El mina: Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, El Mina Municipality, and the Embassy of Norway in Lebanon, inaugurated the first fully equipped wood boat maintenance workshop in El Mina. The initiative, supported by the North Lebanon Fisheries Syndicate and Cooperative Association, aims to bolster the fishing sector and enhance the livelihoods of coastal communities.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, fishing is the primary source of income for over 1,000 families in El Mina and Tripoli, supporting a wider network of jobs in processing, distribution, and fish sales. The newly established solar-powered workshop will directly benefit these families by providing local, year-round boat maintenance, ultimately saving fishers both time and money.
In addition, 152 elderly and vulnerable fishers received essential fishing tools to improve their safety and working conditions. This initiative comes as the sector faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, environmental pressures, and economic hardship, providing much-needed support to sustain the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Dr. Ahmad Tamer, Acting General Director of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and General Director of Tripoli Port, expressed gratitude to UNDP and the Government of Norway for their support, emphasizing the importance of the fishing sector along the Lebanese coast. He noted that Lebanon produces only 8,000 tons of fish annually, while local demand is 30,000 tons.
H.E. Hilde Haraldstad, Ambassador of Norway to Lebanon, highlighted their pride in supporting eco-conscious solutions and empowering the fishing community. She acknowledged the significant needs of Mina, Tripoli, and the surrounding areas.
Mr. Thair Shraideh, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Lebanon, emphasized that the project represents the beginning of broader opportunities, laying the groundwork for larger development initiatives in El Mina and neighboring regions to support livelihoods and promote dignified living conditions.
El Mina Mayor, Mr. Abdallah Kabbara, expressed pride in the partnership with the international community, announcing the launch of a comprehensive action plan to operationalize the workshop in line with quality and safety standards, train local staff, and provide sustainable job opportunities.
This initiative builds on previous UNDP support in El Mina, which included the installation of solar panels and an ice-making machine for the fish market, reducing operational costs by 60% and increasing profitability for the fishing community. Since 2014, UNDP has supported the fishing sector along Lebanon's coast through various projects aimed at revitalizing this vital livelihood.