Environment Minister, Tamara al-Zein, and the regional director of the French Development Agency (AFD), Yves Guicquéro, during their tour on Tuesday in North Lebanon, as part of the Nassim al-Bahr project. (Credit: AFD)
BEIRUT — Environment Minister Tamara al-Zein and Yves Guicquero toured north Lebanon on Tuesday as part of the Nassim al-Bahr project, aimed at protecting marine and coastal ecosystems.
The Nassim al-Bahr project, led by Agence Française de Développement and the Fair Trade Lebanon association, supports fishermen, cooperatives, women and youth by promoting more sustainable practices. Its goals include reducing marine pollution, diversifying income along Lebanon’s northern coast, and developing responsible coastal tourism initiatives.
Lebanon’s fishing sector has long suffered from outdated and harmful practices which, combined with pollution, have depleted marine resources and left fishermen in a precarious position. The current conflict has further worsened conditions, particularly in southern ports.
Tuesday’s visit brought together fishermen, cooperatives, beneficiary women, community representatives and partners to discuss sector challenges and the project’s solutions. Talks focused on dwindling resources, economic pressure on fishermen, training needs, environmental protection and new income opportunities.
A technical session led by the National Council for Scientific Research introduced shrimp cages as a way to help fishermen diversify their income.
Zein stressed that protecting the marine environment remains a priority, particularly through preserving biodiversity, reducing plastic pollution and ensuring sustainable coastal management.
For his part, Guicquero said the aim is to provide practical solutions by improving harmful practices, protecting marine resources and supporting local livelihoods.
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