UNDP and UNEP partner to further support Lebanon's environmental agenda

June 17, 2021

Beirut, Manama – 17 June, 2021: The United Nations Development Programme in Lebanon (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme West Asia Office (UNEP Regional Office for West Asia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen their support to Lebanon on environment; particularly natural resource management, climate change, biodiversity conservation, waste management and abatement of pollution.

Lebanon already faces severe environmental challenges despite the numerous efforts undertaken by several national and international partners and agencies.  Lebanon’s deteriorating natural environment has become a national risk with dire implications on the economy, public health, and the social well-being of its people. In 2018, the Cost of Environmental Degradation in Lebanon was estimated to be between 3.1% and 5.5% of national GDP. That is equivalent to an average of US$ 2.35 billion in 2018, up significantly from the average estimated cost of $US 0.56 billion in 2000. The current compounded crises have further aggravated the situation and put Lebanon at risk of not meeting its climate promise.

The partnership between UNDP and UNEP will support Lebanon in mitigating the risks pertaining to environmental challenges by (1) strengthening the identification of national priority on environment and climate issues; (2) enhancing coordination on environmental programmes; (3) promoting joint resource mobilization; and (4) enhancing knowledge sharing and joint advocacy for people and planet.

“UNDP remains committed to help Lebanon to build back greener. We work with local and international partners to ensure that the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development remains a priority, with environmental protection at its core. Our strategic partnership with UNEP would enable us to further support Lebanon to meet its national environmental priorities and its climate action ambition” said Celine Moyroud, UNDP Resident Representative.

“It is an important milestone for UNEP and UNDP in Lebanon, this collaboration aims at supporting the country, its government and its people by addressing environmental challenges through sound natural resources management and governance. UNEP is enthusiastic about this step, and I am pleased to see this joint effort towards achieving sustainable development for the country” added Sami Dimassi, UNEP Regional Director and Representative for West Asia.

The cooperation between UNDP and UNEP will serve to enhance the effectiveness of support to Lebanon on issues related to climate and environment, affirming the objectives of the UN Reform of working as One UN.

For more information, please contact:

In UNDP – Lebanon        |  Rana Moughabghab      | rana.moughabghab@undp.org |  +961 3 835 351

In UNEP – Bahrain           | Omar Awwad                    | omar.awad@un.org           |+973 3217 2271

About the UN Development Programme (UNDP):

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

About the UN Environment Programme (UNEP):

The UN Environment Programme is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.