Beirut, Lebanon – November 2014: Azadea Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) NGO managed, financed and sponsored exclusively by Azadea partners and employees since 2011, organized its 3rd ‘Plantation Day’, in collaboration with Jouzour Loubnan, as part of its continuous commitment to promote sustainable reforestation, restore and protect Lebanese woodlands, and further raise environmental awareness. The ‘Plantation Day’, which took place on Saturday the 8th of November in Kfardebian, was a staggering success with initiating the forestation of 6,000 trees planted with the support of over 200 Azadea employees and their families, media, bloggers and fellow activists.
The enthusiastic volunteers ventured out to Kfardebian and spent several hours planting the Lebanese Cedar trees, alongside the 1,000 trees that were planted during the 2nd Plantation Day back in November 2013.
Azadea Foundation’s 3rd plantation project supports a research and development initiative conducted by Jouzour Loubnan in partnership with the University Of Saint Joseph (USJ) to develop more sustainable reforestation techniques. This initiative is in line with the foundation’s long-term plan to increase its environmental impact and ultimately reduce climate change effects.
The new planting methods being tested, undergo effective enhancement and development on a yearly basis to ensure a high survival rate of trees while reducing the cost of reforestation. Further, Azadea Foundation and Jouzour Loubnan installed individual fences instead of framing the whole land, to further integrate reforestation activities with grazing activities that are necessary for the livelihood of quite a large number families and individuals.
“Azadea Foundation’s 3rd plantation day underscores our efforts and commitment to lead on environmental projects, while including Azadea employees in helping us increase green spaces in Lebanon. We have a responsibility to our local community and this project showcases our aim to provide sustainability and real efficiency on the long-term” said Marwan Moukarzel, Chairman of Azadea Foundation.
Also commenting on the occasion, President of Jouzour Loubnan, Raoul Nehme stated, “Native woodlands are being destroyed at a very fast pace in Lebanon whilst they are amongst our most important habitats harboring biodiversity, moderating climate change, protecting against desertification, increasing soil water infiltration and inducing socio-economic development. Thus, reforestation constitutes a vital challenge for Lebanon. It brings us great pleasure to partner with Azadea Foundation for the third year and implement our new plantation techniques and utilize the funding received for this project.”
With its constant efforts and ‘green’ devotion, Azadea Foundation will continue to deliver impactful and sustainable environmental projects in Lebanon.