with a tree plantation and land restoration activity in collaboration with Al-Chouf Cedar Society
Beirut, Lebanon – 01 December, 2022: Following the introduction of a new five-year work programme at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference (COP27), to promote climate solutions in developing countries, the European Union launched today the #ForOurPlanet campaign to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity and climate preservation.
The Team Leader on Governance and Social Sectors at the Delegation of the European Union in Lebanon, Olivier Boudart, commented: “The world is witnessing droughts, forest fires and extreme weather patterns, while food supplies, livelihoods, and biodiversity are under threat; this is why we put in place a long-term plan to protect nature and reverse the degradation of ecosystems. But we cannot solve this crisis alone, so it is important for us to find the right partners in local communities to ensure lobbying and creating pathways for a nature-positive, carbon neutral, resilient and equitable world”
The #ForOurPlanet campaign was kicked off through a tree plantation and land restoration activity in the villages of Maasser Al Chouf and Botme in collaboration with Al-Chouf Cedar Society. Established in 1994, the organisation’s main objective is biodiversity protection and conservation, and it currently manages the largest of Lebanon’s nature reserves.
Director of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Nizar Hani, explained: “Biodiversity is not only about protecting the bees and the trees. Forests preservation and landscape restoration play a key role in driving eco-tourism and agricultural activities, which in turn creates job opportunities and secures livelihoods. So basically, biodiversity is about advancing local economic growth and helping our communities thrive”
The Delegation of the European Union collaborated with Al-Chouf Cedar Society to engage local authorities, Red Cross youth volunteers, school students, and field workers to take part in the various tree plantation and land restoration activities that were planned for the day.
“To protect nature, put local communities at the centre of climate action. Linking community members to each other through sustainable initiatives educates them about the importance of biodiversity and nature preservation and improves volunteerism spirits within the new generation”, stated Nabih Faysal, Mayor of Maaser Al Chouf.
“Our role as local authorities is to engage our communities in such activities through coordinating with local organisations and national authorities and thus ensure the sustainability of forests and natural reserves”, added Khaled Zeineddine, Mayor of Botme.
The nature and climate crises must be addressed in an integrated manner and with equal determination. Local campaigns like the European Union’s #ForOurPlanet are significant to rally support for nature and climate action worldwide as well as empower community-based initiatives for biodiversity protection.