The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and the Center for Environment and Development for the Arab Region and Europe (CEDARE) successfully convened the Regional Workshop on the Al-Murunah Project: Advancing Climate-Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions at the Steigenberger Hotel in Cairo, Egypt. Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the workshop served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to assess progress, exchange knowledge, and scale up sustainable water solutions across Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Lebanon.
The three-day workshop brought together policymakers, environmentalists, technical experts, and project partners to discuss strategies for implementing and expanding Resilient Nature-Based Water Solutions (RNBWS) in response to climate challenges in the region. Through interactive sessions and panel discussions, participants explored opportunities for collaboration, capacity-building, and policy influence to support climate-resilient water management.
SPNL’s Contribution to the Al-Murunah Regional Workshop
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) actively participated in the workshop, represented by:
- Stephanie Ferando, Al Murunah Project Manager (Lebanon)
- Fatima Hayek, Al Murunah Project Technical Assistant
- Bassima Khatib, Senior Management
SPNL representatives played a significant role in discussions focused on advancing RNBWS in Lebanon and the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Their contributions emphasized the importance of integrating nature-based water management solutions within national frameworks and enhancing community engagement in conservation efforts.
Key Workshop Highlights:
The Al-Murunah Regional Workshop facilitated crucial dialogue and action points, including:
🔹 Reviewing Pilot Site Progress – Updates were shared on pilot site implementations, including Lebanon’s Ras Baalbeck and Qaa sites, highlighting advancements and challenges in sustainable water resource management.
🔹 Knowledge Exchange on Scaling Nature-Based Solutions – Experts and practitioners discussed strategies for expanding nature-based solutions, ensuring long-term sustainability in water conservation across the project countries.
🔹 Alignment on FY4 Work Plan – The workshop outlined strategic priorities for Fiscal Year 4 (FY4), focusing on scaling solutions within pilot communities and identifying key policy needs at the national level.
🔹 Specialized Training Sessions – Participants engaged in What Works Manuals training and explored the Al Murunah+ planning framework, enhancing technical expertise for water management initiatives.
🔹 Capacity-Building for Lebanon’s Stakeholders – The RNBWS Capacity-Building Plan for Lebanon was presented, detailing efforts to equip local stakeholders with the knowledge and skills to implement climate-resilient water solutions effectively.
🔹 Exploring Regional Scaling Opportunities – Emphasis was placed on fostering cross-country collaboration and knowledge-sharing to strengthen water security efforts across the region.
Lebanon’s Progress and Challenges
During the workshop, Stephanie Ferando (SPNL) and Eng. Hakam Mandouri (IUCN, Lebanon Country Lead) presented Lebanon’s achievements under the Al-Murunah project. Their session addressed key implementation challenges, particularly in the context of Lebanon’s ongoing environmental and socio-political dynamics. The discussions underscored the need for sustained policy engagement, increased investment in nature-based solutions, and stronger community participation in water conservation efforts.
About the Al-Murunah Project
The Al-Murunah Project, operating across Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt, is a transformative initiative dedicated to integrating nature-based solutions into water and agricultural management. The project focuses on:
- Enhancing climate resilience in vulnerable communities.
- Promoting sustainable water resource management.
- Empowering local stakeholders through capacity-building and policy support.
- Strengthening cross-regional collaboration for environmental sustainability.
With climate change increasingly impacting water security in the MENA region, the Al-Murunah project remains committed to providing innovative, community-driven solutions to ensure long-term water sustainability and ecosystem protection.
Looking Ahead
The insights and commitments generated during the Al-Murunah Regional Workshop mark a significant step forward in advancing nature-based water solutions in the region. The collaboration between international organizations, national governments, and local communities is essential for achieving sustainable and climate-resilient water management.
SPNL, alongside its partners, will continue to advocate for policy integration, technical capacity-building, and community-led initiatives to drive meaningful environmental change in Lebanon and beyond.
