As part of its continuous efforts to promote environmental awareness and inspire youth engagement, the Fish & Wildlife Unit (FWU) organized a field tour for students from Antonine University.
The visit aimed to expose students to the real challenges facing the Litani River Basin and Qaraoun Lake, highlighting the importance of biodiversity conservation, clean water management, and responsible community behavior.
First Stop: Joub Jannine Wastewater Treatment Plant
The tour began with a visit to the wastewater treatment plant in Joub Jannine, a crucial facility for improving the Litani River’s water quality.
The students attended an informative lecture delivered by Mr. Joseph Msallem, who manages and oversees the station. He presented the processes involved in treating wastewater, from the first filtration stages to biological treatment and final discharge.
Mr. Msallem also discussed the daily operational challenges, such as outdated equipment, community pollution, and the urgent need for upgrading the system to meet rising environmental pressures.
The students gained a clear understanding of the role wastewater treatment plays in protecting biodiversity and public health and the ongoing efforts by FWU to secure funding from donors to upgrade these vital facilities.
Second Stop: Qaraoun Lake and Meeting with LRA Representative
The group then visited Qaraoun Lake, the largest artificial lake in Lebanon, which was formed following the construction of the Qaraoun Dam in 1959.
There, they met Mr. Hilal Sharaf, a representative of the Litani River Authority (LRA), who offered a comprehensive overview of the dam’s purpose—supporting irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power generation across Lebanon.
Mr. Sharaf stressed the growing impact of climate change on the lake, noting how reduced rainfall and prolonged dry seasons have caused a dramatic decline in water levels. This, in turn, affects both human activities and wildlife depending on the lake’s ecosystem.
Through interactive discussions, students explored how local practices, pollution, and global warming are intricately connected to the fate of Lebanon’s largest freshwater body.
Third Stop: Abed El Aal Hydroelectric Power Plant
The final stop was the historic Abed El Aal hydroelectric power plant, one of the early major hydroelectric projects along the Litani River.
Here, students were welcomed by Engineer Hassan Karkouz, who provided a detailed explanation about the plant’s history and operation.
Built in the mid-20th century, Abed El Aal was designed to harness the river’s flow to generate clean, renewable energy for the surrounding regions. It is one of three main hydroelectric plants operated by the Litani River Authority, alongside the Markaba and Awali plants.
Engineer Karkouz explained the mechanism of hydroelectric power:
- Water from Qaraoun Lake is channeled through tunnels down to the power plants.
- At the plants, the force of the flowing water spins large turbines, which are connected to generators.
- These generators convert the kinetic energy of the water into electrical energy, supplying power to the national grid.
However, due to the sharp drop in water levels at Qaraoun Lake, Abed El Aal is currently not operational and undergoing renovation to prepare for future improvements and adaptations to changing environmental conditions.
Engineer Karkouz emphasized that without proper conservation efforts for the lake and river, Lebanon risks losing one of its most sustainable and valuable energy sources.
Building Awareness Among Future Leaders
Throughout the day, students were deeply engaged in discussions and field observations. They became aware of the illegal practices affecting the region—such as pollution dumping, unauthorized water use, and unregulated hunting and fishing—that further stress the already fragile ecosystems.
The tour also emphasized the importance of working with all community sectors, including farmers, shepherds, hunters, fishermen, and especially young students, who are seen as the future guardians of Lebanon’s natural resources.
The Antonine University students left the tour with a stronger understanding of the interconnectedness between human behavior, ecosystem health, and sustainable development.
Through initiatives like this, the Fish & Wildlife Unit reaffirms its commitment to educating, inspiring, and empowering Lebanon’s youth to lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
