17.3: SDG15

Sustainable Development Goal 15 (SDG 15) emphasizes the importance of protecting and restoring life on land. In Lebanon, efforts to support this goal are vital for preserving the country's ecosystems and biodiversity. Beirut Arab University (BAU) plays a significant role in contributing to SDG 15 through various initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable land management.

Environmental Challenges in Lebanon:

Lebanon faces a range of environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat degradation. The Lebanese government has recognized the importance of addressing these challenges and has implemented various measures to protect its land and ecosystems.

BAU's Commitment to SDG 15:

• Tree Planting Initiatives: BAU actively engages in tree planting campaigns to combat deforestation and enhance green spaces on its campus. These initiatives not only improve the campus environment but also set an example for students and the community.
• Biodiversity Research: The university conducts research on biodiversity and ecosystems in Lebanon, contributing to a deeper understanding of the country's unique flora and fauna.
• Educational Programs: BAU includes sustainability and land management topics in its academic programs, raising awareness about the importance of sustainable land use and conservation.
• Community Engagement: The university collaborates with local communities to implement sustainable land management practices, promote reforestation, and protect habitats.

Future Directions:

1. To further support SDG 15 and contribute to Lebanon's efforts in sustainable land management, BAU can:
2. Expand Reforestation Efforts: Continue and expand tree planting initiatives both on and off campus to combat deforestation and promote greenery.
3. Community Outreach: Strengthen partnerships with local communities and NGOs to engage in larger-scale reforestation and habitat restoration projects.

In conclusion, Beirut Arab University is committed to supporting SDG 15 by actively engaging in sustainable land management, reforestation, and biodiversity research. By aligning its efforts with the Lebanese government's initiatives, BAU contributes to the preservation and restoration of life on land in Lebanon, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Minister El Machnouk Patronizes the “Recycling Project” and the 4th NGOs’ Fair at BAU

Under the Patronage of the Minister of the Environment, Mohamed El Machnouk, the launching of the “Recycling Project” and the 4th NGOs’ Fair was organized by the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, and with the collaboration with “Arc en Ciel” and “Cleantec”. The Fair included thirty NGOs, introducing students to their work and the role they play in creating job-opportunities, and paving the way to establish venues of cooperation with the students. The “Recycling Project” aims to collect and recycle the hard waste materials produced daily at the University, the revenues of which will be donated to the Students’ Aids Fund.

The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi, President of the University, Prof. Dr. Essam Osman, Vice-President for Medical Sciences, Mr. Issam Houri, BAU Secretary General, Faculty Deans, Dr. Omar Houri, Director of the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University and Assistant Dean of the Faculty of Law and Political Science, Staff-Members, as well as the University administrators and Mrs. Zina Ariss, Director of the Public Relations Administration, representatives of the participating NGOs, and a crowd of interested people.

After the Lebanese National Anthem and the BAU Anthem were played, HE Minister El Machnouk described the occasion as a precious event because he found himself in an academic edifice cherished by Lebanon. He praised the development of the University from an idea to an academic institution that adopts an environmentally conscious approach. He further praised the Human Rights Center at the University for addressing all aspects relevant to human beings, in particular the environment.

El Machnouk then addressed the civil society representatives, describing them as the hope for Lebanon in the light of their pioneering role in supporting the society and orienting it towards the right direction. He pointed out that all the NGOs present noble aims that work towards the development of human beings.

El Machnouk also pointed out that protecting the environment begins when every aim is translated into a behavioral aspect that is reflected in the interaction of people with their environment. He stressed the necessity of sorting waste materials as a first step towards solving the problem of hard waste materials in Lebanon. It is also a sign of advancement and distinction sought by every Lebanese.

The Minister further emphasized that seeking sustainable development is not achieved if the slogan “My Environment is My Homeland” is not implemented. He expressed his optimism at the role played by the youth in pursuing the accumulative efforts that need to be exerted towards a better environment.

Prof. Amr Galal El Adawi, on the other hand, expressed his gratitude to HE Minister El Machnouk for patronizing and attending the event. He drew attention to the fact that the University had signed together with the UN the Global Compact Agreement, including the ten basic principles relevant to the environment and Human Rights. El Adawi expressed his regret that the recommendations issued by the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro are not implemented, stressing again on the close relationship between the environment and sustainable development.

Dr. Omar Houri, Director of the Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in turn stressed the fact that promoting human rights is a well-established tradition at the University. This is manifested in a mandatory university course on human rights, and the reiteration of the right of every individual to a decent life and a clean and health environment. He further called for the sustainable development to save human life.

