Reforestation bid underway

$12 million initiative funded by USAID

Jouzour Loubnan, a pro-environment NGO, has launched an initiative for planting 120,000 trees in Kfardebian, as part of the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI). The LRI is a $12 million project funded by USAID and implemented by the USFS (US Forest Service). The Kfardebian reforestation project is one of 11 projects that the LRI is implementing across the country over four years.

During the first phase of the initiative, 40,000 trees will be planted over an area of one square kilometer. Phase one includes up to $650,000 in investments, for planting and maintaining the trees in protected areas. USAID and the LRI will cover $450,000 of this amount. The remaining funds will be provided by Jouzour Loubnan. The amount covers the costs of purchasing the seedlings, fencing the site, installing irrigation systems, and paying the wages of forest guards.

The project provides direct and indirect job opportunities for local workers. It is expected to employ some 40 workers, both men and women. Local businesses will also benefit from the initiative whereby local suppliers will provide irrigation systems, native seedlings, fencing, and agricultural tools.

“In the last 40 years, Lebanon has lost more than 40 percent of its woodland cover,” said Raoul Nehme, Chairman of Jouzour Loubnan. He added that the project will turn this arid region into a forest.

The LRI will also feature a number of ongoing events, activities, workshops, and trainings. Strong collaboration with the public sector has been established through memorandums of understanding signed between LRI and a number of municipalities in Anjar, Kfardebian, Rachaya, and other areas, who will be conducting reforestation efforts.

Reported by Nader Houella