Recovery of Nahr el Bared surrounding Lebanese communities affected by 2006 and 2007 conflicts

The development objective of the project is to promote the social cohesion through restoring and improving livelihoods in 28 communities in the North of Lebanon.

Background

The situation of poverty, aggravated since the 2006 war and NBC 2007 crisis, intensified already existing tensions between Lebanese and Palestinians and created new ones. Prior to the 2007 conflict, in addition to the political tensions, economic competitions influenced the relationships between the Lebanese and the Palestinians. The camp was economically integrated with the surrounding region. It had much trade and services activities and was the core provider to the region of Minieh – Dannieh and Akkar. The Lebanese population outside of NBC used to purchase goods and services at relatively low process from the camp, a situation that created some tensions with Lebanese businesses owners. Subsequent to the crisis, in addition to the tensions related to sever human impact (from both sides), dissimilarities in the assistance and support provided to damaged communities engendered harsh new tensions. The instability of the political and security situation in Tripoli has also had a negative impact on the livelihood opportunities for the local population from Tripoli and surrounding areas of NBC. Also, the Third Ring has also suffered indirect damage through cuts in road infrastructure making accessibility to suppliers and markets impossible at times. This also intensified prevailing tensions. Accordingly, interventions in the area must be done through an integrated approach, specifically designed to encounter the linkages in economic, trade and business between the NBC area, the Third Ring, and Tripoli itself. The improvement of socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries will create a solid platform for social cohesion.
 

Objectives

The development objective of the project is to promote the social cohesion through restoring and improving livelihoods in 28 communities in the North of Lebanon. It focuses on:
  • Recovering and improving the livelihoods of 1,100 fishermen, 250 farmers, 150 SME owners and 350 cooperatives/association members and their families.
  • Identifying and implementing 4 sub-regional infrastructure projects connecting municipalities economic resources.
  • Enhancing local dialogue, particularly targeting youth.

Expected results

Upon completion of the project, the following results will be achieved:
  • The socio-economic conditions of the target area are enhanced, as well as social cohesion between the Lebanese and Palestinian communities are enhanced.
  • Livelihoods of farmers, fishermen and SME owners improved through socio-economic interventions targeting training, technical and asset needs.
  • Living conditions and livelihoods of communities improved through small scale infrastructure projects.
  • Dialogue improved through local level interventions, particularly targeting youth.