Beyond Magazine Issue 11 Spring 2013

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MAGAZINE

BEYOND WILDERNESS

RUSSIA’S BEST KEPT SECRETS 12 stunning nature sites ZOUK’S NEW HOPE Pollution reduction underway YOUR GUIDE TO A GREEN PREFAB HOUSE INTO THE AMAZON The tribes isolated from the world

GENERAL DIRECTOR

Pascale Choueiri Saad General Director

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Photographer: Nada Karam

Every spring that I witness inspires me with the desire to go wild, with a deep need to explore places where nature has not been re-arranged by the hand of man. This spring, as usual, the wilderness instinct in me propels my dreams for real adventures, either in the world, or only in my mind. It makes me want to go beyond textbooks and travel out into the bypaths and untrodden depths of the intact and undisturbed natural areas that still remain on our planet. In order to discover different (inner) journeys, I have learned to teach the caged ELUG WKDW OLHV KLGGHQ ZLWKLQ PH WR Ă \ IUHH LQ WKH OLPLWOHVV VN\ E\ DFFHSWLQJ DQG knowing who I really am and forgiving who I am not, and by not changing myself into someone else or trying to be what someone else wants me to be. It took me PXFK WLPH DQG HIIRUW WR Ă€QG RXW ZKDW , ZDQW IURP DQG RXW RI OLIH ,W WRRN PH WLPH WR cherish the wild side of my personality and to discover the things that are positive DERXW P\ OLIH DQG WKDW Ă€OO PH ZLWK KRSH ZKHQ HYHU\WKLQJ DURXQG PH DSSHDUV WR EH stagnant, peppered with depression, darkness, and hopelessness. It also took me some time to realize that freedom consists as much in being amongst those around me as it does in being away from them. Guided by the urge for independence, I live to free myself from the shackles of other people’s expectations of me, for when I MXGJH P\VHOI , FDQQRW Ă \ RU KDYH WKH FDSDFLW\ WR EUHDN WKH VRFLDO FKDLQV 'D\ E\ day, I stop making judgments and try my best to accept myself and love the other. I have come to the conclusion that allowing deep wounds to stay open is very harmful. Slowly but surely, I have become content, sometimes wildly ecstatic, and blissed-out, but most importantly, free. Here I am today, treasuring my dreams, knowing that I have so much more than I realize, feeling the dew on my face early in the morning and the wind whipping through my hair. I ignore the criticisms of other people and the negative vibes, and avoid the materialism and the gilded cages that they provide. There is no place for anger, no place for discontentment, for I have realized that my inner needs are far more important than other people’s acceptance, tolerance, or approval. I know who I am and what I want, and I strive for the freedom to enjoy the adventure of life. And this is something I am inspired to feel by the greatest teacher of them all, Mother Nature. After having read my words, I hope that each and every Beyonder will become as wild as I am. ,Q WKLV LVVXH FRPH YLVLW ZLWK XV WR HDW DW FDIp 2'( LQ 'HYRQ &RXQW\ WKH PRVW sustainable restaurant in the United Kingdom. Travel with us to stay at the best eco-escapes for this summer, located in the Maldives, in Sweden, and in Italy. Explore with us the Louvre-Lens museum in France, which constitutes a Zen-like H[DPSOH RI VLPSOLFLW\ WKDW ZDV GHVLJQHG E\ WKH -DSDQHVH DUFKLWHFWXUH Ă€UP 6$1$$ &ORVHU WR KRPH ZH WDNH D FORVH ORRN DW /HEDQRQ¡V Ă€UVW DUWLĂ€FLDO UHHI ZKLFK ZDV created in the summer of 2012 around four kilometers off the coast of Nahr al %DUHG &RPH DORQJ WR VHH ZKDW 81'3 LV GRLQJ WR VSUHDG LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW WHQ native forest trees in this country. Finally, we appreciate the efforts that are being undertaken by a local landscape and design technology company to create a green URRI RQ WRS RI WKH &HQWUDO %DQN RI /HEDQRQ

Curtesy of Equestrian CircleÂť, deir el kalaa, beit mery.

Free yourself for life’s great adventure

'In spring time, love is carried on the breeze. Watch out for flying passion or kisses whizzing by your head.'

Serge Sulahian

Emma racine de fleurs

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MAIN CONTRIBUTORS 1

1. EDGARD CHEHAB With 17 years of experience in the environmental ÀHOG (GJDUG &KHKDE LV D renowned name in local and regional green circles. He is the assistant resident representative and manager of the Energy and Environment 3URJUDP RI 81'3 /HEDQRQ He is also the advisor to the Ministry of the Environment. Beyond is lucky to have Mr. &KHKDE DV LWV HQYLURQPHQWDO consultant and dear friend.

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2.YOUSSRA BUSTROS Yousra wanted to study medicine. She studied management, which bored her profoundly. She considers herself to be a self-taught person who learned and went deeper into her studies according to her passions, which are numerous. They include reading, politics, philosophy, music, writing, gardening, and hiking, when she is never without KHU FDPHUD 3URIHVVLRQDOO\ speaking, she has been the assistant to two extraordinary men: Gebran Tueni and Michel Elefteriades. She avows a profound love for Lebanon, which she has crossed largely on foot, and to which she is devoting a great deal of her energy as a militant who is into everything.

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3. BASSAM KANTAR A seasoned Lebanese journalist, Bassam Kantar is the founding member of the /HEDQHVH (QYLURQPHQW 3DUW\ /(3 .DQWDU IUHTXHQWO\ ZULWHV about environment and human rights issues. He strongly believes the free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad. Recently, Kantar won a fellowship from the Earth Journalism Network to cover the United Nations Framework &RQYHQWLRQ RQ &OLPDWH &KDQJH 81)&&& VXPPLW &23 ZKLFK ZLOO EH KHOG LQ 'RKD Qatar.

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4. IBRAHIM EL ALI A Senegalese of the Lebanese FRPPXQLW\ RI 'DNDU ,EUDKLP El Ali is at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East. He is active on the two continents. In Africa, alongside his brother, Haidar El Ali, he has become involved in the defense of dolphins and protected species in the framework RI WKH 2FpDQLXP GH 'DNDU association. In Lebanon, ZKHUH KH ZHQW IRU WKH Ă€UVW WLPH RQO\ Ă€YH \HDUV DJR KH KDV discovered a “Sacred Land,â€? the center of biodiversity in the Middle East. He has decided to protect this land and its rich ecological patrimony. His NGO, Mwassem Khair +DUYHVW RI &KDULW\ LQ cooperation with UNIFIL, has participated in the demining of South Lebanon, in the reforestation of the region, and in the fight against fires.

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5. DIANA TANNOURY In her seventh contribution to Beyond 'LDQD %RXGDUJKDP Tannoury continues to push her poetic licence to the next level. With a master’s degree in international communications and international relations from Boston University, Mrs. Boudargham-Tannoury enjoys writing short stories and poem in the hope that her words will help raise awareness about nature’s fragility.

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The Beyond Team

All materials, content, visuals, and designs of Beyond magazine are protected by domestic and international copyright and intellectual property laws. Nothing cited in Beyond may be used or reproduced without our written approval. Full legal action will be taken against violators.

OWNER AND GENERAL DIRECTOR

Pascale Choueiri Saad CO-OWNER

Ronald Saad CHIEF EDITOR

Pascale Choueiri Saad CHIEF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANT

Edgard Chehab ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS

Bassam Kantar COPY EDITOR

Jody Jaffe

TRANSLATOR

Jody Jaffe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alia Fawaz, Alice Hlidkova, Chadi M. Nassar, Bassam Kantar, Alex Grey, Aline Sara, Cherine Yazbeck, Christopher Kanal, Diana Tannoury PRINTED BY

Chamas for Printing & Publishing Mazraa, Colombia Center Five Stars Tourism s.a.r.l. Azarieh St. Azarieh Bldg. – Block 01 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 1 994 006, Fax: +961 1 994 007

Published by

ART DIRECTOR

Pamela Hraoui COORDINATOR

Joelle Choueiry Makhoul RESPONSIBLE DIRECTOR

Antoine Hajj GUEST PHOTOGRAPHERS

Clement Tannouri, Cherine Yazbeck, Yousra Bustros, Serge Sulahian, Nada Karam

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PHOTO COVER BY:

Yousra Bustros - Bekaa Valley

Highlights from the Table of Contents

EMOTIONS

ESSENCE

HORIZONS

A GREEN ROOF FOR THE CENTRAL BANK

THE FIRST ARTIFICIAL REEF PROJECT IN LEBANON

UNREGULATED SYRIAN REFUGEE CAMPS

Green Studios aims to bring green roof garden technology to Hamra

Lebanon’s first artificial reef was created in the summer of 2012, thanks to collaboration among NGOs, ministries, the Lebanese Army, and the University of Balamand

Ad hoc refugee camps that have sprung up in the Bekaa Valley pose a threat to the environment

NAGEEB: THE SMART AND SUSTAINABLE HOUSING PROGRAM

An innovative project plans to bring affordable, green housing to rural Lebanese

THE TEN NATIVE FOREST TREES OF LEBANON

Cafe ODE in Devon County is the most sustainable restaurant in the United Kingdom

Within the framework of reforestation, UNDP is spreading information about native forest trees in this country

A SUSTAINABLE HOTEL AWAITS YOU IN THE ANDES

SODEL: A NEW PROJECT FROM UNDP

UNDP is managing a program that will ensure that oil and gas exploration in Lebanon is undertaken in an environmentally-friendly manner

GREEN CUISINE AT ITS BEST

JAPANESE ARCHITECTS SANAA DISSEMINATE FRENCH CULTURE

The Tierra Patagonia Hotel’s organic design blends smoothly into the wilderness of Chilean Patagonia

A Japanese architecture firm has created a satellite branch of the Louvre Museum in an industrial city in northern France

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Emotions ďŹ rm foundations

The appearance of things change according to the emotions, and thus we see magic and beauty in them, while the magic and beauty are really in ourselves. Gibran Kahlil Gibran

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WHAT IF LEBANON STRIKES IT BIG IN OIL AND GAS? A new program will ensure a sustainable approach to any emerging energy industry Sustainable Oil and Gas Development in Lebanon (SODEL) is a program managed up by the UNDP that aims to aid Lebanon in implementing environmental and health and safety guidelines when undertaking oil and gas exploration. SODEL aims to safeguard the coastal environment in the face of the predicted emergence of an oil and gas industry in the country. Beyond recently talked to the UNDP’s Jihan Seoud about the project.

Words ALEX GREY

Alex Grey: :KDW LV 62'(/¡V UROH" Jihan Seoud: It’s supporting the Ministry of Energy and Water in its exploration of the energy and gas sector in all aspects related to environment, health, and safety. AG :KHUH GLG WKH LGHD FRPH IURP" JS: The project was based on recommendations following the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) performed by the Ministry of Energy and Water with the Ministry of the Environment and a group of other ministries. The SEA highlighted several aspects that need to reviewed, for example, the environmental and health and safety standards for the QHZ H[SORUDWLRQ DQG WKH 1DWLRQDO (PHUJHQF\ 3ODQ ZKLFK FXUUHQWO\ exists but needs to be updated to include any oil and gas emergencies along the coast. *LYHQ WKDW WKH 3HWUROHXP $XWKRULW\ KDV RQO\ UHFHQWO\ EHHQ FUHDWHG ZH¡OO be working closely with it to support and complement its action plan, ZKHQ LW LV Ă€QDOL]HG AG: :KDW VRUW RI ZRUN GR \RX IRUHVHH" JS: It’s mostly environment and health and getting it set up before any exploration takes place. It’s essentially compliance and standards being put in place to protect coastal and marine environments and the people living along the coast. There’s also another element of the plan that relates to alternative fuels in

WKH RLO DQG JDV LQGXVWU\ 7KLV DVSHFW RI 62'(/ DLPV WR LGHQWLI\ WKH EHVW way to make use of alternative fuels, for example natural gas-run vehicles as opposed to hybrids. It allows the government to have a ready source of information before it begins making plans regarding sustainable oil and gas use. AG: ,¡YH KHDUG WKDW WKHUH¡V DOVR DQ HGXFDWLRQDO DVSHFW WR 62'(/ JS: We’ll be working with the local communities to explain exactly what’s going to be happening. There are many fears and misconceptions, that either the industry is going to destroy the environment, or that everyone’s going to suddenly become rich. We have to explain that the environment is going to be looked after, that international guidelines are going to be followed, and how important it will be for everyone to be involved. AG: +RZ DUH \RX LQYROYHG LQ WKH 1DWLRQDO (PHUJHQF\ 3ODQ" JS: It’s a case of identifying the most vulnerable areas and creating a plan based around them. It also means identifying the partners involved and liaising with them, such as the Lebanese Navy and Security Forces, or whoever it may be. AG $W ZKDW VWDJH LV 62'(/ " JS: ,W¡V EHHQ DSSURYHG E\ WKH &RXQFLO RI 0LQLVWHUV DQG ZH¡UH ZRUNLQJ ZLWK WKH 3HWUROHXP $XWKRULW\ :H¡UH KRSLQJ WR ODXQFK LW LQ WKH VHFRQG TXDUWHU ZHOO EHIRUH DQ\ H[SORUDWLRQ WDNHV SODFH

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LESSONS FROM SPAIN: FORESTRY ENGINEERING JOINS THE LEBANESE UNIVERSITY CURRICULUM

2Q 6HSWHPEHU WKH &HQWHU IRU $SSOLHG 5HVHDUFK LQ $JURIRUHVWU\ 'HYHORSPHQW ,'$) RI WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI &yUGRED 6SDLQ ODXQFKHG WKH 3URMHFW HQWLWOHG ´,QVWLWXWLRQDO 6WUHQJWKHQLQJ RI WKH /HEDQHVH 3XEOLF University for Advanced Studies Implementation of Forest Engineering.â€? The main objective of this project, which ended on July 31, 2012, was the institutional strengthening of the Lebanese University for the implementation RI WKH Ă€UVW RIĂ€FLDOO\ UHJLVWHUHG VWXGLHV RQ IRUHVWU\ HQJLQHHULQJ ERWK LQ WKH country and throughout the Middle East. Training technicians in forestry HQJLQHHULQJ LV FRQVLGHUHG WR EH DQ LPSRUWDQW UHTXLUHPHQW IRU DGHTXDWH conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in the area, which have been badly damaged by human activities and the country’s political situation. Efforts were concentrated in three main areas: 1. Creation of appropriate academic and institutional conditions for the successful opening of a specialized training program in forestry. On February 10, 2011, rectors of the /HEDQHVH 8QLYHUVLW\ DQG WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI &RUGyED VLJQHG WKH )UDPHZRUN $JUHHPHQW RQ %LODWHUDO &ROODERUDWLRQ 6LPLODUO\ WKH VSHFLDOL]DWLRQ FRXUVH FXUULFXOXP DQG DFDGHPLF FRQWHQWV RI VSHFLĂ€F VXEMHFWV LQ WKH )RUHVWU\ (QJLQHHULQJ &RXUVH ZHUH GHVLJQHG DQG DGDSWHG WR WKH UHDOLW\ RI /HEDQRQ as well as to technical and administrative provisions of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Lebanese University (LUFA). 2. Establishment of a forestry research program in Lebanon. The main lines of research related to forestry in the country ZHUH LGHQWLĂ€HG 7KHVH DFWLRQV ZHUH FRPSOHPHQWHG E\ WKH DFTXLVLWLRQ RI WKH QHFHVVDU\ VFLHQWLĂ€F HTXLSPHQW IRU WKH FUHDWLRQ DQG HQGRZPHQW RI D laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing, a

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forest nursery, a seed bank. and a silviculture laboratory. As for the training of researchers, the project included a mobility program by which Lebanese researchers traveled to Spain to receive training in respective technical subjects and Spanish experts traveled to Lebanon to perform on-site training tasks. 3. Creation of the virtual Forestry Documentation Center (CDF) of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the Lebanese University. For the development of the Web platform, ,'$) UHIHUUHG WR PRGHOV DOUHDG\ GHYHORSHG LQ VLPLODU SURMHFWV DGDSWLQJ them to the reality of the Lebanese University. To that end, the Web portal (www.lu-forestry.net) was created for better dissemination of this project. An effective project Once the specialization curriculum of Forest Engineering was developed, several exhibitions were organized at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Lebanese University, for the dissemination of this new degree among third year students. Teachers’ training was conducted through meetings during which basic material was delivered to teachers. It is noteworthy that two visits to Lebanon ZHUH PDGH E\ ,'$) H[SHUWV LQ $SULO IRU WKH LQGLYLGXDO WUDLQLQJ RI HDFK LQVWUXFWRU DQG WKH GHOLYHU\ RI HGXFDWLRQDO DQG VFLHQWLÀF PDWHULDOV WKDW KDG been prepared in Spain. Given LUFA’s research limitations, and the short time that it had worked on the project, the project was very effective, as was the work done by the students, who were more used to developing literature UHYLHZ ZRUNV UDWKHU WKDQ GRLQJ VFLHQWLÀF UHVHDUFK

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WHO CARES ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE? LEBANON’S PUBLIC SECTOR DOES, FOR SURE In the various ministries of the Lebanese government, climate change prevention and mitigation measures are appearing in all sorts of legislation. The Ministry of the Environment has created a clearinghouse, where government staff can seek expert guidance and the tools needed to understand and implement climate change projects. Beyond recently spoke to Vahakn Kabakian, climate change advisor at the Ministry of the Environment about the project.

