Promoting a Healthier Environment Through Youth Engagement in Solid Waste Management
This project aims at addressing Lebanon's pressing solid waste management challenges through youth engagement and community participation. Led by the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), the project seeks to raise awareness of the adverse effects of unsustainable waste practices on public health and the environment. By empowering youth to actively participate in decision-making processes and collaborating with local stakeholders, the project aims to develop and implement innovative, sustainable waste management solutions. Through mapping existing initiatives, facilitating linkages with experts, and conducting an online advocacy campaign, the project endeavors to create a healthier environment for Lebanon's communities.
The project will be executed by and between ARK Group DMCC and the American University of Beirut conducted through the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit “ESDU” at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences “FAFS”
Project Overview
Lebanon faces significant environmental and health risks due to the absence of a comprehensive and sustainable national waste management plan. The project endeavors to raise awareness among the youths about the detrimental impact of unsustainable waste management practices on the environment and citizens' well-being.
With the next municipal elections, the project aligns with this opportune moment to engage with local decision-makers and advocate for healthier waste management solutions. ESDU intends to collaborate with active stakeholders and prospective municipal candidates, urging them to prioritize sustainable waste management strategies during their tenure.
The project's approach involves comprehensive research to map existing initiatives and studies on waste management's health implications. Through facilitated linkages between youths and relevant stakeholders, innovative and sustainable solutions will be developed and implemented.
An impactful online advocacy campaign will complement the project's efforts, targeting a broader audience to raise awareness about the adverse effects of waste mismanagement on public health. Rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be employed throughout the project to ensure its effectiveness and pave the way for a healthier environment in Lebanon.
Project Outcome The project outcomes aim to foster youth-driven solutions, disseminate information, and raise public awareness about sustainable waste management practices and their health impacts.
Facilitated Youth Engagement in Decision-Making Related to Solid Waste Management Villages selected and solid waste management plans assessed
Confirm two villages, Akkar El Atika and Saida
Raise awareness through workshops.
Identify solutions through participatory systems thinking workshops.
Awareness raised in local communities through workshops
Organize awareness workshops in selected villages.
Empower youths as waste management ambassadors.
Potential solutions identified through participatory workshops with youth
Conduct participatory workshops for sustainable solutions.
Enhanced Access to Information in the Field of "Health and Environment"
Mapping of existing initiatives and research
Map waste management initiatives and health research.
Generate a comprehensive report.
Dissemination of research results
Organize a workshop to share findings
Foster collaborative efforts
Facilitating linkages between youth and experts/stakeholders
Connect youths with decision-makers and agencies
Enhanced Public Awareness of the Potential Risks of Waste Mismanagement on Health
Conducting an online awareness-raising campaign
Launch an impactful online campaign.
Target a diverse audience.
Raising awareness during local meetings and workshops
Promote awareness at local levels
Project Timeline July 2023-August 2023