Beirut:Environment Minister Dr. Tamara El Zein has underscored the importance of channeling funds into sustainable solid waste management solutions, advocating against reliance on loans and temporary measures that impose financial burdens on citizens and public finances.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, El Zein's statements were made during a meeting with a World Bank delegation, which included Middle East and North Africa Environment Practice Manager Maria Sarraf and Senior Environmental Specialist Lamia Mansour. The delegation commended the ministry's recent reforms as a foundation for building confidence and garnering support for effective projects.
The discussions during the meeting centered around financing mechanisms for the solid waste sector, particularly in the transition phase from reform to implementation, and supporting the National Solid Waste Management Authority's initiatives. El Zein highlighted the necessity for investments to encompass not just the construction of facilities, but also their ongoing operation and maintenance, within a comprehensive waste management system that includes reduction, sorting, recovery, recycling, treatment, and safe disposal.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the need for expanded cooperation in forest fire prevention, proposing an extension of the project's duration and geographical scope to safeguard more forested regions. Both parties concurred on the need for continued coordination to translate reforms into practical financing, operational projects, and sustainable environmental advancements.