AG: :KDW LV WKH KLVWRU\ RI FOLPDWH FKDQJH JRYHUQDQFH LQ /HEDQRQ" VK 7KH Ă€UVW HYHU FOLPDWH UHODWHG ZRUN ZDV GRQH E\ WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI WKH (QYLURQPHQW EHWZHHQ DQG ,W ZDV WKH XVXDO UHSRUWLQJ WKDW ZH GR IRU LQWHUQDWLRQDO FRQYHQWLRQV UHSRUWLQJ RI HPLVVLRQV DQG assessment of vulnerabilities. From that came various proposals and a Technology Needs Assessment. AG: 6LQFH WKDW LQLWLDO ZRUN ZKDW KDV EHHQ GRQH" VK: 7KH /HEDQHVH &HQWHU IRU (QHUJ\ &RQVHUYDWLRQ /&(& ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG LQ ,Q WKH Ministry began working on a similar project. The lessons learnt were that we needed to create a continuous process, regardless of individual projects, and that we needed to create connections between the various ministries and stakeholder groups. We wanted to create a national, central point that collects information on all the projects that include some form of climate change initiative. We found out that all sorts of work are actually being done on climate change, but the information isn’t available in one place. AG: 6R KRZ GLG \RX JR DERXW DGGUHVVLQJ WKH LVVXH" VK $URXQG WKH HQG RI ZH Ă RDWHG WKH LGHD RI D QDWLRQDO FOLPDWH FKDQJH FRPPLWWHH WR FROOHFW information and try to move the idea of climate change into the mainstream; after a few years we received funding to facilitate the creation of this project. 7KH UHVXOW ZDV 7KH 1DWLRQDO &RXQFLO IRU WKH (QYLURQPHQW 1&( PDGH RI XS UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV IURP D ZLGH group of ministries and including stakeholders, for example, academics, NGOs, the Bar Association, the 2UGHU RI $UFKLWHFWV WKH 2UGHU RI 3K\VLFLDQV LQVXUDQFH FRPSDQLHV DQG EDQNV 7KH SURMHFW LV DERXW WR VWDUW later this year. :H DLP WR KDYH D VHFUHWDULDO RIĂ€FH WKDW SURPRWHV WKH LVVXH RI FOLPDWH FKDQJH ZLWKLQ DOO WKH PLQLVWULHV WR PDNH WKHP FRQVLGHU ´FOLPDWH SURRĂ€QJÂľ WKHLU SURMHFWV HVVHQWLDOO\ WR UDLVH DZDUHQHVV 7KHUH DUH DOVR training schemes to raise the awareness of climate change within the ministries, to help them understand WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI FOLPDWH SURRĂ€QJ

Words ALEX GREY

AG: 6R HVVHQWLDOO\ LW¡V D FOHDULQJKRXVH IRU WKH VKDULQJ RI LGHDV" VK: Yes, but at a higher level than we’ve attempted before. We’re also involving other stakeholders, for example the insurance industry, that we haven’t necessarily had on board before. It’s a platform for us to work with. AG: 6R ZKDW VWDJH DUH \RX DW QRZ" VK: :H¡UH DLPLQJ WR KDYH VRPHWKLQJ FRPSOHWH LQ WKH WKLUG TXDUWHU DW WKH ODWHVW :H¡UH Ă€QDOL]LQJ WKH SURMHFW documents at the moment. The money is there; it’s really just going through the various procedures at the moment, and then we’ll look at hiring dedicated staff.

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'Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself'

Serge Sulahian

Zen proverb

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TAKING OVER THE ROOFTOPS Green Studios looks to transform the urban jungle into a garden city Green Studios, a landscape technology and design company specializing in green walls and roof garden applications, recently began an ambitious project: to create a green roof garden on top of the äentral âank of Lebanon’s main ofĂ—ces in amra. Using hydroponic technology and creative flair, Green Studios is aiming to bring green roof garden technology to the heart of the city. Beyond sat down with Zeina Kronfol of Green Studios to discuss the technology behind the project.

Words ALEX GREY

AG: :KDW GRHV *UHHQ 6WXGLRV GR" ZK: We are a landscape and design company, founded by four partners. I am a landscape architect. We also have an architect and a botanist. The company is specialized in technology revolving around hydroponics. AG :KDW LV K\GURSRQLFV" ZK: Hydroponics is a method of growing plants by using mineral nutrient solutions in water, without soil. You add nutrients to the water that reaches the plants. This technology allows you to plant in ways that you never could before, where you don’t have space for soil depth.

GHSWKV RI WR FHQWLPHWHUV 7KHVH JDUGHQV GRQ¡W UHTXLUH DQ\ LUULJDWLRQ Lebanon has extreme temperatures, so we’re looking at all options. There are many types of succulent plants that retain water well and don’t need much irrigation. With intensive gardens you can plant small trees, up to around two meters tall, all sorts of plants, shrubs, or ground cover. You can also add paving and even surfaces on which vehicles can drive.

AG: :KDW DUH \RX GRLQJ DW WKH &HQWUDO %DQN EXLOGLQJ" ZK: 7KH &HQWUDO %DQN ZDV ORRNLQJ IRU H[SHULHQFH ZLWK WKH WHFKQRORJ\ DQG LW looked at our portfolio of projects. What it wanted was a green roof. It asked that 20 per cent of the space be paving to enable it to hold gatherings. The AG: :KDW DUH WKH EHQHĂ€WV RI K\GURSRQLFV" JDUGHQ ZLOO EH VHHQ E\ WKH RWKHU EXLOGLQJV RI WKH &HQWUDO %DQN FRPSOH[ VR ZK: 7KH PDLQ EHQHĂ€W LV WKDW \RX GRQ¡W QHHG YHU\ PXFK GHSWK WR FUHDWH D many employees will be able to enjoy it. viable environment for the plants. By saving on the weight by not using soil, it becomes possible to plant on walls and roofs that aren’t designed to support We can’t disclose the design at present, but we’re envisioning a rather additional weight. dynamic pattern for the roof in terms of shapes, textures, and colors. AG: +RZ GR \RX SUHSDUH D JUHHQ URRI" ZK: 7KH URRI LV Ă€UVW ZDWHUSURRIHG DQG WKHQ D OD\HU RI PDWHULDO LV DGGHG WR PDNH WKH ZDWHUSURRĂ€QJ URRW UHVLVWDQW 2Q WRS RI WKH URRW UHVLVWDQW OD\HU LV a protective covering. On top of that there is a layer that resembles an egg FDUWRQ ZLWK LQGLYLGXDO SRFNHWV WR FROOHFW ZDWHU 7KH Ă€QDO OD\HUV DUH PDGH XS of small volcanic rocks, stones, and the substrate in which the plant is placed. AG: :KDW LV LW SRVVLEOH WR GR RQ D JUHHQ URRI" ZK: You can have many types of roof garden. It’s possible to plant up to

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'If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.'

Serge Sulahian

Anne Bradstreet

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GREEN WITH HONOR New national awards celebrate champions of the environment Words ALEX GREY

7KH 0LQLVWU\ RI WKH (QYLURQPHQW 81'3 DQG Beyond magazine have partnered to create the National Green Awards, a celebration of innovation DQG SLRQHHULQJ HIIRUWV LQ WKH Ă€HOG RI HQYLURQPHQW ZLWKLQ WKH SULYDWH VHFWRU :H UHFHQWO\ VDW GRZQ ZLWK 81'3¡V (GJDUG &KHKDE WR GLVFXVV WKH DZDUGV and the concept behind them. AG: :KHUH GLG WKH LGHD IRU WKH 1DWLRQDO *UHHQ $ZDUGV FRPH IURP" EC: The idea came from the Minister of the Environment himself. When he began his mandate, he stated in his action plan that he would be recognizing the efforts of private-sector companies that were environmentally friendly in WKHLU Ă€HOG RI H[SHUWLVH

AG: :KDW DUH WKH SODQV JRLQJ IRUZDUG" EC: It’s going to be an annual event with an annual theme. This year’s theme was innovation and pioneering spirit in the environmental sector. The Minister of the Environment will announce next year’s theme in the near future. Beyond DOVR WDONHG WR RXU *HQHUDO 'LUHFWRU 0UV 3DVFDOH &KRXHLUL 6DDG about winning her award and the importance of the whole process:

Pascale Choueiri Saad: I am very proud that the National Green $ZDUGV UHSUHVHQW WKH Ă€UVW RI WKHLU NLQG LQ /HEDQRQ 7KH\ VKRZ WKDW WKH HQYLURQPHQW KDV EHJXQ WR DFTXLUH WKH LPSRUWDQFH WKDW LW GHVHUYHV 7KH AG: :KDW ZDV WKH EDVLV IRU FKRRVLQJ WKH FRPSDQLHV" EC: It was about celebrating companies for breaking ground and being awardees, the companies, magazines, and people, are being rewarded after a LQQRYDWLYH LQ WKHLU Ă€HOG )RU H[DPSOH %DQN0HG ZDV WKH Ă€UVW FRPSDQ\ WR great deal of work for the sake of the green life of Lebanon. carry out an awareness campaign about environmental issues in Lebanon. 7KH /HEDQHVH $UP\ KHOSHG WR FUHDWH WKH Ă€UVW DUWLĂ€FLDO UHHI %/) ZDV WKH Ă€UVW Beyond¡V UHFHLYLQJ D 1DWLRQDO *UHHQ $ZDUG IURP 81'3 PRWLYDWHV PH WR continue my work towards a greener Lebanon. I’m happy that international bank to issue a green credit card. RUJDQL]DWLRQV VXFK DV 81'3 DUH SD\LQJ WULEXWH WR WKH HQYLURQPHQW WKURXJK AG: How can the National Green Awards promote the environmental their involvement in the awards. DJHQGD LQ /HEDQRQ" EC: Highlighting the work of the private sector to the public helps not only The award winners were: The European Union, United Nations to get the message out, but it creates good media coverage for the companies. 'HYHORSPHQW 3URJUDP %DQTXH /LEDQR )UDQoDLVH %DQN0HG 0($ ,37 We also hope to create a form of environmental competitiveness between (QHUJ\ &HQWHU +D\NDO +RVSLWDO =HWUD ,QGXVWULHV DQG 079 PHGLD VWDWLRQ 0LQLVWHU (O .KRXU\ 0U 5LDG 6DODPHK JRYHUQRU RI /HEDQRQ¡V &HQWUDO %DQN SULYDWH FRPSDQLHV ZKLFK FDQ RQO\ EHQHĂ€W WKH HQYLURQPHQW UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV RI WKH ,WDOLDQ DQG 6SDQLVK JRYHUQPHQWV *HQHUDO 'LUHFWRU of Beyond PDJD]LQH 0UV 3DVFDOH &KRXHLUL 6DDG WKH $VVRFLDWLRQ RI *UHHQ AG: Tell us a little about the event. EC: 7KH HYHQW ZDV D KXJH VXFFHVV 0DQ\ GLSORPDWLF Ă€JXUHV ZHUH WKHUH &HGDU /HEDQRQ DQG 1HZ 79 VWDWLRQ the Ministers of Education and the Environment were there, and the &RPPDQGHU LQ &KLHI RI WKH $UP\ ZDV SUHVHQW DV ZHUH PDQ\ 1*2V DV ZHOO as the private sector.

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Mr. Robert Watkins & Mrs. Pascale Saad

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Green with honor

H.E. Mr. & Mrs. Nazem El Khoury & Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Saad

Mrs. Tina Mallah & General & Mrs. Roukoz

Mr. Walid Abboud & Mr. Abou Fadel

Mr. & Mrs. Ziyad Baroud & Mrs. Pascale Saad

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mr. Jean Marie Riachi

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mr. Robert Watkins

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Green with honor

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & General Jean Kahwaji

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mrs. Angelina Eichhorst

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Me Michel Tueni

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mr. Farid Rouphael

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mr. Maurice Sehnaoui

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & BankMed Representative Mr. Mohamad Ali Beyhum

23

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mr. Selim Zeeni

S.E. Mr. Nazem El Khoury & Mrs. Toni Issa

Mr. Robert Watkins & Minister of The Environment Mr. Nazem El Khoury

Mr. Robert Watkins & S.E. Spanish Ambassador Mrs. Milagros Hernnando Etxeberria

Mr. Robert Watkins & S.E The Italian Ambassador Mr. Giuseppe Morabito

Mr. Robert Watkins & Mr. Dimitri Khodor

24

Mr. Robert Watkins, UNDP Resident Representative, & Mrs. Lara Debs

H.E. The Ambassador of the E.U. Mrs. Angelina Eichhorst & Mr. Farid Rouphael

General Jean Kahwaji & Mr.s El Khoury

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Saad & Mr. & Mrs. Khalil Debs

Mr. Edgard Chehab & the Mayor of SidonMunicipality Mr. Mouhamad Saoudi

Mrs. Pascale Saad & Robert Watkins & Mohammad Ali Beyhum

25

SURVIVAL STORY Haiti’s human waste problem is being transformed into a power for the good The World Factbook describes aiti as the poorest nation in the estern emisphere. ith almost 8T percent of aitians living below the poverty line and most of the country surviving on _2 or less per day, the 7.T magnitude earth'uake that struck the island in January 2T"T left the country in dire conditions.

