Lebanon Blue Economy Dialogue 2024

Within the scope of the SwitchMed II activities, funded by the European Union, UNEP has partnered with the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, to carry out the Blue Economy component in Lebanon at a national level and at a local level. These activities encompass the organization of Lebanon’s first ‘National Blue Economy Conference’, that will take place on the 2^nd of May at the UN House, Beirut, Lebanon.

Blue ecosystems, the water continuum, from oceans to seas and rivers, have been a source of food, leisure, exploration, and a natural carbon sink all throughout human existence - also critical to achieve the Global Biodiversity Framework and all interlinked Sustainable Development Goals. Coastal regions harbour 40% of the global population and host 12 out of the world's 15 largest cities. Coastal cities find themselves on the frontline of climate challenges, grappling with unique and pressing environmental threats and impacts due to human activities and notably the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.

At its essence, Blue Economy (BE) refers to the decoupling of socioeconomic development through oceans-related sectors and activities from environmental and ecosystems degradation. It is linked to the exploitation and conservation of the maritime environment, while maintaining the integrity and health of the coastal and marine ecosystems.

This approach is particularly relevant for Lebanon, with its extensive Mediterranean coastline offering unique opportunities for sustainable blue growth. However, the marine and coastal environment in Lebanon is under strain from various sources aggravating the triple planetary crisis.

In this regard, UNEP plays a crucial role in promoting the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of marine and coastal areas globally. In Lebanon, the SwitchMed II project implemented by UNEP and funded by the European Union, integrates a Blue Economy component; that seeks to promote economic growth, social inclusion, and preservation or improvement of livelihoods while ensuring environmental sustainability through a circular economy lens.

Objective

This conference aims to mainstream the topic of the Blue Economy nationally, showcasing the findings of the national BE assessment and endorsing policy recommendations, with a focus on fisheries, coastal tourism, and port activities. The conference will feature high-level political and technical engagements, serving as a stepping stone towards a more circular, environmentally resilient, and prosperous BE in Lebanon.

Centred around enabling partnerships, collaboration, and constructive dialogue, the conference will bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including academic institutions and civil society.

To further emphasize the role of coastal cities, as well as multi-actor engagement – particularly local community participation – and multi-level governance, the conference will spotlight the local work carried out in these cities, particularly in Saida to advocate and promote actions that ensure long term sustainability of the BE in Lebanon from a circular perspective. This will be followed by on-ground activities and a city-wide validation process of the local action plan on BE in Saida.

This conference is closed invitation only. If you are a key stakeholder within Lebanon’s Blue Economy, please do not hesitate to reach out to unep-westasia@un.org