OCA Global conducts a hybrid event to share knowledge on local and international forest fire management in Lebanon

Within the scope of the World Bank-funded project “Promoting Sustainable Forest Management to Address Forest Fires in Lebanon'' and with the financial support of the PROGREEN Trust Fund, OCA Global Consulting and Technical Advisory has delivered a day-long session to empower local actors from across the country to share their knowledge and experiences in forest fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. International experts from the PROGREEN initiative and Pau Costa Foundation also shared concepts, knowledge and tools to inspire discussions. The event took place in AFDC’s Ramliyeh Forest Center on 17th February 2023, with an opening speech by H.E. Mr. Nasser Yassin – Minister of Environment.

The morning sessions included presentations on best practices by international experts from the World Bank and background presentations on the Lebanese fire response structures and tools by a local forest fire expert. Following those, Pau Costa Foundation’s experts talked about wildfire behavior and Integrated Fire Management and Planning. A final session led by the local voluntary organization Akkar Trail, presented their case study on forest fire mitigation as an example of a success story involving local communities to sustainably manage forests. 

This is the first of a series of capacity building events aimed to support Lebanon in its efforts towards an efficient and effective sustainable forest management to prevent, prepare, respond and recover from its seasonal forest fires. 

OCA Global has been leading the implementation of the WB-funded project “Promoting Sustainable Forest Management to Address Forest Fires in Lebanon” since April 2022. The objective of such a project is to assess the country’s needs and assist in strengthening the local’s capacity to deal with forest fires.