Words ALINE SARA

26

Suffering from an already fragile infrastructure, Haitians’ access to the most basic of resources is a daily struggle. Founded on the principle of liberation ecology, which is a belief that the path to sustainability is through transformation, of both marginalized people and discarded materials, Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods (SOIL), an American NGO, is seeking to change that. Beyond VDW GRZQ ZLWK 3URJUDP $VVLVWDQWV &ODLUH )URKPDQ DQG 0ROO\ &DVH DV ZHOO DV 3URMHFW &RRUGLQDWRU 0RQLND 5R\ WR hear more about the organization’s work. Who founded SOIL and why? SOIL was co-founded by Sasha Kramer and Sarah Brownell in 2006. Both women had been working on human rights issues in Haiti, and recognized that one of the most pressing challenges facing the country was lack of access to basic services. Working in sustainable ecological sanitation, SOIL is taking an integrated approach to addressing the issues of poverty, poor public health and sanitation, abused natural resources, and degraded agricultural productivity, turning disempowerment and pollution into participatory production. What does SOIL do? Where is it based and where does it operate? Are there similar initiatives in countries other than Haiti? 62,/ LV D 86 F QRQ SURÀW EDVHG LQ +DLWL VLQFH 62,/ KDV VSHQW WKH ODVW VHYHQ \HDUV ZRUNLQJ ZLWK FRPPXQLWLHV LQ 3RUW DX 3ULQFH DQG LQ &DS +DưWLHQ DQG WKHLU VXUURXQGLQJV WR GHYHORS VXVWDLQDEOH VDQLWDWLRQ VROXWLRQV whereby human wastes are converted into fertile compost. Over the years,

SOIL has provided ecological sanitation services to over 25,000 people and is now producing more than three tons of nutrient-rich compost per week. What is SOIL’s greatest challenge? SOIL’s biggest challenge over the past seven years has been to maintain RSHUDWLRQDO à H[LELOLW\ LQ WKH IDFH RI D FRQVWDQWO\ FKDQJLQJ VRFLDO SROLWLFDO and physical environment. How does SOIL plan to make a difference in the long run? How sustainable is it compared to the situation in the country as a whole? :H KRSH WKDW ÀYH \HDUV IURP QRZ ZH ZLOO QR ORQJHU EH LPSOHPHQWLQJ (FR6DQ initiatives, but will be working primarily as a consulting organization. We are currently developing a household ecological toilet that could be rented for a small monthly fee (from $1 to $1.50 per month), which would cover the cost of installation, waste collection, and compost production, which could then be used as a secondary revenue stream. We also plan to train private entrepreneurs in the waste treatment business. 8OWLPDWHO\ ZH EHOLHYH WKDW WKH JRDO RI DQ\ VXFFHVVIXO QRQSURÀW RSHUDWLRQ should be to put itself out of business, and that is our long-term plan, VWDUWLQJ ZLWK WKH +RXVHKROG 7RLOHW 3URMHFW %\ GHPRQVWUDWLQJ WKH SRWHQWLDO for sustainable sanitation businesses, we can simultaneously provide safe DQG GLJQLÀHG VDQLWDWLRQ WR WKRXVDQGV RI SHRSOH DQG IRVWHU WKH SRWHQWLDO IRU sustainable entrepreneurship.

27

Haiti sanitation solution

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WELL, IT’S A CRITICAL SITUATION: ZIAD KHAYAT ON MAKING OUR WATER SUSTAINABLE Beyond recently talked to Ziad Khayat of the Lebanese Center for Water Management and Conservation (LCWMC) about the critical state of Lebanon’s water resources and the steps that the Center and the government as a whole are taking to address the issue.

Words ALEX GREY

30

AG: :KDW SURMHFWV DUH \RX XQGHUWDNLQJ" ZK: :H KDYH WZR SURMHFWV 7KH Ă€UVW LV D JURXQGZDWHU DVVHVVPHQW project on a national scale, which will give the Ministry a tool to manage JURXQGZDWHU LQ WKH IXWXUH 7KH VHFRQG XQGHU /&:0& ORRNV DW demand side management. AG: &DQ \RX JLYH XV VRPH GHWDLOV DERXW WKH DVVHVVPHQW SURMHFW" ZK: 2XU LQIRUPDWLRQ KDV WR EH XSGDWHG ,W GDWHV EDFN WR WKH V ,Q the interim, a huge number of wells have been drilled and have disrupted WKH QDWXUDO ZDWHU EDODQFH 3UHVHQWO\ ZH¡UH H[WUDFWLQJ PRUH ZDWHU WKDQ LV LQ WKH DTXLIHU ZKLFK LV IRUFLQJ VHDZDWHU LQWR WKH DTXLIHU DV IUHVK ZDWHU levels decrease. It renders the water undrinkable. AG: Tell us about these wells. ZK: We have around 20,000 licensed wells. There are 50,000 to 55,000 unlicensed wells. That doesn’t include the government wells that provide water to communities. The government has been relying on groundwater wells, which account for around 51 percent of the water that goes to the population. AG: :KDW GLG \RX GLVFRYHU DERXW OLFHQVHG ZHOOV LQ /HEDQRQ" ZK: We found around 2.5 unlicensed wells to each licensed well. AG: This information will be plugged into a database. What is the aim of FUHDWLQJ VXFK D UHVRXUFH" ZK: We’ll have a large number of maps that will prove useful to the ministries in the future. There will also be a Geographic Information 6\VWHP D EXGJHW IRU WKH DTXLIHUV VKRZLQJ KRZ PXFK ZDWHU FDQ EH WDNHQ

from each and which ones need protection. We’re also creating a threedimensional water model of Akkar to help us predict future issues. AG +RZ ZRXOG \RX FKDUDFWHUL]H WKH ZDWHU VLWXDWLRQ LQ /HEDQRQ" ZK: We’ve crossed the red line in some areas, especially along the coast. In other areas we can probably manage the situation using the right tools. AG: <RX¡UH DOVR ZRUNLQJ RQ GHPDQG VLGH PDQDJHPHQW" ZK: One project educates people on the importance of water conservation. Our target audience is children between seven and ten years of age. We’ve been going to schools and telling them about the LPSRUWDQFH RI ZDWHU FRQVHUYDWLRQ ZH¡UH KDQGLQJ RXW Ă \HUV DQG FDUWRRQ stories that children can take home to spread the message to their parents. The booklets have stories, games, and stickers and are a fun way to spread the message. We’ve also run media campaigns that target everyone. The other project deals with small technological additions to private homes, such as aerators on taps that mix air into the water, bladders DGGHG WR WRLOHW FLVWHUQV WR UHGXFH WKH YROXPH RI ZDWHU XVHG LQ HDFK Ă XVK and low-pressure showers. At present we have a pilot project in the North and we’ll be giving the numbers to the government once we’ve completed it.

31

THE DETAILS FROM DOHA Lebanon reiterates its commitment to renewable energy at climate change conference Words ALEX GREY

32

COP "8, the latest climate change conference, held in November of last year in Doha, was a landmark for Lebanon as the country’s team was the largest ever sent and was active throughout the conference. Beyond recently spoke to Lea Kai of the Ministry of the Environment about what Doha means for Lebanon and climate change in the coming years.

33

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Alex Grey :KDW H[DFWO\ KDSSHQHG DW WKH 'RKD &23 &RQIHUHQFH RI WKH 3DUWLHV WR WKH 8 1 )UDPHZRUN &RQYHQWLRQ RQ &OLPDWH &KDQJH

Lea Kai: &23 VDZ PDQ\ VPDOO LPSURYHPHQWV )RU H[DPSOH WKH FRPPLWPHQW SHULRG WR WKH .\RWR 3URWRFRO ZDV H[WHQGHG XQWLO %\ WKHQ a new agreement will have been created and put in place by 2020. There was also a commitment to create a fund for loss and damages. This was pushed by 6PDOO ,VODQG 'HYHORSLQJ 6WDWHV LQ RUGHU WR FUHDWH D FRPSHQVDWLRQ VFKHPH IRU damage caused by climate change. AG :KDW IRUP PLJKW WKH QHZ DJUHHPHQW WDNH" LK: We’re hoping for a new agreement, a new framework to replace Kyoto, one that’s legally binding and that involves all countries. We’re also hoping that all countries will be committed to emissions targets; at present only developed states have those targets in place. AG :DV WKHUH DQ\ PRYHPHQW RQ JOREDO ÀQDQFLQJ" LK: No. There’s a fund in Korea, but there’s no money present and we don’t know how to apply for it. The developed countries have pledged money to the fund in the past, $100 million, but we don’t know if that amount is per year, or on some other basis. We don’t even know where the money is FRPLQJ IURP ,V LW DOO SXEOLF VHFWRU RU D PL[ RI SULYDWH DQG SXEOLF IXQGV" AG: 6R ZKDW GLG &23 PHDQ IRU /HEDQRQ" LK: We were a big team, we had the Minister of the Environment with us, DQG UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV IURP 1*2V DFDGHPLFV 81'3 VWDII DQG SHRSOH IURP the private sector. We also had a showcase, where we explained everything that we are doing to reach the 12 percent renewable energy target. We did manage to insert text into the document relating to low emissions and GHYHORSLQJ FRXQWULHV :H LQVHUWHG ÀYH SDUDJUDSKV LQWR WKH ÀQDO WH[W ZKLFK was a big step for us. We’re currently preparing our own low-emissions strategy report. We were also very active bi-laterally. Many European and Arab countries were interested in working with us on environmental projects. We were everywhere and it seemed that everyone was interested in meeting with us and sharing our experience. AG: %H\RQG WKH VXFFHVV RI WKH /HEDQHVH WHDP ZKDW GRHV 'RKD PHDQ LQ WHUPV RI FRQFUHWH LPSOLFDWLRQV RU FRPPLWPHQWV" LK: 7KHUH DUH QR UHDO LPSOLFDWLRQV IURP 'RKD ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR /HEDQRQ ,W was all about things to do with day-to-day practices. However, we reiterated our commitment to Kyoto on a voluntary basis to meet the 12 percent renewable target. This statement of intent was a major point for us.

35

VILLAGE LIFE GOES HIGH TECH Affordable, energy efďŹ cient housing is being built in rural Lebanon An innovative project aimed at providing affordable, green housing to Lebanese in rural environments has combined cost-effectiveness with the latest green technology. Beyond magazine talked with Bernard Ammoun, CEO of Green Future Lebanon olding, to discuss its exciting project, named NAGEEB. Words ALEX GREY

36

Alex Grey: :KDW H[DFWO\ LV 1$*((%" Bernard Ammoun: NAGEEB is an initiative that is built on the VXFFHVV RI ´œ 1$6(/ 1DWLRQDO &'0 3URMHFW IRU 6RODU (QHUJ\ D MRLQW LQLWLDWLYH ZLWK 81'3 WR LQVWDOO VRODU ZDWHU KHDWHUV DW FRVW LQ KRXVHV throughout rural Lebanon. It has covered around 2,000 households so far. Given the success of the water heater project, we did a study in around 2006 to look at the energy sector in Lebanon and found it to be underperforming. The study showed that the residential sector was the biggest consumer of electricity in Lebanon. 1$*((' KDV EHHQ LQ RSHUDWLRQ VLQFH -DQXDU\ ZLWK IXQGLQJ IURP WKH 81'3 DQG WKH %DQTXH GX /LEDQ :H¡UH FXUUHQWO\ ZRUNLQJ RQ KRXVHV DQG WKH Ă€UVW SLORW ZLOO EH Ă€QLVKHG LQ 0DUFK 2QFH ZH DUH VXUH WKDW RXU conditions have been met, the other sixty houses will be done. AG: The result was a plan to build affordable green housing. Why not just UHQRYDWH H[LVWLQJ UHVLGHQFHV" BA: 7R UHVWRUH DQ ROG KRXVH LQ DQ HQHUJ\ HIĂ€FLHQW PDQQHU ZDV WRR expensive, but to build a new, sustainable house was a possibility. AG: :KDW VRUW RI PRUWJDJH RU ORDQ UHSD\PHQW DUH ZH WDONLQJ DERXW" BA: We saw that people cannot afford to pay more than $500 for housing and energy. So, we provide a combined payment of $500 for power and housing. AG: That’s incredible. Environmental technology has a reputation as

being expensive, so what technologies did you use and how did you manage WR NHHS WKH FRVWV GRZQ" BA: We looked at the orientation of the house, its placement and SRVLWLRQLQJ ,W¡V SRVLWLRQHG WR EHQHĂ€W IURP VRODU UDGLDWLRQ GXULQJ ZLQWHU but to be shaded in the summer. A sustainable house is one in which as little energy as possible is needed at all times. Where energy is used, as much of it as possible is generated through renewable energy. The water is UHF\FOHG DQG ZH XVH FRPSRVW WRLOHWV ZKLFK UHTXLUH PLQLPDO Ă XVKLQJ 7KH house is made from a wood skeleton, but it looks exactly like a Lebanese house, with stone on the outside and a red-tiled roof. We were very careful to create a traditional house. Green technology doesn’t have to be expensive, not if you know what you’re doing and where to source the materials and products. AG: I understand that you’re also working on a training program. BA: We’re setting up a teaching center that shows people how to build with this new technology. So, we’re repatriating back the income we’re JHWWLQJ WR WKH UXUDO DUHDV $GGHG WR WKDW DW 86' D PRQWK WKH KRXVHV are affordable and comfortable, allowing the residents to work and stay in their villages, perhaps reviving the traditional economies in the regions.

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Rural houses, Lebanon

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Rural houses, Lebanon

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“It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you›ve got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”

Serge Sulahian

Mark Twain

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ALFA CHOOSES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WHEN CSR BECOMES A PRIORITY IN A BUSINESS STRATEGY For nearly seven years now, Alfa, managed by Orascom Telecom, has been FDUU\LQJ RQ ZLWK LWV PLVVLRQ DV D OHDGLQJ FRUSRUDWLRQ LQ &RUSRUDWH 6RFLDO 5HVSRQVLELOLW\ &65 7KH FRPSDQ\ ZDV DPRQJ WKH Ă€UVW FRUSRUDWLRQV LQ /HEDQRQ WR VWDUW D &65 3URJUDP LQ $QG VLQFH WKHQ LW KDV EHHQ KHOSLQJ PDLQO\ WKURXJK $OID OLIH LWV &65 3URJUDP FKLOGUHQ DQG people with special needs improve their communication capabilities and engage in the society as active citizens. THE TALENT OF ALI TLAIS SPEAKS OUT Many would wonder what would make a leading telecom operator in /HEDQRQ DV $OID ZKLFK VHUYHV WRGD\ PRUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ DFWLYH VXEVFULEHUV EH WKDW DFWLYH LQ &65 DQG WLJKWO\ KROG RQ WR LWV LGHQWLW\ DV D VRFLDOO\ UHVSRQVLEOH FLWL]HQ" ´$ MRXUQH\ LQWR D WKRXVDQG PLOHV EHJLQV with one single step‌ and as Alfa we chose to make a difference,â€? Alfa’s &(2 0DUZDQ +D\HN FRPPHQWV ´7RGD\ ZH VXSSRUW VL[ 1*2V LQ /HEDQRQ DQG WRJHWKHU ZH ZRUN RQ SLORWLQJ &65 SURJUDPV LQ VXSSRUW RI the integration of children and people with special needs in society. By this, we are doing what we believe is our obligation towards our society,â€? He says.

Since 2011, Alfa has been supporting Ali Tlais, an autistic young artist from the Lebanese Autism Society (LAS), who is now thanks to “Alfa 4-Lifeâ€? a renowned artist who exhibits and sells his paintings. Alfa spotted Ali’s outstanding talent in art back in 2011, and has dedicated D SURIHVVLRQDO DUWLVW IRU FRDFKLQJ DQG WUDLQLQJ KLP ,Q -XO\ $OL¡V Ă€UVW SDLQWLQJ H[KLELWLRQ “Internal World & Creative Autism,â€? was staged in a prestigious art gallery in Beirut. In 2FWREHU $OL¡V SDLQWLQJV ZHUH H[KLELWHG DW WKH LQWHUQDWLRQDO OHDGLQJ DUW IDLU 3DULV¡V )RLUH ,QWHUQDWLRQDOH G¡$UW &RQWHPSRUDLQ ),$& DQG LQ KLV VHFRQG H[KLELWLRQ “Colorful Autism Worldâ€? ZDV VWDJHG DW WKH %HLUXW $UW )DLU $OL¡V WDOHQW LV IUHTXHQWO\ IHDWXUHG LQ PHGLD

SETTING THE TREND To make a difference, you have to take the initiative, aim big, believe, and give. To create a positive change, you have to set the trend. The company has been on a yearly basis since 2006 working with VSHFLDOLVWV DQG WKH 1*2V LW VXSSRUWV RQ HQJLQHHULQJ DQG ODXQFKLQJ &65 initiatives and communication therapy programs that can help shed light on the hidden capabilities of children and people with special mental QHHGV RU ZLWK SK\VLFDO GLIĂ€FXOWLHV DQG LPSURYH WKHLU FRPPXQLFDWLRQ abilities as well as help in integrating them into society. Many of these “therapy through artâ€? initiatives have turned to success stories that have driven social and media attention to the causes of the NGOs, and many times governmental support. “We are proud that we are helping in proving that people with special needs are not only capable but also creative people who just need our support and help to showcase this creativity,â€? says Marwan Hayek. +H FRQFOXGHV ´2XU FRPPLWPHQW WR &65 UHĂ HFWV WKH FRUH YDOXHV RI our brand‌ Rules are changing; each corporation has to realize that its success in today’s challenging business world is not only limited to its OHDGHUVKLS DQG H[FHOOHQFH SRVLWLRQ LQ LWV Ă€HOG EXW DV ZHOO DV WR WKH UROH LW plays towards its society and people.â€?

