As environmental challenges escalate, there is a growing need to make real, tangible changes that will help save this planet before it's too late. This will help us avoid facing a future we cannot comprehend. This can only be achieved through conscious people who understand the true value of the environment and realize that it is the essence of their survival and the means to their survival on this planet.
This is the route taken by the Human Association for Environment and Development (HEAD), which is a Lebanese NGO established 19th of May 2009. It aims at raising the human and environmental awareness in order to preserve natural environments like water, air and land in Lebanon, and encourage gaining technical and environmental skills to prepare a generation of youth, children and women who are aware of the importance of environmental harmony without making damages that threaten the planet.
In her interview with “Green in Arabic”, the engineer “Marie Teres Marhag Saif”, the CEO and founder of HEAD Association, pointed out to what extent does the Association insist on consolidating the principles of sustainable development in order to contribute to the preservation of the environment and natural resources, by making every effort to raise environmental awareness through the issuance of publications and prints that are consistent with the Association’s objectives.
The projects of HEAD Association brings back the balance to the environment
Engineer Marie Teres reviewed the most prominent projects and initiatives implemented by the association to preserve the environment, the most important of which are:
Launching tree-planting campaigns in several areas of Lebanon in cooperation and coordination with the United Nations Environment Programme, the Forestry and Development Association, the Makhzoumi Foundation for Development, and the Ministry of Tourism. The most prominent of these campaigns are: A campaign in the Jubail town of Fitri to reduce the severity of climate change and natural disasters.
Organizing beach cleaning campaigns to sort and recycle marine waste and debris.
Holding workshops on the role of media in raising environmental awareness.
HEAD Association is the voice of environment in the UN
Marie Terese expressed her pride in the remarkable steps and achievements the association is taking in environmental work, including: HEAD has been accredited as an official observer to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) during the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Riyadh in 2024.
She also emphasized the importance of the association's accreditation as an official observer to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, explaining that this accreditation will give the association the opportunity to participate in international meetings related to combating desertification and enable it to offer its opinions and participate in constructive decision-making.
HEAD’s efforts for environmental development become global
HEAD has obtained several leading accreditations from many international organizations related to environmental sustainability and climate change, and serves as an observer in:
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
In addition, it is a key member of several prestigious international organizations, reflecting its effective role in protecting environmental issues and its commitment to achieving all principles of development and sustainability, including:
Climate Action Network in the Arab World (CANAW).
The Arab Network for Environment and Development and the association's president are the Gender Coordinator (RAED).
International Pollutant Elimination Network (IPEN).
United Nations Environment Program/Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP).
The Global Network of Civil Society Organizations for Disaster Reduction and the President of the Assembly is:
National Focal Point in Lebanon (GNDR)
Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development.
Lebanon vision 2030
The engineer said that achieving the goals of Lebanon's Vision 2030 requires focusing on sustainable environmental activities and projects, which will enhance efforts to raise environmental awareness among all segments of society, contribute to preserving natural resources, and reduce pollution.
She added that these projects contribute to promoting sustainable behaviors, which will protect future generations from potential environmental hazards. She emphasized the importance of coordination and cooperation with national and international institutions and bodies to achieve Lebanon's Vision 2030 and support national efforts to achieve environmental sustainability.
Future plans and cooperation with other associations
Marie Terese Saif concluded her talk by addressing the association's future plans, stating that the association seeks to expand the scope of its activities in the coming period, which includes cooperation with local and international associations.
She explained that the association will witness significant development in the coming days through organizing events and campaigns aimed at highlighting climate and environmental change, in addition to participating in numerous global environmental conferences and forums to exchange expertise and knowledge.
