Lebanon was once known as the Switzerland of the Middle East for the beauty and the diversity of its landscapes and ecosystems, the mildness of its climate, the richness of its vegetation, its natural resources and its cultural and historical heritage. Today, after nearly a century of neglect and apathy at all levels (political, social, environmental, archaeological), the reality is different: Lebanon has become one of the underdeveloped countries.

Alongside national issues in terms of decision-making and the development of territorial strategies, the environment is one of the weakest links in the chain of concerns of the Lebanese government and citizens. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutions are trying to overcome these shortcomings and reawaken the interest of citizens in the preservation of natural resources. However, their actions and interventions remain scattered and limited. The Lebanese suffer from the inability to identify themselves with a good image of their country and their leaders; their morale sinks into an intellectual and psychological depression. Impotence is lurking and is asserting itself.

How can we stimulate the energy of citizens and...