New agreement supports forestation efforts

Italian NGO experts will assist in raising funds

A memorandum of understanding for cooperation on forestation, preservation, and improvement of forests was recently signed between the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Italian NGO AVSI (Association of Volunteers in International Service Institute).

Through the agreement, the AVSI will provide experts to help the MoA raise funds for reducing pollution levels and carbon dioxide emissions.

The agreement falls in the context of the national reforestation initiative that aims to plant 40 million trees across an area of 700 square kilometers in coming years.

The project entails that native trees should be planted based on local criteria. This includes the soil type, climate, and type of trees. Seedlings should be provided by local suppliers to ensure a higher survivability rate. The areas which will be planted cover the entire Bekaa region and the South.

The project is expected to be concluded over the next two decades, provided that sufficient funds are secured. The funds are required for irrigation, fencing, and developing nurseries to produce forest seedlings. Currently, the MoA has only four nurseries.

Reported by Nader Houella