Lebanon joins Middle East Green Initiative
From dealing with the energy crisis to environmental catastrophe, Lebanon continues its search for international partners, with its latest spotlight on Riyadh.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced the country’s entry into the Middle East Green Initiative, launched by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to mitigate the impact of climate change in the region, reported Asharq al-Awsat and agencies on August 31st.
“This is an essential step for Lebanon, especially since our southern villages and towns have been exposed to significant environmental and agricultural damage due to Israeli attacks, which requires cooperation with all of Lebanon’s friends,” said Mikati, according to a statement released by the Lebanese Council of Ministers.
Abbas Hajj Hassan, Lebanon’s Agriculture Minister, welcomed the nation’s participation in the initiative and confirmed the establishment of a high committee to facilitate cooperation and ensure the project’s sustainability.
READ: Rocket launched near UNIFIL peacekeeper post in Lebanon
Climate change has had a significant impact on the region, even to a life-threatening extent. This summer saw over 1,300 people lose their lives to a heatwave in Mecca during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Hassan noted the significance of the announcement that “comes in light of the continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and this matter must be drawn to attention, especially since Israel is destroying very large areas, whether agricultural lands, fruit trees or forests.”.
Environment Minister Nasser Yassin stated that the initiative’s goals include planting 40 billion trees across the region, stopping land degradation and desertification, and ensuring that the Gulf and Middle East can adapt to future challenges.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, an estimated 2.8 million square meters of forest and agricultural land have been completely burned. An additional 6.7 million square meters of agricultural and forest land were partially damaged by Israeli attacks, which included the use of internationally banned incendiary munitions.
Asharq al-Awsat and agencies
