Supporting Livelihoods through Forestry

The Supporting Livelihoods through Forestry project, funded by the World Food Programme (WFP), and implemented by Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI), aimed to enhance the livelihoods of vulnerable Syrian refugees and Lebanese communities by promoting sustainable forest management and climate adaptation practices, in more than 180 hectares between 2022 and 2023. This project includes different activities under different programs, Forest & Ecosystem Restoration Program: https://www.lri-lb.org/#!/programs/65 , also our Wildlife and Forest Management Program: https://www.lri-lb.org/#!/programs/17 and our Sustainable Agriculture Program: https://www.lri-lb.org/#!/programs/36 . The project provided: • Providing income-generating activities for vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian participants, particularly women, through forest-related work. • Enhancing women’s involvement in forestry through planning, capacity-building, and income opportunities. • Offering community training on forest-related activities, including reforestation, fire prevention, and agroforestry. • Extending Lebanon’s forest cover through reforestation and streetscaping, while promoting rural tourism and supporting local production. • Improving the management of nature reserves and public spaces. • Supporting small businesses, with an emphasis on empowering women, youth, and people with disabilities. It also increased green spaces in communities and fostered inclusivity through small business support. The initiative contributed to economic resilience and environmental sustainability in rural areas. Main areas of work were: Akkar & Dunniye , Rashaya & Baalbeck.