Minister of Environment Sponsors the Distribution of 10,000 Olive Trees in South Lebanon: Environmental Recovery an Integral Part of Reconstruction

The Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara El-Zein, sponsored an environmental and agricultural activity in the town of Al-Tayri, Bint Jbeil District, which involved the distribution of 10000 locally sourced Sourani olive trees in the frontline villages. This initiative aims to support environmental recovery and strengthen the resilience of local communities in the affected southern regions.

During the activity, Minister El-Zein affirmed that “agriculture and environmental recovery constitute an inseparable part of the reconstruction process and comprehensive recovery,” stressing that “rebuilding what was destroyed by the war cannot be complete without restoring environmental balance, particularly in light of the environmental devastation perpetrated by the Israeli enemy, especially in South Lebanon.” She noted that “environmental recovery was included in the Ministerial Statement, stemming from the conviction that the environment forms a fundamental foundation for the stability and continuity of communities.”

Minister El-Zein also pointed out that “this step carries a direct message to the people of the southern villages, particularly the frontline communities,” emphasizing that “the people of the South have always been, and continue to be, at the forefront in their attachment to their land, present and steadfast even before the state and before any supporting entity.”

She added that “planting trees at this stage goes beyond the agricultural dimension to become an act of steadfastness and perseverance, contributing to empowering residents to remain on their land and protect their natural resources.”

It is worth noting that the activity was carried out in cooperation with the Arab Network for Food Sovereignty and the Arab Group for the Protection of Nature, with the participation of the federations of municipalities of Bint Jbeil, Jabal Amel, and Tyre, as part of the Ministry of Environment’s efforts to support environmental recovery in affected areas.