebanon


http://ritakml.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Beirut-River-Solar-Snake.jpg

Today, the Ministry of Energy and Water launched the Beirut River Solar Snake through the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (L.C.E.C).

As shown in the first picture above, the idea behind the Beirut River Solar Snake is to cover the concrete structure, around 6 meter above river level, with solar panels and to generate, as a start, 1MW which will be linked to the grid via an inverter. The river will be covered with 20,000m2 of solar panel space in the first phase.

The final goal is to generate 10MW and in order to do so, 6.5km will be covered with solar panels. The money generated from phase 1 will be reinvested in the project to add add.

The maximum budget is set to a maximum of $4 million. But this cost is projected to decrease knowing that similar projects in Jordan cost around $2.3 million without taking into consideration the cost incurred by the structure.

Also, the company implementing the Beirut River Solar Snake project will be required to have previous experience in the field and will have to partner with a civil engineering company. In addition, a technical committee of engineers will have the responsibility to evaluate the performance of the project.

Moreover, the French Embassy will provide Lebanon with a solar panel testing platform which will serve as a lab. This will also have educational purposes for all parties concerned including students. I see it as a mean to involve the population.

The pre-qualification bid announcement for the Beirut River Solar Snake project will take place on 23 April 2013.

Beirut River Solar Snake is the first solar farm in Lebanon.

Beirut River
http://ritakml.info/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Beirut-River-e1365675031718.jpg

Due to real estate prices in Beirut, the river, was considered as the best location to host the solar panels. As far as other rivers are concerned it is unlikely that this idea with be replicated since Beirut river is the only flat river Lebanon has according to the L.C.E.C.

Lebanon is going for renewable energy. Wind, water and now solar. What do you think?

http://ritakml.info/2013/04/11/beirut-river-solar-snake/

Why can't they just revive the river , and build a huge solar power plant in the northern bekaa valley?

Why can't they just revive the river , and build a huge solar power plant in the northern bekaa valley?

Thats what I was going to say LOL I loved the designs for the river banks from before. What happened to that? What about glare coming off those bad boys lol

Also, the country can produce 1000x what they are building in wind energy? Why not invest in that?

Thats what I was going to say LOL I loved the designs for the river banks from before. What happened to that? What about glare coming off those bad boys lol

Also, the country can produce 1000x what they are building in wind energy? Why not invest in that?

This project probably looks more attractive, and in terms of feasibility, they are able to simultaneously cut the costs of transportation (to the Bekaa Valley), and to cut the costs of having to go with the Green River project, suggested by the Green Party of Lebanon a couple of yeas ago.
I shot a report about the Green River project last November, and it seems that it takes way more work than the lazy ministry and municipality guys are able to execute (or feel like executing).
And yes, the glare is going to be a nightmare for the residents in this area, and probably (hopefully not) the drivers.

Is 10MW really worth it? I agree with Hassoun, we have huge flat desert (well, almost) spaces in the Bekaa that are great for solar farms.

World's major cities are built around rivers but not here in Lebanon, no.. they'd rather cover it with concrete and turn it into a bus stop as in Tripoli or as in this case with solar panels in Beirut.
I don't see this as well planned, and it doesn't take into account the opportunity of turning such a natural landscape into something that could add to the aesthetics of the city.

Tender to buy 60 MW of electricity from wind energy
Another bid to build a wind turbine soon

A tender to lease 60 MW of power from a wind farm will be launched on May 21, the Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) said. A total of 23 local and foreign companies had expressed their interest in the project late last year. “All companies will participate in the tender,” said Ziad Zein, Public Relations Coordinator at the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC).

The project will authorize the private sector to sell renewable energy to the Électricité Du Liban (EDL). “The contract that will be signed with the winning bidder is similar to that signed with the Turkish power ships,” Zein said.

The MoEW has also announced the first national wind turbine project. The turbine will produce 1 MW of power. “The MoEW will fully fund the turbine’s construction,” Zein said. The wind turbine will be constructed in Hannouch, Selaata on a 230,000 square meter land owned by the EDL. Power generated through the turbine will be connected to the national grid. “Expressions of interest will be held in two weeks,” Zein said. The cost of building the turbine is up to $2.5 million. Revenues generated from wind power will be used to build other turbines.
Reported by Yassmine Alieh