LRA, UNESCO, and SPNL advance lower Litani Basin Biosphere Nomination
11/12/2025 4:52:00 PM
The Litani River Authority (LRA), represented by its Director General Dr. Sami Alawiyeh, held a strategic meeting today with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), as part of ongoing preparations for the nomination of the Lower Litani Basin as a Biosphere Reserve.
The meeting gathered technical experts and representatives from the three institutions to discuss the nomination roadmap, data requirements, and the alignment of the project with UNESCO's criteria. The initiative seeks to highlight the environmental, hydrological, and cultural significance of the Lower Litani Basin — one of Lebanon's most vital freshwater ecosystems, and a region renowned for its rich biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and historical value.
The discussions also addressed key topics, including ecotourism opportunities, the protection of cultural and water heritage, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued coordination among the three institutions, aimed at enhancing global recognition of Lebanon's natural and cultural heritage and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
The meeting gathered technical experts and representatives from the three institutions to discuss the nomination roadmap, data requirements, and the alignment of the project with UNESCO's criteria. The initiative seeks to highlight the environmental, hydrological, and cultural significance of the Lower Litani Basin — one of Lebanon's most vital freshwater ecosystems, and a region renowned for its rich biodiversity, traditional livelihoods, and historical value.
The discussions also addressed key topics, including ecotourism opportunities, the protection of cultural and water heritage, natural resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continued coordination among the three institutions, aimed at enhancing global recognition of Lebanon's natural and cultural heritage and promoting sustainable livelihoods for local communities.