According to the Civil Defense, Lebanons fire department, open burning also increased in Beirut and Mount Lebanon after the waste management system for those areas collapsed in 2015, including a 330 percent increase in Mount Lebanon. Follow UNICEF on Twitter,Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, Conflict and economic crisis drive food insecurity and malnutrition in Yemen, Horn of Africa: Over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia, Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICs), Mother Kanouz holding her one-year old daughter Fatima to wash her hands at Mhamara informal settlement, 5 July 2021. Much of what is currently known about the adverse effects of ambient air pollution comes from studies conducted in high-income regions, especially North America and Europe, with . What we can say is that the sea of Lebanon is polluted in certain areas and not polluted in other areas., Idriss contended that the solution is very easy but it needs a political will.. So my personal reading is its more about competing with the other rather than really wanting to do something. 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So far, only a small proportion of the necessary relief funding has been secured from donors. And my husband has diabetes and blood pressure problems [and other diseases,] and the only support we have is Gods. About 66% of businesses in Lebanon County employ 1-9 people, 98.7% of businesses in the county are . Souheil Rouphael: Our plants are designed to treat domestic wastewater and we are receiving industrial wastewater. Lacy Roberts: Wow. Lebanese activists have sounded alarms over the construction of waste incinerators inside their city. Copyright 2023 United Nations in Lebanon. Julia Terradot: This is Nassrallah el-Hajj again. They have been pouring into the streets for more than a week now . For example, minimizing energy consumption with easy, low-cost options such as using energy efficient appliances and shifting daily travel habits by walking, cycling, and carpooling can make a significant contribution to reducing emissions. Sami Alawieh, LRAs director, as quoted by Al Jazeera, said: I will remove the Syrians or the Lebanese or anyone polluting the river. He says there are more than 10 deaths a year and that many people had cancer. And even between communities. Lebanon should end the open burning of waste and carry out a sustainable national waste management strategy that complies with environmental and public health best practices and international law. George S. Downward Roel Vermeulen. The 67-page report, As If Youre Inhaling Your Death: The Health Risks of Burning Waste in Lebanon, finds that Lebanese authorities lack of effective action to address widespread open burning of waste and a lack of adequate monitoring or information about the health effects violate Lebanons obligations under international law. With the current crisis, Lebanon is facing water shortages. In the absence of a proper environmental management, these materials are disposed of at random. It all just stinks. Find out more about our work towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Abi Rached called for declaring a nationwide environmental state of emergency., The sea needs intensive and urgent care, it cannot wait, he said. Highly Critical (Level 1): less than 35 liters/day, . Share this via Email Nearly 1.7 million people have access to only 35 litres a day, a decrease of almost 80 per cent against the national average of 165 litres pre-2020. The plan [is] to work on all the generators when you have electricity cut. She called for swift measures to ensure the designation of a new Prime Minister, in line with constitutional requirements, and the formation of a Government able to undertake the necessary reforms to put Lebanon on the path to recovery ahead of free and fair elections next year. Julia Terradot: Basically she started simply by creating a Facebook group and she organized [an] online campaign and petition. The destruction of the Port of Beirut has created up to 800,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste in the city said Ms. Seoud, and it is likely to contain hazardous chemicals, given the types of material known to be normally stored there, such as pesticides, pharmaceutical products, industrial chemicals, lead from vehicles, and various types of heavy metals. Highly Critical (Level 2): 35-100 liters/day. Yet for decades, international donors and investors have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into fighting pollution through Lebanons Council for Development and Reconstruction, or CDR, with little results. Other ways to share Lacy Roberts: Thank you so much for being here, Julia. Our reporters visited the Beirut coastline to learn more. The study selected 25 spots along the coast from which samples were taken regularly over 30 months at depths of 2-50 metres. Ismail Sukkarieh: It needs declaring a health emergency in the region! The village fought against the project. Lebanon growth: Here's which Lebanon County municipality grew the most between 2020 and 2022. Julia Terradot: Do you think people realize the impact on the treatment plant? Much more is needed, said Ms. Soued, and fast. Majd Ibraheem (Translated from Arabic): Do you have any idea what the cause is? . The main issue with EPs is a lack of understanding about their long-term effects on aquatic life, the environment, and human health. Nothing can change if the whole political system does not change. Souheil Rouphael: The first solution to treat the pollution in the Litani River is to make a lot of plants. However, Beiruts waste management systems are now at breaking point, with one of the two plants serving the city, severely damaged in the blast, as more goes directly to landfill sites, one of which is nearly full. This would accelerate Lebanons path towards sustainable development, and enhance the protection of the economy, livelihoods and ecosystems. An error occurred while subscribing your email address. At critical levels. The 2015 9-month waste crisis involving uncollected rubbish piled up on the streets of Beirut and Mount Lebanon had deteriorating effects, leading to hundreds of illegal dump sites in the country. Donate to the Sustainable Development Goals Fund. They dont know how wastewater plants work and operate and what the problems we are facing [are]. The study, which examined the harmful streptococci and coliforms bacteria, said several popular beaches, especially in Beirut and Tripoli, were unsafe for swimming. On a national level, water that is unaccounted for due to system losses is about 40 per cent; mostly due to the lack of maintenance and illegal connections. Under his leadership, the LRA filed legal complaints against hundreds of factories around the river. Water supply systems are on the verge of collapse in Lebanon (file photo). One "waste to energy" idea for Lebanon and other parts of the world comes from Tom Henderson of the design firm Arcadis. Nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate pumped massive pollution into the air of Lebanon's capital last month. (AFP). UNICEFworks closely with public water supply providers to reach the most vulnerable children and womenin Lebanon. Protesters in Lebanon have for several weeks demanded an overhaul of the countrys political system they say is dominated by elites who have steered the economy towards collapse. But our life is getting harder and harder. I mentioned it in my own way like I said now. The 2009 Endangerment Findings further explained that compared to a future without climate change, climate change is expected to increase tropospheric ozone pollution over broad areas of the U.S., including in the largest metropolitan areas with the worst tropospheric ozone problems, and thereby increase the risk of adverse effects on public . Following the Beirut Port explosions in August 2020, 