Crocus sativus (Iridaceae), commonly known as Saffron “زعفران”, is an annual herbaceous historically cultivated in the Mediterranean region for the commercial production of the most expensive spice in the world. For its high ecological adaptability for semiarid conditions, the cultivation of Crocus sativus in Bekaa region in Lebanon has been recommended as a promising option for rural development especially under the status of climate change. Thus, saffron cultivation has been attempted by individual private efforts and by the Institute of Agricultural Research. In attempt to explore its suitability to grow in Cental Bekaa and provide a continuous source of samples to the Faculty of Pharmacy and other faculties at BAU, RCED established a demonstration activity of saffron cultivation in 2012 that ended in August 2018. A brief report on the activity is developed and circulated to all collaborators and colleagues who are interested in the plant.

Funded by USAID and led by the International Institute of Water Management (IWMI), The project was intended to address the challenges posed by the unsustainable use of groundwater in the MENA region and contribute to finding governance and policy solutions and mitigation measures to the groundwater crisis in the region with focus on the case studies in Tunisia (Haouaria region), Jordan (Azraq groundwater basin) and Lebanon (Central Beqaa). The project was primarily designed to 1) improve the awareness, knowledge and capacity of both national decision-makers and stakeholders at the level of four aquifers and 2) launch a participatory process to define problems and implement action plans to improve management and governance at the aquifer level.

This ongoing project aims to develop a deep understanding of the flora biodiversity of Mount Hermon and document traditional ethnobotanical use towards conservation strategies and community development.

BAU has established an herbal garden in Bekaa Campus. It is used for the conservation of some native medicinal and aromatic plants of high ecological, economic, and social importance.

Following the conservation guidelines for medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) developed by Lebanese Agriculture Research Institute (LARI), UNDP and the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, 2013, this project demonstrates the cultivation of Origanum syriacum (Oregano or Za’atar in Arabic) and Salvia officinalis (Sage or Kassiin /Maryamiyeh in Arabic) in Bekaa region. It aims at promoting the cultivation of MAP species that have been subject to extensive and unsustainable harvesting. The project provides knowledge of cultivation technology and post harvesting processes of these two species towards local livelihood and national economic development. Read more

The project aims at promoting beekeeping and high quality honey production while contributing to the conservation of the Syrian bee (Apis mellifera syriaca) and protection of flora biodiversity and agricultural productivity in the unique settings of BAU Bekaa and Debbieh campuses and surrounding local areas. The project creats a platform for enhancing the outreach dimension of BAU educational objectives as a core value of BAU mission and BAU strategy.