The Minister of Information, Paul Morcos, received a delegation from the Lebanese Environment Forum, headed by its President, Engineer Malek Ghandour. The meeting concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the role of environmental media in highlighting environmental issues in Lebanon.
The delegation included the Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon, Mr. Asaad Serhal, and the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Hima Magazine, Ms. Raghida Haddad. During the meeting, they presented the important media role played by the magazine, in both its printed and cartoon editions, in promoting environmental awareness, supporting conservation efforts, contributing to the designation of protected areas, and advancing national environmental objectives.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to enhancing collaboration between public institutions, environmental organizations, and media outlets, in order to raise public awareness and support national efforts to protect natural resources and promote sustainable development.
Following the meeting, Engineer Ghandour stated:
“On behalf of the Lebanese Environmental Forum, which serves as an umbrella for more than 120 environmental associations across Lebanon, and in the presence of our esteemed colleagues, we were honored today to visit Minister Paul Morcos to sign this MoU. This agreement aims to enhance environmental media under the ‘Green and Blue’ framework, which translates in practice the efforts of environmental associations to protect 30% of Lebanon’s land and sea by 2030.”
He added that this initiative aligns with Lebanon’s international commitments and global efforts to combat climate change and strengthen environmental protection, emphasizing the principle of “think globally, act locally” as a foundation for translating these concepts into concrete actions.
The meeting also addressed the issue of a just transition toward clean energy. Ghandour noted that climate change is placing increasing pressure on the planet and that energy-related practices remain among the main contributors to environmental degradation. He stressed the need for fair and sustainable energy policies.
He further highlighted the key role of media in promoting positive environmental behaviors, raising awareness of best practices, and showcasing clean and alternative energy technologies to reduce harmful practices and mitigate risks threatening humanity.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the importance of continued cooperation between the Ministry of Information and the Lebanese Environmental Forum in support of sustainable development goals and the promotion of environmental responsibility across Lebanese society.
