Beirut: The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Lebanon, has launched an initiative focused on the environmentally sound management of marine litter and discarded fishing nets. This effort is part of the "Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Resources Management and Climate Resilience in Lebanon" project, which is funded by the Government of Norway.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the project, implemented jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and FAO, aims to strengthen the resilience of Lebanon's fisheries value chain. It also seeks to contribute to improved national food security through sustainable fisheries management and enhanced climate resilience.
The technical workshop organized under this initiative brought together representatives from government institutions, fishing communities, local authorities, the private sector, NGOs, and other key stakeholders. The discussions centered around best practices for the environmentally responsible collection and disposal of marine litter and discarded fishing nets, aligning with good fishing practices.
Key topics included the prevention of illegal fishing and reduction of ghost fishing. The workshop emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among coastal communities, municipalities, and private sector actors to safeguard marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable management of fisheries resources.
Participants also observed practical demonstrations of sustainability, viewing a bench and a table manufactured from recycled discarded fishing nets and plastic litter. These products served as examples of how marine waste can be transformed into useful items through circular economy approaches, showcasing innovative solutions to reduce marine pollution.
Additionally, a dedicated collection bin for used and discarded fishing nets and marine plastic litter was installed, marking an important step towards sustainable disposal of marine litter.
Etienne Careme, FAO Lebanon Resilience and Liaison Officer, highlighted the significance of the initiative, stating, "Discarded fishing nets are a major source of marine litter in Lebanon, harming marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities. Through this Norway-funded initiative, we are working with our partners to promote responsible fishing practices and improve the sustainable management of fishing gear to protect our seas and strengthen the resilience of the fisheries sector."