(Beirut, Lebanon – 28 February 2025): Funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Municipality of Anjar, has started the implementation of a vital project aimed at strengthening the resilience of vulnerable Syrian refugees and host community members in Anjar, Bekaa. The “Enhancing the Resilience of Refugees and Host Communities” project seeks to improve livelihoods, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance local disaster preparedness.
A central component of the initiative is a Cash for Work program, which this week provided employment opportunities to 300 recruited refugees and host community members. Before beginning their tasks, participants received specialized training in landscape restoration, forestation, and land maintenance. Their activities will focus on establishing firebreaks, maintaining new plantations, implementing agroforestry and climate-smart agricultural practices, and reducing fuel loads in and around refugee settlements, agricultural lands, and forested areas.
In addition to the Cash for Work activities, the project will also deliver targeted training sessions between March and April 2025. A Climate-Smart Agriculture training will introduce sustainable farming practices to approximately 30 vulnerable farmers. A Natural Hazard Prevention and Management training will enhance the capacity of Anjar’s disaster response unit to prepare for and manage natural disasters. Additionally, a Grassroots Cooperatives training will support local women in establishing cooperatives to preserve and promote traditional and cultural cuisine.
Furthermore, the project will provide the Municipality of Anjar and local communities with essential tools and awareness programs designed to prevent wildfires and mitigate flood risks, further strengthening their resilience to environmental challenges.