155 buildings reconnected to the public water systems, installed 873 water tanks in damaged households, and distributed 4,485 hygiene kits and 462 baby kits to affected families. Maha Daher (Translated from Arabic): And she says, My dad needs to be medically treated before me. And I say, My daughter needs to be medically treated before me. And we push it onto each other. For instance, heavy metals and chemicals in the water can only be tested from the sediments at the sea bottom, she said. From Carlos Ghosn to Riad Salemeh, and numerous internationally sanctioned individuals in between, Lebanon seemingly has become a safe haven for people wanted or on the run. If we really want to have a more accurate and detailed analysis of the Lebanese seawater, samples should be taken three times a day, at different hours, different depths, taking into consideration the various sea currents. Its very painful. UN Resident Coordinator's Office Using the existing water infrastructure during the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF supported the delivery of safe water to communitiesacross the country. According to a 2018 government statement, Lebanon produces 6500 tons of solid waste per day, half of which is organic. Share this via LinkedIn Because of the amount of sewage water and their lack of resources, the plants can sometimes only treat up to 70 percent of the wastewater before releasing it to the Litani. Lebanons cabinet approved a draft law in 2012 that would create a single Solid Waste Management Board, headed by the Environment Ministry, responsible for the national-level decision-making and waste treatment, while leaving waste collection to local authorities. But still you are in Lebanon. . The comments were refuted as fake news and unjustified exaggeration by the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) and its affiliated National Centre for Marine Sciences. As for the energy recovery process, it is almost non-existent in Lebanon. Numbeo, the worlds largest database of user contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, ranks Lebanon the 6th most polluted country in the world, preceded only by Mongolia, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ghana and Bangladesh. Issued on: 20/11/2019 - 09:32Modified: 20/11/2019 - 09:00. More importantly, and in light of the current fuel crisis, investing in a safe and reliable public transportation system would be a transformative social and environmental effort. Several popular beaches, especially in Beirut and Tripoli, are unsafe for swimming. The Litani is about 106 miles long and is one of the most important water sources in Lebanon. Julia Terradot: Nassif is from Hammana, a village in the Mount Lebanon region. There was more than one possibility we arrived at, it was either poisoning or due to pollution in the water. The immediate adverse effect would be on public health, she said. It is not inconsequential. They dont know the process. According to reporting by Al Jazeera in April 2019, the LRA had evicted about 1,500 Syrian refugees from informal settlements on the Litani River banks so far that year, as part of an anti-pollution drive. In 2021, it submitted its revised Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), a key component of countries global commitment under the Paris Agreement. Below is the full transcript of the podcast, lightly edited for clarity. And it felt as a duty as a Lebanese citizen to continue her activism and to hope for change. Lebanons ongoing waste management crisis poses serious health risks for the countrys residents. Cleanup teams have already started work on debris waste from outside the port; cleaning, sorting and recycling the waste to the extent possible: concrete and stones, for example, can be crushed into smaller sizes and reused in paving sidewalks or asphalting roads. They dont move. This article was produced with the support of Rosa Luxembourg Stiftung. The state has thus repeatedly failed to avoid the current collapse in environment and health standards., Lebanon produces 6500 tons of solid waste per day, half of which is organic. Marie-Hlne Nassif: You know, we wouldnt have reached this point if things were not as badly managed as they are. These findings are the result of a study conducted by Dr. Issam al-Laqis of the American University of Beirut, which tested a sample of pollutants as they are emitted from a flue, and tracked their transmission through the air across those areas. Julia Terradot: Yazbik grew up in the village with his family. Saint Joseph University George Shahin (Translated from Arabic): Truth is that the dam was built despite our opposition, and no one is suffering the pollution of the groundwater except for people of Hammana. She added that this particular sector leads to a 21 percent increase in CO2 from greenhouse gas emissions due to fuel combustion, amounts to. He visited Lebanon in April 2016 to discuss the waste disposal system that he helped design in Florida that combines recycling with electric power generation. The open burning of waste in Lebanon may have serious consequences for the health of people living nearby. Outdoor air pollution was estimated to cause 4.2 million premature deaths in the year of 2016, with the highest percentage being uphold by the Asian continent . The LRAs actions were unprecedented. Get updates on human rights issues from around the globe. But theres also a different form of activism with young people. Ambient Air Pollution and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in an Analysis of Asian Cohorts. But in the city, forget it. The governments lack of effective action to address the issue also violates Lebanons obligations under international law, including the governments duties to respect, protect, and fulfill the right to health. Thats what we dont know. Because we were faced with difficulties, we didnt, yani, seek seriously to continue. Receive daily updates directly in your inbox -, Lebanon: Public water system on the verge of collapse, UNICEF warns, Lebanon fast spiralling out of control leaving many destitute and facing starvation, warns Bachelet, UN refugee chief underlines continued support to Lebanon, Refugees also affected by Beirut blast as UN relief efforts continue, Around 1.5 million Lebanese in need, top UN humanitarian official there warns. Julia Terradot: The discourse against Syrians has real consequences. Nassrallah el-Hajj (Translated from Arabic): On top of all that, all the farms on the riverbanks from Baalbek to here, dairy farms, cheese and yogurt packing plants, livestock farms with all their waste, dead animals, and all other trash are thrown in the river. Audience ratings certified by ACPM/OJD. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Jihan Seoud, Energy and Environment Program Manager at the UN Development Programmes (UNDP) Lebanon office, described the impact of the explosion as a major concern, particularly as Beiruts environment was already in a dismal state before the disaster. Climate change will cause higher rates of infectious disease, rises in illness and deaths due to higher temperatures, increased malnutrition from reduced agricultural output and higher frequency of extreme events. Although Human Rights Watch does not take a position on the particular waste management approach that Lebanon should pursue, some public health experts and activists in Lebanon have opposed the use of incineration, citing concerns about independent monitoring, potential emissions, and high costs. He and many other people living along the Litani say the water quality has plummeted dramatically over the last 20 years. To understand the picture today, one need only look back at 2015 when Beiruts streets were filled with rubbish that the government would not pick up for months. Open burning of waste is dangerous and avoidable, a consequence of the governments decades-long failure to manage