Beirut: The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Lebanon, has launched the three-year project "Enhancing Resilience of Lebanon's Water and Food Sector". This initiative is supported through a contribution from Switzerland, alongside FAO's ongoing efforts to mobilize further co-financing for the project's full implementation.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the project aims to achieve long-term development and recovery by strengthening the foundations of a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient water and agri-food system. It seeks to support Lebanon's recovery by promoting sustainable management of natural resources, strengthening agri-food value chains, and fostering collective action to enhance accountability between public service providers and communities. Additionally, it will promote decent work opportunities for seasonal agricultural workers, help prevent conflict over scarce water resources, and strengthen institutional development to improve service delivery and governance.
The launch and inception workshop was attended by Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, Suzy Howayek representing Joseph Saddi, Minister of Energy and Water, Nora Ourabah Haddad, FAO Representative in Lebanon, and Vincent Pasquier, Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Switzerland to Lebanon and Syria. The event gathered representatives from government institutions, development partners, and national stakeholders to present the project's objectives, structure, and planned activities. It also served as a platform to strengthen coordination, build joint ownership, and refine strategies for effective implementation.
Dr. Nizar Hani, Minister of Agriculture, expressed pride in the partnership with FAO and Switzerland, highlighting its importance in strengthening Lebanon's water and food sectors. He emphasized the Nexus Approach linking agriculture, water, and energy, and the need for coordinated policies to balance agricultural production and resource protection. He also highlighted the aim to promote Nature-Positive Agriculture to restore soil fertility and enhance farmers' resilience.
Suzy Howayek, representing the Minister of Energy and Water, stressed the importance of strengthened coordination between the ministries to ensure efficient and sustainable management of irrigation. Vincent Pasquier emphasized the project's pillar of strengthening public institutions for service delivery and building trust between the government and citizens.
FAO Representative Nora Ourabah Haddad noted the project's timely initiation amid challenges in securing access to water and food. She stated that the collaboration with national partners and Switzerland aims to foster sustainable solutions that improve lives today while protecting resources for the future. The workshop concluded with a thematic roundtable on water, innovation, and collective action, highlighting the need for innovative and coordinated approaches to address Lebanon's pressing challenges.