SummaryThe degradation of Lebanon’s natural environment over the past decades is a testament to governance failures in the sector. This degradation not only affects the country’s landscapes but has also had severe economic and public health consequences for its population such as the widespread pollution of rivers like the Litani due to untreated wastewater, the depletion of groundwater reserves in regions like the Bekaa Valley, and the proliferation of unregulated quarries in areas such as Chekka and Chouf, which have caused deforestation, habitat loss, and air pollution.The recent crises Lebanon has grappled with from political conflict and instability to financial collapse have further exacerbated environmental degradation. The weakening of government institutions has led to reduced oversight and enforcement, allowing violations to go unchecked. For instance, the energy crisis has driven reliance on private generator operators, many of whom operate illegally and dangerously, contributing to air pollution and public safety risks. These overlapping crises have also weakened critical infrastructure, including waste management and water treatment systems. On top of this, the escalating impacts of climate change rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events continue to place immense pressure on already fragile ecosystems.Of these series of shocks, the 2024 war also had a heavy toll on Lebanon’s environment, one that continues to threaten citizens’ well-being well beyond the ceasefire.  Destruction of infrastructure, pollution of natural resources, deforestation, and possible use of chemical agents have created long-term environmental hazards. Recovery from the 2024 war cannot be achieved without restoring the damaged ecosystems and rebuilding critical environmental infrastructure. One of the most pressing and lasting threats is the vast quantity of construction and demolition waste (CDW), mounting to millions of tons now scattered across decentralized locations. Yet within this crisis lies an opportunity: if managed strategically, this rubble can be recycled and reintegrated into Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, reducing environmental harm and creating economic value. For this opportunity to be realized, coordinated action is needed across government, civil society, and the private sector. Enabling policies, technical capacity, and investment in recycling infrastructure are essential to transition from waste to resource.The AUB Nature Conservation Centre (NCC) is actively addressing this challenge through advocating for the recycling of CDW, engaging key stakeholders, mapping national policies, and benchmarking against international policies and frameworks. NCC is also piloting sustainable recycling methods and pushing for policy frameworks that support environmentally responsible reconstruction. At its core, NCC’s work is rooted in restoring nature while fostering community resilience and driving economic recovery.Effort OverviewQuestionDetailsWhat was the reform challenge?Absence of a national framework for CDW management, widespread illegal dumping, lack of coordination among key stakeholders, weak, fragmented policies and lack of data and accessibility. What was the civic strategy or action taken?Our strategy focuses on engagement, inclusion, and evidence-based action by partnering with expert faculty members at AUB who specialize in CDW management and recycling. Together, we built on existing research, analyzed relevant policies, gathered international benchmarks, and submitted formal policy recommendations. We also published a policy brief, coordinated efforts through policy dialogues, launched an advocacy campaign calling for CDW recycling, and initiated consultations with key stakeholders from civil society, the public and private sectors, and both national and international institutions.What agencies were targeted?The initiative was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. Other targeted agencies included civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations, public sector institutions, private sector entities and lobby groups, academic institutions, and the international community such as INGOs, embassies, and UN agencies.What reform priorities does it relate to?Waste Management Policies; Access to Information & Data; Transparency and Accountability for Environmental Destruction; CDW Management; Circular Economy and Recycling Targets all of which fall under the 3RF pillars.  Key Partners & Coalition MembersTypeName(s)Lead CSONature Conservation Centre at the American University of Beirut (AUB- NCC)Supporting CSOsRestart; LHDF; LLWB; Save the children; LRI; REEF; Aman; Green peace; Arcenciel; Al Majmoua; Transparency International Lebanon; Institute of Environment Balamand; Jibal; Council of Environment Kobayat, Biodiversity Conservation Initiative, AUB ESDU, AUB SAIL, Plastc lab; Y4G; Adyan.  