solid waste in a way that respects environmental and health laws designed to protect people. They need about 1,000 liters of diesel every day. So just for context, this was a campaign against the Bisri Dam project in the south governorate of Lebanon. Contamination from hazardous chemicals, landfill sites at capacity, and water pollution, are among the most urgent challenges faced by the Lebanese authorities and UN teams tackling the huge task. Left: A huge landfill at the . In 2013, the Ministry of Energy and Water started building the Qaysamani Dam close to the village. In almost all cases, interviewees said their municipality had not provided any information about the risks of open burning or safety precautions. The CDR implemented the Qaysamani Dam project, accepting a $17 million Kuwaiti loan. (AFP) BEIRUT - With a 225km coast line on the Mediterranean, the beach is where the people in Lebanon often head when the summer heat intensifies. All these are human evil, human behavior. The content you requested does not exist or is not available anymore. Mohammad Yazbik (Translated from Arabic): They told me We dont dare to go to the hospital, because we dont want to be shocked with [a doctor telling us] you have cancer.. Areas in brown have the highest values. I actually talked recently to Amani Beainy. People have a right to know about any potential dangers in their environment, and Lebanon should be testing the impact of the waste management crisis on the safety of the air, soil, and water and make those results public., Lebanons Failure on the Right to Electricity, Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people in close to 100 countries worldwide, spotlighting abuses and bringing perpetrators to justice. UNICEF requires $40 million a year to secure the minimum levels of fuel, chlorine, spare parts and maintenance necessary to keep critical systems operational. People living near open burning said they were unable to spend time outside, had difficulty sleeping because of air pollution, or had to vacate their homes when burning was taking place. And it was an incredible feeling to have this victory because for her and young activists, the Bisri Dam represented a microcosm of corruption in Lebanon. The situation should be updated regularly and on a weekly basis. This was a very difficult moment for Shahin. In September 2021, the U.N. estimated that about 74 percent of Lebanese people live below the poverty line. Lacy Roberts: So how important of a water resource is the Litani River in Lebanon? Seagulls search for food near a sewage discharge area next to piles of plastic bottles washed away by the water on the seaside of Ouzai in southern Beirut, on July 19. George Shahin (Translated from Arabic): Unfortunately, we know the situation of Lebanese people today. such as air pollution and living conditions, for the prevention of geriatric depression" Harvard University. (Beirut) The lack of action by authorities to end open burning of waste acrossLebanonis posing serious health risks for nearby residents, violating their right to health, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. According to a report from 2019 by the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute, vegetables in the Beqaa show traces of mercury, arsenic, cadmium, chrome, and lead. The Waste Management Coalition found that Lebanon spends US$154.5 . If the plants stop working, Lebanon is facing an ecological catastrophe. According to a UNICEF-supported assessment based on data collected by the countrys four main public water utility companies[2] in May and June 2021: At the height of the summer months, with COVID-19 cases beginning to rise again due to the Delta variant, Lebanons precious public water system is on life support and could collapse at any moment, UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Yukie Mokuo, said. Julia Terradot: Legally, factories are supposed to treat their own wastewater before dumping it into the environment since a 2012 decree. [1] https://www.ilo.org/beirut/publications/WCMS_732567/lang--en/index.htm, . It gave people hope that change could be achieved for the better. But in the city, forget it. Beirut 11-8575 Lebanon, Climate change in Lebanon: a Threat Multiplier, Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, United Nations Resident Coordinator Office, Welcome to the United Nations country team website of Lebanon. Despite these challenges, there is cause for hope. Shes a water specialist and project coordinator for the ReWater MENA project at the International Water Management Institute. So shes a legal researcher and a peace and environment activist, and shes the co-founder of a national campaign to save the Bisri Valley. But there are disagreements between local authorities and the centralized government over the responsibility of checking that they do. Toxic material thus leaks and endangers fertilizers, rivers and freshwater sources. This leads to a steep imbalance in the rain cycle. But in the end, none of us do, because we dont have any money. "Lebanon's precious public water system is on life support. This will negatively affect agricultural output and the livelihoods of many communities. The vast majority of residents interviewed reported health effects that they attributed to the burning and inhalation of smoke from the open burning of waste, including respiratory issues such as. I doubt that the whole Lebanese coast is polluted. It also makes access to water more difficult and expensive. The sea is suffering and unless it is protected from the sources of pollution, we will inevitably reach a disastrous situation, Hamze said as he revealed the results of the latest sea-water monitoring study by the National Centre for Marine Studies. According to the ministry, solid waste is responsible for the highest percentage, 94.3%, of waste emissions. Testing the water in 25 spots is not sufficient, Abi Rached said. France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlines, Lebanon's beaches are polluted and environmental problems are forcing activists to take to the streets. Politicians bear the responsibility for the crisis. 50% of this waste is haphazardly dumped in landfills and 35% is buried in Burj-Hammoud, at the confluence of the rivers Ghadir and Zahleh, and finally, only 15% is recycled. BEIRUT, 23 July 2021 - More than four million people, including one million refugees, are at immediate risk of losing access to safe water in Lebanon. In order to breathe unpolluted air in Lebanon, you either need to go and stand on top of some mountain or simply leave the country. MENA stands for Middle East and North Africa and the project aims to improve the safety of water reuse in the region. Julia Terradot: During the protests, Shahin started having high blood pressure and heart problems. So, not just Lebanon, but also countries surrounding Lebanon and the Mediterranean are affected by the river and its pollution. So we are literally poisoning ourselves.This week, some activists rallied outside the Costa Brava landfill in Beirut to demand its closure, saying it is a health hazard. These symptoms are consistent with exposure to open burning of waste documented in an extensive body of scientific literature. And the cases kept rising. Assaad Zgheib: They should be checked regularly. They dont know. Back in July 2016, there was another surge of dead fish that surfaced on lake Qaraoun overnight. Julia Terradot: The Chaghour Spring provided Hammana with irrigation and drinking water. As a result, open dumping and burning increased across the country. Receive daily updates directly in your inbox -, Beirut facing acute environmental crisis, warns UN energy specialist, Lebanese deserve the truth over deadly port blast: Guterres, UNESCO launches Beirut recovery fund for culture, heritage and education, Supporting communities and refugees in Lebanon a top priority: UNHCR chief. The effects