NNA - The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Regional Office for West Asia has issued the following:

“The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Regional Office for West Asia, is pleased to invite members of the media to cover the Lebanon Blue Economy Dialogue (LBED 2024) held under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of Environment of Lebanon Dr Nasser Yassin.

Under the SwitchMed II programme implemented by UNEP and funded by the European Union, UNEP has partnered with the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development, to mainstream the Blue Economy (BE) concept in Lebanon.

Centered around enabling partnerships, collaboration, and constructive dialogue, the conference will bring together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including academic institutions and civil society.

The Blue Economy focuses on sustainable economic development through sea-related sectors while aiming to prevent environmental and ecosystem degradation. Given Lebanon’s extensive Mediterranean coastline, the potential for sustainable blue growth is significant despite the environmental challenges it faces. This approach is critical in addressing the triple planetary crisis—pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change—by emphasizing the role of coastal cities in ensuring the long-term sustainability of maritime sectors in Lebanon through the mainstreaming of circularity. This foundational conference will feature the launch of the national blue economy assessment covering three main sectors: fisheries, coastal tourism, and port activities, and the Lebanon Blue Economy online Dashboard.

This event will mark the beginning of an inclusive, multi-level dialogue to navigate a prosperous and sustainable Blue Economy for the nation and endorse relevant policy recommendations.

You are cordially invited to cover this first National Blue Economy Dialogue.

Date and time: May 2, 2024; 9:00 – 15:30

Location: UN House, Riad El Solh, Beirut (B1, Main Conference Hall)

Deadline for registration : Monday 29 April noon time

Media Opportunities:

•             Photo opportunities with key participants

•             Interviews with experts and stakeholders

Media partners who wish to physically attend the event are kindly requested to fill in this form by Monday 29 April noon latest.

For those attending, kindly make sure to bring your ID with you to be able to claim your badges and ensure your smooth entrance to the UN house.

For more information and inquiries about the conference, please contact

United Nations Environment Programme: Hoda El Turk, Public Information Officer, at [email protected] , +9613560408

Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development: Malek Al Jebaie, Environment Programme Specialist, [email protected], +961 79 140 938”

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