This roundtable discussion, in collaboration with Synaps Network, brought together activists, journalists, and academics to explore impactful knowledge production by addressing the following questions: How does research contribute to the environmental agenda? Can we measure its impact? Are research and education direct contributors to practical environmental solutions? Can they reach a global audience beyond the academic community? Should and can citizens engage with these centers, and if so, how? What tools facilitate inclusive research? Is knowledge translation an integral part of knowledge production? What obstacles exist in making knowledge actionable?
This policy brief offers key insights on the critical issue of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) resulting from the ongoing war, emphasizing its environmental, economic, and social dimensions. It provides actionable strategies and policy recommendations for sustainable CDW management in Lebanon, drawing on past lessons, current challenges, and innovative solutions. It is intended for policymakers, international and national stakeholders, private and public sector leaders, and community advocates.
The first brief of the “Navigating Climate Change and environmental activism in the MENA region: Challenges and Opportunities" series. The panel composed of academics, UN agency representatives, social entrepreneurs and public officials, highlighted stories that succeeded in aligning developmental agendas and rallying communities around a shared vision.
The second brief of the “Navigating Climate Change and environmental activism in the MENA region: Challenges and Opportunities" series. Experts from various fields were brought together to unveil the environmental and policy implications of the solar energy boom in Lebanon and discuss potential future pathways.
The third brief of the “Navigating Climate Change and environmental activism in the MENA region: Challenges and Opportunities" series. The panel representing various stakeholders involved in grassroots initiatives at the local and regional level, shared their success stories and lessons learned, highlighted gaps, and mobilized the audience to fight daily injustices exacerbated by climate change.
As part of their Master's Research project in the Design and Evaluation of Public Health Programs (PBHL303) course, students developed a "Needs Assessment of AUB students' behavior towards Single-Use Plastics (SUPs)" in collaboration with the AUB Nature Conservation Center (AUB-NCC). Interesting findings reveal the students' challenges when it comes to reducing their SUPs consumption on campus, concluding with a set of recommendations to fill this gap.
Following the October 2023 hostilities, Southern Lebanon witnessed an increase in military strikes by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on civilian population, land and infrastructure. In several of these attacks, White Phosphorus ammunition was used, causing significant environmental damage, threats to public health and economic losses. In this policy brief, we examine the direct and indirect impact of the use of WP in warfare, specifically in Lebanon. We also discuss appropriate mitigation measures to combat its long-lasting effect on local communities.
تعقيبا على الأعمال العدائية في أكتوبر 2023، شهد جنوب لبنان زيادة في الضربات العسكرية التي يشنها جيش الدفاع الإسرائيلي على المدنيين والأراضي والبنى التحتية. في العديد من هذه الهجمات، استخدمت ذخيرة الفسفور الأبيض، مما تسبب في أضرار بيئية كبيرة، وتهديدات للصحة العامة، وخسائر اقتصادية. نتناول في هذا الموجز التأثير المباشر وغير المباشر لاستخدام الفسفور الأبيض في الحرب، وتحديدا في لبنان. كما نناقش أيضا تدابير التخفيف المناسبة لمكافحة تأثيره طويل الأمد على المجتمعات المحلية.
The fourth brief of the “Navigating Climate Change and environmental activism in the MENA region: Challenges and Opportunities" series. The two panelists representing young female voices from the field, shed light on the daily injustices and challenges faced by rural women and concluded with a set of guidelines that direct policy interventions, forge collaborations and ultimately empower the silent sentries at the frontlines of climate justice.
The fifth brief of the “Navigating Climate Change and environmental activism in the MENA region: Challenges and Opportunities" series. On the way to COP 28, the panelists shared their expectations and concerns, highlighting the most pressing challenges related to climate action and the role of different stakeholders in this regard. The roundtable discussion was concluded with a set of recommendations to set the path for transformative actions towards a more climate just future.
The sixth and final brief of the “Navigating Climate Change and environmental activism in the MENA region: Challenges and Opportunities" series. The event discussed what it takes for Lebanon to unlock change within a fragmented context. The first panel's broad approach was complemented with a more technical aspect in the second panel. As such, both discussions shared key takeaways and recommendations to secure Lebanon's green transition.
As part of the Land Degradation Neutrality for Mountain Landscapes project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by UNDP Lebanon in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, AUB-NCC hosted a series of expert roundtables in August 2023. These roundtables focused on the themes of Water & Wastewater, Land Degradation & Solid Waste, Forestry & Agriculture, and Sustainable Tourism.
This white paper is the outcome of an international research project supported by Leading House MENA. It compiles insights and recommendations from a roundtable discussion hosted at AUB-NCC on December 4, 2023. The roundtable convened national experts from the private and public sectors, along with civil society. The participants explored the concept of regenerative tourism and its potential to rejuvenate nature, communities, and the dynamics between hosts and guests.
The first brief of the “The New Roadmap to a Green Transition: Exploring Today's Climate Actors" series, in partnership with UN-Habitat. We explored what role municipalities or 'baladiyet' play in climate action. The discussion revealed the crucial role local actors play, the structural challenges they face, and showcased local success stories. Within this brief, find the key takeaways and recommendations needed to enhance local climate action in Lebanon.
The Miyawaki method is an innovative reforestation technique used to create compact, diverse, and self-sustaining native forests. This brief outlines the primary conclusions of a bibliographic review, providing an overview of the benefits of the Miyawaki method over conventional reforestation techniques. It also identifies gaps in the literature that could inform future research and projects.
The second instalment of our series, “The New Roadmap to a Green Transition: Exploring Today's Climate Actors," in collaboration with Cewas Middle East, focused on the critical issue of e-waste. Participants highlighted the environmental health risks associated with e-waste, showcased their circular initiatives, and provided policy recommendations to guide governance. This brief outlines the key takeaways and recommendations for improving e-waste management in Lebanon.
