Beirut, October 10, 2017: under the patronage of His Excellency Minister of Telecommunications Jamal Jarrah, touch the leading mobile telecommunications operator in Lebanon, managed by Zain Group, has partnered with Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) NGO for its third edition of ‘touch forest’ initiative for the second consecutive year, as part of its Corporate Sustainability and Social Responsibility (CSSR) program “Positive touch”. touch planted another 10 new hectares of trees in West Bekaa to increase green areas, to achieve a better ecosystem stability, and in support of the National Reforestation Plan in that region.
In this latest planting, touch forested 5 hectares in Aitanit and another 5 hectares in Qaraoun, by planting approximately 4,000 seedlings. Worth mentioning that ever since touch forest initiative was launched in 2016, touch contributed in planting 8700 trees, thus supporting the Lebanese government’s 40 million tree campaign that was launched in 2014, while also involving the local communities and educating them on modern practices in reforestation, monitoring seedling survival post-planting, as well as maintenance and management activities.
touch invited the media, social media influencers and employees to take part in a full environmental day in West Bekaa, constituting a unique opportunity to give back to the country and contribute to its environmental wellbeing. The attendees concluded this ecofriendly day with a celebratory lunch at the beautiful Chateau Kefraya.
Commenting on this initiative, touch Chief Executive Officer Emre Gurkan said: “touch forest is aligned with our CSSR program “Positive touch”, which aims to support environmental initiatives and ultimately foster a greener Lebanon in the long run. touch forest constitutes an important step towards connecting forests, improving biodiversity, filling the gaps in the Lebanese woodlands, and preventing soil erosion. We are happy to pursue this important environmental initiative, extending it to West Bekaa on this occasion.”
LRI’s President Dr. Maya Nehme noted in her remarks: “we are very happy to be partnering with touch on their green initiative for the second consecutive year. Reforesting in Aitanit and Qaraoun is an extension of the existing social and environmental corridor in Rachaiya that LRI has been working on since 2015. Our joint efforts will help increase environmental awareness nationally and will contribute to increasing Lebanon’s green cover.”