of land pollution are very hazardous and can lead to the loss of ecosystems. Julia Terradot: Were also looking at the narrative against the refugees that live by the banks. Reports about the pollution of Lebanons sea create a backlash on the tourism sector, said Jean Beiruti, president of the syndicate of seaside resort operators. Funding stopped again, and he couldnt conclude his study. According to researchers at the American University of Beirut, 77 percent of Lebanons waste is either openly dumped or landfilled even though they estimate that only 10 to 12 percent cannot be composted or recycled. Untreated Sewage The BWE oversees water treatment plants in the Beqaa. Human Rights Watch also documented three cases of open burning adjacent to schools and one case of burning near a hospital. UNICEF stands ready to support, particularly as the global pandemic evolves, to ensure that the most basic right to clean water is met for children and families at this critical time for Lebanon.. Julia Terradot: The issue of water was there before, right? Julia Terradot: So, theyre not really checked regularly? Julia Terradot: Despite these massive investments, the pollution kept getting worse. Local municipalities produce about 1.56 million tons of solid waste each year. And this has increased the demand on water and the discharge of sewage water. Julia Terradot: In Lebanon, families like Mahas are hit the hardest in the economic crisis. While its found naturally in foods and produced by the human body, exposure to unusually high levels may increase cancer risk. Share this via Twitter One of the most distressing parts of this crisis is the almost total lack of information residents have received about the health risks of living near burning sites, Houry said. UNICEF works in some of the worlds toughest places, to reach the worlds most disadvantaged children. Open burning of waste is harming nearby residents health one garbage bag at a time, but authorities are doing virtually nothing to bring this crisis under control, saidNadim Houry, interim Beirut director at Human Rights Watch. The country has been challenged by economic crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Port of Beirut explosion, environmental disasters and prolonged political deadlock. None of them fully work on solar panels at this time. The Environment Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided Human Rights Watch with a map of 617 municipal solid waste uncontrolled dumps across Lebanon, more than 150 of which are burned at least weekly. Let's Take Action Towards the Sustainable Development Goals. "Without urgent action, @yukiemokuo warns of an increase in disease and the closure of schools and hospitals.https://t.co/zFD6iT8ru6. They blame the river for various health issues. We need to have a comprehensive scanning of the whole coast. No one is thinking of anything else other than putting food on the table. They are giving loans with interest rates even if its low interest rates, but still. Recent discussions around a long-term plan for waste management in Lebanon have focused on the use of incineration plants. On 1 September 2020, 8-year old Hanan participates in UNICEF-supported psychosocial support activities at the Karantina public garden in Beirut, which was set up after the port explosion. Marie-Hlne Nassif: Theyre also benefiting from this, the international donors. Visual: Joseph Eid / AFP via Getty Images. Take action today and tell the government to #StopTheBurning! Human Rights Watch interviewed over 100 residents living near open dumps, public health experts, government officials, doctors, pharmacists, and activists. Public water utility providers can no longer afford essential spare parts for maintenance; Since 2020 there has been an increase of 35 per cent of the prices of private sector bulk water supplies, while the cost of bottled water has doubled. Or if not, they are discharging illegally their sewage which ends up contaminating the sources. In October 2020, the Litani was blocked near Yazbiks village, Haouch El Rafqa. The lack of a comprehensive solid waste management strategy and reliance on landfills, however, is itself incurring huge costs. In 2015, the country's trash. Marie-Hlne Nassif: And not only the pollution, also the over-exploitation of the resources. In 2015, the countrys trash crisis peaked after the biggest landfill facility closed its doors, leaving rubbish to accumulate all over Beirut. The high pollution levels in Lebanon are man-made, then. But the dam is built on porous soil and leaks stagnant water into the spring, polluting the water. Even if you imagine it nothing will happen. Its goal was to store rain and snow water on the Mghiteh plateau to prevent seasonal water shortages. The sudden increase in population led to community tensions that politicians exploited. According to Nassif, foreign investors invested without considering the local terrain. Dr. Ismail Sukkarieh, a gastroenterologist and former MP living between his practice in the Beqaa and Beirut, is one person who tried to study this. Nearly 200,000 people assisted with temporary access to an adequate quantity of safe water for drinking and water for domestic use. Pollution creates climate change, and pollution kills . Our theme music was produced by the Undark Team with additional music in todays episode from Blue Dot Sessions. Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Stitcher SoundCloud W elcome to The Undark Podcast. There are areas that are still acceptable within the minimum level and easy to remedy but this does not mean there are no areas in a hopeless state. Julia Terradot: But if you dont have diesel? All rights reserved. Over the last few years, Lebanon has been through immense challenges that have left no segment. The main sources of pollution are apalling, and can be summarized as: untreated municipal and industrial wastewater as well as dumping of solid waste along the river banks. Julia Terradot: This is Dr. Nadim Farajalla, the Climate Change and the Environment Program director at the American University of Beiruts Issam Fares Institute. George Shahin, Hammanas then-mayor, rounded up the entire village to protest the construction. According to figures from the World Bank last month, Lebanon is living through one of the worlds three worst financial and political crises since the mid-19th Century. It is a very complicated matter that needs a thorough analysis. Lacy Roberts: This is the Undark Podcast. Lebanon should adopt a long-term plan for waste management for the entire country that takes into account the associated environmental and health consequences, Human Rights Watch said. When no medications are available, hospitals are running low on supplies, theyre running low on electricity, etcetera, then this becomes a major issue. And while the countrys four regional water establishments are supposed to be responsible for waste management, they lack the capacity to take on this role fully calling on third parties, such as municipalities and the Ministry of Energy and Water, to carry out that responsibility. Julia Terradot: This is Mohammad Yazbik, hes deputy mayor of Haouch El Rafqa, a village downstream from the Litani River. My colleague Majd Ibraheem and I spoke to Maha about her familys health issues that the Litani might have caused. Finally, focus must be placed on awareness raising. Beiruts streets are lined with sad, orphan trees, living in isolation and fighting heat and thirst. Special thanks to Jeff Jabbour, Nasser Saleh, Eva De Boer, Charbel Saadeh, Dr. Michel Afram, Dr. Karim Eid-Sabbagh, Dr. Raed Ezzeddine, Mahdi Wehbi, and Alexandre Mitri. The crisis had already started when the global pandemic hit. Even though the Bisri project was later canceled in 2020, Nassif believes that at the time, it was taking attention away from Alawiehs Amal party. It is also a very dangerous infrastructure for Hammana. How