STUDENTS OF THE LEBANESE SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND THE DEAF SEE THROUGH THEIR HANDS In one of “Alfa 4-lifeâ€? initiatives, 16 students from the Lebanese School for the Blind and WKH 'HDI /6%' ZHUH DEOH WR FUHDWH VFXOSWXUHV RI YDULRXV REMHFWV DQG SHUVRQV GHSLFWLQJ their vision of life, following months of extensive workshops and training with professional DUWLVWV QDPHO\ DUWLVW $QDFKDU %DVERXV 7KH VFXOSWXUHV ZHUH H[KLELWHG LQ 'HFHPEHU LQ WKHLU VW H[KLELWLRQ ´9RLU $YHF /HV 0DLQVÂľ DW WKH 5HVLGHQFH GHV 3LQV LQ WKH SUHVHQFH RI WKH )UHQFK $PEDVVDGRU WR /HEDQRQ 3DWULFH 3DROL 7KH DXGLHQFH ZDV GD]]OHG E\ WKH WDOHQW RI WKH students, who overcame their disability to show an exceptional art; the students also proved WKDW WKH\ FDQ EH Ă€QDQFLDOO\ SURGXFWLYH DV PDQ\ RI WKHLU VFXOSWXUHV ZHUH VROG DQG WKH SURĂ€WV were donated to their school.

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“Spring drew on . . . and a greenness grew over those brown [garden] beds, which, freshening daily, suggested the thought that Hope traversed them at night, and left each morning brighter traces of her steps.�

Serge Sulahian

Charlotte BrontĂŤ, Jane Eyre

43

GIVE US BACK OUR BAABDA! ITS RESIDENTS VERSUS DEVELOPERS IN ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST DESIRABLE NEIGHBORHOODS Before the civil war, Baabda-Yarze was a green area where hyenas used to roam free. Only a few families ventured to build green villas overlooking the capital city of Beirut. While the war was raging, developers started to focus on this region that was located away from the city center. They bought large lots and started constructing three-story buildings, bringing in newcomers craving for silence and green spaces.

Words CHÉRINE YAZBECK

44

,Q WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI %DDEGD <DU]H LVVXHG D GHFUHH ZKHUHE\ EXLOGLQJV XS WR PHWHUV ZHUH OHJDO LQ WKH DUHD ZDV DGRSWHG LQFUHDVLQJ WKH ´VTXDUH DUHDÂľ RI HDFK SLHFH RI ODQG E\ XS WR SHUFHQW RI WKH DUHD RI WKH ORW +RUULĂ€HG E\ WKH LQFUHDVH LQ VWRU\ EXLOGLQJV DQG the decrease in green areas, Robert and Joumana Asseily co-founded an association called “Jamiiyat Inma’ el Yarzeâ€?’ [the Association for the 'HYHORSPHQW RI <DU]H@ ZLWK WKH VROH SXUSRVH RI UHWXUQLQJ WR WKUHH VWRU\ buildings and enforcing a decree at 20/40 to maintain the sustainable feel RI %DDEGD <DU]H -RXPDQD VD\V ´:H VWDUWHG WKH Ă€JKW LQ ZLWK VRPH QHLJKERUV DV ZH IHDUHG WKDW <DU]H ZRXOG VRRQ WXUQ LQWR DQRWKHU $VKUDĂ€HK The developer comes in, he builds his building, makes his money, and leaves without looking back. We are the ones who remain and live here. “

Municipality tries to preserve the environment 0U +HORX VD\V ´, KDYH VXEPLWWHG DQ RUGHU WR PRGLI\ WKH GHFUHH 8QIRUWXQDWHO\ WKH 3ODQQLQJ 'HSDUWPHQW PDQDJHG E\ (OLDV 7DZLO NHHSV RQ UHIXVLQJ RXU UHTXHVWV SUREDEO\ SUHVVXUHG E\ SROLWLFDO SRZHUV DQG developers. Our powers are limited, hence I’ve decided to stop all new FRQVWUXFWLRQ SHUPLWV WKDW GRQ¡W Ă€W RXU VWDQGDUGV DQG WKDW GR QRW UHVSHFW the environment. For instance, developers used to excavate the entire lot before building. Now they are entitled to excavate only the building area. It enables the percentage of the non-built lot to be preserved. Before we took over the Municipality, no one really cared much about high-rise buildings (four-story) or respected the nature surrounding the constructed area. It’s a shame.â€?

7KH 3UHVLGHQW RI WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI %DDEGD <DU]H +HQUL +HORX ZLVKHV to stabilize the phenomenon. He has also conducted a few studies to support the architectural heritage of the Serail and the old train station. For the latter, his team is analyzing several proposals to rehabilitate the site through a public garden for the residents.

While residents, backed by the president of the Municipality, are afraid of the degradation of their living environment, powerful developers are damaging the local urban area with the sole aim of making as much money as possible.

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Baabda, Yarzé

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Baabda, Yarzé

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JOURNEYS OF ADVENTUROUS BEYONDERS AROUND THE WORLD

48

GLOBE TROTTER Words ALEX GREY

Amer Ghandour has traveled the world to pursue his passion for the hunt. A skilled hunter, Ghandour’s love of nature and the extreme environments that he loves have led him to seek out exotic locales and challenging opponents alike. Here, he sits down with Beyond to talk about his love of the environment and hunting.

Alex Grey: :KDW VRUW RI JDPH KDYH \RX KXQWHG" AG: 0\ IDYRULWH DQLPDO WKDW ,¡YH KXQWHG LV WKH 0DUFR 3ROR VKHHS LQ 7DMLNLVWDQ $OVR ,¡YH KXQWHG FDULERX LQ &DQDGD DQG LQ $IULFD , KDYH KXQWHG the kudu, a large antelope that tribes call the “ghost of the jungleâ€? because LW¡V VR GLIĂ€FXOW WR VHH

Alex Grey: )LUVWO\ ZKHUH KDYH \RX EHHQ" Amer Ghandour: I’ve traveled throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. I’ve visited places such as Tajikistan, Kamchatka, Kenya, Zambia, South $IULFD 1DPLELD %RWVZDQD DQG &DQDGD WR QDPH EXW D IHZ

Alex Grey: :KDW ZDV \RXU IDYRULWH DUHD WKDW \RX¡YH YLVLWHG" AG: I love Africa; it’s a beautiful place. Asia is also incredible, and &DQDGD¡V 1RUWKZHVWHUQ 7HUULWRULHV DUH VWXQQLQJ

Alex Grey: :K\ KXQWLQJ" AG: I’ve been shooting since I was six. It was passed on to me by my late father. He died at a very young age, and he left me with fantastic memories of my short time with him. I always wanted to explore the sport further after his death. I traveled once to Africa with him and I caught the hunting bug; it’s like a passion for me. Alex Grey: :KDW ZDV \RXU PRVW PHPRUDEOH H[SHULHQFH" AG: It’s not just the hunt itself. It’s about the journey, the adventure. The people I meet there, or with whom I travel, have become lifelong friends. We share a passion. After you’ve gone hunting, sharing your experiences DURXQG WKH ÀUH LV VXFK D IDQWDVWLF H[SHULHQFH

Alex Grey: Many of these places are extreme environments. What DWWUDFWV \RX WR WKHP" AG: Being outdoors, away from everything, from people, noise, stress. The scenery is also breathtaking; much of it is untouched by mankind. For example, the taste of water that you drink from streams, unpolluted by men, is incredible. It’s indescribable. They’re places that haven’t been damaged, touched, or changed. It’s a wilderness. It’s pure scenery; nothing has been touched or moved. They’re like paintings– perfect. ,¡YH GLVFRYHUHG WKDW WKH SHRSOH LQ (XURSH $VLD $IULFD DQG &DQDGD DUH much more environmentally conscious than the people in Lebanon. Even the tribes in Africa don’t pollute. They’re much better in this regard than the Lebanese are.

49

Beyonder: Amer Ghandour

Tajikistan

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Tajikistan

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Beyonder: Amer Ghandour

Canada

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Tajikistan

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Beyonder: Amer Ghandour

Canada, North western territories

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Canada, North western territories

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Beyonder: Rania Chehab

WHERE TO BEGIN? Words ALEX GREY

3DQDPD LV D FRXQWU\ RI LQWHQVH QDWXUDO EHDXW\ *ROGHQ EHDFKHV GHHS EOXH waters, tropical jungles, and craggy mountains abound. With an incredibly YDULHG HQYLURQPHQW 3DQDPD LV D PLFURFRVP RI HFR DQG ELRORJLFDO GLYHUVLW\ For just a little while, Beyond gazes at this tropical paradise. :LWK RYHU VSHFLHV RI SODQWV LQ WKH FRXQWU\ SHU FHQW RI ZKLFK SURGXFH Ă RZHUV 3DQDPD LV DQ H[SORVLRQ RI FRORU +RZHYHU WKH SODQWV are just the beginning of an incredibly complex ecological system. With thousands of species of insects, almost 1,000 types of birds, and over 200 species of mammals, several hundred amphibians, and countless reptiles, 3DQDPD LV D QDWXUDOLVW¡V GUHDP )URP WRUWRLVH WR WDSHU WKH\ FDQ DOO EH IRXQG LQ 3DQDPD A sense of wonder .QRZQ DV WKH ´&URVVURDGV RI WKH $PHULFDV Âľ 3DQDPD PDUNV WKH SRLQW ZKHUH 1RUWK $PHULFD PHHWV 6RXWK $PHULFD DQG ZKHUH WKH 3DFLĂ€F DQG $WODQWLF 2FHDQV PHHW :LWK DQ DEXQGDQFH RI WRXULVWLF DFWLYLWLHV 3DQDPD

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is a haven for those looking to escape the hustle of their everyday lives. :KHWKHU LW LV WKH EHDFKHV RI WKH VHFOXGHG 3HDUO ,VODQGV WKH PRXQWDLQ KDPOHW RI %RTXHWH WKH ZKLWH ZDWHUV RI WKH &KLULTXt 9LHMR RU WKH ZRUOG FODVV VXUĂ€QJ RII 6DQWD &DWDOLQD WKHUH¡V VRPHWKLQJ IRU HYHU\RQH :KDW¡V FHUWDLQ LV WKDW 3DQDPD UHWDLQV D VHQVH RI ZRQGHU WKDW LV RIWHQ PLVVLQJ LQ mass-tourism destinations. Threats to the environment ,W ZRXOG EH UHPLVV RI XV WR IDLO WR SRLQW RXW WKDW 3DQDPD LV QRW IUHH RI WKUHDWV WR LWV HFRORJLFDO HTXLOLEULXP :KLOH HFR WRXULVP LV WDNLQJ RII WKH country’s challenges result from its internal, developed, economy. Every \HDU 3DQDPD ORVHV RQH SHUFHQW RI LWV QDWXUDO WUHH FRYHU PDLQO\ EHFDXVH RI the destruction of trees in order to create the infrastructure that is needed to service the gold mining and logging industries, as well as because of population growth. While projects are in place to conserve the country’s stunning ecology, it’s important to keep an eye on the situation and to VSUHDG WKH ZRUG DERXW WKH GDQJHUV WKDW WKUHDWHQ 3DQDPD¡V HQYLURQPHQW

San Blas

The Darien forest

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Beyonder: Rania Chehab

San Blas Island

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San Blas Island

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Beyonder: Aline Sara

A PEEK INTO PERU Words ALINE SARA

3LQQLQJ GRZQ DQ DGHTXDWH GHVFULSWLRQ RI ZKDW 3HUXÂłDOVR NQRZQ DV ´WKH ODQG RI WKH ,QFDV¾³ KDV WR RIIHU LV GLIĂ€FXOW )URP MXQJOH YLQHV DQG WURSLFDO animals, from volcanoes to wild rivers and glaciated Andean peaks, the DEXQGDQFH RI DGYHQWXUHV WKDW DUH DYDLODEOH LV RYHUZKHOPLQJ 9LVLWV WR SUHKLVWRULF ODE\ULQWKV VXUIDEOH VDQG GXQHV JXLQHD SLJ Ă DYRUHG IRRG tastings, and even helicoptering over ancient desert line drawings are experiences that appeal to all of the human senses. It is not easy to decide upon which journey to undertake without having an underlying sense that somewhere, somehow, you must be missing out on something. :KHWKHU \RX¡UH KLNLQJ XS WKH ,QFD 7UDLO WR 0DFFKX 3LFFKX RU PDNLQJ \RXU ZD\ GRZQ WKH &ROFD 9DOOH\ ZKLFK DW DQ HVWLPDWHG PHWHUV EHORZ VHD OHYHO LV WZLFH DV GHHS DV WKH 8 6 ¡V *UDQG &DQ\RQ 3HUX LV D KLNLQJ trekking, and mountain-lovers’ heaven. [photo= mountainous area VXUURXQGLQJ &X]FR@ The famous llama $ORQJ WKH ZD\ WUDYHOHUV ZLOO EH VXUH WR FRPH DFURVV 3HUX¡V HYHU\ V\PEROLF OODPD ZKLFK DGRUQV WKH FRXQWU\¡V QDWLRQDO Ă DJ 7KH DQLPDO ZKLFK EHORQJV to the family of camelids, is native to the South American Andes and is IUHTXHQWO\ XVHG IRU WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ DQG RWKHU HVVHQWLDO PDWWHUV E\ WKH ORFDO

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indigenous people. But it can also end up on your dinner plate, as part an DUUD\ RI VDYRU\ DQG DURPDWLF GLVKHV 3HUXYLDQ FXLVLQH LV LQ DQG RI LWVHOI D PDJLFDO ZRUOG RI LWV RZQ >,QVHUW LPDJH /ODPDV LQ 0DFFKX 3LFFKX@ 7KRXJK PRUH IUHTXHQWO\ DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK UDLQIRUHVWV 3HUX LV DOVR KRPH WR VLJQLĂ€FDQW VDQG GXQHV DQG H[SDQVLYH URFN\ ZDVWHODQGV +XDFDFKLQD DQ oasis town of less than 200 people, is one of its most famous examples. >LQVHUW SKRWR +XDFDFKLQD@ /RFDWHG LQ 3HUX¡V ,FD UHJLRQ WKH YLOODJH serves as a major attraction for those interested in dune buggying and sandboarding. Historic Macchu Picchu 2I FRXUVH \RX KDYH QRW VHHQ 3HUX XQOHVV \RX¡YH PDGH LW WR WKH KLVWRULF VDQFWXDU\ RI 0DFFKX 3LFFKX WKH KLJK SRLQW RI DQ\ WUDYHOHU¡V YLVLW WR WKH /DWLQ $PHULFDQ FRXQWU\ 2YHU \HDUV ROG WKH ,QFD DQG 81(6&2 :RUOG +HULWDJH VLWH LV ORFDWHG DW PHWHUV DERYH VHD OHYHO LQ WKH &X]FR UHJLRQ DQG LW ZDV FODVVLĂ€HG DV RQH RI WKH 1HZ 6HYHQ :RQGHUV RI WKH :RUOG in 2007. With such global praise, technically fascinating construction and KLVWRULFDOO\ VLJQLĂ€FDQWO\ YDOXH LW LV QR VXUSULVH WKDW WKH ,QFDQ VLWH UHFHLYHV as many as one million tourists per year.

