As part of UNIFIL’s ongoing support to south Lebanese communities affected by last year’s conflict, the UN mission has extended major assistance to the Agricultural Services Centre in At Tiri, aimed at boosting agricultural yields and improving public services across 15 villages.

With a contribution from UNIFIL’s Quick Impact Project (QIP) fund as well as its Finnish and French contingents, the mission handed over a 135 KVA generator to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the Centre’s olive press and two farm vehicles. UNIFIL peacekeepers also financed the repair of the Centre’s canter vehicle.

On 1 November, Finland’s Ambassador in Lebanon Anne Meskanen, UNIFIL’s Chief Civil Affairs Officer Maud Ropars, and Colonel Louis-Guilhem Larchet of UNIFIL’s Force Commander’s Reserve force (which includes both French and Finnish contingents), jointly handed over the equipment at a ceremony in At Tiri.

In her remarks, Ambassador Meskanen highlighted the strength of civil-military cooperation in addressing community needs. “By combining peacekeeping with community-focused projects, Finland reaffirms her dedication not only to ensure security but also to contribute to the long-term stability and prosperity of the area,” she said.

During the conflict, thousands of farmers lost trees, plantations, agricultural equipment, livestock and access to water, further exacerbating their already precarious situation.

Ms. Ropars said the UNIFIL support significantly improves access for thousands of residents in Bint Jbeil area to a range of agricultural services. “This collaboration also strengthens local institutional resilience and helps municipal authorities better meet the needs of their communities,” she added.

Since early October, UNIFIL peacekeepers have also supported the Lebanese Armed Forces in providing security to farmers accessing land near the Blue Line to harvest this season’s olives by conducting over 40 missions.