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

SAP-BIO-Lebanon National Report Page 16 of 95
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Batroun has located a piece of land. Envirotech and its partners are conducting a detailed Environmental
Impact Assessment. The wastewater facility would serve around 2000 habitants.
Many other projects are executed by the Lebanese government with the support of international
organizations like Climate Change, Ozone Office, Energy Efficient Building, Trade and Environment etc.
5. Identified gaps
Lack of institutional capacity, non-oriented legislation, and hesitant law enforcement are major
constraints in addition to budgetary restrictions (more significantly inefficient budgetary allocations and
waste). On the other hand, the absence of co-ordination and harmonization of various competing needs
and requirements further complicates an already difficult situation, thus causing irreversible damage to
the ecosystem and biodiversity. The interrelated responsibilities between ministries in addition to the
government’s scarce financial resources are main limitations. A clear lack of co-ordination amongst
stakeholders and incentives for alternative activities coupled with absence of in-service or adult education
campaigns.
6. Relevant on-going and/or planned activities
The following activities are planned or ongoing according to the “National Biodiversity Startegy and
Action Plan” prepared by the MoE and UNDP in 1998.
Objective 1
The government of Lebanon will enhance the public awareness through the well-developed media and
education system. Institutional capacities will be built by expanding recruitment and training of
specialists, locally and overseas. More budgets are allocated to alleviate sources of marine pollution and
to introduce clean industrial practices. Legislation will be reviewed, updated and consolidated.
Immediate term (short term,) 1-3 years
• Identify hot spots and land-based sources of pollution in addition to man-caused maritime sources
of pollution such as petroleum.
• Limit further industrial development along the coast.
• Introduce incentives for a clean industry and legislate for “polluter pays” principle.
• Conduct EIA surveys prior to construction of treatment plants.
• Develop National Action Plan within the framework of MAP.
Medium term, 3-5 years
• Conduct a comprehensive survey of the situation of the coastal zone and review land use maps and
legislation. Legislate for the necessity of co-ordination within the public sector in particular.
• Enhance law enforcement authorities and put into place a co-ordination mechanism. Introduce the
concept of the environment police.
• Establish contingency plans to combat pollution or mitigate their harmful effects.
• Organize a network of observation stations centered around the National Center for Marine
Sciences or the NCSR , and assist in the rehabilitation of research centers in general
• Develop partnership and co-ordinate action with all concerned parties such as the government, the
industry, and NGK’s, and conduct public awareness campaigns targeting society at large.
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Prepared By M. Nader & S. Talhouk June, 2002