Issue 17 Jul

For Free Distribution Not For Sale

July 2015 - no.17 UNIFIL Civil Affairs donated sound and light equipment to Tyros for Arts association. Around one hundred youth from eleven schools participated in theatre, cinema, poetry and arts workshops. The students displayed their artwork on 15 June at Istanbouli theatre in al-Hamra Cinema, in Tyre. Editorial

I would like to welcome you to the Environment edition of “Al-Janoub” magazine.

This issue specifically shines the spotlight discussed coordination with the UN agencies on the significant strides being made by the in Lebanon, and UNIFIL, in particular, and the Lebanese Government and UNIFIL to ensure challenges facing the ministry in implementing the adoption of improved environmental its mandate. practices, particularly in the UNIFIL area of Operations. We hope the content will draw With increased emphasis on good environmental attention to several important initiatives. practices, this issue of “Al-Janoub” emphasizes the ‘Greening the South’ initiative. The ambitious The focus on the environment has a poignant project spearheaded by the Environment ministry meaning for us. It comes at a time when the and UNIFIL was launched this year by myself and international community is calling for action the Environment Minister in South Lebanon, and to boost environmental management and will continue into next year, until 300,000 trees protection. UNIFIL commits itself to avoiding, are planted in the mission area of operations. reducing or mitigating any negative impact At UNIFIL, the Environmental Management on humans and the environment, which System continues to be a very effective tool might result from the mission’s operations. for enhancing its environmental status. This The mission is keen to improve environmental year, UNIFIL has set itself the goal of saving compliance and give due consideration resources, focusing specifically on water. throughout its life cycle to the development I would like to emphasise that each one of of new sites, positions and projects, as well us in the mission has a role to play and can as the implementation of measures related contribute to the overall success by being to withdrawals, closure of facilities and a role model and setting an example for liquidations. In order to create a positive the local community to respect and value reflection of UNIFIL’s image among South the environment, by not only reducing our Lebanon’s population, we are increasing the environmental footprint, but also assisting environmental sustainability of our operations. the Lebanese to follow suit. The visit of the Lebanese Minister of Lastly, managing environmental threats will Environment to the mission has been require new global, regional, national and instrumental to highlight priorities of the local responses incorporating a wide range Ministry of Environment for the coming of stakeholders. I am convinced that our year. With the Minister we also discussed partnership with the Ministry of Environment the importance of taking into account is a step in the right direction. the role of the various actors in ensuring good environmental governance. We Enjoy reading

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano Contents

Editorial 3

Chronicle 5

Together in the face of challenges 6 | 7 ‘Al-Janoub’ is published by UNIFIL Office Interview: 8 | 9 of Public Information Lebanese Environment Minister outlines priorities

Publisher Editorial support

Imran Riza Adib Al Moussa World Environment Day 2015 10 | 11 Editor-in-Chief Photographers Andrea Tenenti Pasqual Gorriz Marcos Senior Editor and Suzane Badereddine Editorial Advisor Dany Ghafary ‘Greening the South’ initiative 12 Antonette Miday Contributors Senior editors Greta Isac Joumana Sayegh Hiba Monzer New radars expand Lebanese Navy capabilities Greta Isac Yury Kushko 13 Editorial Advisor Sultan Suleiman Greta Isac Dany Ghafary Hassan Siklawi Ghifar Charafeddine A day in the life of a LAF officer Production/Design Suzane Badereddine 14 Zeina Ezzeddine Zeina Ezzeddine

Al-Janoub contact El-Mari’s lands are green again 15 Tel. +961 1 926 441 Email [email protected] +961 1 926 442 Fax +961 1 827 016 Lighting the south 16 Except where identified by the copyright symbol ©, articles in Al-Janoub may be reprinted without permission on condition that two copies of the publication containing the reprint are sent to the Editor-in-Chief of Al-Janoub. Did you know? 17 Armenia The logo ‘ ’ is a calligraphic representation of the word Al-Janoub in Arabic Ensuring water for the future 18

Colour correction and printing

Disclaimer The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNIFIL concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city area or of its authorities, or concerning delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The views expressed do not necessarily represent the policies or positions of UNIFIL, nor does the citing of trade names or commercial processes constitute endorsement. Chronilcle

UNIFIL marks International Day of UN Peacekeepers First Aid course for women

A ceremony held at UNIFIL Mohamed Janbay, representing appreciation to the Lebanese Naqoura HQ was organised to the Lebanese Armed Forces Armed Forces and security observe the International Day of Commander, laid wreaths at organisations, “Their strategic UN Peacekeepers on 29 May. the cenotaph in memory of partnership is key to UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force the 308 UNIFIL peacekeepers success in the implementation Commander, Major-General who have lost their lives in the of resolution 1701. I remain Luciano Portolano, reviewed line of duty in South Lebanon. firmly committed to coordinating an honour guard and, together Major-General Luciano our operational activities on the with Brigadier-General Portolano expressed deep ground and at sea with them.”