Progress SnapshotIndicatorValueCommentsCSO Partners20 Stakeholder Meetings Conducted41 Launching Advocacy Campaign9 Article features, 1 TV Appearance, 1 Podcast, 12 Social Media Posts Published Policy Brief 1 Accessible in English and Arabic Pictures  AUB Delegation Meeting with Former Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin.     AUB-NCC Meeting with Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Propose Sustainable Post-Crisis CDW Management Solutions.     Former Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin mentioned AUB-NCC’s policy brief on national TV, raising awareness about CDW management.   A multi-stakeholder coordination meeting at AUB on March 20, 2025, to align on CDW recycling and discuss related opportunities and threats.                                               AUB delegation meeting with the Spanish Embassy, with AUB-NCC as part of the delegation, to discuss CDW management in Lebanon.  Results Achievement Sources Enhanced understanding of the CDW management landscape by identifying new opportunities for sustainable practices and system improvements, while supporting reform planning through evidence-based research to assist the government in implementing effective policy changes. Policy Brief: EN - AR Ongoing research and development will be disseminated once finalized Raised public and institutional awareness on critical waste management issues through targeted outreach and communication efforts. AUB-NCC Social Media Platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn , X Relevant articles can be found in the Resources and Annex section. Built consensus on CDW management priorities, aligning diverse stakeholders around recycling CDW through actionable solutions and policy directions. CDW Coordination Workshop Report: EN - AR   Proposed a CDW recycling model based on desk research, Key inform interviews (KIIs) and policy dialogues done with various stakeholders. From Waste to Value: A policy approach to establish a recycling industry for Lebanon's construction and demolition waste: EN Challenges Faced and Call to ActionChallengeSolution(s)Lack of Data and AccessibilityAdvocate for data sharing and accessibility, and emphasize the importance of systematic data collection by lobbying responsible entities to gather and report data in support of transparency, informed decision-making, and research.Weak, Fragmented PoliciesConduct a policy review and submit recommended legal amendments, alongside the engagement of relevant government stakeholders.Lack of Coordination Among Key StakeholdersEstablish a multi-stakeholder CDW management taskforce, with representatives from: ministries, municipalities, private sector, NGOs, and academia.This body would coordinate actions, share data, and guide implementation of the national strategy.Widespread Illegal DumpingImplement strict enforcement mechanisms and incentives, including strengthening environmental monitoring and penalties for illegal dumping. Absence of a National Framework for CDW ManagementSet clear standards for collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal, including legal mandates for CDW separation at source, national recycling targets, integration into building codes and permits.    Calls to ActionEmbed recycling of rubble into reconstruction aid and standardsAdopt long-term reforms to fully integrate CDW Recycling in the construction sectorSupport the government and municipalities in collecting data, enforcing EIAs & prevent ecological disastersRely on evidence & input from all stakeholders (Academia, Private Sector, Specialized NGOs, Local Communities, Municipalities)Disseminate findings around the feasibility of CDW recycling in Lebanon Annexes & ResourcesPolicy Brief: EN - ARFrom Waste to Value: A policy approach to establish a recycling industry for Lebanon's construction and demolition waste: ENCDW Coordination Workshop Report: EN - ARArticles #TypeOutletTitleLink1ArticleNew Lines Magazine Clearing Lebanon’s War RubbleLINK2Articleاللواء بعد المطامر.. «اللواء» تفتح ملف الروادم: حلول «ممكنة» أم أزمة بلا حول ولا قوة؟! LINK3ArticleNNAاختتام مشروع RE-MED لاعادة تدوير مخلفات البناء  ياسين: سمح لنا بتنفيذ مشاريع تجريبية مع مختلف الشركاء والنقابات LINK4ArticleLCPSإدارة مخلّفات البناء والهدم في لبنان LINK 5ArticleLebanon Debateصعوبة في إزالة الأنقاض... لبنان يتعامل مع تدمير 3 آلاف مبنى بِبيروتLINK6ArticleAl Joumhouriaلبنان يواجه مهمّة ضخمة للتخلّص من الحطام الناتج من الحربLINK7ArticleNew York TimesLebanon Faces a Colossal Disposal Task: Clearing War DebrisLINK8PodcastThe MergeEpisode 1 | Issam Srour | Recycling War Rubble for a Sustianable FutureLINK9ArticleL’Orient Le JourMillions of tons of rubble: The hidden controversy of conflict zonesLINK10ArticleVertEntre 50 et 100 millions de tonnes de déchets : au Liban, l’impossible défi de la dépollution après la guerre avec IsraëlLINK  Contact Point  American University of Beirut, Nature Conservation Centre (AUB-NCC)Antoine Kallab, Associate Director, ak231@aub.edu.lb

