Even though the environment’s current situation is a concern everywhere in the world, some initiatives taken in Lebanon will definitely make a difference for our country in the long term. One of these initiatives is the inauguration of the “Artists’ Forest” by Environment Minister Fadi Jreissati along with the environmental association Green Cedar Lebanon (GCL).
The campaign consisted of planting one thousand cedar trees in a barren piece of land in Kfardebian. The reason for the name “The Artists’ Forest” is that all these trees were planted by 70 Lebanese artists who believe in the importance of preserving not only our environment but also our culture since the cedars are a symbol of our Lebanese heritage.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister Jreissati urged everyone to take individual and collective measures to preserve the environment. He further stressed on the importance of creating a recycling project that targets the whole country.
In addition to Minister Jreissati and GCL’s director Ms. Pascale Choueiry Saad and co-founders Lara Hanna Debs and Cathy Chami Tyan, the opening ceremony counted with the presence of the members of the GCL, members of the Lebanese Parliament, artists and environment activists.
According to Minister Jreissati, the efforts of these artists improved Lebanon’s image internationally. He proclaims that the Cedars are immortal just like Lebanon; which only emphasizes how deeply the cedars are connected to our beloved country.
The dedication that the ministry and the Green Cedar Lebanon show towards the environment was promoted during the event by Dr. Josephine Zgheib, head of the Kfardebian municipality’s tourism committee and local development expert.
After all, this was not a simple idea to be achieved. The planted cedar trees have certain technical specifications and the seedlings can be irrigated in only one permanent way so as not to be damaged.
The good news is that this project will not stop here. This is only the first of many forests Minister Jreissati plans to create in partnership with the Green Cedar Lebanon association and with the help of everyone that has been involved up till now and of new volunteers.