SummaryThe degradation of Lebanon’s natural environment over the past decades is a testament to governance failures in the sector. This degradation not only affects the country’s landscapes but has also had severe economic and public health consequences for its population such as the widespread pollution of rivers like the Litani due to untreated wastewater, the depletion of groundwater reserves in regions like the Bekaa Valley, and the proliferation of unregulated quarries in areas such as Chekka and Chouf, which have caused deforestation, habitat loss, and air pollution.The recent crises Lebanon has grappled with from political conflict and instability to financial collapse have further exacerbated environmental degradation. The weakening of government institutions has led to reduced oversight and enforcement, allowing violations to go unchecked. For instance, the energy crisis has driven reliance on private generator operators, many of whom operate illegally and dangerously, contributing to air pollution and public safety risks. These overlapping crises have also weakened critical infrastructure, including waste management and water treatment systems. On top of this, the escalating impacts of climate change rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events continue to place immense pressure on already fragile ecosystems.Of these series of shocks, the 2024 war also had a heavy toll on Lebanon’s environment, one that continues to threaten citizens’ well-being well beyond the ceasefire. Destruction of infrastructure, pollution of natural resources, deforestation, and possible use of chemical agents have created long-term environmental hazards. Recovery from the 2024 war cannot be achieved without restoring the damaged ecosystems and rebuilding critical environmental infrastructure. One of the most pressing and lasting threats is the vast quantity of construction and demolition waste (CDW), mounting to millions of tons now scattered across decentralized locations. Yet within this crisis lies an opportunity: if managed strategically, this rubble can be recycled and reintegrated into Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, reducing environmental harm and creating economic value. For this opportunity to be realized, coordinated action is needed across government, civil society, and the private sector. Enabling policies, technical capacity, and investment in recycling infrastructure are essential to transition from waste to resource.The AUB Nature Conservation Centre (NCC) is actively addressing this challenge through advocating for the recycling of CDW, engaging key stakeholders, mapping national policies, and benchmarking against international policies and frameworks. NCC is also piloting sustainable recycling methods and pushing for policy frameworks that support environmentally responsible reconstruction. At its core, NCC’s work is rooted in restoring nature while fostering community resilience and driving economic recovery.Effort OverviewQuestionDetailsWhat was the reform challenge?Absence of a national framework for CDW management, widespread illegal dumping, lack of coordination among key stakeholders, weak, fragmented policies and lack of data and accessibility. What was the civic strategy or action taken?Our strategy focuses on engagement, inclusion, and evidence-based action by partnering with expert faculty members at AUB who specialize in CDW management and recycling. Together, we built on existing research, analyzed relevant policies, gathered international benchmarks, and submitted formal policy recommendations. We also published a policy brief, coordinated efforts through policy dialogues, launched an advocacy campaign calling for CDW recycling, and initiated consultations with key stakeholders from civil society, the public and private sectors, and both national and international institutions.What agencies were targeted?The initiative was launched in partnership with the Ministry of Environment. Other targeted agencies included civil society organizations and non-governmental organizations, public sector institutions, private sector entities and lobby groups, academic institutions, and the international community such as INGOs, embassies, and UN agencies.What reform priorities does it relate to?Waste Management Policies; Access to Information & Data; Transparency and Accountability for Environmental Destruction; CDW Management; Circular Economy and Recycling Targets all of which fall under the 3RF pillars. Key Partners & Coalition MembersTypeName(s)Lead CSONature Conservation Centre at the American University of Beirut (AUB- NCC)Supporting CSOsRestart; LHDF; LLWB; Save the children; LRI; REEF; Aman; Green