Towards a greener future in Lebanon

Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment is advancing a government-led initiative to improve waste management and promote a circular economy, strengthening the country’s commitments to biodiversity protection and pollution reduction, according to a press release by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project targets harmful emissions from open burning of solid waste, improves recycling and sorting, and reduces open dumping through an integrated solid waste management approach. It is supported by a grant from the Global Environment Facility through the World Bank, with UNOPS implementing three out of four components. Recent updates were published on 4 August 2026. The effort aims to protect the health of communities and the environment across the country.

Lebanon faces a growing environmental crisis fueled by the open dumping and burning of waste, which releases hazardous pollutants into the air. These pollutants, known as unintentional persistent organic pollutants (UPOPs), pose serious risks to human health and the environment. The situation has been exacerbated by recent conflict, which has severely damaged infrastructure, including waste management facilities and collection systems. This has further collapsed an already fragile waste sector. The initiative responds directly to these compounded challenges.

UNOPS developed and delivered a national solid waste monitoring and information system to the Ministry of Environment to collect waste management data from Lebanese municipalities and facilities, integrating directly with weighbridges to eliminate manual data collection. UNOPS and the Ministry also published the “Updated Master Plan for the Closure and Rehabilitation of Open Dumps in Lebanon,” providing an updated national assessment and a roadmap for prioritizing the closure and rehabilitation of the country’s highest-risk dumpsites. Key studies on toxic chemical pollution were completed to advance Lebanon’s National Implementation Plan. Workshops brought together national stakeholders to define priorities for managing key persistent organic pollutants. The project also establishes a National Solid Waste Management Information System, rehabilitates five air quality monitoring stations, and develops standards for six recyclable products.

“Despite mounting challenges, Lebanon has made progress in developing a solid legal basis for integrated solid waste management and a draft National Strategy based on the principles of circular economy,” said Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Country Director for the Middle East Department. He added that Lebanon needs to enforce this legal framework to advance the sector’s reform, ensure sustainable operation of infrastructure, and create green jobs. Lebanon’s Minister of Environment, Tamara El Zein, said: “In the face of unprecedented crises, Lebanon’s commitment to environmental resilience is not just a responsibility, but a pathway to sustainable recovery.” She emphasized restoring natural resources, ensuring better waste management, and reducing pollution to protect communities. These statements underscore the collaborative dimension of the project.

Work is underway to update the National Implementation Plan for Persistent Organic Pollutants, outlining strategic priorities for phasing out these harmful substances. The project is also conducting assessments of open dumps to revise its 2017 master plan, focusing on integrating the management of construction and demolition waste arising from the recent conflict. “Waste management and circular economy approaches could support Lebanon’s national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately contribute to mitigating climate change in the country,” said Muhammad Usman Akram, Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman. He added that the initiative shows the significance of multi-stakeholder engagements and collaboration in addressing complex environmental issues. The project consolidates Lebanon’s roadmap toward a greener, healthier future.