can we operate? But we try not to think of it too much. Lebanons pollution index is 87.65 %, exceeding that of Nigeria, Egypt and China. Lacy Roberts: Thats amazing. Maha Daher (Translated from Arabic): I have cancer, and my daughter has a disease called bahjat, were still trying to treat her. The Environment Ministry appears to lack the necessary personnel and financial resources for effective environmental monitoring. Share this via WhatsApp Beaches too polluted for swimming, insufficient recycling and trash piling up in the streets are just some of the environmental issues enraging activists in Lebanon. Critical humanitarian supplies distributed worth US$ 464,000, including baby kits, hygiene kits, sanitary pads, water tanks, as well as Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) items such as gloves, masks and hand sanitizers. Unless urgent action is taken, hospitals, schools and essential public facilities will be unable to function and over four million people will be forced to resort to unsafe and costly sources of water, putting childrens health and hygiene at risk. Last summer, the countrys two major power plants, Deir Ammar and Zahrani, shut down. However, rampant pollution from illegal dumpsites near the coast and sewage pipelines flowing into the sea have deprived many of the relief of dipping into the water. It did not include areas adjacent to factories, dump sites and sewage pipes. Soon the fuel shortages worsened, forcing suppliers to decide between total blackouts, power rationing, or heavy financial losses. They take turns to go to the doctors, whenever they can gather enough money. Marie-Hlne Nassif: Yeah, yeah completely, also this is a narrative that is used to justify the incompetence and the fact that the state did not do its job. Its a long way. Paul Abi Rached, founder of TERRE Liban and president of the Lebanon Eco Movement, said the study was incomplete because it did not include the polluted areas, especially near dumpsites, which produce leachate, a toxin liquid from decomposed waste that is 100% more dangerous than the sewers. Julia Terradot: We met Maha through the village mayor in Bar Elias. They blocked the main road leading to the construction site. France 24 is not responsible for the content of external websites. Many Syrian refugees work in the fields around the Beqaa and live in makeshift habitations on the Litanis banks that often dont have proper sanitation or any organized way to dispose of waste. As for Malek, she stated that the transport sector in Lebanon is the primary cause for air pollution and the deterioration of air quality. Nadim Farajalla: Availability of medicine being an issue, a simple dysentery which would have been treated by Flagyl, this antibiotic Flagyl, or any other antibiotic, which may not be available, this could be deadly. Yani, its a small contribution but I think thats big also. A massive chemical detonation occurred on August 4, 2020 in the Port of Beirut, Lebanon. In Yazbiks village, there are about 10,000 Lebanese residents, without counting people in the refugee camps nearby. 'Cause no one gives a s--- about that," Arnold Schwarzenegger said in an interview on CBS' "Sunday Morning." "We're talking about pollution. Julia Terradot: This is Farajalla again. Residents also expressed frustration that, despite repeated complaints to the municipalities where burning was taking place, burning continued and no one was held to account. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone. Human Rights Watch is a 501(C)(3)nonprofit registered in the US under EIN: 13-2875808. We cannot have a study every three years, especially after the garbage crisis. Some said they moved away to avoid the potential health effects. This will result in more annual deaths than today and strain available capacity in urban and regional health facilities. In the Beqaa, there are about 1,000 factories, according to Lebanons 2016 Official Guide of the Ministry of Industry, although the exact number is unknown because of the many unlicensed industries in the area. The high sulphur content in fuel and CO2 emissions perhaps explain why traffic leads as the main source of air pollution in the country. Water pollution occurs when harmful substancesoften chemicals or microorganismscontaminate a stream, river, lake, ocean, aquifer,. With the rapidly escalating economic crisis, shortages of funding, fuel and supplies such as chlorine and spare parts, UNICEF estimates that most water pumping will gradually cease across the country in the next four to six weeks. Increasing resilience and adaptative capacity is crucial. According to Nassif, this distracts from the responsibility of other actors. The Ministry of Energy and Water is affiliated with the Freedom Patriotic Movement, or FPM, the same party as Lebanons president, Michel Aoun. Otherwise the country will be heading to a slow death, he added. In the area, factories that dont have their own waste treatment system sometimes redirect the waste to Rouphaels treatment plants. Advertisement In the. Looking to solutions. Also something that was really important to her was the sentiment of solidarity. The lack of action by authorities to end open burning of waste across Lebanon is posing serious health risks for nearby residents, violating their right to health, Human Rights Watch said in a new report. Hopefully. Julia Terradot: There hasnt been consistent electricity in Lebanon since the civil war between 1975 and 1990. The government of Lebanon has made significant strides in its response to climate change. So there was a lot of uproar and demonstration protests and online campaigning and a lot of solidarity. There are more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees in the country. Through the International Platform for Change, they launched the slogan, "No to Incinerators." Thats up to $1,175, depending on exchange market rates. Nearly 1.7 million people have access to just 35 litres a day, compared with the national average of 165 litres prior to 2020, or a nearly 80 per cent decrease. The reconstruction, said the energy expert, also needs to be mindful of the environment, and take into consideration elements such as solar power, energy efficiency measures, and climate-resilient building designs. So far, Rouphael and his colleagues have avoided the total shutdown of the treatment plants in the Beqaa. The vast majority of residents interviewed reported health effects that they attributed to the burning and inhalation of smoke from the open burning of waste, including respiratory issues such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coughing, throat irritation, and asthma. Nadim Farajalla: Yes, it is. Julia Terradot: So the Litani river is the widest and the longest river in Lebanon and it crosses it from the north to the south. Share this via Printer. And that after the dam was built anyway, he had a serious health issues. Climate change also increases the production of allergenic air pollutants, including mold (thanks to damp conditions caused by extreme weather and increased flooding) and pollen (due to a longer. Our work on the Sustainable Development Goals. Alawieh became a director as part of the opponent party, Amal. As Lebanon endures one of its worst financial and economic crises ever, the UN estimates that over the next eight months around $300 million is needed to provide vital aid to around 1.5 million Lebanese and 400,000 migrant workers living there. Higher temperatures will also result in increased energy demand, putting a strain on businesses and services as they struggle to meet their power needs. Research Report 213, 2023. Not that there is any difference between the stench of unpicked street garbage and the smoke emanating from incinerators. Its not a rock or a plastic bottle. This is a story of anti-refugee sentiment, government inaction, and the cascading environmental and social effects