peace; Arcenciel; Al Majmoua; Transparency International Lebanon; Institute of Environment Balamand; Jibal; Council of Environment Kobayat, Biodiversity Conservation Initiative, AUB ESDU, AUB SAIL, Plastc lab; Y4G; Adyan. Progress SnapshotIndicatorValueCommentsCSO Partners20 Stakeholder Meetings Conducted41 Launching Advocacy Campaign9 Article features, 1 TV Appearance, 1 Podcast, 12 Social Media Posts Published Policy Brief 1 Accessible in English and Arabic Pictures AUB Delegation Meeting with Former Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin. AUB-NCC Meeting with Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati to Propose Sustainable Post-Crisis CDW Management Solutions. Former Minister of Environment Dr. Nasser Yassin mentioned AUB-NCC’s policy brief on national TV, raising awareness about CDW management. A multi-stakeholder coordination meeting at AUB on March 20, 2025, to align on CDW recycling and discuss related opportunities and threats. AUB delegation meeting with the Spanish Embassy, with AUB-NCC as part of the delegation, to discuss CDW management in Lebanon. ResultsAchievementSourcesEnhanced understanding of the CDW management landscape by identifying new opportunities for sustainable practices and system improvements, while supporting reform planning through evidence-based research to assist the government in implementing effective policy changes.Policy Brief: EN - AROngoing research and development will be disseminated once finalizedRaised public and institutional awareness on critical waste management issues through targeted outreach and communication efforts.AUB-NCC Social Media Platforms: Instagram, LinkedIn , XRelevant articles can be found in the Resources and Annex section.Built consensus on CDW management priorities, aligning diverse stakeholders around recycling CDW through actionable solutions and policy directions.CDW Coordination Workshop Report: EN - AR Challenges Faced and Call to ActionChallengeSolution(s)Lack of Data and AccessibilityAdvocate for data sharing and accessibility, and emphasize the importance of systematic data collection by lobbying responsible entities to gather and report data in support of transparency, informed decision-making, and research.Weak, Fragmented PoliciesConduct a policy review and submit recommended legal amendments, alongside the engagement of relevant government stakeholders.Lack of Coordination Among Key StakeholdersEstablish a multi-stakeholder CDW management taskforce, with representatives from: ministries, municipalities, private sector, NGOs, and academia.This body would coordinate actions, share data, and guide implementation of the national strategy.Widespread Illegal DumpingImplement strict enforcement mechanisms and incentives, including strengthening environmental monitoring and penalties for illegal dumping. Absence of a National Framework for CDW ManagementSet clear standards for collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal, including legal mandates for CDW separation at source, national recycling targets, integration into building codes and permits. Calls to ActionEmbed recycling of rubble into reconstruction aid and standardsAdopt long-term reforms to fully integrate CDW Recycling in the construction sectorSupport the government and municipalities in collecting data, enforcing EIAs & prevent ecological disastersRely on evidence & input from all stakeholders (Academia, Private Sector, Specialized NGOs, Local Communities, Municipalities)Disseminate findings around the feasibility of CDW recycling in Lebanon Annexes & ResourcesPolicy Brief: EN - ARCDW Coordination Workshop Report: EN - ARArticles #TypeOutletTitleLink1ArticleNew Lines Magazine Clearing Lebanon’s War RubbleLINK2Articleاللواء بعد المطامر.. «اللواء» تفتح ملف الروادم: حلول «ممكنة» أم أزمة بلا حول ولا قوة؟! LINK3ArticleNNAاختتام مشروع RE-MED لاعادة تدوير مخلفات البناء ياسين: سمح لنا بتنفيذ مشاريع تجريبية مع مختلف الشركاء والنقابات LINK4ArticleLCPSإدارة مخلّفات البناء والهدم في لبنان LINK 5ArticleLebanon Debateصعوبة في إزالة الأنقاض... لبنان يتعامل مع تدمير 3 آلاف مبنى بِبيروتLINK6ArticleAl Joumhouriaلبنان يواجه مهمّة ضخمة للتخلّص من الحطام الناتج من الحربLINK7ArticleNew York TimesLebanon Faces a Colossal Disposal Task: Clearing War DebrisLINK8PodcastThe MergeEpisode 1 | Issam Srour | Recycling War Rubble for a Sustianable FutureLINK9ArticleL’Orient Le JourMillions of tons of rubble: The hidden controversy of conflict zonesLINK10ArticleVertEntre 50 et 100 millions de tonnes de déchets : au Liban, l’impossible défi de la dépollution après la guerre avec IsraëlLINK Contact Point
American University of Beirut, Nature Conservation Centre (AUB-NCC)Antoine Kallab, Associate Director, ak231@aub.edu.lb