Institute of the Environment - UOB

27/03/2026

The University of Balamand was pleased to participate virtually in the introductory workshop organized under the EU Interreg NEXT MED Programme – SIMMER Project: “Towards Resilient Forest Fire Management in the Mediterranean Region: Updating Policies and Legal Frameworks”, held under the patronage of Imad Khreich and organized by Lebanon Reforestation Initiative in partnership with Lebanese Civil Defense.
During the workshop, the University was represented by Prof. George Mitri, who contributed to the discussions remotely. In his intervention, Prof. Mitri highlighted the importance of strengthening coordination between the MedFireWise Project and SIMMER, noting that the two initiatives are highly complementary. Enhancing collaboration between these projects can significantly support improved knowledge exchange, more coherent policy development, and stronger operational capacities for wildfire risk management across the Mediterranean region.

16/03/2026

On March 12, the Institute of the Environment (IOE) introduced the Institute and the FLOUCA (Fish Landing Operational Utility for Catch Assessment) project to the Association des enseignants Français à l’étranger (AFE).
The session also included a roundtable discussion with the Batroun Fishermen Cooperative, whom we warmly thank for sharing their experiences. Fishermen discussed the changes in the fisheries sector, the challenges they face, and the equipment used in their daily work.
The online meeting was facilitated by Yara El Debs and Hala Kamali, helping foster dialogue between researchers, educators, and local fishing communities.

Lebanon

12/02/2026

Under the MedProgramme, recent consultations in Beirut brought together more than 40 national institutions and coastal stakeholders for three days of productive discussions.
From February 3–5, the MCR-IOE team at the Institute of the Environment, together with the PAP/RAC team,including Director Daria Povh Škugor and Programme Officer Ante Ivčević—and plan bleu and Global Water Partnership-Mediterranean (GWP-Med) to discuss through a participatory approach key elements of:
* the draft ICZM Strategy and Law
* the Integrated Management Plan for the Damour area
developed under Child Project 2.1
On the third day, Dr. Nader presented the outcomes of the first-day roundtables to the ICZM advisory team, inviting their feedback and guidance to further strengthen the ICZM strategy and Law.

12/02/2026

Invited by the Managing Authority of the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, the Institute of the Environment (IOE) at the University of Balamand joined by other staff from the university’s service departments participated in the launch event of Interreg NEXT MED projects funded in Lebanon.
The event, organized in partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon and the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, took place in person in Beirut on 10 and 11 February 2026. It brought together institutional representatives, international partners, national authorities, project beneficiaries and Interreg NEXT MED Programme bodies.
The first part of the event was dedicated to the official launch of the Interreg NEXT MED projects in Lebanon, highlighting the country’s contribution to a smarter, greener and more inclusive Mediterranean, through thematic panels focusing on topics such as innovation, skills, green transition, health, governance, etc. As part of Panel 1: Advancing the Green Transition and Climate Action, Ms. Karen Gebrael presented the MedFireWise Project, highlighting its work on wildfire risk mitigation through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).
The second part of the event consisted of a technical training session addressed to staff involved in the management and implementation of Interreg NEXT MED projects. The training provided practical guidance and clarifications on key aspects of project implementation.

04/02/2026

As part of the EU INTERREG MedFireWise Project, the Land and Natural Resources Program at the Institute of the Environment, the University of Balamand in Lebanon, in collaboration with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (associate partner), organized a focus group meeting titled “Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Fire Risk Reduction in Forests and Rangelands” on Tuesday, 3 February 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Beirut. The event gathered key local and national stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Directorate General of Civil Defense, CIMIC – Civil-Military Cooperation of the Lebanese Army and the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC).

Dr. George Mitri from the Land and Natural Resources Program introduced the objectives of the MedFireWise project and highlighted the role of nature-based solutions in strengthening fire risk reduction and landscape resilience.

This was followed by a focus group discussion aimed at collecting insights on NbS case studies related to prescribed burning and controlled silvopasture, addressing: awareness and understanding of the solutions, institutional acceptance, perceived feasibility, barriers and enablers, expected ecological and socioeconomic benefits, utility for firefighting services and operational planning, and recommendations for implementation.

The consultation was aimed to help identifying practical and accepted NbS to reduce wildfire risks in Lebanon.

In addition, one session was focused on discussing urgent matters related to forest health in Lebanon facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and participation of academic experts.

04/02/2026

Dr. Manal Nader, Director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Balamand, participated in the IUCN National Committee election held on Friday, 27 December at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Following a smooth and friendly election process, the Institute of the Environment was elected as a member of the IUCN National Committee for the next two years. This important step marks a new chapter built on professionalism, collaboration, and shared responsibility.

The Institute looks forward to strengthening its work with the National Committee, expanding partnerships, and contributing actively at both the regional level with the IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) and on the international stage.

04/02/2026

Dr. Manal Nader, Director of the Institute of the Environment, participated in the IUCN National Committee Election, held at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Following the election, Dr. Nader congratulated the newly elected Board, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, inclusivity, and collaboration in strengthening the Committee’s role and advancing collective action for nature and communities.
Dr. Nader expressed his appreciation to all members for their cooperation and goodwill, and reaffirmed his commitment to constructive collaboration in the coming phase to achieve meaningful impact for nature, communities, and the country as a whole.

19/01/2026

Under the patronage of H.E. Prime Minister Judge Nawaf Salam, the National Fisheries Conference brought together policymakers, experts, fishermen, universities, and organizations to address the challenges facing Lebanon’s fisheries sector and explore pathways toward sustainable management. The Institute of the Environment at the University of Balamand participated as a sponsor of this national event, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture, IndyACT, and ACTED, with the active participation of the Marine and Coastal Resources team. Dr. Nader, Director of the Institute, contributed as a panelist in the session on the Status of the Fisheries Sector, emphasizing the importance of science-based decision-making, ecosystem approaches, and marine conservation to restore fish stocks and support fishermen’s livelihoods.
📍 Grand Serail, Beirut
🗓 January 19
MarineConservation Lebanon

25/12/2025

23/12/2025

🌍 We’re live!
The Institute of the Environment officially launches the ICZM Platform, a space dedicated to advancing sustainable coastal management.
👉 Explore the platform via the link in our bio.

10/12/2025

Dr. Manal Nader, Director of the Institute of the Environment at the University of Balamand, attended the meeting of the Subcommittee derived from the Parliamentary Committee on Environment, chaired by MP Dr. Najat Saliba.

The meeting focused on reviewing the proposed law to protect Lebanon’s underwater cultural heritage, emphasizing the importance of preserving submerged cultural assets and strengthening the national legislative framework for marine protection.

The Institute of the Environment remains committed to supporting evidence-based environmental policy and contributing to national efforts in marine research and heritage preservation.