UNIFIL and LAF run for Nepal A course on First Aid for Domestic Accidents targeting On 9 June, UNIFIL German women was held in Marjayoun contingent, led by Lieutnant early this year. Colonel Johann Schenk, organised a sports event The course which is part of a at UNIFIL Headquarters Gender Training initiative was to express support and organized by UNIFIL’s regional contribute to the recovery Civilian Military cooperation unit of Nepal from the recent led by the Spanish contingent, devastating earthquake on in collaboration with the Office 24 April. A number of UNIFIL of the Ministry of Social Affairs Nepalese troops suffered of Marjayoun, chaired by Mrs. personal losses. Civilian and Maya Hasbani. military participants were joined by representatives of Around 20 women from the Lebanese Army in different Marjayoun and nearby towns sports activities including an attended the course, which 8-kilometer run. was presented by Dr. Boris Deputy Head of Mission Imran Lauzel, a medical officer from Riza flagged off the race. El Salvador, who responded to their questions on health and first aid matters. Participants UNIFIL conducts police training also received a first-aid kit to practice and demonstrate the A six-day police training, the cars, and dealing with suspects skills learnt during the course. first of its kind, was conducted and traffic accidents. by UNIFIL Military Police for Deputy Mayor of Tyre Municipality, The course was well received by seventeen municipal policemen Haj Salah Sebrawi said, “This the local community and showed from Tyre. The training covered training demonstrated the potential for implementation in different topics including professionalism of the Carabinieri other towns in UNIFIL’s area of communication techniques, team, which in turn will be operations. coordination, discipline, reflected on the performance of different types of patrols, our policemen. It will contribute Lt. Col. Jose Manuel Gonzalez- proximity policing, crime scene to greater overall satisfaction for Spinola San Gil - recognition methods, searching the people in Tyre.” Sector East Military PIO Together in the face of challenges The following pages reflect the existing cooperation and coordination between the Lebanese Armed Forces and UNIFIL. The material is taken from letters by the Lebanese Army Commander, General Jean Kahwaji, and UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major-General Luciano Portolano to their respective troops.

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 6 7 General Jean Kahwaji You are the real feast “Unfortunately, it has lost some of its Finally, the Army Commander greeted bravest officers and soldiers. Our thoughts A salute to the Army’s heroes the Army’s military and civilian personnel, go to the bereaved families who have lost Commenting on the ongoing war between particularly the troops deployed on the loved ones and we hope for the speedy the Army and terrorism, General Kahwaji borders from the South to Arsal through recovery of the wounded. said that the danger still exists, noting that Ras Baalbek and all the way to the North, terrorists are waiting for any opportunity to saying, “You are our heroes. You are I hope that the coming year brings more deal a blow, but the Army stands on the Lebanon’s real feast. Had it not been for peace and stability on the Lebanese lookout for them. you, there would be no feast or homeland,” territories, more joy and prosperity to every home and every family,” he added. “We are confident that we will win thanks to General Kahwaji also saluted the officers the strength of the Army and the overwhelming and personnel of the Army Command who Strategic Dialogue going forward support of the people. The terrorists’ main goal are carefully following up on the security About enhancing the Army’s capabilities, was to infiltrate the people and incite sectarian developments on the ground, moment by Major-General Portolano said, “As an and confessional strife, but they have failed,” moment. He also saluted all the Lebanese example of positive changes, I would like said General Kahwaji. Army’s military personnel deployed to refer to remarkable progress that has been made in the Strategic Dialogue The Army Commander said the issue of the throughout the Lebanese territory and their process, aimed at strengthening the kidnapped soldiers is always present in his families, as well as the families of martyrs capacity of the Lebanese Army and mind and the suffering of their families hurts and all the Lebanese people. supporting efforts to move towards a him. He also stressed that the Command permanent ceasefire,” he said. will not neglect any method that could lead Major-General Luciano Portolano to repatriating them, noting however that “Let me assure you that UNIFIL will do the swap decision is in the hands of the Excellent cooperation everything possible to maintain the calm in political authority. “The close cooperation between UNIFIL the area and strengthen our cooperation and the Lebanese Army is excellent on with the Lebanese Army,” he added. different levels – from the soldier and young officer to the highest ranks. Both forces are committed to maintaining stability and calm in Southern Lebanon “Coordination and and supporting the local communities,” cooperation between said Major-General Portolano. “Together, we have encountered and These letters were first published in successfully dealt with various security the Lebanese Armed Forces magazine. the Army and UNIFIL challenges in the South. And as the result of our coordinated efforts with the Lebanese is ongoing at a very Army – in collaboration with the local security organisations, religious, municipal high level.” and political authorities and the people of southern Lebanon – this part of the country has been enjoying an unprecedented period “There are some of stability since 2006.” serious security UNIFIL is a Lebanese and regional need Images of past VS images of present “Lebanon adheres to the presence of According to Major-General Portolano, challenges that these forces because it is a Lebanese the mere presence of thousands of the and regional need; it is also a stability international peacekeepers and the and tranquillity factor. Coordination and Lebanese soldiers deployed in southern remain in other areas cooperation between the Army and UNIFIL Lebanon under resolution 1701 has itself is ongoing at a very high level. And, in enhanced security in the area and changed of Lebanon, and the framework of the implementation of the local people’s way of life, giving them an resolution 1701, maintaining the border opportunity to live a normal life. “Students applaud the LAF for security and preventing the violations is can attend school and farmers can tend their being done,” he said. crops without fear. Sounds of bombing and the breakthrough convoys of displaced people have become He pointed out that the presence of a a thing of the past. Sounds of construction achieved in their joint operations area requires coordination of houses, roads and touristic resorts can be and cooperation on tasks, patrols and heard instead,” said Major-General Portolano. efforts to tackle movement of units, where the command is for the Lebanese Army at the level of “We understand that there are some serious maintaining security. Furthermore, the security challenges that remain in other areas security in different civilians have also built special friendships of Lebanon, and applaud the Lebanese Army with the international forces, and this for the breakthrough achieved in their efforts parts of the country.” positively affects our work together as well to tackle security in different parts of the as the mutual trust. country during the last year,” he said. Lebanese Environment Minister outlines priorities “Al-Janoub” interviews the Minister of Environment Mohammad al-Mashnouk

