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
