At a pivotal moment in Lebanon’s efforts to strengthen climate resilience, a high-level regional dialogue titled “Financing Climate Adaptation through Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions: Regional Insights Shaping Lebanon’s Path” was convened at the Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel.
The event brought together the Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Beirut, the Water Advisor at Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy and Water, regional and international experts, and representatives of leading environmental institutions from Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.
The dialogue was organized under the Al Murunah Project, supported by UK International Development and implemented by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) West Asia Regional Office and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL).
The initiative aims to advance climate adaptation pathways while strengthening water security and sustainable natural resource management, particularly in Lebanon’s most climate-vulnerable areas.
Addressing Mounting Climate Pressures
The meeting took place amid escalating environmental and socio-economic pressures in Lebanon. Degraded watersheds, deforestation, and unplanned urban expansion are intensifying flood, drought, and wildfire risks, threatening water security, agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and rural livelihoods.
The dialogue coincided with Lebanon’s progress in implementing its updated Nationally Determined Contribution and National Adaptation Plan, alongside growing regional momentum around nature-based solutions and increasing international interest in adaptation finance ahead of COP31.
Participants highlighted resilient nature-based water solutions as a practical and scalable approach, combining watershed restoration, water harvesting, agroecology, and natural flood management with inclusive local governance and social engagement.
The Al Murunah Project in Baalbek
The Al Murunah project in Baalbek focuses on:
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Flood risk reduction
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Enhanced groundwater recharge
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Protection of agricultural lands and neighboring communities
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Watershed restoration and nature-based flood management
The project is implemented in close collaboration with municipalities and local stakeholders, underscoring that sustainable climate resilience requires more than technical measures. It demands inclusive governance, strong community leadership, and active participation of women, farmers, and local institutions.
Official Remarks Emphasize Partnerships
Opening remarks underscored the power of international cooperation and multi-stakeholder partnerships:
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The British Embassy reaffirmed the United Kingdom’s commitment to supporting partner countries in climate adaptation, highlighting nature-based solutions as strategic investments that protect ecosystems while promoting economic and social stability.
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The Ministry of Energy and Water emphasized the importance of aligning initiatives with national policies and strengthening integrated water resources management.
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IWMI stressed the need to translate climate commitments into investable and actionable interventions grounded in local partnerships.
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IUCN West Asia highlighted the region’s replicable expertise and the opportunity to leverage nature-based solutions to unlock climate finance.
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SPNL presented the Hima approach as a pioneering model for community-based natural resource management, demonstrating how local stewardship safeguards ecosystems while generating sustainable development opportunities.
Regional Expertise and Climate Finance Innovation
A high-level panel discussion on “Climate Finance for the Water–Agriculture–Climate Nexus: Regional Experiences” showcased successful experiences from Egypt and Jordan, alongside perspectives from international financial institutions.
Speakers emphasized:
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Designing bankable adaptation projects
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Strengthening public–private partnerships
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Aligning national policies with international financing frameworks
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Embedding sustainability into banking and investment strategies
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Ensuring measurable environmental and socio-economic impact
The dialogue also highlighted the strategic role of environmental media in raising awareness, strengthening accountability, and enhancing the attractiveness of climate initiatives to funders.
Practical Outcomes and Next Steps
The meeting produced tangible outcomes, including:
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Identification of priority climate and water challenges addressable through nature-based water solutions
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Development of a shortlist of five to seven high-potential project concepts suitable for climate financing
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Strengthened coordination among national institutions, municipalities, and international partners
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Reinforced recognition of the central role of women, farmers, and local communities in adaptation leadership
Participants agreed to prepare a comprehensive brief summarizing key discussions, recommendations, and implementation steps related to the advancement of the Al Murunah project. The document will be circulated among stakeholders and published in both Arabic and English.
Positioning Lebanon for COP31 and Beyond
The outcomes of this regional dialogue are expected to significantly strengthen Lebanon’s positioning in accessing international climate finance and building effective partnerships for resilience. By advancing resilient nature-based water solutions, Lebanon is charting a practical pathway toward sustainable adaptation and stronger engagement in upcoming global climate milestones, foremost among them COP31.
The Al Murunah initiative stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration, innovation, and community-centered environmental action in confronting the climate crisis.