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 8 9 to preach this; you have to apply it. I Q: What is the ministry doing to encourage think we are not yet at the awareness local authorities to be more proactive in stage that could make us feel happy. tackling environment issues? I will give you the example of the dumping We have good relations with municipalities sites. We have 760 sites, almost one near and we are asking civil society to assist every village. But still people are refusing them too. Civil society can do a lot: clubs, the implementation of landfills. People are in particular, associations and schools. accepting backdoor dumps and refusing The municipalities are the branch, the arm what we call “healthy dumps”. It’s not and the ear of the central government. There enough to ask the people by force to do are a lot of environmental activities taking things. It must become innate, from inside. place around municipalities: electricity and On the other hand, let me give you two very water heating using solar panels, waste- good examples that are important to us. water and solid waste treatment plants. The number of fires that break out every There’s a lot to be done and definitely, year has dropped to 40 per cent due to we haven’t done much. early alerts. And who did this? The children. Q: What are the priorities and initiatives of Q: Are there any special initiatives to tackle The educational institutions helped us. We the environment with regard to the sea? the Ministry of Environment this year? asked the kids to call our hotline during I will be more than glad to give you emergencies. They called and we managed There have been many initiatives at the our 22 wishes for 2015. We call them to bring down the number of fires. level of civil society organisations and wishes because these are things we NGOs to take care of the land by the We had scarcity of water last summer, would like to do. sea, but not the sea itself. We also have and we also asked the children to help us other initiatives to clean up the sea. As you know, we have many issues to through a big campaign, “If you love me, follow up on, but out of these wishes I save me some water.” The kids started There are a lot of activities by civil can list: Securing compensation for the asking their parents to help and this reduced society. One of them is the scuba diving Government of Lebanon for the 2006 water consumption in their daily life. association (The National Institute for oil spill disaster. The mitigation of the Scuba Diving in Lebanon - NSID), who So yes, the environment will always need environmental impact of the Syrian crisis are professional divers. public awareness campaigns. I say “My on Lebanon and its resources is another Environment is My Country”, because I There’s also the cleaning up of the leftovers main goal. We are also starting a new want to say to each citizen - it’s not only of the Israeli attack in 2006 on the Jiyeh chapter in solid waste management, your house, not just your little alley, it’s factory, where the oil spill happened. The especially with the vote for the national General Assembly renewed its conviction plan, after 17 years of work under a not your little village or town or city, it’s the whole country. on the responsibility of the Israelis to clean temporary situation. up the oil spill. As you know, we have issues of pollution Q: What would you say are the major Q: Is there a legal framework to support everywhere, whether in air, water or land. environmental concerns for the south? your work? How is your relationship with We have the problems of quarries. We The south is dear to us because it has the other ministries? will have to initiate the rehabilitation of had lots of problems over the years. inactive quarry sites. We have pollution And I think the villages in the south have Absolutely. We do have enough legislation. in the rivers, too, and need to clean up benefited from the presence of UNIFIL. We, as a ministry, have never had a problem our lakes and rivers. One example is the in our attempt to implement policies because Qaraoun Lake. We are going ahead with I think UNIFIL staff and soldiers, and we don’t have police. We simply approach the implementation of the roadmap for maybe administration, as well, portrayed the Ministry of Interior and they take the combatting its pollution. a good image in their behaviour, and necessary action. We also cooperate closely good behaviour is contagious. Your with the Ministry of Justice. I would mention also the implementation awareness campaigns in schools and of the National Reforestation Plan as a villages are remarkable. We are working on establishing environmental main wish for 2015. police along with the environmental District Q: How is your coordination with UN agencies Attorneys. We even have an environmental I can tell you that we abide by all the ozone in Lebanon, and UNIFIL? legal register for individuals, which will detail agreements, all the protocols we have We have good relationship with the UN any environmental violations. signed from Basel to Peru. Resident Coordinator and all UN agencies Q: Is action being taken on the violations? Q: Do you think the founding of this ministry in Lebanon. They work closely with us in Absolutely. Action is being taken every day. 22 years ago has helped to create a general different parts of the country. We have a The issue of the environment is nowadays awareness of the environment in Lebanon? project with UNIFIL for the reforestation of villages in the south. It’s going to be a taken very seriously in Lebanon and the role We have not reached the stage where remarkable thing. of this ministry, although a young ministry, we can say, “Well, yes all the people are is being recognised. aware, of this and that.” It takes a lot I look forward to seeing more cooperation to change ideas and behaviour. People with UNIFIL and hopefully we will win in Greta Isac and Dany Ghafary - should learn and apply. It’s not enough the coming months. Public Information Office WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015