A view of the breathtaking Macchu Picchu, the cherry on top of any traveler’s visit to Peru. Over 550 years old, the Inca and UNESCO World Heritage site is located 2,430 above sea level in the Cuzco region of the FRXQWU\ ,Q LW ZDV FODVVLÀHG DV RQH RI WKH 1HZ 6HYHQ :RQGHUV RI the World, receiving as much as one million tourists per year.

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$GRUQLQJ WKH FRXQWU\¡V QDWLRQDO à DJ WKH OODPD LV V\PEROLF RI Peru. Native to the South American Andes, llamas are frequently used for meat, transportation, and other essential matters by the local people. They are descendants of the New World camelids, indigenous mammals of the region.

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Though more frequently associated with rainforests, Peru is also KRPH WR VLJQLĂ€FDQW VDQG GXQHV DQG H[SDQVLYH URFN\ ZDVWHODQGV +XDFDFKLQD an oasis town of less than 200 people photographed above, is located in the Ica Region, serving as a major attraction for those interested in dune buggying and sandboarding.

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Essence all in the mind

“Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring?� Neltje Blanchan

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The Lost Season

Should my gaze falter on the sky My weary thoughts seek refuge $V WLPH Ă RZV E\ DQG E\ Through this lost moment, a deluge

$ EHLQJ DW P\ VLGH VHHV Breathing through this lost scene Dusky skies, pale nature, silent trees Diana Boudarham Tannoury

Eyes searching the unseen

:KHUH DUH WKH ELUGV DQG EXGV LQ EORRP" :KDW LPPHUVHG ORVW VHDVRQ DUH ZH LQ" &XUVHG WR ORYH LQ GRRP" %H\RQG OLIH DV ORYHUV KDYHQ W ZH DOZD\V EHHQ"

On lost sun rays, our spirits aware Float, ever so lightly, through this hour )XVLQJ WKH ZRUOG DQG WKH EH\RQG DV DLU , LQKDOH \RXU OLSV WKH VFHQW RI D Ă RZHU

Should our eyes meet and wonder 3OXQJLQJ LQWR GHSWKV ÀHU\ DQG DEOD]H Disentangled, my gaze rests in splendor On you, a vision through a haze

In the pure twilight of dusk By the open window, a solitary view 2XU EHLQJV PHOW HDFK FHOO LQWR DQRWKHU D VFHQW RI PXVN Infusing our senses, in our hearts, we always knew...

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• There are so many areas in Lebanon that are begging for reform. The environment, for instance, has been desecrated by the thrust of unbridled FDSLWDOLVP 5RFN TXDUULHV DQG VWULS PLQLQJ VFDU WKH EHDXWLIXO KLOOV surrounding the capital. Every person owns a car because there is no public transport or sidewalks for anyone to walk anywhere. The fumes from the PDVVLYH WUDIĂ€F MDPV WKDW FORJ WKH FLW\ DUH XQEHDUDEOH WR DQ\ SHGHVWULDQ 7KH pollution from car emissions is staggering in the capital. Beirut lies buried beneath smog. Regulations are almost non-existent regarding the use of pesticides and chemicals on food and the incidence of cancer is growing in the nation. Today one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. The preponderance of smokers is overwhelming and the general disregard IRU JRRG DLU TXDOLW\ LV GDQJHURXV (VVHQWLDOO\ WKHUH LV YHU\ OLWWOH DZDUHQHVV about the connection between the health of the environment and the health of individuals in society. +RZHYHU LW LV DOVR VXUSULVLQJ WR Ă€QG WKDW LQ /HEDQRQ ODZV UHJXODWLQJ DOO NLQGV of practices exist. The problem lies in the enforcement and respect of these ODZV DV ZHOO DV WKHLU HQGRUVHPHQW E\ WKH OHDGHUVKLS 3ROLWLFDO OHDGHUV RIWHQ DUH WKH Ă€UVW WR DEXVH WKHLU SRVLWLRQV LQ RUGHU WR YLRODWH WKHVH VDPH ODZV IRU their own ends. •The disregard for current regulation is nowhere more evident that in the Ă€HOG RI FRQVWUXFWLRQ %HLUXW LV D PDVH RI UDQGRP EXLOGLQJV (DFK RQH LV erected according to personal whims and predilections. There are virtually no green areas in the city, no parking, no logic, no ease of existence. In the next ten years with the demographic expansion that is projected, the ZKROH RI /HEDQRQ ZLOO EH D FLW\ :KDW ZLOO EHFRPH RI QDWXUH" $QG KRZ ZLOO ZH DOO VXUYLYH LQ WKH FRQFUHWH MXQJOHV DQG GLVĂ€JXUHG HQYLURQPHQWV WKDW DUH HPHUJLQJ HYHU\GD\" The nation’s survival is in grave danger not only because of environmental pressures but because at the heart of the political culture there is a legacy RI PHUFDQWLOH JUHHG OHIW RYHU IURP WKH GD\V RI 5DĂ€T +DULUL 7KH PDQ\ \HDUV of indiscriminate spending of Saudi money introduced a mentality in public RIĂ€FH ZKHUH PRQH\ UXOHV DEVROXWHO\ • This has led on one side to rampant corruption and on the other side to popular despair and resignation. Economically there is a huge rift between WKH Ă€QDQFLDO SURVSHULW\ RI WKH IHZ YHUVHV WKH SRYHUW\ RI WKH PDQ\ 7KHUH LV no longer a middle class in Lebanon. It has been decimated by the lack of job opportunities and the lack of a sustainable economic plan for growth DQG GHYHORSPHQW /HEDQHVH \RXWK KDYH QRZKHUH WR JR EXW DEURDG WR Ă€QG ZRUN WKDW LV FRPSHQVDWHG RQ DQ DGHTXDWH OHYHO ,Q /HEDQRQ SURIHVVLRQDO workers average wage is $400 a month. These and many other realities WKDW WKH /HEDQHVH IDFH RQ D GDLO\ EDVLV DUH XQWHQDEOH 3HRSOH DUH H[SUHVVLQJ resignation and defeatism about the possibility of a better future. Our founding fathers conceived of a constitution that was revolutionary for LWV WLPH ,W VRXJKW WR SURYLGH D MXVW FRQWH[W IRU WKH HTXLWDEOH UHSUHVHQWDWLRQ of the different confessional groups within the context of a civil state. But they did not go far enough. The fact is that they failed to create a civil state. In WKDW UHVSHFW WKH\ IDLOHG WR FUHDWH D ´/HEDQHVH &LWL]HQÂľ EHFDXVH WKH\ IDLOHG WR establish a nation governed by civil laws instead of religious laws. Today, the failure is obvious and clear. They should have maintained the confessional LQWHJULW\ RI WKH FXOWXUDO FRQĂ€JXUDWLRQ ZKLOH FUHDWLQJ D VHFXODU QDWLRQ VWDWH Whether this will ever happen with the radicalization of religion is unknown.

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A NEW LOUVRE FOR LENS After Paris and Abu Dhabi, France’s premier art museum picks a small industrial town for its third location Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

Minimalist Japanese architects SANAA have recently completed a new outpost for the Louvre Museum. The third new outpost for the Louvre, IROORZLQJ WKH -HDQ 1RXYHO GHVLJQHG PXVHXP RQ $EX 'KDEL¡V 6DDGL\DW Island, is a â‚Ź150-million building located in Lens. This former mining town near Lille is in one of France’s poorest areas. It now boasts one of France’s richest cultural treasures. Disseminating culture to the regions At a time of cost-cutting in arts projects in the wake of the slowdown in Western economies, the Louvre-Lens is indeed a rarity. The only other VLPLODU JUDQG SURMHW RI UHFHQW \HDUV ZDV WKH &HQWUH 3RPSLGRX LQ 0HW] which opened its doors in 2010. The Louvre-Lens represents the latest SURGXFW RI DQ RQJRLQJ SROLF\ RI GLVVHPLQDWLQJ WKH WUHDVXUHV RI 3DULV¡V major cultural institutions to the regions. The building occupies a 20-hectare site, which was once a former mine, and it is part of a wider master plan for the regeneration of Lens WKDW ZDV HQYLVLRQHG E\ &KULVWLDQ GH 3RUW]DPSDUF DQG 0LFKHO 'HVYLJQH The ground where the museum is situated is raised because a mine was previously located there, so that the Louvre-Lens has a rather Acropolislike appearance. A greenhouse look Tokyo-based Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of SANAA designed a simple, constant 300-meter long roof. The building follows other SANAA PXVHXP GHVLJQV LQFOXGLQJ WKH =ROYHUUHLQ 6FKRRO RI 'HVLJQ LQ

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(VVHQ *HUPDQ\ DQG WKH 1HZ 0XVHXP RI &RQWHPSRUDU\ $UW LQ 1HZ <RUN &LW\ 7KH PL[ RI IXOO KHLJKW JODVV DQG SROLVKHG DOXPLQXP cladding gives the building’s volumes the appearance of a greenhouse. Walls look straight, but are slightly curved to allow for changes in light as the sun moves over the land during its daily cycle. The building is located LQ D SDUN GHVLJQHG E\ )UHQFK ODQGVFDSH DUFKLWHFW &DWKHULQH 0RVEDFK Grass mounds blend into mature woodland at the site’s extremities. Fluid movement throughout the building 6$1$$¡V PLQLPDO DHVWKHWLFV DOORZ IRU Ă XLG PRYHPHQW WKURXJK WKH building. The Louvre-Lens has a lobby, with a bookshop, cafĂŠ, a PpGLDWKqTXH DQG DQ HGXFDWLRQ VSDFH 7KHUH DUH WZR PDLQ JDOOHULHV WKH 3DYLOORQ GH 9HUUH ZKHUH WKUHH VSDFHV KDYH EHHQ DGRUQHG ZLWK DUW ZRUNV The other gallery, the Galerie du Temps, located between the lobby and WKH 3DYLOOLRQ GH 9HUUH KDV REMHFWV LQ D PHWHU ORQJ VSDFH 7KH walls of polished aluminum are empty to allow light to pass through a glass roof that is supported by steel beams that are a mere 12 millimeters thick. Art sits on plinths and freestanding walls in an open space that is immersed in light. The overall effect is that of a dazzling, free, almost Zen-like space, which enables the visitor to appreciate the masterpieces that are on display. www.louvrelens.fr, www.sanaa.co.jp

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CAN YOU NAME 10 NATIVE TREES? A NEW BOOKLET SETS OUT TO INFORM AND ENCOURAGE REFORESTATION The challenges facing Lebanon’s forests are evident: horrendous damage from forest fires, unending commercial exploitation, and general neglect have left the country’s green cover looking increasingly sparse. An obvious answer is reforestation, but care has to be taken to re-introduce primarily native trees to Lebanon’s lands. Beyond spoke to Garo Haroutian, UNDP’s Reforestation Programme Manager about its efforts to spread information about native tree varieties throughout the country.

Words ALEX GREY

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Alex Grey 7HOO XV DERXW WKH 1DWLYH )RUHVW 7UHHV 3URJUDPPH Garo Haroutian: It’s a way to provide people interested in reforestation with useful information about native varieties of trees. :H ZLWQHVV D JUHDW GHDO RI LQWHUHVW DQG TXHVWLRQV IURP SHRSOH ZKR ZDQW to do something regarding reforestation. Many of these people aren’t knowledgeable about trees or reforestation. They don’t know what trees they should be planting. So, we started with the assumption that we needed to provide information to people who don’t understand reforestation at all. Eventually we ended up creating the 10 Native Forest Trees booklets. We SUHSDUHG WKH EURFKXUHV LQ $UDELF DQG (QJOLVK ZLWK ORWV RI KLJK TXDOLW\ illustrations. If people want to do something for reforestation, they can focus on the native trees. AG: :KDW DUH WKH GDQJHUV RI SODQWLQJ IRUHLJQ LQYDVLYH WUHHV" GH: Recently we’ve been hearing many people talking about a tree FDOOHG 3DXORZQLD 3DXORZQLD KDV WKH SRWHQWLDO WR LQWURGXFH ODUJH VFDOH HFRQRPLF EHQHĂ€WV IRU WKH ORFDO FRPPXQLW\ EHFDXVH LW JURZV YHU\ TXLFNO\ DQG LWV WLPEHU LV H[SHQVLYH +RZHYHU 3DXORZQLD UHTXLUHV PXFK ZDWHU which we don’t always have in the regions needing reforestation. Another DOWHUQDWLYH LV WKH 0LPRVD ,W¡V D EHDXWLIXO WUHH DQG LW Ă RZHUV IRU D ORQJ time. However, some kinds of Mimosa create thousands of seeds over each season and they proliferate to such an extent that, after a few years they are almost impossible to remove.

So, we decided to focus on native trees. The native trees also provide HFRQRPLF EHQHÀWV PD\EH QRW DV PXFK DV 3DXORZQLD EXW VWLOO VLJQLÀFDQW AG: 6R ZKDW KDYH \RX GRQH" We’ve created a guide containing information about ten varieties of native trees: where they are found, what soil they like, how to grow them, their shape, their characteristics, their consumption of water, when they à RZHU ZKHQ WKH\ EHDU VHHGV ZKDW VRLO WKH\ SUHIHU ZKDW \RX GR WR LQVXUH survivability of seedlings to two years, the threats that they face, and the HFRQRPLF EHQHÀWV RI HDFK YDULHW\ AG: $W ZKDW VWDJH DUH \RX" GH: We hope to start distribution very soon. We’ll be distributing the booklets to any people who are involved in reforestation. The booklet will mention what kind of trees can be planted. That means that a municipality or an NGO won’t waste time suggesting trees that we won’t approve of. So it’s an administrative time saver, too. The 10 Native Forest Trees booklets cover the following varieties: Stone 3LQH &HGDU RI /HEDQRQ 6LFLOLDQ )LU &\SUHVV -XQLSHU %UXWLXV 3LQH 3ODQH 7UHH 2DN 7XUNH\ 2DN DQG *DOO 2DN

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Abies cilicica

Cedrus libani

Juniperus excelsa

Pinus brutia

Platanus orientalis

Quercus cerris

Quercus calliprinos

Pinus pinea

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12 BUSES AND SEVERAL TANKS UNDER THE SEA LEBANON’S FIRST ARTIFICIAL REEF TAKES SHAPE OFF THE COAST OF NAHR AL BARED Lebanon’s first artificial reef was created in the summer of last year, thanks to collaboration between NGOs, government ministries, the Lebanese Army, and a university. Beyond talked to George Azar, deputy governor of Rotary International and Manal Moussallem, senior environmental advisor, UNDP, about this unique project.

Words ALEX GREY

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Alex Grey: +RZ GLG D SURMHFW RI VXFK VFRSH FRPH DERXW" George Azar: :H >WKH 5RWDU\ &OXE@ GHFLGHG WR MRLQ IRUFHV ZLWK WKH /LRQV &OXE WR ZRUN WRJHWKHU RQ VRPHWKLQJ EHQHÀFLDO WR WKH FRPPXQLW\ We decided to execute an environmental project. We approached the 0LQLVWU\ RI WKH (QYLURQPHQW DQG DVNHG LW WR KHOS XV WR ÀQG D ZRUWK\ project.

LQFUHDVH ZKLFK ZLOO EHQHĂ€W WKH ORFDO HFRQRP\ )LQDOO\ LW¡V /HEDQRQ¡V Ă€UVW DUWLĂ€FLDO UHHI DQG ZH DUH VXUH WKDW VFXED GLYHUV DQG RWKHUV ZLOO YLVLW it.

Manal Moussallem: It was really a fantastic collaboration between two NGOs. They selected the hardest project, and it came off perfectly.

AG: +RZ GLG \RX FUHDWH WKH UHHI" GA: The Lebanese Army gave us several disused tanks and 12 buses. :H UHPRYHG DOO WKH FRQWDPLQDWLQJ PDWHULDO IURP WKHP 'U 1DGHU RI %DODPDQG 8QLYHUVLW\ RYHUVDZ WKH SURFHVV :H WKHQ ÀOOHG WKH WDQNV DQG buses with concrete and rocks to make sure that they sunk.

AG :KHUH LV WKH UHHI DQG ZK\ LV LW QHHGHG" GA: It’s about four kilometers off the coast near Nahr al Bared, about 25 to 30 meters underwater.

We placed poles in the seabed, 50 to 60 meters apart, and placed one tank and three to four buses around each pole. That formed the basis of the reef, the anchors if you like.

The reef was needed because the coast is polluted. Additionally, ÀVKHUPHQ KDYH GHSOHWHG WKH ÀVK VWRFNV LQ WKH DUHD (VVHQWLDOO\ WKH ORFDO ecosystem has been destroyed, so we needed to ensure that the general marine ecology in the area would be able to recover and thrive.

AG: +RZ ORQJ ZLOO LW WDNH EHIRUH ZH EHJLQ WR VHH VRPH UHVXOWV" GA: 7KHUH DUH DOUHDG\ DOJDH DQG ÀVK WKHUH DQG ZLWKLQ D IHZ PRQWKV we’ll really start to see real growth.

%DODPDQG 8QLYHUVLW\ SHUIRUPHG D VXUYH\ DQG IRXQG WKDW DQ DUWLÀFLDO UHHI was the answer. The beach in the area is sandy, there are no rocks or corals that might have formed a natural reef, so the project made perfect sense for that area. AG :KDW DUH WKH EHQHÀWV RI FUHDWLQJ WKH DUWLÀFLDO UHHI" GA: 7KHUH DUH WKUHH EHQHÀWV HQYLURQPHQWDO HFRQRPLF DQG WRXULVWLF First, we are providing a site where the ecology of the area will, over WLPH FUHDWH D QDWXUDO UHHI 6HFRQG WKH QXPEHU RI ÀVK LQ WKH UHJLRQ ZLOO

AG: :KDW DERXW WKH IXWXUH" MM: :H¡UH ORRNLQJ DW DGGLWLRQDO DUWLĂ€FLDO UHHIV LQ GLIIHUHQW ORFDWLRQV and the Army is very interested. We’re looking at sites all over the coast, not just in the North. George Azar would like to thank: The Ministry of the Environment, the Lebanese Army, the Ministry of Defense, Balamand University, the Ministry of Public Works, UNDP, and the Lions Club.

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THE MOST DANGEROUS HIGHWAYS IN THE WORLD Beyond magazine takes a look at some of the most treacherous roads in the world. These include roads in Bolivia, China, Chile, Russia, Greece, Norway, England, and Italy. The infamous “Death Road” in Bolivia is estimated to have been responsible for the deaths of between 200 and 300 travelers per year. In China, the number of deaths caused by car accidents has nearly doubled over the past 20 years. Landslides and rock avalanches add to the danger of some of the roads. One dangerous road in Greece is a narrow, dirt track that is full of potholes and that has only gravel to serve as grip for the vehicles that traverse it. A dangerous road in Norway has a steep incline and hairpin bends up a steep mountainside. The steep incline has made the road a tourist attraction, albeit a deadly one. The poorest road in England has witnessed almost 100 fatalities during the past ten years. It is a single-lane road, which is a recipe for disaster. The highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps is located in the Italian Alps. It features 48 hairpin turns–breathtaking to see, but full of risks. The danger no doubt makes it more alluring to the thrill-seekers among tourists. If you seek thrills and chills when you drive, the list below will tell you where to find them. Have a nice, safe (?) trip. However, remember this: May the driver beware!

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Moutain road through the rocks in Bicag Gorges, Romania

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Taroko, Gorge, Taiwan

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Stelvio pass

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Moutain rocky road

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Moutain rocky road

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Picturesque Norway mountain landscape, Trollstigen

serpentine road in a rock

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An Extreme Winding Road In Morocco

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THE MYSTICAL MAJESTY OF THE BAOBAB

ELEPHANTS, BABOONS, BIRDS, AND BEES ALL FLOCK TO AFRICA’S TREE OF LIFE No tree quite embodies the Sub-Saharan spirit of Africa like the baobab. With its rounded, twisting branches and its colossal trunks, its monumental presence is highly revered and deeply steeped in African tribal legend and folklore. It is also one of the trees with the longest lifespan. Words ALIA FAWAZ

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7KH PDJQLĂ€FHQW 6DJROH %DREDE $GDQVRQLD GLJLWDWH LV WKH ODUJHVW EDREDE LQ 6RXWK $IULFD WRGD\ %HOLHYHG WR be about 2,000 years old, it has a trunk diameter of 10,47meters, a 22-meter high crown, and a staggering VSUHDG RI PHWHUV 7KH WUXQN VSOLWV LQWR VHYHUDO SDUWV IDLUO\ FORVH WR WKH JURXQG EXW LQ VSLWH RI WKLV LW VWLOO maintains the appearance of a single tree. 7KH 6DJROH JURZV LQ WKH IDU QRUWK RI /LPSRSR SURYLQFH EHWZHHQ 7VKLSLVH DQG 3DIXUL LQ 9HQGDODQG ,W LV NLORPHWHUV DZD\ IURP WKH QRUWKHUQ SDUW RI .UXJHU 1DWLRQDO 3DUN ,W KDV EHHQ JLYHQ WKH QDPH ´0XUL KungulawaÂľ RU ´WKH WUHH WKDW URDUVÂľ E\ WKH ORFDO 9HQGD SHRSOH 7KLV UHIHUV WR WKH UHPDUNDEOH VRXQG FRPLQJ from the wind blowing through its branches. Vital to the ecosystem The tree also naturally plays a vital role in the ecosystem: Elephants nibble on the leaves and strip the bark for moisture and food, baboons feast on the tree’s fruits, while bees and birds nest in the tree’s branches and KROORZV ,W HYHQ VHUYHV DV KRPH WR D FRORQ\ RI PRWWOHG VSLQHWDLOV &KDHWXUD XVVKHUL ELUGV WKDW UDUHO\ FUHDWH FRORQLHV 'XULQJ WKH ODWH V ZKLFK PDUNHG WKH KLJK SRLQW IRU WKLV FRORQ\ FORVH WR ELUGV QHVWHG LQ this tree. This gift of nature has graced the African landscape during all of our modern history. It has become a popular destination for travelers, who marvel at its mystery and astounding beauty.

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“GREAT MEN ARE LIKE EAGLES, AND BUILD THEIR NEST ON SOME LOFTY SOLITUDE” ARTHUR SCHOPENHAUER

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FROM TRASH TO TREASURE The ocean is littered with waste in many forms. One of the largest deposits of waste in the ocean consists of plastic. In 2010, it was estimated that seven to ten million tons of floating plastic debris were floating in the Pacific Ocean in masses known as gyres. These are systems of rotating ocean currents where trash tends to accumulate. Since the amount of trash is massive, it is not feasible to collect the plastic and take it inland to be removed. The plastic is damaging the food chain in the ocean. What’s more, there are countless hungry animals mistaking it for food and so killing themselves by eating it. This can only mean that a solution needs to be found to clean up the floating plastic gyres from our oceans.

Words CHADI M. NASSAR

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So, how does the ocean’s trash become the Earth’s treasure? &KDQJLQJ :RUOGV 7HFKQRORJLHV ,QF RU &:7 IRU VKRUW D FRPSDQ\ based in West Hempstead N.Y., has come up with a technology that converts plastic waste into renewable fuel options. This is done through D SURFHVV NQRZQ DV 7KHUPDO &RQYHUVLRQ 3URFHVV 7&3 7KHUH DUH SODQV WR HTXLS D VKLS ZLWK WKLV WHFKQRORJ\ VR WKDW LW FDQ WDNH RQ WKH RFHDQ¡V WUDVK and turn it into an environmentally-friendly treasure for our beloved Earth.

WKURXJK WKH Ă RDWLQJ SODVWLF J\UH LQIHVWHG ZDWHUV DQG ZRXOG WKHQ IHHG WKH ZDVWH LQWR FRQYHUWHUV 7KH 7&3 ZRXOG WKHQ WXUQ WKH SODVWLF LQWR WKH GHVLUHG renewable fuel. For what can the fuel generated by the TCP be used? 6RPH RI WKH UHVXOWLQJ IXHO EHLQJ OLJKW DQG RI KLJK TXDOLW\ FDQ EH XVHG WR power the ship and thereby make it self-sustainable. However, the bulk of the fuel would be transferred to tanker ships for transport to the mainland WR EH WUHDWHG DQG VROG 7KH IXHO JHQHUDWHG E\ WKH 7&3 FDQ EH UHĂ€QHG IXUWKHU ,W LV RI VXFK KLJK TXDOLW\ WKDW LW FDQ HLWKHU EH VROG DW PDUNHW SULFH RU LI WKH LQLWLDWLYH LV D QRQ SURĂ€W LQLWLDWLYH LW FDQ EH GLVWULEXWHG XQUHĂ€QHG WR help families in need of home heating oil for, example.

What is the Thermal Conversion Process (TCP)? It is simply a conversion of the plastic waste into renewable fuels, which minimizes the effects on the environment of the traditional ways of waste destruction, for example incineration of waste. Since all plastic, including WKLV Ă RDWLQJ SODVWLF RQ WKH (DUWK¡V RFHDQV LV PDGH IURP SHWUROHXP 7KH 7&3 LV D QHZ DQG LQQRYDWLYH SURFHVV WKDW VHHPV WR EH FDWFKLQJ RQ SURGXFWV LW FDQ EH FRQYHUWHG LQWR KLJK TXDOLW\ OLJKW RLO WKURXJK WKH 7&3 ZLWK WKH ZRUOG¡V UHQHZDEOH HQHUJ\ DĂ€FLRQDGRV +HUH¡V WR KRSLQJ WKDW WKH How can we use TCP in the ocean? ocean’s gyres of waste become the Earth’s new hope. ,W KDV EHHQ VXJJHVWHG WKDW WKH 7&3 FDQ EH LQVWDOOHG RQ D VSHFLDOO\ GHVLJQHG VKLS 7KLV VKLS ZRXOG KDYH D ZLGH 9 VKDSHG FDWFKHU WKDW ZRXOG SORZ

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WEIRD, WACKY AND WONDERFUL From plastic forks to paper clips, throwaway objects take on value at we make carpets Words BASSAM KANTAR

:H DOO NQRZ FDUSHWV 7KH ZRUG LV GHULYHG IURP WKH 3HUVLDQ ZRUG “taftaâ€? and literally means “woven.â€? Weaving carpets is a centuries-old tradition, ZKLFK Ă RXULVKHG LQ )OHPLVK %UDEDQW LQ WKH WK FHQWXU\ 7KURXJKRXW the centuries, the carpet industry took the lead in designing graphic patterns. The decorative carpets were, in this way, at the cradle of what we now call applied art. Owning this labor-intensive product was associated with wealth, prestige and power. The acoustic and insulating function often came in second place. A modern interpretation of an old tradition In line with the recent revaluation of the craft (in combination with SUHVHQW GD\ WHFKQLTXHV :( 0$.( &$53(76 PDNHV D FRQWHPSRUDU\ interpretation of this centuries-old tradition. The weaving method, use of PDWHULDOV DQG SDWWHUQV UHĂ HFW WKH VW FHQWXU\ :( 0$.( &$53(76 FRQVLVWV RI WKUHH 'XWFK DUWLVWV 0DUFLD 1ROWH 6WLMQ YDQ GHU 9OHXWHQ DQG %RE :DDUGHQEXUJ ,W FRPELQHV WUDGLWLRQDO VNLOOV ZLWK a critical view of the consumer society to make unusual carpets. Making everyday items into carpets :( 0$.( &$53(76 KDV LQWURGXFHG HYHU\GD\ LWHPV LQWR FDUSHWV ZLWK LPSUHVVLYH VL]HV 3URGXFWV WKDW QRUPDOO\ KDYH QR YDOXH RQFH WKH\ KDYH EHHQ used, such as plastic forks, plasters, paving tiles, pasta, cotton balls, and pegs are arranged in an inventive way to form a graphic pattern. :( 0$.( &$53(76 LV LQVSLUHG E\ WKH FRORU VKDSH DQG SRVVLELOLWLHV RI the material chosen. The result is not just a decorative carpet, but rather an object that makes us think about the consumer society that produces these “weaving materials.â€? It offers us a contemporary interpretation of wealth.

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WEIRD SPECIES: BEYOND IMAGINATION Come take a walk with Beyond magazine on the wild side as we introduce you to some of the weirdest animals on Earth. From giant sizes to small species, the world is full of some truly bizarre (and at times frightening) creatures. Yet they each serve an ecological purpose and these strange animals are fascinating in their own right.

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strange bizzarre SUN BEAR, ALSO KNOWN AS A MALAYSIAN BEAR (HELARCTOS MALAYANUS)

curious weird unusual

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strange bizzarre CHINESE DOG

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strange bizzarre LEAFY SEADRAGON

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strange bizzarre STRIKING KNYSNA LOERIE OR TOURACO BIRD INQUISITIVELY

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strange bizzarre EMPEROR TAMARIN MONKEY

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strange bizzarre

AXOLOTL

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strange bizzarre BLUE PANTHER-CAMELEON

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strange bizzarre CURIOUS RED PANDA

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strange bizzarre TARSIER ON THE TREE

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strange bizzarre A BEAUTIFULLY VIBRANT PINK AND YELLOW SARAYACU TREEFROG

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strange bizzarre WILD SHOEBILL

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strange bizzarre PAIR OF PYGMY MARMOSETS

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strange bizzarre WHITE-FACED SAKI (PITHECIA PITHECIA) MONKEY

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strange bizzarre MALE PROBOSCIS MONKEY

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'THE NAKED EARTH IS WARM WITH SPRING, AND WITH GREEN GRASS AND BURSTING TREES LEANS TO THE SUN'S KISS GLORYING, AND QUIVERS IN THE SUNNY BREEZE.' JULIAN GRENFELL

Pictures KARIM PAUL HABET

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'NATURE USES ONLY THE LONGEST THREADS TO WEAVE HER PATTERNS, SO THAT EACH SMALL PIECE OF HER FABRIC REVEALS THE ORGANIZATION OF THE ENTIRE TAPESTRY.' RICHARD P. FEYNMAN

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THE MAGNIFICENT FLIGHT OF THE MONARCH A BUTTERFLY WITH THE WILL TO FLY ACROSS THE EARTH For centuries the enigmatic monarch butterfly has enchanted children with its vibrant colors and playful ways. Flitting from one leaf to the next, like crickets in open meadows, the monarchs provoked a chase. With their raised nets blocking the sun, the children ran blithely after them. Once their eyes adjusted to the black and orange specs moving in the air, their nets fell upon the monarch’s fragile wings. Words ALICE HLIDKOVA / Photos FILM COMPANY

