Poland in Lebanon

The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Lebanon, in collaboration with Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, unveiled a new initiative to create a Polish Embassy reforestation site at the reserve. The main goal of this initiative is to replenish the depleted natural resources of Lebanon, which was once called the "Lung of the Middle East". This project also aims to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the oldest national reserve of Lebanon, Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, which contains endemic species of flora and is on the main route of bird migration from Europe to Africa and Africa to Europe. 

The project also serves as a symbol of the presence and contribution of Polish nationals in Lebanon dating back to the 19th century. With this initiative, the embassy expresses gratitude to the Lebanese people for sheltering more than 6000 Polish refugees during the second world war and recognizes the refugees' contribution to the cultural, artistic, architectural, educational, and economic development of Lebanon.

The Polish Embassy reforestation site at the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve will provide an ongoing platform for the Polish community present in Lebanon to meet and contribute to the reforestation of this specific site sustainably and eco-friendly. Moreover, the embassy and its partners will encourage all Polish tourists visiting Lebanon and Birdwatchers from around the world to adopt trees within the framework of this project. This will significantly grow the embassy of Poland reforestation site at the reserve year by year and become one of the main stops for Polish tourists visiting Lebanon.

The project's third goal is to draw the attention of the Lebanese public and the international community present in Lebanon to the importance of preserving the environment and natural resources of Lebanon by creating long-term initiatives and supporting local non-profit institutions committed to this goal.

The project was unveiled on the occasion of the Polish Diaspora day and celebrating the 3rd May constitution day of the Republic of Poland. H.E. Przemysław Niesiołowski, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to Lebanon, Mrs. Sandra Koussa Saba, Director of the reserve, and a large number of the embassy's staff and friends, with their children and families, sponsored and planted seedlings of various indigenous species of trees, such as cedar, oak, maple, wild apple, and many others.

The embassy's staff and friends pledged to monitor the growth of the tree they have planted, even after the end of their mission in Lebanon. They even saved the geolocation of their planted seedling. The event concluded with a traditional lunch in support of women from the community.

In addition to the environmental benefits, this initiative by the Polish Embassy in Lebanon, in collaboration with Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, is hence  expected to have a positive impact on the region's economy.  By enhancing the touristic potential of the reserve, the project will create job opportunities and contribute to the economic development of the area benefiting the local community.