Many among you may not know that AUB has a campus in the Beqa'a, and others might not have visited it. AREC, the Agriculture Research and Educational Center, is located in the rural heartland of Lebanon, 80 km east of Beirut. For over 50 years, AREC has been offering experiential learning programs mainly in Agriculture and in Landscape Design and eco-Management. Until 1975, AREC was also the place where students from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture learned the basis of land surveying. 

AREC is also a research center, where faculty members explore ways of improving natural and human well being. Over the years, researchers from various AUB faculties have collaborated to enable communities in the Beqa'a, in Lebanon and beyond to improve the sustainability of their livelihoods.

AREC’s main strength lies in its outreach programs which it has established and advanced over the years. Dozens of development programs have been implemented, in partnership with local communities. These programs are fully integrated in AREC’s teaching and research. AREC’s vision as a center of excellence in education, research and community service focuses on improving natural and human well being in rural areas of Lebanon and the Middle East. This vision is perfectly aligned with AUB’s core beliefs. Our current goals include enhancing the engagement of increasing numbers of AUB faculty and students at AREC.

I encourage you to browse our Web Site for further information and details.

With Best Regards,

Nahla Hwalla
Professor and Dean
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences