The Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development and UNEP are collaborating to implement the Blue Economy component in Lebanon as part of the SwitchMed II activities. This initiative is being carried out on both a national and local level, with Saida being chosen as a case study. A key aspect of this collaboration is the organization of Lebanon’s first ‘National Blue Economy Conference’, which will be held in Beirut on the 2nd of May under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment.
The primary objectives of the conference are to raise awareness about the Blue Economy in Lebanon, present the findings of the national Blue Economy assessment, and endorse policy recommendations related to fisheries, coastal tourism, and port activities. The event will bring together both political and technical experts to discuss how to transition to a more circular, environmentally sustainable, and prosperous Blue Economy in Lebanon.
Focusing on fostering partnerships, collaboration, and dialogue, the conference will gather representatives from the public and private sectors, academic institutions, and civil society. The aim is to create a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and work towards common goals in advancing the Blue Economy in Lebanon.
The conference will also highlight the importance of coastal cities and emphasize the need for multi-actor engagement, including local community participation and multi-level governance. Special attention will be given to the work being done in Saida to promote sustainable actions and ensure the long-term success of the Blue Economy in Lebanon from a circular perspective. This will be followed by on-the-ground activities and a city-wide validation process to finalize the local action plan for the Blue Economy in Saida.
