Project for the preparation of a Strategic Action Plan for the ...

SAP-BIO-Lebanon National Report Page 15 of 95
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scenarios for conservation and urban regeneration and evaluate the finance needed for the implementation
phase. A contract was awarded by CDR to a local consultant at the end of August 2000 (funded by the
PHRD grant) to prepare a comprehensive study of the socio-economic development of the five cities
involved in the project. The final report was presented in 2001. An Italian grant (US$ 500,000) is
currently being used to complete the project preparation activities, mainly for archaeological studies for
the Baalbek and Tyre sites and for capacity building in cultural tourism (targeted at the MoT and the
municipalities).
4.11 National land use planning
This project, initiated in 2002, covers the preparation of a National Land Use Plan, in coordination with
the General Directorate of Urban Planning. This study was requested from CDR by a decision of the
Council of Ministers. The study aims to prepare land use maps of the Lebanese territory based on satellite
images and aerial photographs and will evaluate all demographic and social data, economic activities,
employment and environmental and urban development issues. Based on this work, a number of
development scenarios will be submitted to the Council of Ministers. The study will form the basis for
land development in Lebanon.
4.12 Protected Areas Project (November 1996-November 2002, MoE/UNDP/GEF)
The project objectives is to put into place an effectively managed system of protected areas to safeguard
endemic and endangered species of flora and fauna namely in three demonstration nature reserves: Arz al
Shouf, Horsh Ehden and Palm Islands.
4.13 Agrobiodiversity Project (June 1999-June 2004, LARI/UNDP/GEF)
The project aims at promoting the conservation and preservation of important wild relatives and land
races of agricultural species in Lebanon by introducing and testing in situ and on-farm mechanisms and
techniques for the conservation and sustainable use of agrobiodiversity. The project works closely with
farmers and rural community using their indigenous knowledge to serve the project objectives.
4.14 Investment Planning Program, Environment
As part of IPP, a technical assistance program to the Ministry of the Environment, funded by the EU, is at
the bidding stage. This consultancy unit will assist the MoE in the planning and preparation of projects
and their follow-up in several areas:
• Environmental policy
• Regulatory and public licensing policy
• Institutional strengthening and human resource development policy.
The cost of the project is approximately US$ 1.7 million and it will start by the end of 2002 and run for
three years.
4.15 Integrated Coastal Management between Jbeil/Amsheet (Lebanon) and Latakia
(Syria)
The project is financed by the European Union, and Managed by Envirotech with the Collaboration of the
Ministry of Environment in Lebanon and Syria and with the external assistance of SIDI/EUROECO. The
project started in Nov 4, 2000 and will end Nov. 4, 2003.
The purpose of the project is to conduct four demonstration action projects on Wastewater & Ecotourism
in Lebanon and Solid Waste and Industrial Valorization in Syria. Guidance manuals and training will be
developed and conducted for decision makers such as Head of Municipalities and other concerned
institutions.
Currently, the ecotourism planning has started in the area of Enfeh. Brochures, Maps, trails are currently
being developed with close coordination of the municipality NGOs, and local habitants. The
demonstration activity concerning wastewater has also started in the area of Batroun. The municipality of
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Prepared By M. Nader & S. Talhouk June, 2002