Beirut: Former Lebanese environment minister Nasser Yassin has affirmed that his ministry worked on facing challenges over three years despite the lack of resources, referring to some accomplishments made in that phase. In an interview with Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), Yassin said he took charge of the ministry in 2021, amid many difficulties like the explosion of Beirut port and financial collapse.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Yassin noted that despite these challenges, the ministry decided to address crises such as air pollution, a significant health and environmental issue in Lebanon and globally. He stated, "We have obtained a USD 8.8-million grant, in partnership with the World Bank, to combat persistent organic pollutants mainly those resulted from open burning of waste." Part of this grant was allocated to re-operate the national network of air quality monitoring.
Yassin also highlighted plans for addressing water pollution, solid waste management, biodiversity, and climate change, which were part of the ministry's strategic goals over three years. He mentioned efforts to fulfill the infrastructure of integrated solid waste management and rehabilitate it through international partnerships, aiming to fund projects estimated at USD 100 million. This step aims to contribute to developing the main infrastructure to improve this sector.
He emphasized the ministry's commitment to public interest and meeting the aspirations of the Lebanese people despite financial collapse and the absence of a state's head at that time. In cooperation with volunteers and local and international partners, the ministry achieved significant accomplishments. Yassin expressed hope for meeting all aspirations of all Lebanese and achieving the targeted vision.
The minister discussed the completion and issuance of laws and decrees to regulate environmental sectors, solid waste, air, chemical safety, and climate change. He noted that strategies and plans were set up for some sectors, with efforts to gradually treat air pollution from varied sources. A concept to improve air quality in Lebanon through a 2025-2030 roadmap, with three strategic goals, was also presented.
Yassin referred to collaboration with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on rehabilitating environmentally deteriorated sites and improving governance, including technical guidelines standards and cement sector rehabilitation. He detailed steps to address pollution in the Litani River basin and noted the rehabilitation of laboratories and establishment of a center to treat infectious waste at Beirut governmental hospital.
On biodiversity and protection, Yassin highlighted progress in combating wildfires through strategic initiatives, reducing the ratio of areas burnt. In 2023, the ministry launched a "one-million-tree" campaign, part of Lebanon's commitment to combating climate change, in collaboration with local institutions and ministries.
Regarding climate change, the ministry, with partners, developed a 4-pillar roadmap for future climate action, updating Lebanon's contributions for 2035 in line with the Paris Agreement. This includes goals to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change, updating scientific data, and planning for a low-carbon development strategy.
Yassin concluded by mentioning efforts to preserve ecosystems through projects in targeted areas, noting two new grants estimated at USD 7.6 million to support ecosystems and agricultural development.