@FAO-LB participants in action

Marking the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO) 70th anniversary, FAO Representation in Lebanon, organized a tree planting ceremony today to plant 700 trees in the Chouf Nature Reserve. The ceremony was held in the presence of the representative of FAO in Lebanon, Dr. Maurice Saade, the representative of the Italian Ambassador in Lebanon, First Secretary, Ms. Federica Mazzotta, representatives of the Italian Cooperation Office in Lebanon, the General Manager of the Reserve, Mr. Nizar Hani, and FAO staff.

In a brief speech, the representative of FAO in Lebanon, Dr. Maurice Saade said, “this activity is part of the ongoing support provided by FAO to Lebanon since the establishment of the organization's office in 1977." Saade noted that FAO has recently signed an MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture in Lebanon to strengthen the coordination of the reforestation project known as the "forty million trees" project, and to form a unit to coordinate among all relevant ministries and official departments, agencies and NGOs to increase the forest area by 70 000 hectares. Saade concluded his speech by expressing his thanks to Italy for its close collaboration with FAO and for hosting the organization's headquarters since more than 65 years, as he extended his thanks to the Italian Cooperation Office for its continuous support for the agricultural sector and the organization in Lebanon.

Mr. Nizar Hani, the general manager of the reserve, added that this planting activity is part of the biosphere management and ecosystem restoration plans of the reserve.

Following the speeches, all attendees participated in planting the trees as the representative of FAO in Lebanon awarded a commemorative medal to the general manager of the reserve and its team in recognition of their work and efforts.