Finding proof in the mountains of Mexico 8UTXKDUW KDG D KXQFK WKDW WKHVH EXWWHUĂ LHV KDG LQ IDFW PLJUDWHG IURP the north, but the lack of proof forced him to continue his search. 3DLULQJ XS ZLWK WKH \RXQJ FRXSOH KH WUHNNHG WKURXJK WKH PRXQWDLQV RI 0LFKRDFDQ LQ -DQXDU\ $IWHU FOLPELQJ IHHW WKH JURXS UHDFKHG D VPDOO RSHQLQJ DWRS RQH RI WKH PRXQWDLQV 8UTXKDUW stood in perfect astonishment within the breeding ground, amidst PLOOLRQV RI Ă XWWHULQJ ZLQJV +H IHOO WR WKH JURXQG LQ D VWXSRU DQG looked around in wonderment. Falling into his lap was a beautiful PRQDUFK EXWWHUĂ \ 6WDULQJ KLP LQ WKH IDFH ZDV D VPDOO WDJ ² 1R The search was over. %XWWHUĂ LHV KDYH WKH FDSDELOLW\ RI WUDYHUVLQJ HQWLUH RFHDQV DV WKH\ The milkweed plant provides a good nesting place navigate the capricious wind patterns. These monarchs had survived 7KH PRQDUFKV Ă€UVW DUULYHG LQ 7H[DV +LOO &RXQWU\ ZKLFK ZDV DEXQGDQW WKH Ă LJKW RYHU WKH *UHDW /DNHV RI &DQDGD DQG WKH 5LR *UDQGH RI with milkweeds. The plant is typically avoided by most animal species 0H[LFR DORQJ WKHLU MRXUQH\ ,Q WKHLU TXHVW IRU D ZDUPHU FOLPDWH WKH EHFDXVH RI LWV WR[LFLW\ EXW WKH EXWWHUĂ LHV PDNH JRRG XVH RI LW E\ OD\LQJ monarchs had completed one of the longest migrations on Earth. HJJV LQ WKH OHDYHV $ VLQJOH EXWWHUĂ \ FDQ OD\ DQ DYHUDJH RI HJJV DW a time and the emergent larvae sprout up to 2,000 times the size of the egg. In several weeks, the caterpillar will weave himself a cocoon, resulting in a beautiful winged insect. $Q XQH[SHFWHG SKRQH FDOO IURP 0H[LFR KHOSHG 8UTXKDUW WR Ă€QG WKH missing piece to the migration puzzle. As a young inventor and his wife were driving through a rainstorm, hundreds of monarchs fell on KLV ZLQGVKLHOG 5HFDOOLQJ D ORFDO QHZVSDSHU DG DERXW WKH ORVW Ă LJKW RI WKH PRQDUFKV WKDW KDG EHHQ SODFHG E\ 8UTXKDUW¡V ZLIH WKH PDQ FDOOHG 8UTXKDUW DQG LQYLWHG KLP WR 0H[LFR An inquisitive zoologist 7KH LWLQHUDQW PRQDUFKV RQFH FDXJKW WKH DWWHQWLRQ RI DQ LQTXLVLWLYH little boy. As an adult, he became fascinated by their migration URXWHV )UHG $OEHUW 8UTXKDUW DQ HUXGLWH &DQDGLDQ ]RRORJLVW WUDFNHG WKH LQVHFWV GXULQJ D VSDQ RI VL[W\ \HDUV ,Q WKH V DQG V 8UTXKDUW UHFRUGHG VLJKWLQJV ZLWK WKH KHOS RI WKRXVDQGV RI YROXQWHHUV ZKR PHWLFXORXVO\ VWXFN WLQ\ WDJV RQ WKH EXWWHUĂ LHV¡ ZLQJV The ingenuous method soon proved his theory that migration spanned multiple generations, and that each fall billions of these EXWWHUĂ LHV KHDGHG IURP &DQDGD WR WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV DQG FRQWLQXHG south until spring arrived in time for mating season.

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WHERE HOPE GROWS TWENTY IMPORTANT PLANT AREAS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED AS PRIORITY FOR CONSERVATION Words BASSAM KANTAR

Almost every type of habitat in Lebanon is threatened, as urban expansion is invading every mountain, coast, plain, and valley. Examples RI ,PSRUWDQW 3ODQW $UHDV ,3$V WKDW DUH IDFLQJ DQWKURSRPRUSKLF WKUHDWV LQFOXGH WKH FRDVW %HLUXW²-L\\DK DQG 7\UH 1DTRXUD GU\ SODLQV +HUPHO 3ODLQ ZHWODQGV $DPPLT ULSDULDQ HFRV\VWHPV :DGL -DQQDK DQG 1DKU $O 'DPRXU DV ZHOO DV PRXQWDLQV DQG YDOOH\V LQ PRVW RI WKH ,3$V RI 0RXQW /HEDQRQ 7KH H[SDQVLRQ DQG LQWHQVLĂ€FDWLRQ RI DJULFXOWXUH GHIRUHVWDWLRQ DQG FOLPDWH FKDQJH DUH DOVR IUHTXHQW WKUHDWV WR ,3$V

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Three Lebanese IPAs that are priorities for conservation action: Makmel 7KLV ,3$ FRPSULVHV D FKDLQ RI KLJK PRXQWDLQ SHDNV LQ WKH QRUWK RI Lebanon that covered with snow for long periods, sometimes more than six months. Al-Qurnat al-Sawda is located within this site. The A Lebanese group of researchers has worked in bilateral cooperation vegetation is predominantly Euro-Mediterranean and the area is very ZLWK WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 8QLRQ IRU &RQVHUYDWLRQ RI 1DWXUH 3ODQWOLIH DQG rich in plant species (around 200 have been recorded). WKH :RUOG :LOGOLIH )XQG ::) WR GHÀQH WZHQW\ ,PSRUWDQW 3ODQW Qammouaa- Dinnyeh Areas in Lebanon. 4DPPRXDD 'LQQ\HK ,3$ LV VLWXDWHG PRVWO\ LQ WKH $NNDU GLVWULFW LQ The group included Mariana Yazbek, Nisrine Machaka-Houri, North Lebanon and contains the largest continuous stands of natural Mohammad S. Al-Zein, Nada Sinno, and Salma Talhouk from AUB, as forests in Lebanon. A huge diversity of forest types occur at this site: ZHOO DV 6DPLU 6DÀ IURP WKH /HEDQHVH 8QLYHUVLW\ )DFXOW\ RI 6FLHQFHV ,, &DODEULDQ SLQHV PL[HG FHGDU ÀU DQG MXQLSHU PL[HG ÀU DQG FHGDU 'HSDUWPHQW RI /LIH DQG (DUWK 6FLHQFHV SXUH ÀU HYHUJUHHQ RDN DQG UHOLF WXUNH\ RDN VWDQGV VSHFLHV SODQW species have been recorded. Location of IPA sites 7KH ,3$V RI /HEDQRQ DUH GLVWULEXWHG WKURXJKRXW WKH FRXQWU\ 7KH Jabal Moussa- Nahr Ibrahim PDMRULW\ RI WKH ,3$ VLWHV OLH RQ WKH ZHVWHUQ VORSHV RI WKH 0RXQW /HEDQRQ Situated on the western slopes of Mount Lebanon, in the central part of range and include Al-Qurnat Al-Sawda (the highest peak in the country WKH FRXQWU\ WKLV ,3$ H[WHQGV DORQJ WKH VRXWKHUQ EDQNV RI 1DKU ,EUDKLP DW PHWHUV ,3$V DUH DOVR IRXQG RQ WKH (DVWHUQ 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ ,EUDKLP 5LYHU 7KH LPSRUWDQFH RI WKLV ,3$ OLHV QRW RQO\ LQ LWV VSHFLHV shore, in the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, in the semi-arid areas of and ecosystem diversity, but it is also the southernmost limit of Ostrya WKH %HNDD 9DOOH\ DQG LQ WKH PDUVKHV RI WKH :HVW %HNDD carpinifolia in the Eastern Mediterranean. The core area of the Jabal Moussa Biosphere, one of Lebanon’s globally recognized Important Endemic and/or threatened species are found in almost every Bird Areas (IBAs) is included and it is one of Lebanon’s primary sites GHVLJQDWHG ,3$ /HEDQRQ KRVWV D ULFK YDULHW\ RI ZLOGOLIH LQFOXGLQJ PDQ\ for old growth trees. rare and endemic plant species, because of variation in topography, KDELWDWV DQG FOLPDWH $URXQG VSHFLHV RI YDVFXODU SODQWV

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Arum Hygrophilum

Linum Pubescens

Hyacinthus Orientalis

Salvia triloba

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Cherries: 7KH\ FDOP WKH QHUYHV DQG DUH ULFK LQ YLWDPLQV & DQG ( SRWDVVLXP PDJQHVLXP LURQ IRODWH DQG ÀEHU Grapes: They help promote blood circulation. They are rich sources RI YLWDPLQV $ & % DQG IRODWH DV ZHOO DV PLQHUDOV VXFK DV SKRVSKRUXV potassium, iron, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. Peaches: 7KH\ DUH ULFK LQ SRWDVVLXP YLWDPLQ $ YLWDPLQ & YLWDPLQ % vitamin E, folic acid, and numerous other nutrients. Apples: They manufacture natural defenses, clean the teeth, strengthen the gums, and can reduce cholesterol levels. Watermelon: It helps to control cardiac rhythm and helps to prevent strokes and heart attacks. It decreases blood pressure and reinforces the sex drive. Oranges: They help to make beautiful skin. They are rich in vitamins A and & à DYRQRLGV DQWLR[LGDQWV FDOFLXP PDJQHVLXP SRWDVVLXP GLHWDU\ ÀEHU HWF Strawberries: 7KH\ ÀJKW FDQFHU DQG DJLQJ 7KH\ DUH ORZ LQ IDW DQG FDORULHV KLJK LQ ÀEHU DQG SDFNHG ZLWK DQWLR[LGDQWV Bananas: They provide energy. They are high in potassium, which is essential WR NHHSLQJ WKH KHDUW DQG QHUYRXV V\VWHP KHDOWK\ 3RWDVVLXP LV LPSRUWDQW IRU improving muscle contraction and plays an important role in digestion. Pineapple: It burns fats. It is loaded with vitamins, enzymes, and minerals, LQFOXGLQJ YLWDPLQ $ YLWDPLQ & FDOFLXP SKRVSKRUXV PDQJDQHVH DQG potassium, which are all important to your health. Blueberries: They protect the heart, and they contain powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. Blueberries aid in weight loss as well. Kiwis: They increase bone mass and they are an excellent source of vitamin & 7KH ÀEHU LQ NLZLIUXLW PD\ EH YHU\ HIIHFWLYH DJDLQVW D QXPEHU RI DLOPHQWV Mangos: They protect against certain cancers, and they provide important vitamins and minerals. They are also rich in vitamin E and they are believed to be an aphrodisiac.

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NOT COOL

Supermarket Cereals: The majority are loaded with sugar. Most have a very high glycemic impact, meaning that they raise blood VXJDU TXLFNO\ Bars: Whether they are called energy bars, protein bars, granola EDUV RU EUHDNIDVW EDUV WKH\ KDYH YHU\ OLWWOH ÀEHU ORWV RI SURFHVVHG carbohydrates, and a ton of sugar. REFined and re-fortifed grains: These include certain EUHDNIDVW FHUHDOV SDVWDV DQG ULFH SURGXFWV WKDW KDYH EHHQ UHÀQHG ZKLFK PHDQV WKDW WKH QDWXUDOO\ RFFXUULQJ ÀEHU YLWDPLQV DQG PLQHUDOV have been removed. HFCS: High fructose corn syrup replaced sugar in sodas and snack foods some 30 years ago, just as the incidence of obesity and type II diabetes began to rise. Hydrogenated Oils: They raise levels of bad cholesterol and lower levels of good cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease. Monosodium glutamate (MSG): It can cause headaches, nausea, allergies, and rapid heartbeat. Ice Cream: ,W LV IXOO RI VXJDU WUDQV IDWV DV ZHOO DV DUWLÀFLDO FRORUV DQG à DYRUV PDQ\ RI ZKLFK DUH NQRZQ QHXURWR[LQV FKHPLFDOV WKDW GDPDJH the brain and nervous system). Pizza: 0RVW RI WKH FRPPHUFLDO DQG IUR]HQ SL]]DV DUH IXOO RI DUWLÀFLDO GRXJK FRQGLWLRQHUV DQG SUHVHUYDWLYHV ,W LV PDGH IURP ZKLWH à RXU WKDW has been bleached. It reacts in your body just like sugar, causing weight gain and blood sugar imbalances. French Fries and Potato Chips: They contain one of the most SRWHQW FDUFLQRJHQLF VXEVWDQFHV LQ IRRG³DFU\ODPLGH Bacon and Hot Dogs: They contain sodium nitrite. This carcinogen has been linked to leukemia in children and brain tumors in infants. It also promotes colorectal cancer. Doughnuts: 0RVW GRXJKQXWV FRQWDLQ WUDQV IDWV³WKH ZRUVW NLQG RI IDWV you can eat. Trans fats are linked to heart and brain diseases as well as to cancer. That’s before you consider the sugar and the food additives that they may contain. Soda: ,W LV ORDGHG ZLWK VXJDU DUWLÀFLDO IRRG FRORUV DQG LW LV DOVR DFLGLF It is linked to osteoporosis, obesity, tooth decay, and heart disease. Diet Soda: Not only does it contain most of the bad substances that are found in regular soda, it also contains aspartame, which is linked to the following health conditions, some cases of cancer and neurological disorders, anxiety attacks, sugar cravings, birth defects, blindness, brain tumors, chest pain, depression, dizziness, epilepsy, fatigue, migraines, hearing loss, heart palpitations, hyperactivity, insomnia, MRLQW SDLQ OHDUQLQJ GLVDELOLWLHV 306 PXVFOH FUDPSV UHSURGXFWLYH problems; and even death. Its effects can be mistaken for Alzheimer’s disease or chronic fatigue syndrome.

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Horizons new green beginnings We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

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Big House on the Prairie Herzog & de Meuron’s new design for the Parrish Art Museum is an exercise in simplicity Words CHRISTPOHER KANAL

7KH 3DUULVK $UW 0XVHXP RQ 1HZ <RUN¡V /RQJ ,VODQG RSHQHG LQ LWV QHZ ORFDWLRQ LQ :DWHU 0LOO 1HZ <RUN LQ 'HFHPEHU DQG LW KDV DOUHDG\ become a local focal point for the rural community. The new home for the 115-year-old museum was designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron. The $26.2 million barn pays homage to the artist studios that dot WKH VXUURXQGLQJ Ă DW ODQGVFDSH WKDW VLWV XQGHU ELJ H[SDQVLYH VNLHV 7KH museum is situated in a wide meadow of indigenous grasses. A direct view of the sky /RFDWHG RQ WKH VLWH RI D IRUPHU DJULFXOWXUDO QXUVHU\ WKH VTXDUH IHHW museum is a doubled-up reincarnation of the classic house-shaped artist’s studio, with north-facing skylights. Two wings stretch out around a central circulation spine that is then bracketed by two porches to form the basis of a building extrusion. The building parallels the volumes Herzog & de Meuron FUHDWHG IRU WKHLU 9LWUDKDXV *DOOHU\ SURMHFW LQ *HUPDQ\ ´$OO JDOOHULHV KDYH ODUJH QRUWK IDFLQJ DQG VPDOO VRXWK IDFLQJ VN\OLJKWV ZKLFK Ă€OO WKH VSDFHV with ever-changing daylight and allow direct views to the sky and the clouds passing by,â€? said Herzog & de Meuron senior partner Ascan Mergenthaler. 7KH DUFKLWHFWV XVH RI DQ RUGHUHG VHTXHQFH RI SRVW EHDP DQG WUXVV creates the unifying backbone of the building. The material used is a direct expression of readily accessible building materials and local construction

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methods. The exterior walls of in situ concrete acts as long bookends to the overall building form, while the grand scale of these elemental walls is tempered with a continuous bench formed at its base for sitting and viewing the surrounding landscape. Large overhangs running the full length of the building provide shelter for outdoor porches and terraces. A functional layout 7KH GHVLJQ RI WKH 3DUULVK $UW 0XVHXP¡V Ă RRU SODQ LV D GLUHFW WUDQVODWLRQ RI the simple functional layout. A cluster of ten galleries lies at the heart of the museum. The size of the galleries can be changed by re-arranging partition walls within the given structural grid. To the east of the gallery’s core are ORFDWHG WKH RIĂ€FHV DQG ZRUNVKRSV WKDW VXSSRUW WKH ZRUNLQJ JDOOHU\ Inside the museum boasts the furnishings of Konstantin Grcic, which punctuate the interior of reclaimed pine. Outside chairs and tables, also GHVLJQHG E\ *UFLF IXUQLVK WKH WHUUDFH DQG RIIHU YLVLWRUV D SODFH WR UHĂ HFW across the surrounding meadows. Each gallery is sustainably illuminated by GD\OLJKW $W QLJKW Ă XRUHVFHQW OLJKWLQJ LV XVHG WR LOOXPLQDWH WKH PXVHXP www.parrishart.org

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Take me to the moon A new trail that is simply out of this world The ďŹ rst of its kind in the country, Darb al Qamar [the Path of the Moon] is a scenic, eco-walking trail in the heart of lush Mount Lebanon. Beyond speaks to the president of the Municipality of Antoura and engineer Labib Akiki, who spearheaded this project with the support of the Municipality of Yvelines in France.

