The Lebanese authorities have requested the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to survey the environmental damage caused by the hostilities in Lebanon. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated NOK 5 million (about USD 760 000) for these efforts.

“The hostilities in Lebanon caused serious environmental damage, some of which affects the region as a whole. It is therefore important that UNEP initiates a comprehensive survey as soon as possible. This will provide the basis for identifying necessary measures,” said Minister of the Environment Helen Bjørnøy.

Minister of International Development Erik Solheim made the following comment: “UNEP has long, solid experience of surveying environmental damage in the wake of wars and conflicts. A comprehensive survey will provide an important basis for the reconstruction of the country.”

Norway has already provided oil spill response equipment for the clean-up of the massive oil spills caused by the hostilities, and will now provide support for more long-term environmental efforts. The purpose of the survey is to determine the effects the hostilities have had on the environment and provide a basis for identifying concrete measures to improve the situation and secure the livelihoods of the Lebanese population.

UNEP is sending a team of experts to Lebanon on 30 September to start work in the field, in cooperation with local experts. According to plan, the results of the survey should be available in December. UNEP will cooperate with the Lebanese authorities, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other international actors that are engaged in Lebanon.

For more information, please contact:

Torbjørn Urfjell, Political Adviser to the Minister of International Development, 90 18 14 76

Morten Wasstøl, Political Adviser to the Minister of the Environment, 95 84 38 94