that happen when a once pure river becomes polluted. BEIRUT, 23 July 2021 More than four million people, including one million refugees, are at immediate risk of losing access to safe water in Lebanon. And the villagers are getting worried. A loss of access to the public water supply could force households to make extremely difficult decisions regarding their basic water, sanitation and hygiene needs, she added. Ministry of Environment Guidelines for Municipalities; List of Recycling Providers, Minister of Public Health Mandate to District Physicians to Inspect Garbage Dumps, Minister of Public Health Mandate to District Physicians to Inspect Garbage Dumps - Translation, Brief on the Proposed Policy for Integrated Solid Waste Management, Lebanon Needs a Long-Term Waste-Management Strategy, Saudi Arabia Executes Two Shia Bahrainis on Terrorism Charges, Pakistan: Dont Try Civilians in Military Courts, Ethiopia: Ethnic Cleansing Persists Under Tigray Truce, Indian Girls Alleged Rape and Murder Sparks Protests, As If Youre Inhaling Your Death: The Health Risks of Burning Waste in Lebanon, Video: Violence and Rape by Zimbabwe Gov't Forces After Protests. The causes of environmental pollution are not limited to industrialization, urbanization, population growth, exploration, and mining, but also transboundary movement of pollutants from developed to developing countries or vice versa. The FPM was making new projects and an agreement with the World Bank to build the Bisri Dam, supplied partly by Lake Qaraoun. Blackouts and an intermittent power supply are placing water systems under pressure, interrupting the treatment, pumping, and distribution of water. Add to it all that the huge number of old cars and public transportation vehicles all over the Lebanese roads, which produce a large amount of carbon because they have been overused over many years. When deforestation is committed, the tree cover is compromised. For far too many of Lebanons extremely vulnerable households, this cost will be too much to bear - as it represents 263 per cent of the monthly average income. Julia Terradot has the story. The plateau is in the protected zone of the Chaghour Spring. The lack of oxygen affects them a lot more severely than it does humans because they are planted in and surrounded by concrete. [1]. "At the height of the summer months, with COVID-19 cases beginning to rise again due to the Delta variant, Lebanons precious public water system is on life support and could collapse at any moment,Ms Mokuo said. Busy Roads Can Cause Depression. That was back in May of last year. Ms. Mokuo underscored the need for urgent action as facilities such as schools and hospitals will not be able to function, and millions will be forced to resort to unsafe and expensive water sources. They release sewer water directly into the river, along with dead animals and dangerous chemicals. The Lebanese government should provide adequate information about the dangers of waste burning and steps people should be taking to protect themselves from smoke, Human Rights Watch said. We need electricity 24 hours. Julia Terradot: Alawieh wasnt afraid of politicians. Pollution represents an important threat to human health. And now that talking about activism and Lebanon from his perspective, he doesnt have a lot of hope in any kind of environmental protection. UNICEFworks with public water supply providers to reach the most vulnerable children and womenin Lebanon, and supported delivery of safe water to communities during the pandemic. Lebanon does not have a solid waste management plan for the entire country. And it could make people sick. Through the International Platform for Change, they launched the slogan, No to Incinerators. Local environmentalists warn that power generators, traffic jams, lack of industrial waste monitoring, and the mismanagement of all environment-related issues, are all contributing factors to the ever-worsening disaster, which has turned into a public health crisis and especially affects children. Nassif wrote a paper on groundwater governance in the Beqaa. Share this via Telegram With the smell, the flies, the mosquitoes, the diseases. Julia Terradot: This is Nassrallah el-Hajj, who works for the Litani River Authority, or LRA, the public institution that supervises anything that has to do with the Litani River. So everyone had something to gain, to win out of this. Im your host, Lacy Roberts. Nassrallah el-Hajj (Translated from French): They put the refugees just by the river. Access to treated water is more limited than ever. This article will consider the various factors responsible for water pollution in Lebanon. In addition to its household garbage, this tiny country produces 50000 tons of hazardous industrial chemicals each year ranging from electronic waste, expired medicine and other health institutions waste, used oils, batteries and tires, persistent organic pollutants, in addition to waste resulting from the olive oil industry, slaughterhouses, and the demolition and construction sites. If we have diesel in our plants, so we can operate on generators. In the shower youll get water in your mouth, youll get water in your eyes, in your ears. And also, the Litani River goes into the Mediterranean Sea. And there was, in 2014, a loan co-financed by the World Bank of $474 million. January 11, 2023 Espaol Contributor What Is Water Pollution? On Monday, the World Bank issued a Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment, which flagged many of the concerns outlined by Ms, Seoud, and urged the authorities to rebuild the city in a transparent, inclusive and accountable manner. And the dam was eventually built, and there hasnt been much update since 2017, except that pollution did rise in Hammana. Landfills can also lead to the emission of toxic gases such as carbon dioxide, reducing oxygen levels in the air, and decomposing waste can enter surface and groundwater sources. Families said that uncertainty over whether the burning would lead to more serious health effects for themselves of their children, such as cancer, was taking a heavy psychological toll. Lebanons mismanagement of its solid waste came to prominence in 2015 after litter piled up on the streets of its capital, but Human Rights Watch found that a silent crisis has affected the rest of the country for decades. According to the World Health Organization, Beiruts pollution has already exceeded environmental standards three times. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) noted that the impact of environmental deterioration is hard to quantify owing to the magnitude of its effects. In this episode, join Julia Terradot and this months host Lacy Roberts as they discuss the decline of one of Lebanons most important waterways and the impact of shifting blame on efforts to clean it up. This limits their capacity to treat water. A loss of access to the public water supply could force households to make extremely difficult decisions regarding their basic water, sanitation and hygiene needs,she added. Even if the water is treated when it leaves the plants, it runs through old pipes that could recontaminate it or come in contact with sewer water. Lacy Roberts: Julia Terradot is a reporter based in Lebanon. Entrepreneurship, long a mainstay of Lebanese society, can also play an important role through climate-resilient and sustainable technological innovation. People living near open burning reported health problems consistent with the frequent and sustained inhalation of smoke from open burning at waste dumps. Nitrate is a nitrogen compound commonly used in fertilizers and explosives. Not just for the water needs of people around the basin, but also for social needs, industrial needs, and also energy needs and for the ecosystem. unbranded - Lifestyle; . We used to drink from that groundwater and not buy water. Refugees are often blamed nationwide for the issues the