Houri attributed the importance of the Project to its human and social dimension, through the collaboration of the society and the individual. He declared the establishment of an environmental unit that aims at raising awareness of the dangers of pollution and the means to preserve the environment. At the same time he emphasized the close partnership with the civil society organizations, the unity of the aims to be achieved, and the strengthening of cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment.

The opening ceremony concluded with Prof. Dr. Amr Galal El Adawi presenting an honorary shield to HE Minister El Machnouk. The attendees then toured the Fair.

The Faculty of Science in cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering at Beirut Arab University , Tripoli Campus , organized a world day entitled "Earth Day Pollution and Solutions"

The Faculty of Science in cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering at Beirut Arab University in Tripoli Campus organized a world day entitled "Earth Day Pollution and Solutions". The ceremony was attended by the BAU Vice-President for Tripoli Campus affairs Prof. Khaled Baghdady, the Deputy Secretary General for Tripoli Campus Mr. Mohamed Hammoud, Director of the Faculty of Engineering Dr. Ahmad Lakkani, Director of the Faculty of Science Prof. Mohammad Jayyar, other directors and professors of all faculties, and a group of students. Dr. Jalal Halwani, Director of Water and Environmental Science Laboratories and Head of Health and Environment at the Lebanese University, conducted a presentation on the steps taken to preserve the Palm Islands Reserve in Tripoli from pollution.

Dr. Safaa Baydoun from Beirut Arab University and Director of Center for Environmental Research and Development - Bekaa Campus, highlighted the current challenges facing natural resources in the Bekaa region of Lebanon. After that, Dr. Rami Owayni of the Faculty of Science presented innovative environmental techniques. A lecture on the desalination system was presented by Dr. Yasser Al Samdouni from the Faculty of Engineering, then followed by Dr. Mohamed Al Jawhary from the Faculty of Engineering who presented a lecture on solid waste management system. The students, Ryan Farha and Sarah Moubeid, from the Faculty of Science, concluded with a research about the factors that are leading to the increase in the number of adolescents, in northern Lebanon, smoking what is called ‘’Nargileh’’. This day was marked by an exhibition of students’ projects and ended up by distributing honor shields to lecturers and awards for successful projects.

Legal Protection for the Environment

we are witnessing sensory attacks on the environment in our roads and cities, from waste dumping between homes to pollution of rivers and the sea to air pollution caused by sewage and generators that spread toxins in the atmosphere, etc., hence the importance of researching and studying the penal protection of the environment, especially since jurisprudence and the judiciary in lebanon are still far from punishing the continuing attacks on the environment.

we are witnessing sensory attacks on the environment in our roads and cities, from waste dumping between homes to pollution of rivers and the sea to air pollution caused by sewage and generators that spread toxins in the atmosphere, etc., hence the importance of researching and studying the penal protection of the environment, especially since jurisprudence and the judiciary in lebanon are still far from punishing the continuing attacks on the environment.

we seek to ensure a clean, pollution-free environment, as in the case of high-end countries, so that the logger, river and sea water polluter and every complex person are punished for the environment, because one of the fundamental human rights is his right to live in a clean, pollution-free environment, that is the vision for the future.

the judiciary must therefore play its role effectively and the legislator must enact legislation that protects the environment, all through serious research work by universities, particularly law schools.

Workshop entitled Green Environment Pollution Control

The Faculty of Science at BAU hosted a workshop entitled “Green Environment: Pollution Control” in collaboration with the Research Center for Environment and Development in Bekaa and sponsored by PEER/ USAID.

The workshop aimed at highlighting the latest issues related to pollution and ways to control it in order to reach a Green Environment in Lebanon. It provided a platform for leaders, innovators, researchers, and students from across the Lebanese community to exchange ideas and solutions.

The workshop speakers were Mr. Bassam Sabbagh , Head of Urban Environment Service, Ministry of Environment), Mr. Zaher Redwan, Green Hand Organization, Mr. Elie Abou Sleiman, Green Insight, Dr. Majida Mcheik, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Ali Fadel, Center for Remote Sensing, CNRS-L, Ms. Nohal al Homsi, WHO representative, and Dr. Jamila Borjac, Beirut Arab University.

The workshop brought up together key environmental activists and researchers, officials involved in environment and NGO’s to highlight on pollution in Lebanon and ways to control it. Moreover, more than 20 Environmental Projects from more than 50 Makassed Schools’ Students were displayed.