8 THINGS YOU CAN IMMEDIATELY DO TO SAVE OUR PLANET

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 DITCH BUY EGGS IN RECY CLE CONSIDER REUSABLE TAKE SHORTE R UNPLUG APPLIANCE S BU Y GI VE PLASTIC CARDBOARD CARTONS GLASS SHOPPING BAGS SHOWERS AT NIGHT LOCAL STUFF AWAY

biodegradable and can end up already known to be affected can be used again and again. use, we use just once and throw fresh water deficit by 2030. usage by up to 11 percent. food has flown. Transport away, think of someone else accumulating in oceans. Many by plastic debris through Glass that is thrown away and away. Virtually every piece of contributes 13% of global that might benefit from it. animals that live on or in the entanglement or ingestion. ends up in landfills will plastic that was ever made still greenhouse emissions. sea ingest marine litter. never decompose. exists in some shape or form.

A MESSAGE BY BAN KI-MOON The theme of this year’s can sustainably provide. people without increasing less energy, water and World Environment Day by United Nations Secretary General World Environment Day is Many of the Earth’s environmental degradation, other resources, and by becoming more conscious “Seven Billion Dreams. ecosystems are nearing and without compromising wasting less food. of our ecological impact. One Planet. Consume critical tipping points. It the resource needs of In this year of Let us think about the with Care”. is time for us to change. future generations. transformation, when environmental we hope to see great consequences of the Humanity continues to The goal of sustainable We can do this by shifting advances on sustainable choices we make. Let us consume far more natural development is to increase our consumption patterns development and climate become better stewards resources than the planet the quality of life for all towards goods that use change, let us celebrate of our planet.

unep.org/wed

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 10 11 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015 WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2015

8 THINGS YOU CAN IMMEDIATELY DO TO SAVE OUR PLANET

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 DITCH BUY EGGS IN RECY CLE CONSIDER REUSABLE TAKE SHORTE R UNPLUG APPLIANCE S BU Y GI VE PLASTIC CARDBOARD CARTONS GLASS SHOPPING BAGS SHOWERS AT NIGHT LOCAL STUFF AWAY

Most types of plastic are not More than 260 species are Glass is 100% recyclable 50 percent of the plastic we The world may suffer a … it will cut your electric ity Consider how far your Before you throw something biodegradable and can end up already known to be affected can be used again and again. use, we use just once and throw fresh water deficit by 2030. usage by up to 11 percent. food has flown. Transport away, think of someone else accumulating in oceans. Many by plastic debris through Glass that is thrown away and away. Virtually every piece of contributes 13% of global that might benefit from it. animals that live on or in the entanglement or ingestion. ends up in landfills will plastic that was ever made still greenhouse emissions. sea ingest marine litter. never decompose. exists in some shape or form.

unep.org/wed UNIFIL, Lebanese Environment Ministry launch ‘Greening the South’ initiative Heavy rain, high winds and snow at low altitude did not prevent the Lebanese Minister of Environment Mohammad al-Mashnouq from moving forward on launching ‘Greening the South’ project at UNIFIL headquarters in the southern border town of Naqoura.

Minister al-Mashnouq, accompanied The second task was to coordinate with “It will also be an outlet for future generations by UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force the Association for Forest Development to enjoy the fresh air and have fun in spacious Commander Major-General Luciano and Conservation (AFDC) – the organization places in nature,” he added. Portolano, planted the first tree alongside entrusted to take care of and disperse the Mr. Melhem noted that several pine trees were dozens of trees in the garden adjacent to plant seedlings on behalf of the Environment included. Pine nuts harvested from the trees the Major-General Portolano’s office. Ministry. AFDC offered seedlings from its tree are a staple of local cuisine and a source of nursery in the Shouf town of Mukhtara, one of The ‘Greening the South’ project income for the community, adding a welcome was initiated a few months ago many such tree nurseries around the country. economic dimension to a greening project. through discussions on the means of Bint Jbeil union of municipalities had the For his part, Mr. Albagir Adam, Director cooperation and coordination in the area most prominent role in the coordination of UNIFIL’s Civil Affairs said: “We will do south of the Litani River between the process through the use of its Agricultural everything necessary for the success of Environment Ministry and UNIFIL. The Services Centre in the town of Tiri in order this project, as we consider that part of our Minister expressed a strong desire to to collect and distribute the seedlings from responsibility is to preserve the environment strengthen this cooperation and cited the Mukhtara to municipalities in other unions. in our area of deployment.” possibility of UNIFIL’s contribution to the afforestation of its area of operations as The project was launched through an “This area is a second home for more than an example. To aid this effort, the Ministry afforestation campaign where nearly four 10,000 international peacekeepers from 39 offered seedlings for plantation. thousand trees were planted, including countries and over 300 international civilian more than 1500 trees inside the UNIFIL employees from all the five continents,” UNIFIL expanded the proposal to include headquarters in Naqoura. added Adam. the engagement of local authorities in the project, a recommendation that would Mr. Mohammad Melhem, head of the The implementation of this project requires ensure the success of the greening initiative. Agricultural Services Centre of the Union significant efforts from local authorities and The first task was to propose the idea to of Bint Jbeil municipalities thanked UNIFIL UNIFIL. Launched this year with a hundred officials from the unions of municipalities for aiding in this major effort. “The project is thousand trees, the project is expected in UNIFIL’s area of operations, namely, Bint very important because it compensates the to continue into the next year, until three Jbeil, Tyre, Jabal Amel, Qalaa and Arqoub local population in the South for the trees hundred thousand trees have been planted – who received the afforestation proposal lost during the repeated Israeli aggressions, in UNIFIL’s area of operations. with great enthusiasm. particularly in 2006,” he said. Sultan Sleiman - Civil Affairs