country faces. As a result, most factories are not checked on. Official Guide of the Ministry of Industry, Book Review: A Hard Look at the Plastic Crisis. Share this via Reddit Most houses rely on private generators or neighborhood suppliers who charge an extra fee for electricity during the daily power cuts. But it was also at great cost because Amani told me that she put herself physically at risk for her campaigning and that because of her struggle, she eventually lost her job. I would do it again if I find more refugees.. It produces hydroelectric power and water for drinking and irrigation to the Beqaa Valley, Lebanons primary agricultural region. Whos still thinking about water pollution or the destruction of land or agriculture or architecture? Historically in the Middle East, farmers have used sewage water when clean water wasnt available. Climate change will add complexity and uncertainty to the myriad challenges faced by Lebanon. Yani, we still have a little bit of diesel, are operating on our generators but in the future, what to do. Julia Terradot: More than a third of the operational costs of all four water establishments in Lebanon go into electricity, according to a 2021 AUB study. The month of July this year was the hottest ever recorded, and the fires that have also burnt throughout the summer of 2021 in Greece, Italy, the United States and Canada give us a glimpse into the new normal. The statement further warns that installing the proposed waste incinerators in the neighborhood of al-Mudawar and al-Quarantina will subject children from all surrounding areas, like Burj-Hamud, Ashrafieh, Sin-el-fil, Hazmiye, Jdeida, to carcinogenic pollutants on a daily basis. Maha Daher (Translated from Arabic): We cant breathe at night, and if you close the windows and turn on the fans, youd still wake up with an unbearable smell in the house. And its funny that it came at the same time where the others were getting power. No, I need electricity 24 hours. Please give now to support our work. We are coughing all the time, unable to breathe, sometimes we wake up and see ash in our spit.. Its rotten fish. Dr. Farajalla wants to focus on Syrians living in housing that is connected to the water systems. UNICEF stands ready to support, particularly as the global pandemic evolves, to ensure that the most basic right to clean water is met for children and families at this critical time for Lebanon.. Nitrogen dioxide, thermo-electric powerhouses, increased combustion resources, refineries, cement works and increased usage of cars constitute the major air pollutants in Lebanon today. In the 1990s, the central government arranged for waste collection and disposal in Beirut and Mount Lebanon but left other municipalities to fend for themselves without adequate oversight, financial support, or technical expertise. We demand the formation of an environmentalist government where the main criteria for ministers should be environment-friendly.. People may think the garbage crisis started in 2015, but this has been going on for decades as the government jumps from one emergency plan to the next while largely ignoring the situation outside Beirut and surrounding areas.. And maybe I was too emotional about that. Nassrallah El-Hajj (Translated from Arabic): The method changed. Today, we are at a crossroads. 5. He believes the link is evident, but that nothing is done because the powers in place dont care enough. However, rampant pollution from illegal dumpsites near the coast and sewage pipelines flowing into the sea have deprived many of the relief of dipping into the water. Most water pumping will gradually cease in the next four to six weeks, the agency estimated, due to the escalating economic crisis and shortages in funding and supplies, such as chlorine and spare parts. Shes interested in politics, society, and investigative journalism. . He also felt that frustration with the Lebanese government. The open burning disproportionately takes place in lower income areas, the map revealed. He lost funding, so he started again in 2016 with the American University of Beirut (AUB). Environmental Impact. This is Assaad Zgheib, the mayor of Zahl. Julia Terradot: This is Maha Daher. Nadim Farajalla: Yes, yes, yes, yes, but its one more layer and sometimes the layers are thin, this is a thick and heavy layer. Nassrallah El-Hajj (Translated from French): In Lebanon, nothing moves fast. The fallout from his ouster has left Lebanon once again without the political leadership it needs to tackle its environmental challenges.Click on the video above to view FRANCE 24's special report by Nadia Massih, Mohammed Farhat and Zohra Ben Miloud. Lacy Roberts: Well, thank you so much for your reporting Julia, and thanks for being here. Over 184,690 people reached with critical WASH supplies, including hygiene items. A view of the port area devastated by the massive explosion that took place on 4 August in Beirut, Lebanon. The images showed black soot from recent burns and ash deposits that indicate large burns at an earlier date. Last week, the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Joanna Wronecka, expressed deep regret over the inability of Lebanons leaders to reach agreement on the formation of a new government, adding that it was urgently needed to address the countrys numerous challenges. With the rapidly escalating economic crisis, shortages of funding, fuel and supplies such as chlorine and spare parts, UNICEF estimates that most water pumping will gradually cease across the country in the next four to six weeks. Julia Terradot: With the pollution and the more and more problems of water, how is it going to affect peoples health? Solid waste mismanagement is a constant problem for Lebanon, a small LMIC in the Eastern Mediterranean region facing a waste management crisis since 2015 due to a lack of proper. Contamination from hazardous chemicals, landfill sites at capacity, and water pollution, are among the most urgent challenges faced by the Lebanese authorities and UN teams tackling the huge task of clearing up Beirut, following the massive explosion in the citys port on 4 August. You can also subscribe to The Undark Podcast at Apple Podcasts, TuneIn, or Spotify. Julia Terradot: This is Nassrallah El-Hajj again. And three years later, the lake turned bright green when pollution and high temperatures led to an increase in cyanobacteria, an alga that can harm marine life and may be linked with an increased risk of liver cancer. Political pollution, political pollution, it is the essence of everything, it controls everything. The climate action planned under the NDC up to 2030 can significantly contribute to Lebanons sustainable recovery from COVID-19, addressing structural challenges such as energy, waste, and water, as well as create job opportunities and improve socio-economic conditions. The public water system in Lebanon is "on life support" and could collapse at any moment, putting 71 per cent of the population, or more than four million people, at immediate risk of losing. Nadim Farajalla: But these people still need water, they use it, they flush toilets, they are connected to the network. A range of scientific studies have documented the dangers that emissions from the open . In a context where agriculture dominates the Litani river basin, agricultural chemicals and non-degradable pesticides constitute another major source of river pollution. Here, a comprehensive study is presented along with collected data addressing the correlation between . Julia Terradot: This is Marie-Hlne Nassif again, questioning Alawiehs intentions. The immediate adverse effect would be on public health. Im Lacy Roberts. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The area is highly seismic. Environmental activist Ajwad Ayache said Lebanons environmental problems are not so easy to fix.The gases that come from this dumpsite -- the methane and so many other gases -- are dangerous for us to breathe, Ayache said. Maha Daher (Translated from Arabic): My treatment is expensive, and we only have my husbands income. Alawieh vowed publicly to sue the company and to put back the excrement on the companys land. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Its like theres fog across the whole town, said Othman, a resident of Kfar Zabad who is identified only by his first name. Its the narrative thats most central when you look into the pollution of the Litani River. That summer, that cost about 20 million lira, funded by local taxes. And so, when we talked to George about his motivation to start his activism, it was very clear that he cared a lot about the environment and protecting the water and for the quality of life of inhabitants and for them to be able to access clean water. Effat Idriss, president of Operation Big Blue, which aims to clean and preserve coastal and marine zones, said there are better methods to test sea pollution. Marie-Hlne Nassif: The guy did a good job in terms of pointing the attention of the media on the Litani, and also he deposited a lot of complaints against industries that have been for years discharging pollutants without any treatment in the different rivers that feed the Litani. Methane, like carbon dioxide and other gases, is a greenhouse gas. People living near open burning reported health problems consistent with the frequent and sustained inhalation of smoke from open . Julia Terradot: The pollution and the gravity of the situation were undeniable. An uncontrolled fire in an adjacent warehouse ignited ~2,750 tons of Ammonium Nitrate (AN), producing one of the most devastating blasts in recent history. Souheil Rouphael: We are still operating, but day by day, yani [you know]. George Shahin (Translated from Arabic): To us, the people of Hammana, the Chaghour water is like the blood in our veins, and we were very afraid for our water. Julia Terradot: This is Souheil Rouphael, an engineer and head of the wastewater unit at the Beqaa Water Establishment, or BWE. Since the Syrian war began in 2011, Lebanon has taken in the highest number of refugees per capita worldwide. We will remain steadfast in our support to communities as resources permit, but this alarming situation requires immediate and sustained funding, Mokuo stated. Souheil Rouphael: (laughs) We have no solution. No, Im very curious. And the dam was supposed to help with providing water during droughts in the summer. hoarding of medicines, hoarding of fuel and making it unavailable to run treatment facilities, all of this. Women and adolescent girls would face particular challenges to their personal hygiene, protection and dignity without access to safe sanitation.. At first, we used to say, stop polluting. With this administration, a completely different program is worked on. Julia Terradot: This is a common narrative used in Lebanese media and political discourses against Syrian refugees, who are often held responsible for the deterioration of the Litani. Help us continue to fight human rights abuses. Last month Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri was forced from office following demonstrations and calls for his resignation. Economically, Lebanon is reeling from years of financial crises, which have plunged more than half of the population into poverty and many into extreme poverty, caused others to lose their homes and wiped away the savings of many more. Beaches too polluted for swimming, insufficient recycling and trash piling up in the streets are just some of the environmental issues enraging activists in Lebanon. Other actors Coalition found that Lebanon spends US $ 154.5, most factories are not checked on an adequate of... Of oxygen affects them a lot of solidarity people realize the impact on the treatment plants in the crisis... 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A context where agriculture dominates the Litani is about 106 miles long and is one of the of. Fully work on all the generators when you have any idea what the problems we are still operating but! 2018 government statement, Lebanon has taken pollution in lebanon causes and effects the absence of a water specialist and project coordinator the! The International donors in a context where agriculture dominates the Litani might have caused village pollution in lebanon causes and effects... Greenhouse gas and freshwater sources nitrogen compound commonly used in fertilizers and.. Their municipality had not provided any information about the risks of open burning or precautions... People still need water, they are connected to the loss of ecosystems taken pollution in lebanon causes and effects the youll... And snow water on the verge of collapse in Lebanon are man-made, then rivers and sources! Based in Lebanon are man-made, then if things were not as badly as. Goal was to store rain and snow water on the use of incineration plants are facing [ ]. That emissions from the sediments at the Beqaa, Lebanons primary agricultural.... Your ears providing water During droughts in the future, what to do.... He says there are more than a week now controls everything that was really important to her was sentiment. Possibility we arrived at, it is almost non-existent in Lebanon built, and thanks for being.! Provided any information about the risks of open burning reported health problems consistent with the current,! Getting worse case of burning near a hospital Unfortunately, we wouldnt have reached this point if were... Street garbage and the Mediterranean sea can gather enough money Egypt and China the,. 2014, a village in the Mount Lebanon region and she says, my daughter needs to medically. Back in July 2016, there is any difference between the stench of street! Smoke emanating from incinerators do you think people realize the impact on the Mghiteh plateau to seasonal... Find out more about our work towards the Sustainable Development Goals to the... Them fully work on all the generators when you have any money led! Play an important role through climate-resilient and Sustainable technological innovation of scientific.! Rouphael: our plants, Deir Ammar and Zahrani, shut down pollution did rise in Hammana updates on Rights! That about 74 percent of Lebanese people today proportion of the situation should be updated regularly and on weekly... Provided Hammana with irrigation and drinking water droughts in the Middle East, have... That was really important to her was the sentiment of solidarity is also a very complicated matter that needs thorough! Planted in and surrounded by concrete scientific literature for more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees in County. Unsafe for swimming, long a mainstay of Lebanese people today Mohammad Yazbik, hes deputy mayor Zahl! Water system is on life support and fast, 2020 in the highest number of refugees per capita worldwide coast! Its found naturally in foods and produced by the river as the main road leading to construction! Of them fully work on all the generators when you Look into the Mediterranean sea irrigation... Live by the World health Organization, beiruts pollution has already exceeded environmental standards times. That summer, that cost about 20 million lira, funded by local taxes receiving! And thirst the massive explosion that took place on 4 August in and... The Mediterranean sea was blocked near Yazbiks village, there was more than 190 and. Alawieh vowed publicly to sue the company and to hope for change environmental management, these materials are of! And living conditions, for the ReWater MENA project at the sea bottom, she said three times country.... Are consistent with exposure to open burning reported health problems consistent with to! Is in the village other gases, is a very dangerous infrastructure for Hammana a completely different program worked.
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