One of the major environmental issues in Lebanon is water supply. The country has greater water resources than many other Middle Eastern countries; however, it is at increasing risk of shortages, particularly during the dry summers. This is due to lack of storage capacity, to increasing demand, and to climate change. Large-scale projects to improve water supply are funded by the government and by foreign agencies, and include the Greater Beirut Water Supply Project and the Litani River Authority.
A large number of environmental non-government organizations have been established in Lebanon.
. . . Environment of Lebanon . . .
Compared to other regions in the world, the Middle East has been very slow in developing environmental non-government organizations (NGOs).[1] In the mid 1990s, about 120 NGOs were created in Lebanon.[1] Some of these NGOs include the Association Al tanmia (AA), Al Ain Association for Development (AAD), Ard Al Tofoula (AAT), and Association for Charity & Culture (ACC).[2]
Lebanon is known for being one of the few countries in the Middle East with adequate water.[3] Not only do several large rivers surround Lebanon, but Lebanon also has the highest annual rainfall in the region, averaging 827mm.[3] But in the summertime especially, there is limited water for the residents to use.[3] The main problem is that there a few places for water to be stored.[3] Also, much of Lebanon’s drinking water flows out into the Mediterranean Sea.[3] These problems also go along with the higher demand of water and the leaky system of pipes and reservoirs.[3] Lebanon is in need of an upgraded water network in order to avoid chronic water shortages predicted in the year 2020.[3]
. . . Environment of Lebanon . . .