Zein and Dorel Discuss Strengthening Environmental Cooperation and Attracting French Waste Companies

Environment Minister Tamara Zein discussed the development of environmental cooperation between Lebanon and France, opening new avenues for partnership and investment, with a primary focus on preparing the waste sector to attract specialized French and European companies. The discussions also covered collaboration in health, climate, and air quality files, as well as completing the organizational structure of the ministry and building the capacities of its staff. These topics were addressed during a visit by French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Dorel to the Ministry of Environment.

During the meeting, Zein presented the ministry's approach to managing international cooperation, which is based on linking projects to national priorities and actual needs, directing funding toward the most urgent and impactful projects. This approach limits the repetition and overlap of initiatives and ensures the most effective use of available resources.
The waste file occupied a central part of the discussion, as Zein affirmed that "the ministry has addressed all factors that long limited the sector's attractiveness for investment, primarily the lack of clarity in regulatory and financial frameworks and rules of work. For example, the ministry completed updating the National Strategy for Integrated Solid Waste Management, appointed the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and passed the cost recovery law and its decrees, in addition to launching numerous projects in the Bekaa, North, and South."

She indicated that "work focused on providing a clearer and more stable regulatory and financial environment, paving the way for attracting specialized French and European companies advanced in waste treatment technologies, encouraging them to invest in Lebanon and transfer technology and expertise. This contributes to developing treatment capabilities, building a more efficient and sustainable sector, and alleviating burdens on the state and municipalities."

In the field of health and climate, Zein noted the "importance of the project being prepared by the French Development Agency (AFD), ahead of its submission to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), given its alignment with Lebanon's priorities. She discussed with Dorel the possibility of expanding cooperation and leveraging available climate financing opportunities."

The meeting touched upon the new organizational structure of the Ministry of Environment, prepared in cooperation with the French side, and the importance of completing this cooperation after the related law is approved in the Parliament, particularly through training employees and developing their capacities, enabling the implementation of the new structure and enhancing institutional efficiency within the ministry.

Regarding the air quality file, Zein pointed out the "ministry's readiness to launch an air quality monitoring network in Beirut, as a first step towards establishing a national network covering various regions and providing reliable scientific data to help shape policies and make decisions. She highlighted the importance of benefiting from French expertise in developing this path."
She concluded by reaffirming that "the ministry's orientation is based on building long-term partnerships that start from Lebanon's priorities and are led by state institutions, working to transform these priorities into executable projects capable of attracting finance, expertise, technology, and investment."