Words ALIA FAWAZ

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What is this project? Le Sentier de la Lune (the French name) is a pedestrian only eco-trail that extends for 3,500 meters. It has three easy access points for people: in Antoura, in Ain El Rihane, and in 'DURXQ +DULVVD 7KH SDWKZD\ UDQJHV IURP RQH WR WKUHH PHWHUV LQ ZLGWK DQG LV ULFKO\ OLQHG with oak and pine trees. We have created steps and bridges to make the walk pleasurable and VDIH DQG ZH KDYH HYHQ EXLOW D SDUN DUHD WKDW LV HTXLSSHG ZLWK WDEOHV DQG EHQFKHV

Why was this particular trail chosen? When I was a young schoolboy, each year during the month of May, to celebrate the month of WKH 9LUJLQ 0DU\ ZH XVHG WR ZDON IURP P\ VFKRRO LQ $QWRXUD DOO WKH ZD\ WR +DULVVD 2YHU WKH years the footpath that I knew was neglected and eventually disappeared. I wished to revive it. I collaborated with two other municipalities and we carved out a path using the public access areas of privately-owned land.

How long does it take to walk the entire trail? , ZRXOG VD\ D OLWWOH RYHU DQ KRXU ² GHSHQGLQJ RQ KRZ Ă€W \RX DUH 3HRSOH DUH IUHH WR HQWHU DW DQ\ of the three access points and walk parts of it. The access points are also strategically located in places where people can easily park their cars before entering. +RZ GLG WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI <YHOLQHV EHFRPH LQYROYHG" (DFK \HDU WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI <YHOLQHV SDUW RI 9HUVDLOOHV KRVWV D JDWKHULQJ ZLWK KHDGV RI municipalities from a Francophone nation. In 2012 it was the year of Lebanon and so I attended along with 32 other heads of municipalities. We proposed funding for projects in each of our municipalities and mine was accepted. So a delegation from Yvelines came to give advice and inspect the project.

What are the different ora and fauna in this area? ,W LV ULFK LQ RDN DQG SLQH WUHHV 7KHUH DUH SOHQW\ RI VTXLUUHOV 7KHUH DUH DOVR IR[HV DQG K\HQDV as well as other animals that are commonly found in Lebanon’s green areas.

Have you launched this trail? It is still being perfected, but it is ready for people to use. No vehicles will be allowed. We will KDYH D SDUN UDQJHU WR NHHS JXDUG :H ZLOO KDYH DQ RIĂ€FLDO ODXQFKLQJ WKLV 0D\ ZLWK D ELJ HYHQW , ZLVK WR WKDQN 0U $QWRLQH &KHPDO\ SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI 'DURXQ +DULVVD DQG 0U 9LQFHQW %RXVWDQL SUHVLGHQW RI WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI $LQ (O 5LKDQH IRU WKHLU FRRSHUDWLRQ LQ making this project come to life. I would also like to thank Mr. Bajhat Salameh, the head of the (FRORJLFDO &RPPLWWHH LQ $LQ (O 5LKDQ\ IRU KLV VXSSRUW

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Darb El Kamar

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Darb El Kamar

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CUISINE Welcome to the UK’s most sustainable restaurant Words CHRISTPOHER KANAL

$ FDIp LQ 'HYRQ &RXQW\ LQ WKH VRXWKZHVWHUQ FRUQHU RI WKH 8QLWHG .LQJGRP Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paints. has been voted the greenest in the UK for its use of environmentally- 7KH QHZ FDIp ZDV GHVLJQHG E\ DUFKLWHFW $QGUHZ $XVW IURP /+& Architects. Recycled materials were used together with managed timber. friendly products. The cafĂŠ uses solar panels on the roof area to heat the interior restaurant &DIH 2'( LQ 6KDOGRQ KDV EHHQ RSHQ IRU OHVV WKDQ D \HDU EXW LW KDV DOUHDG\ below and to provide hot water. In addition, rainwater harvesting is won several awards. The locally sourced seafood that the cafĂŠ serves utilized to complement other water-saving appliances. In the car park only adds to the green credentials of the eatery. The project, which was QH[W WR FDIH 2'( WKHUH DUH HOHFWULF KRRN XS SRLQWV WKDW SURYLGH SRZHU completed in March 2012, took only eight weeks to be executed. The to recharge electric cars. Taking advantage of natural light FRVW RI UHEXLOGLQJ WKH VTXDUH PHWHU DUHD ZDV MXVW Â… Aust said that the design for the seating of the cafe was envisaged to take The single-story cafĂŠ seats 120 people, and it was built using locally PD[LPXP DGYDQWDJH RI WKH ODUJH DPRXQW RI QDWXUDO OLJKW IRU ZKLFK 'HYRQ TXDUULHG VWRQH ,W IHDWXUHV ODUJH ZLQGRZV WKDW PD[LPL]H QDWXUDO OLJKW is famous, thanks to its microclimate. “All of the design elements aspire DQG FUHDWHV VLJQLĂ€FDQW KHDW DEVRUSWLRQ 7KH EXLOGLQJV SODQ IRUP DQG WR HQHUJ\ VDYLQJ DQG HIĂ€FLHQF\ LQ WHUPV RI WHFKQLTXHV PDWHULDOV DV ZHOO orientation provide for the maximum use of natural ventilation. A grass as good, wholesome design,â€? explains Exeter-based Aust. The UK’s Sustainable Restaurant Association ranks more than 400 food roof was designed to attract native and migratory wildlife. outlets across the country ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to Ă€VK DQG FKLS VKRSV &DIH 2'( ZDV JLYHQ DQ RYHUDOO VXVWDLQDELOLW\ VFRUH Sustainable design The highly sustainable eco-cafĂŠ opened last year after the redevelopment RI of two former stable blocks, along with an extension constructed from ORFDOO\ TXDUULHG VWRQH ODUJH JOD]HG XQLWV DQG D VHGXP URRI $GGLWLRQDO http://odetruefood.com/cafe-ode/ sustainable elements of the design include the use of recycled construction materials with low embodied energy. The cafĂŠ was decorated with low

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Under the patronage and presence of His Excellency the Minister of &RPPXQLFDWLRQV 0U 1LFRODV 6HKQDRXL DQG WKH SUHVHQFH RI WKH FKDLUPDQ of the board and general manager of ElĂŠctricitĂŠ du Liban, Mr. Kamal Hayek, representing the Minister of Energy His Excellency Mr. Gebran Bassil, and in the presence of representatives from municipalities, the Alfa telecom mobile operator, civil society groups, the media, some experts as well interested groups, the Muhanna Foundation held a press conference \HVWHUGD\ WR DQQRXQFH WKH RIĂ€FLDO ODXQFKLQJ RI WKH IUHH :DIĂ€U DSSOLFDWLRQ on all smart phones, which was conceived and developed by the Muhanna Foundation.

:DIĂ€U RQ D ZHHNO\ EDVLV QRWLĂ€HV HDFK PXQLFLSDOLW\ WKURXJK HPDLO RU ID[ with the information regarding the streetlamps that were lit during the day with the name of the street, date & time. In order to hold municipalities accountable for their actions (or lack WKHUHRI :DIĂ€U VKDOO QRWLI\ WKH PHGLD LI WKUHH ZHHNO\ UHSRUWV ZHUH VHQW WR D municipality regarding the same street and the streetlamps continued to be lit at the wrong times of the day.

$OWKRXJK :DIĂ€U ZDV ODXQFKHG LQ /HEDQRQ WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ LV GHVLJQHG WR work in any country. 7KH SUHVV FRQIHUHQFH ZDV RSHQHG E\ 0U ,EUDKLP 0XKDQQD &KDLUPDQ RI 7KH 0XKDQQD )RXQGDWLRQ LV SOHDVHG WR GRQDWH :DIĂ€U DQG LWV EDFN RIĂ€FH the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, explaining the innovative free model to the UN Habitat to distribute to any organization that is willing to DSSOLFDWLRQ :DIĂ€U LWV REMHFWLYHV KRZ WR DFWLYDWH LW DQG VXEVHTXHQW DFWLRQV act as Administrator in its Jurisdiction under current terms and conditions, 7KH 0LQLVWHU RI &RPPXQLFDWLRQV SUDLVHG WKLV LQLWLDWLYH FRQJUDWXODWLQJ WKH i.e., administering for free. Foundation, stressing on the importance of the means of communication in improving the overall general performance and enabling all holders and More information is available at www.muhanna.org owners of these means to participate in the process of national development, supporting and guiding the State to avoid unnecessary costs and waste. $OVR PDNH VXUH WR '2:1/2$' :DIĂ€U RQ \RXU VPDUWSKRQH DQG WR ,Q WXUQ 0U .DPDO +D\HN DVVHUWHG ZKDW WKLV LQLWLDWLYH UHĂ HFWHG ZLWK UHJDUGV TEST it. to positive ways to save energy and providing the cost of maintaining it, and  L3KRQH IURP $SS VWRUH HPSKDVL]HG WKH SRVVLELOLW\ RI GLVWULEXWLQJ WKH HQHUJ\ VDYHG WKURXJK :DIĂ€U  $QGURLGV IURP *RRJOH 3OD\ to other places and regions where it is deeply needed , WUXVW \RX ZLOO Ă€QG :DIĂ€U HDV\ WR XVH DW QR FRVW WR \RX 3OHDVH GR VKDUH LW :DIĂ€U LV D IULHQGO\ WRRO WKDW HQDEOHV UHVSRQVLEOH FLWL]HQ HPSRZHUPHQW DQG OLNH :DIĂ€U¡V SDJH RQ )DFHERRN DV ZHOO through the use of social media. It is designed to create anonymous reporting of wrongly lit streetlamps during the day with the least possible effort and at no cost to the reporters wherever they are, in real time.

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DROOG TURNS 20 Two decades on the Dutch designers still give value to the world

Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

7KH LFRQLF 'XWFK FRQFHSWXDO GHVLJQ FRPSDQ\ LV \HDUV ROG WKLV \HDU $PVWHUGDP EDVHG 'URRJ KDV FRPH D YHU\ ORQJ ZD\ VLQFH LW ZDV IRXQGHG by curator and author Renny Ramakers and product designer Gijs Bakke LQ 7RGD\ WKH HVWHHPHG GHVLJQ FRPSDQ\ HYHQ KDV LWV RZQ KRWHO WKH +RWHO 'URRJ LQ $PVWHUGDP ZKLFK KDV WXUQHG WKH KRVSLWDOLW\ FRQFHSW XSVLGH GRZQ $W +RWHO 'URRJ \RX¡OO Ă€QG VKRSV LQFOXGLQJ D 'URRJ VWRUH D gallery, a cafĂŠ, and a tearoom. The hotel has only one bedroom. 6LQFH WKH HDUO\ V 'URRJ KDV EHHQ SLRQHHULQJ QHZ GLUHFWLRQV IRU GHVLJQ 'URRJ KDV ZRUNHG ZLWK WKH EULJKWHVW DQG PRVW RULJLQDO RI 'XWFK designers including Jurgen Bey, Marcel Wanders, and Hella Jongerius. ,QIDPRXV 'URRJ FODVVLFV LQFOXGLQJ WKH ´$ FKHVW RI GUDZHUVÂľ DQG ´ ODPSVÂľ KDYH UHGHĂ€QHG QRWLRQV RI OX[XU\ DQG GHVLJQ DQG KDYH LPSDFWHG GHVLJQ LQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ 7RGD\ 'URRJ FRQWLQXHV WR GHYHORS QHZ FRQFHSWV DQG VFHQDULRV 'URRJ ² WKH ZRUG PHDQV ´GU\Âľ LQ 'XWFK² KDV ORVW QRQH RI its spark or dry humor.

'URRJ KDV WXUQHG :DQGHUV LQWR D VXSHUVWDU GHVLJQHU :DQGHUV¡V GHVLJQV have been exhibited across the world and can be seen in the museums RI PRGHUQ DUW LQ 1HZ <RUN DQG 6DQ )UDQFLVFR WKH 9LFWRULD DQG $OEHUW 0XVHXP LQ /RQGRQ DQG WKH 0XVHXP RI 'HFRUDWLYH $UWV LQ &RSHQKDJHQ Visual gags and lateral thinking In the same vein, designer Jurgen Bey’s idiosyncratic style developed IURP 'URRJ¡V YLVXDO JDJV DQG ODWHUDO WKLQNLQJ %H\¡V ZRUN KDV D KLJKO\ informed sense of humanity, which is not overburdened with virtuosity. “For me it is a thinking method,â€? Bey says from his Rotterdam studio. He says, “I am fascinated by how you can destroy things into very small parts and then remake things again.â€? Bey likes to change appearances, alter perceptions about an object, and change its place in the world. The designer creates freak objects by unusual metamorphoses. Bey likes to recycle using old forms and old traditions. He says: “It’s all about using HFRORJLFDO PDWHULDOV² WKH UHXVH RI WKLQJV LV OLNH Ă€QGLQJ D QHZ ZRUOG IRU ROG things. You can slowly develop them into new things.â€?

Dry humor 'URRJ IHDWXUHV WKH VLPSOLFLW\ RI PLQLPDOLVP EXW LW KDV DGGHG D WZLVW RI GU\ or “droogâ€? humor to strike a relationship with the product’s user. For www.droog.com H[DPSOH 5RG\ *UDXPDQV¡V LQIDPRXV EXOE FKDQGHOLHU LV D PDVWHUSLHFH of design, but it is also very witty. Graumans recreated the design of an anonymous standard light bulb to create a grandiose chandelier. One of 'URRJ¡V RULJLQDO NH\ GHVLJQHUV 0DUFHO :DQGHUV H[SODLQV ZK\ 'XWFK GHVLJQ VLQFH 'URRJ KDV EHHQ VR RULJLQDO ´,W VHHPV WR PH WKDW ZKDW ZH have in the Netherlands is very special,â€? he says. Wanders adds: “I’m very excited about it, and I hope that we can keep on giving value to this world. That’s what we’re all trying to do as designers.â€?

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Credits: FORNSHELL

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HIGH CONCEPT IN THE ANDES Head south to Chilean Patagonia and a hotel that intelligently blends into this magniďŹ cent wilderness.

Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL / Photos PIA VEGARA

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,Q WKH VRXWK RI &KLOHDQ 3DWDJRQLD WKH 7LHUUD 3DWDJRQLD +RWHO RFFXSLHV D GUDPDWLF SRVLWLRQ RYHUORRNLQJ /DNH 6DUPLHQWR DQG WKH PDJQLