Introduction by Moderator Sarkis Seraydarian – Environment panel
Friday, June 26, 2015

"I urge you to sanctify our land and our natural wealth in Lebanon. We call upon all actors to keep up with environmental activities, bearing in mind the goal of preserving the country of the Cedars and what is left of its green heritage". Those were the words of Lebanese Environment Minister Mohammad Al-Mashnouk on the occasion of the World Environment Day on June 5, 2015

Some pessimists will tell you that Lebanon is following the pattern of disintegration sweeping across the entire region. The latest cabinet crisis, coupled with the yearlong presidential vacuum and Parliament's inability to legislate or elect a president, have paralyzed the last branch of power, putting the country's economy and stability into jeopardy.

Many Lebanese are more concerned with immediate political and economic problems than long-term environmental stewardship. However, the alarming fact remains that environmental degradation has emerged as one of the key challenges threatening Lebanon's economic and social development.

The chief environmental concerns facing Lebanon is air and water pollution in all its dimensions, water shortage due to inadequate storage and deficient water network, illegal landfills, the release of untreated wastewater into the sea and the rivers, forests and land use.

In addition to the existing ills, the massive presence of around 1.5 million Syrian refugees on Lebanese soil has brought unprecedented environmental problems and has overwhelmed infrastructure.

Government instability, widespread systemic corruption and nepotism, coupled with a culture of neglect and a crippling bureaucratic system are the main stumbling blocks facing attempts to improve the country's environmental situation.

In the face of so many challenges of unprecedented magnitude, there seems to be a growing recognition in Lebanon that environmental protection requires the collaboration of all. Government agencies are becoming more aware of the need to consider the environmental impact of their policies and actions. Environmental NGOs and the media are assuming increasingly important roles in raising public awareness and supporting grassroots activities. Research institutes and consulting firms are playing a larger part in improving the understanding of the environment. International donors and funding institutions are also contributing to the environmental management process. Although some significant progress is being made, there is much, much more to be accomplished.

If we fail to implement a long-term environmental strategy in Lebanon and fail to raise a proper level of consciousness at the level of both the public and the private sectors, we will not even be able to start tackling the abundance of environmental issues 10 – 15 years from now.

State institutions, civil society and NGOs must work hand in hand within the limits of their capabilities and beyond to save Lebanon. A safe environment is not only a must to safeguard our health but it is also the precondition to securing Lebanon's economy in the 21st century. We did not inherit this beautiful country from our ancestors, but we borrowed it from our children.