As part of ongoing projects initiated by the Embassy of India in Beirut, the Embassy celebrated World Environment Day at the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, one of the largest Cedar reserves in Lebanon.
The event was attended by the President of Shouf Biosphere Reserve, the Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism, the Director-General of the Ministry of Education, and representatives of the United Nations in Lebanon, among other guests.
To celebrate World Environment Day, held on June 5th, Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan inaugurated the “India-Lebanon Friendship Trails” in Al Mrusti and Maasser sites at the Reserve.
The two trails were subject to afforestation. 800 plants of Cedars, among other varieties, were planted by the Embassy as part of the “Quick Impact Project” to support the conservation of the Reserve.
Dr. Khan also inaugurated the Multipurpose Reception Cabin, “India-Lebanon Friendship Cabin,” at the Maasser site in the Shouf Reserve.
The president of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Mr. Charles Nojaim, thanked India’s Government for its support to revive the environment in the area, adding that these projects reflect the friendly relationship between the two countries.
Financed by a donation from the government of India, these projects are also part of the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.
In a parallel endeavor on the occasion of World Environment Day, the Lebanese Ministry of Environment launched the National Week for the Prevention of Forest Fires, starting June 5th to 11th, to protect Lebanon’s natural environment.
