Hands joined to reaffirm the commitment to the land. A commitment manifested in the reforestation campaign for a greener South Lebanon after having lost most of its green surface over the years.

The Lebanese NGO Jouzour Loubnan launched, in coordination with UNIFIL's French and Spanish contingents and the Lebanese Armed Forces, a reforestation campaign in the southern town of Ebel es Saqi to fight desertification.

The event was held in the presence of General Alonzo Baños, UNIFIL Sector East Commander; H.E. Mr. Patrice Paoli, Ambassador of France; H.E. Ms. Milagros Hernando, Ambassador of Spain; Mr. Wissam Hayek, District Commissioner of Marjayoun, and Mr. Georges Rahal, Head of the Ebel es Saqi municipality.

Dr. Magda Kharrat, vice president of the NGO Jouzour Loubnan, announced at the launch of the reforestation campaign in Ebel es Saqi that 2000 native trees were to be planted on this day, with the overall goal of 6000 trees by the end of the campaign. A total of 850000m2 of municipal land is to be planted with a selection of pine, cypress and a variety of birch trees.

UNIFIL shared the NGO's concern, feeling the need to contribute and raise awareness in order to help the local communities to protect their natural resources and benefit from this environmental treasure.

General Alonzo Baños considered that the cooperation between UNIFIL soldiers, hailing from the French and Spanish Contingents, the Lebanese Armed Forces and Jouzour Loubnan, demonstrates the commitment towards stability and development in the South, promoting trust and strengthening ties with Lebanon.

"When we plant a tree" said the French ambassador Mr. Paoli, "it means we are planting for the future and for the generations that will come. "

Ms. Milagros Hernando the Spanish ambassador stressed upon her country's continuous cooperation with the Lebanese community. "'We put our hands with yours, the Municipality and Jouzour Loubnan to enhance the lifestyle of the Lebanese society through our support to their environment, a major pillar to the country."

40 Lebanese Armed Forces soldiers contributed to the planting process alongside the UNIFIL peacekeepers.

"The history of cooperation between the Civil and Military Cooperation (CIMIC) branches of the LAF and UNIFIL was launched in 2008 by the then presiding UNIFIL Force Commander Major General Claudio Graziano and LAF Commander General Jean Kahwaji" explained Colonel Youssef Mechref, head of the CIMIC office of the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Almost 30 meetings later, LAF and UNIFIL were able to formulate a work strategy in addition to a five year plan to implement such projects.

This kind of cooperation between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL isn't the first and definitely won't be the last.

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Article: Ghinwa El Deek
Video Producer: Ghifar Charafeddine
Video Camera Operator: Mohamad Hamze
Video Editor: Suzane Badereddine
Photos: Pasqual G. Marcos

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