Summary:Himaya Daeem Aataa launched a campaign to combat corruption and promote transparency in local governance by strengthening the capacities of municipalities and empowering youth. The initiative addressed weak accountability and limited civic participation in decision-making. Through targeted training, youth engagement, and collaboration with municipal authorities, the campaign supported the development of local anti-corruption and transparency policies. It focused on enhancing good governance, increasing youth participation, and building sustainable accountability mechanisms at the local level.Reform Challenge:The campaign addressed the persistent lack of transparency and accountability in local governance, particularly within municipal institutions. Municipalities often operated with limited public oversight, weak institutional frameworks for anti-corruption, and minimal youth engagement in decision-making processes. These gaps undermined public trust and enabled misuse of public resources.Civic Strategy and Action Taken:Himaya Daeem Aataa launched a grassroots campaign to raise awareness about anti-corruption and transparency by:Building the capacities of municipalities on transparency standards, budget monitoring, and participatory governance tools.Empowering youth through training and mentorship programs to become active agents in promoting good governance and contributing to local policy development.Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues between youth, municipal officials, and civil society to co-develop localized anti-corruption and transparency frameworks.Agencies Targeted:Local municipal governments as primary implementers of governance reforms.Youth groups and community-based organizations (CBOs) as watchdogs and advocates.Civil society networks and media outlets to amplify messaging and sustain public pressure for reforms.Reform Priorities Addressed:Strengthening local governance by institutionalizing transparency and anti-corruption practices.Youth civic engagement and inclusion in policy-making processes.Enhancing accountability mechanisms within public institutions.Contributing to broader anti-corruption reforms aligned with national transparency and good governance agendas.

National Inclusive Employment Policy for People with Disabilities   Thematic Tags: Disability Rights, Inclusive Employment, Disability Inclusion, Right to Work Initiative Launch Date: July 2024 Status: Ongoing Summary Unemployment rate for People with Disabilities in Lebanon stands at 85%, despite the existence of Law 220/2000 aiming to promote their social protection and economic development. The Lebanese government failed to implement effective disability inclusion policies, despite signing the UNCRPD in June 2007 and ratifying it officially in 2025, therefore, persons with disabilities are left deprived of their basic rights, particularly employment.   Therefore, arcenciel drafted an Inclusive Employment Policy for People with Disabilities to reinforce the implementation of the right to work. This activity is implemented under the BINA’ project sub-grants, funded by the European Union and managed by Transparency International (TI) Secretariat and TI-Lebanon   The first draft of the employment policy was released in May 2024, and the final draft was released in July 2024. Four roundtable discussions were conducted in August 2024 including different stakeholders from ministries, employers, leaders of inclusion, OPDs, CSOs, 3RF, INGOs, and NGOs with a total of 78 persons. During these roundtable discussions the draft policy was proposed and discussed. A final draft was released in July 2024 taking into consideration all the comments and recommendations suggested during the roundtables.   The final draft policy was formally submitted to both ministry of Labor and ministry of social affair on the 19th of February 2025. Effort Overview Question Details What was the reform challenge? Lack of an inclusive employment policy and weak enforcement of law 220/2000 undermine the right to work of persons with disabilities. What was the civic strategy or action taken? Drafting a policy, presenting policy to 53 stakeholders (Employers, Leaders of Inclusion, Ministries, OPDs, INGOs, NGOs and CSOs) during 4 roundtable discussions, revising policy, submitting final policy to Ministry of Labor and Ministry of Social Affairs. What agencies were targeted? Ministry of Lebanon, Ministry of Social Affairs, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Public Administrations, Organizations of Persons with Disability, NGOs and CSOs, Employers, Leaders of Inclusion (Representative for Persons with Disabilities), INGOs and Funding Agencies What reform priorities does it relate to? Right to Work Section 8 in Law 220/2000 articles 68-77, UNCRPD article 27 work and employment   Key Partners & Coalition Members Type Name(s) Lead NGO arcenciel Supporting actors LCD, LFD, LUPD, LULB, FDA, LASA, EDAN, YAB, HI, TI, WFP, GIZ, WRF, ILO, PU, ICRC, Step Together, IRADA, Tripulley, Adyan Foundation, Mouvement Social, Shareq, NEO, MOL, MEHE, CRDP, MOSA, R&A Program, Upgrey, Snowball, Social Work Syndicate, L’oreal, Fig Holding, Mindnavy, Bossa Nova Hotel, Ladkani, IABC, LOM, MSD, Association of Lebanese Industrialists, etc.