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 12 13 New radars expand Lebanese Navy capabilities

Lebanese coast; the Lebanese Navy will Lebanon’s picturesque, Mediterranean coast runs not be blind; it will have the ability to see 225 kilometers from Naqoura in the south to al- the whole territorial waters in front of it,” said Commander Held. Arida in the north, and off its rugged shores, the The training provided covered not only how to use the equipment but also ran the gamut Lebanese Naval Forces keep a keen eye on its of operational issues such as patrolling, daily nautical borders and territorial waters. This massive operational activities onboard a naval ship and how to deal with problems at sea. responsibility cannot be undertaken without the “On top of mastering new electronic aid of naval radars, and more significantly, the equipment, our trainees get a lot of opportunities to practice and improve their recently updated radar technology received from skills,” said Commander Held. “They are being trained how to talk to the ships, how to use UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force (MTF). proper English terminology, how to identify a merchant that is coming to Lebanon bringing The MTF is unique to Lebanon and UNIFIL Officer Rabih Younis of the Lebanese Navy, goods and how to identify an intruder.” – it is the only naval task force deployed for “and to prevent any target from entering While the Lebanese Navy relies on their peace operations. Since arriving in Lebanon illegally or getting out from here without our partnership with the MTF to monitor in October 2006, the UNIFIL-MTF have control, and in coordination with the other the seas, the new radar technology is displayed an eager interest in assisting radar centers that we’ve got in the Navy.” ultimately intended to equip the Lebanese the Lebanese Navy in bolstering their “This is done by verifying data about Navy to reclaim sovereignty over its portion capabilities – particularly in providing them ships detected by radar with information of the Mediterranean Sea, and reduce its more powerful ships, electronic surveillance reliance on UNIFIL. equipment and the skills to use them. registered with their Operations Centre. We talk with the ships at sea and we To this end, Rear-Admiral Jbaily is looking Germany was one of several nations take the information from it and then we forward to one more element that will help to lead the MTF, and they started what do a kind of comparison”, says Master the Lebanese Navy – the receipt of bigger is now a longstanding relationship of Chief Petty Officer Younis. and more powerful ships. cooperation with the Lebanese Navy. “If a particular ship at sea is suspect, the “…We have prepared a five- year plan and Rear-Admiral Nazih Jbaily, Commander-in- patrol immediately moves to start inspecting given it to the Lebanese Army command Chief of the Lebanese Navy recalls the first the ship”. and thank God they approved it,” he said. time his crew worked with the German navy. “They gave us two ships,” he said, “then The old radar system had its limitations – it “This plan states that the Lebanese Navy another one, then they told us “we want could only track ships in the local area, and gets bigger ships which are 30, 40, 50, to do more, what you need?”, so we told this information could not be shared easily 60 meters long. When we get such ships them that our main concern is to be able to between other ships and monitoring stations. especially the 50 or 60 meters long ones, which can stay at sea for a longer time, monitor the coast…” With the newly updated radar technology, then we can perform the duties that UNIFIL this procedure for checking vessels has The Lebanese Navy’s radar systems had is carrying out nowadays.” been damaged during the 2006 conflict, received a badly needed boost in capacity. although it retained some functionality. The effort, led by Commander Aachim Held “After five years, we will get bigger ships of the German Navy, involved both new and gradually we can start taking over the “Our role is to be able to have control over equipment as well as training on its use. sea instead of them.” the water surface within 12 nautical miles from south to north,” said Master Chief Petty “The goal behind it is to cover the whole Yury Kushko - Public Information Office A day in the life of a LAF officer “Al-Janoub” spends a day in the company of a LAF officer in south Lebanon

