Ehden, November 12, 2016 – With the support of the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the United States Forest Service, the North Social and Environmental Corridor Planning Committee (CPC) launched its 10-year environmental strategic plan to improve environmental conditions and increase the green cover in the region. The strategic plan mainly includes activities related to reforestation, fire prevention, awareness raising campaigns, forest management, ecotourism, capacity development, a communication plan and many other key considerations.
The event was attended by Mr. Iqbal Ziadeh, representative of the Minister of Agriculture, head of union of municipalities of the Caza of Zgharta, representatives from the Ministry of Environment and the Civil defense, CPC members, local civil society organizations, local stakeholders and Heads of the 12 municipalities included in the North Social and Environmental Corridor, namely Ehden, Bqorqacha, Hasroun, Tannourine, Bcharre, Chatine, Jaj, Lehfed, Ehmej, Akoura, Yammouneh, Maqneh.
During the event, USAID representative stressed the importance of the CPC in bringing neighboring communities together to effectively address their shared environmental needs, and confirmed USAID’s commitment to continue supporting the committee to improve stewardship over their Social and Environmental Corridor. Additionally, Dr. Nohad Dagher, a CPC member gave a presentation on the 10-year strategic plan and how the committee will engage the private sector, national and international donors, reforestation NGOs, the Cooperative of Native Tree Producers of Lebanon, and other public and private reforestation stakeholders to support the plan.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting ceremony in Ehden Natural Reserve with all CPC members to highlight the importance of working together to restore and protect forests.
