Beirut – October 25, 2018: touch, the leading mobile telecommunications and data operator in Lebanon, managed by Zain Group, announced the extension of its partnership with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) NGO. Dubbed touch forest 4, the latest cooperation, which is the fourth in the two organizations’ efforts together, entails the launch of the South Social and Environmental Corridor, comprised of the planting of 15 hectares of trees in Qana, Ramadiyeh, and El Qlaiaa in South Lebanon.
touch has planted 8,000 seedlings in South Lebanon in support of the National Reforestation Plan, with the aim to achieve a more stable ecosystem. On the occasion of the launch of touch forest 4, community members, media, and touch employees participated in a full environmental day to plant seedlings in Qana.
touch forest is well aligned to the company’s Corporate Sustainability program Positive touch, reinforcing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number 15, which looks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems and sustainably manage forests.
Commenting on the latest reforestation efforts, touch Chief Executive Officer Emre Gurkan said, “touch forest is one of our initiatives in the area of environmental sustainability that contributes to preserving and expanding green areas across Lebanon. We are very keen to continue this program because of its positive impact on so many levels. touch forest 4 will result in an increase in green areas across the south of Lebanon and will preserve the watershed, allowing for a safer habitat and passage for wildlife. Ultimately, this will result in a positive social impact, encouraging social cohesion between municipalities and the communities.”
Maya Nehme, Ph.D., LRI’s Executive Director said in her remarks: “We are pleased to partner with touch in their green initiative for the third year. The reforestation of Qana, Ramadiyeh and El Qlaiaa in southern Lebanon is an extension of the social and environmental corridor in the south, which we have been working on since 2015. Our joint efforts will undoubtedly contribute to raising environmental awareness at the national level in addition to contributing to 40-Million-Tree Program.”
The touch forest initiative was first launched in 2016 and has contributed to the planting of 16,700 trees, supporting the Lebanese government’s 40-million-tree campaign that was launched in 2014. The touch initiative has gone further to mentor seedling survival and management while supporting the government’s efforts to educate local communities on modern reforestation practices.
About touch
touch is the leading mobile operator in Lebanon, managed by Zain Group, the pioneering mobile and data services operator in the Middle East and Africa. In the last thirteen years of operations under Zain’s management, touch has had many success stories, providing cutting-edge services and technology to its consumers.
Drawing from Zain’s regional expertise providing telecommunication and mobile data services to 50 million users, touch has devised and adopted a consumer-centric strategy. touch’s range of services and its 3.9G and 4.5G coverage of all Lebanese territories has allowed it to gain a 54% wireless telecommunication market share in Lebanon. touch employs specialized and competent Lebanese personnel that aims to provide the latest in telecommunication services and products to the local community to help it grow in a more sustainable way.
touch, with the backing of Zain and its cooperation with the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications, dedicates all its resources to keeping up with the latest in telecom and mobile data. It offers a 24/7 call center service to cater to the need of its customers for uninterrupted connection.
touch values the local community, perceiving it as a major partner; its mission and vision reflect a dedication to humanitarian, social, and cultural causes, as well as creativity and innovation, which it considers integral to advancing its social responsibility program.
For more, please visit www.touch.com.lb; www.facebook.com/touchlebanon; www.twitter.com/touchlebanon www.instagram.com/touchlebanon; www.youtube.com/touchlebanon; www.linkedin.com/company/touch-lebanon
About LRI
Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) is a Lebanese NGO registered at the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities under no. 1186 on 18 June 2014. LRI aims at conserving and expanding Lebanon’s forests through a community-based approach and public-private partnerships. In addition, LRI also aims at empowering communities to advocate to better manage their forest resources.