The alarm in his room goes off at 6 a.m. For 1st Lieutenant Houssam Mhanna, the day starts with a round of strenuous physical exercise with his troops. Lt. Mhanna is the commander of the 1st company in the 4th battalion of the 5th brigade in the Lebanese Armed Forces. The troops are based in Ras Al Eein, south Lebanon. After a 40-minute workout, the men have breakfast, shower, shave and put on their uniforms. This is usually followed by a meeting to discuss the plan for the rest of the day. However, today all companies and battalions of the 5th brigade will gather at the brigade’s headquarters, to pay their respect to the Lebanese flag. At noon, after the completion of the joint and also from their security measures. And patrol, the Italians went back to their base and they took from us our skills of going down Officers and soldiers salute the flag while the Lebanese officer went to his battalion’s and raiding a house. We are evolving it is raised to the beats of military march position in Tyre to have lunch and rest for one together, hand-in-hand,” he said. music. “I decided to join the army after 2006 hour. Lunch on that day was special because The day ends with some well-deserved war, when I saw the courageous soldiers the 1st lieutenant and his fellow officers had rest and time to reconnect with family and and officers of the Lebanese Armed Forces three French officers, from UNIFIL’s force friends. As he relaxed in the evening with defending the cedar tree of the flag and what commander reserve, as guests. These French his fellow officers, Lt. Mhanna pointed out it represents,” said Lt. Mhanna, at the end of officers came with their soldiers that day that the varying schedule in the day of a the flag-raising ceremony. to perform a joint training with LAF officers LAF soldier reflects the nature of the work. The first operational task for Lt. Mhanna and and soldiers at the military training facility his soldiers on this day is a joint patrol with at the LAF base in Tyre. “During some periods, the number of operational missions increases, which means UNIFIL’s Italian peacekeepers. The vehicles The training exercise, held after lunch, started that the free time is used only to sleep,” said move for two hours on a pre-planned route. with rappelling from a 12-meter high wall, Lt. Mhanna, “while during other periods, we This is one of many patrols performed daily followed by a few rounds in a fighter circuit – invest our free time in sitting and talking with within UNIFIL and LAF’s area of operations. an arena full of obstacles. Joint trainings like fellow servicemen, watching TV, reading, these cover subjects like leading of patrols Lt. Mhanna explained the significance of calling family and friends, or playing sports and the use of weapons. Some of these this joint activity. “In general, the goal behind like handball and football.” coordinating with UNIFIL falls under the trainings are conducted at LAF bases while Security Council resolution 1701, and that is others are held in various UNIFIL bases. The day of a military officer doesn’t follow a strict routine. The missions and operations basically to keep the peace and security in “Our relation with UNIFIL in joint trainings is of each day vary, and the working day can the South Litani sector” said Lt. Mhanna. very good, we gain experience from them, stretch between 12 and 18 hours in a and we share with them our experience that “During patrolling, our main mission is to 24-hour period. we got from the fights and trainings that we prevent any security breach or to reinforce had,” said Lt. Mhanna. In these hours, LAF officers and soldiers join it (security), through reconnaissance and UNIFIL peacekeepers hand in hand to keep monitoring of the patrol route and specific “For example in today’s rappelling exercise, the peace, security, and stability. areas to prevent any armed manifestations and we benefitted from their way of weaving to detect any suspicious object,” he added. rope knots, and rappelling maneuvers, Ghifar Charafeddine - Public Information Office

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 14 15 El-Mari’s lands are green again Afif Zorkota is a farmer from the southern town of el-Mari, where nearly 80 per cent of the population is involved in agriculture. Yet not long ago, farmers like Mr. Zorkota were faced with a dire water problem that threatened their livelihood.

El-Mari, a small town with a population “We needed diesel generators, trucks, and jars tank to the houses or farms. of around 3,000, is located along the to obtain the required quantities of water to the southern Lebanese borders, in the area of orchards and houses,” said Mr. Zorkota. “But In addition, the farmers of el-Mari are able Al-Arqoub. It has 10 hectares of agricultural with the water tank that UNIFIL constructed, to have three seasons of produce instead of land, with olive trees and a variety of other we saved time, effort, consumption of fuel, one, explained Mr. Fayyad. “This means more crops like tomatoes, onions, aubergine, and cost.” productivity and gains for the farmers, and cucumber, watermelons, lettuce, potatoes, lower prices for the consumers,” said Fayyad. The water tower was inaugurated in the among others. Yet not long ago, the people summer of 2014. The municipality dug a “The seasons used to end in May, but now of el-Mari faced an uncertain future due to water well in the area of Jesr Sfeir, and we are planting our land with different crops all water problems. UNIFIL completed the project initiated by el- over the months of the year,” added Fayyad. Lebanese vegetable markets receive a good Mari and al Arqoub union of municipalities by UNIFIL also constructed 550m of agricultural portion of their produce from el-Mari, thanks funding the construction of a water tank with roads, which increased agricultural activities to the town’s fertile soil, warm weather, and a capacity of 90 m3. in the town by providing access to areas that early seasons. Now the towns of Halta, Kfar Hammam, were previously left untended, but have now Over the last few years, the river passing Kfar Shouba, Rashaya al Fokhar, Ain become green again. through the town started to dry up in April Arab, Majidiyeh, Rihanet Berri, Abbasiyeh The water tank project has impacted lives and which was unusually early. This meant and Dharjat also benefit from this project, livelihood of the local population in el-Mari, planting could not be completed, resulting according to Youssef Fayyad, the mayor of according to Mr. Fayyad who is grateful for in fewer crops. Moreover, poultry and el-Mari. He added that the water is at the UNIFIL’s timely assistance. cattle farms did not have sufficient water disposal of el-Mari residents, Lebanese for their stocks. Army, UNIFIL, and firefighting squads. For farmers such as Mr. Zorkota, it was a chance to continue a traditional way of life. “It is Apart from scarcity, the water was also The cost of bringing water from Hasbani a highly vital project that gave us reassurances, polluted, dealing another blow to its quantity River used to be LL 50,000 for a two- that we will continue planting our lands and barrel water container. This has dropped and quality. One of the recommended solutions living in our hometown,” said Mr. Zorkota. was to bring water from Hasbani River, said Afif to LL 10,000 which only covers the cost Zorkota, an el-Mari farmer. of fuel to transport water from the water Hiba Monzer - Public Information Office Lighting the south

Lebanon enjoys around 270 days of sunshine per year. Conversely, Lebanese citizens are subject to regular power outages and the expensive alternatives to getting power from diesel-burning generators.

Despite years of peace and progress, the of this alternate energy source in south municipalities to maintain the installed solar country continues to be subjected to electricity Lebanon. The mission has donated solar lamps and posts along the streets; the plan rationing – power is cut off for several hours lamps to several southern towns. The will be completed by kicking off funding per day, depending on the rationing cycle set aim is to reduce reliance on conventional, initiatives,” said Abdel Muhsen al-Husseini, for the town or city. In some places, power is polluting energy sources like generators. head of the union of Tyre municipalities, mostly unavailable all day. Planning for solar energy development “The workshop on the solar energy bears Due to this shortage, municipalities rely heavily UNIFIL organised a workshop on solar environmental, economic, and safety on private generator companies that offer energy recently in cooperation with advantages,” added Mr. al-Husseini. The electricity by running diesel-fuelled generators. the Union of Tyre municipalities, which experiment with Tyre municipalities could Apart from ruining a clear day with plumes encompasses 20 municipalities and the be extended to other districts and unions in south Lebanon, according to Mr. el-Zein of smoke, this comes at a cost to Lebanese Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation society, both financially and in terms of health, (LCEC) which operates under the Lebanese Lighting streets, squares, and sites with since burning oil releases harmful chemicals Ministry of Energy and Water. solar energy reduces the pollutants fuming into the air. from the generators; it also saves money for “Saving energy and protecting the municipalities which can then be invested environment are two things that cannot be Harnessing the sun in other urgent projects; it enhances safety accomplished through single efforts; they Some have started to look into the idea of and security in the community, as noted by solar energy for Lebanon as a viable solution need partnerships and cooperation with Mr. al-Husseini. for Lebanon’s electricity needs. parties, along with finding more sources for funding,” said Mr. el-Zein. “UNIFIL is not [just] a peacekeeping force, “The south has been one of the first areas but it is a mission for a sustainable human in Lebanon that has remarkably taken “Following the workshop, more requests and environmental development,” said Mr. the initiative of using solar and renewable have been raised by municipalities in Tyre al-Husseini, remarking that the mission energy, thanks to southern municipalities and to the center to install solar lamps and solar has always taken the initiative to facilitate UNIFIL,” said Ziad el-Zein, Head of Public energy devices,” said Mr. el-Zein. communication between municipalities and Relations and Finance at the Lebanese “The workshop also opened the channels the concerned sides. Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC). of consultation between the municipalities UNIFIL’s perspective UNIFIL has played the role of facilitator in the and the center which also helped to avoid “We are here to assist the Lebanese field of solarenergy in the south. technical problems.” government”, according to Mr. Albagir Adam, The mission generates an estimated “This workshop has triggered the solar energy UNIFIL’s Chief of Civil Affairs, who believes less than 10 percent of its total energy plan which will be followed with surveys and that investing in solar energy projects is a win-win solution which will benifit everyone. consumption through solar panels. It studies to address technical specifications, has also taken an active role in the use and with trainings for technicians in the Hiba Monzer - Public Information Office

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 16 17 Did You Know? The Republic of Armenia is the smallest of the former Soviet Republic nations, a landlocked country with a population of approximately three million people, located in the Southern Caucasus and bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran.

Armenia has a rich cultural, symbolizes the Armenian historical and religious people’s continued struggle heritage going back 3,500 for survival, maintenance of years. It was the first nation to the Christian faith, Armenia’s adopt Christianity in 300 AD. independence and freedom. The St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral The blue symbolizes the will which is the main center of of the people to live under worship is also the oldest peaceful skies, and the orange cathedral in the world. symbolizes their creative talent and hardworking nature. Christian roots and heritage form an important part of Armenia’s Conflicts and persecutions identity. The ark in the well- have led to the dispersion of known tale of Noah and the the Armenians to all corners of flood is said to have rested the world, including Lebanon, on top of Mount Ararat, where they make up about 4 Armenia’s cherished per cent of the population. mountain peak, which is depicted Apart from being actively on its coat of arms, engaged in the Lebanese and is now part of society as citizens, the Turkey. Armenian Armenians also play their part traditions consider as peacekeepers in south Armenians the Lebanon. Armenia is a UN descendants of troop-contributing country Noah, through his (TCC) since 2004. The son Japheth. Armenian troops joined UNIFIL in November 2014, and they Armenia is known are responsible for the security for its world famous and safety of UNIFIL staff at architecture, literature Sector West HQ in Shama, in and handicrafts. The southern Lebanon. economy is mainly industrial, and it exports “We are on duty 24/7, therefore finished goods, foodstuff we do not have the chance to and tools in exchange for go outside and meet with the raw materials and energy. Lebanese people,” said Major Yerevan, the capital city is the Artashes Danielyan. “We hope center for industry and one in the future to have more tasks of the oldest continuously to assist more the community inhabited cities of the world. because it is always a great feeling to help people,” he said. Armenia’s flag is composed of horizontal Suzane Badereddine bands of red, blue and Zeina Ezzeddine - and orange. The red Public Information Office Ensuring water for the future As each summer season approaches, the thought of water conservation comes to mind. The summer of 2014 saw acute water shortages believed to have been caused by a lack of rainfall.

