Beirut: The Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative in Lebanon, Nora Ourabah Haddad, have signed agreements for two new projects aimed at strengthening Lebanon's agricultural sector through institutional reform and environmental protection.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the first project, titled "Strengthening Institutional Governance: A Two-Year Initiative for Institutional Reform and Capacity Building of the Ministry of Agriculture," is designed to support Lebanon's public sector modernization agenda. The project aims to enhance the institutional framework and capacities of the Ministry of Agriculture. Implemented by FAO in close collaboration with the Ministry, it will improve the Ministry's capacity to manage and implement agricultural policies, programmes, and services. This initiative is expected to contribute to sustainable agricultural development, food security, and rural economic growth in Lebanon.
The second project focuses on a crucial environmental and public health concern. Following a formal request from the Ministry, FAO will assist in the safe disposal of obsolete pesticide stocks, comprising both previously packaged and newly identified hazardous chemicals. Building on the outcomes of a prior FAO initiative, this project seeks to ensure environmentally sound management and disposal of these stocks, thereby reducing risks to human health and the environment in Lebanon.
These projects underscore the strategic partnership between Lebanon and FAO to promote sustainable and safe agricultural practices while enhancing the Ministry's ability to address the sector's evolving challenges.