The YMCA of Lebanon is a major player in the field of solid waste and
waste water management. It has implemented large scale solid waste and
waste water infrastructure projects in multiple locations around the
country. Most recently, it completed a project to introduce solid waste
treatment facilities for all 96 villages in the Caza (region) of Tyre -
serving over 300,000. This center represents a bold step for the YMCA
and Lebanon: it sorts out all recycleable materials and processes the
remaining organic waste into compost. The YMCA also focuses on water
treatment and the protection of natural wells in rural areas. A final
major focus is on reforestation and forest fire prevention. The
department is working with local communities to create sustainable
long-term economic incentives for forest protection.
Development of Capacities and Tools for the Conservation and Sustainable Management of the Forest Resources and the Dynamization of Rural Populations in Syria and Lebanon - First Phase
Funding Agency
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Assistance and
Cooperation (AECID) and the Technical Center for Forest Studies in
Catalonia (CTFC)
Duration
2007-2009
Beneficiaries
15 Forest Guards from the Lebanese Ministry of
Agriculture and 2 Forests
Description
The project’s objective was to develop scientific
methods that help integrate plans for managing the Pinus Brutia
wealth and sustainability in Lebanon. The project was based on
collecting technical information and accurate data related to the Pinus
Brutia in its different growth stages. The program required
creating a special program on the computer for the forests, which helped
to identify the way trees interact with the surrounding changes.
Training was given to 15 forest guards from the Ministry of Agriculture
on the use of this special equipment to collect the required data. In
total, 5,060 Pinus Brutia trees were analyzed and
documented. Afterward a socio-economic study was completed of the local
communities surrounding 3 Pinus Brutia forests in the North
Lebanon region. This information will be required for the second phase
of the project in 2010, creating a new approach to community
involvement in forest preservation.
Sustainable Environmental Practices and Policies (SEPP) Program
Funding Agency
United States Agency for International Development
(USAID)
Duration
2003-2009
Beneficiaries
400,000 people in two regions of Lebanon
Description
In this project, the YMCA of Lebanon introduced the
country to non-mechanical Waste Water treatment using available free
resources: gravity, air and sunshine. The largest component of the
project was the solid waste treatment facility in Ain Baal which was
inaugurated at the end of 2009. It serves 56 villages in the region of
South Lebanon. The project has been designed to save thousands of tons
of waste from being burned or buried in landfills. Other key outputs
include:
Five domestic wastewater treatment plants in the
district of Jezzine
2,628 Meters of sewer networks in the
district of
Jezzine.
4 domestic Wastewater treatment plants in the district
of Rashaya.
21,658 meters of sewer networks in the district
of
Rashaya
Improving Household Waste Water Management
Funding Agency
Care International UK
Duration
2006-2007
Beneficiaries
80 Families in Southern Lebanon
Description
Project to improve the waste water management within
households in close proximity to artesian wells.
Integrated Rural Development Project
Funding Agency
United States Agency for International Development
(USAID)
Duration
1997-2002
Beneficiaries
95 Communities around Lebanon
Description
Agricultural development, infrastructure (gangways,
reservoirs, roads, retention walls…), rehabilitation and construction of
medical facilities, schools, IT centers, and playgrounds, environmental
awareness and solutions (solid waste treatment), civic participation,
eco-tourism, small business development.