According to Eng. Ahmad Nizam, Director the already reduced capacity for providing now is starting to be a reality,” he said. of the South Lebanon Water and Waste water to residents. The canal will reduce reliance on underground Water Establishment, the availability of water Apart from water sources, the infrastructure water, which is a good practise, as over- during the summer months is dependant used to deliver water to households and reliance on the water table could lead to not only on rains, but also on infrastructure businesses must also be maintained to drought-like conditions, such as in Yemen and management of resources. high standards. Some places have pipes where, according to Mr. Nizam, the water The water distribution system comprises that are 30 to 40 years old, and are prone levels are dropping by 10 meters a year. to leaks, resulting to lose of water before it several components - water sources (lakes, In addition to infrastructure and policies, new reaches its destination. underground water or rain), well-maintained engineers and skilled staff are being hired distribution infrastructure (pipes, tanks and The government is in the process of by the Ministry to improve the quality and pumps) and management (skilled personnel). replacing the old galvanized (iron) pipes standards of service. which tend to rust, with high-density poly- “First of all we have to be aware, that water Mr. Nizam added that he was glad for ethylene pipes which are more durable and that is available in south Lebanon, the UNIFIL’s assistance with various water long-lasting. One such replacement project, surface water can be considered 15%,” projects. “I will not forget UNIFIL who are Mr. Nizam mentioned, is on-going for pipes says Mr. Nizam. “85% of the water that we also assisting us in some villages by drilling running between Taibeh (in MarJayoun- distribute is from the ground table.” or equipping wells, as their funds are caza), Bint Jbeil and towards Aitah Rmiesh. Since the majority of water distributed for available, to certain limits,” he said. In the last few years, the government has been consumption comes from underground UNIFIL, on its part, is conscious of its pro-active in improving standards for water sources, pumps are needed to extract environmental footprint in the south and has and waste water for the country, according to water for redistribution. However, pumping been raising awareness through projects Mr. Nizam who has worked for the Ministry for water requires electricity – a pumping station like leak detection and water conservation Energy and Water throughout his career. needs around 320 volts of power. campaigns. To this end, the mission has “One of the major constraints is electricity,” says “This is the first time since ’I ve been in the installed water meters at all its water wells, Mr. Nizam, “not only in south Lebanon, but in ministry for 32 years that a minister issued to measure how much water is being the whole country. If electricity is not available, a strategy on the national level, for water or consumed at its positions. waste water,” he said. we shift to the other problem – generators. A technical study will also be made of the If we got generators, how to operate them Such a proactive approach means better water table to analyse current use and becomes a challenge. We need diesel, and support for local communities. One major predict future water levels and plan for this is a major issue because we need a lot project in the works is a canal to increase shortages. “We are going to study the of money to pay for the diesel to operate.” water availability in the south. aquifer in the area, not only our positions,” Additionally, Mr. Nizam explained that the “The canal will bring water from the dam of said Ayman Abdelwahab, Chief of UNIFIL’s number of people relying on a particular Qaroun passing from Marjayoun, to Bint Environment Section. This will provide water source also affects how much water Jbeil to Srifa,” said Mr. Nizam. “It’s a huge valuable data that can be used by both is available for consumption. It is a challenge project. Basically, it will take around 110 UNIFIL and the local communities in the when there is an increase in population, with million cubic meters of water. 90 million are management of water resources. no increase in water. for irrigation, and 20 is for potable water.” Through careful and conscientious In 2014, he pointed out, the water level “Now, the first phase has started, but it consumption, improved infrastructure and dropped from 1,650 m3 to 650 m3 in costs a lot - the first phase costs around 380 awareness of water issues, south Lebanon the springs of Nab at Tasi – a reduction to 400 million dollars. The second phase is… could see a marked change in water availability to 40% of the normal level. An increase in around 400 to 500 million dollars. And that not only for this summer, but for years to come. population in this scenario would constrict is the dream in south Lebanon. The dream Greta Isac - Public Information Office

Issue 17 Jul. 15 Issue 17 Jul. 18 19

UNIFIL’s TV/Web Series In each episode find out UNIFIL peacekeepers meet with residents from south Lebanon. Twice a month on NBN, OTV, New TV and YouTube.

Every two weeks a new 10-minute radio episode is aired in Arabic on: Al-Risala, Sawt El-Mada, Voice of Lebanon, Voice of People and Radio Delta.

English: youtube.com/UNIFILVIDEOUNIT unifil.unmissions.org facebook.com/UNIFIL @UNIFILSpokesman Arabic: youtube.com/UNIFILARABIC flickr.com/photos/unifil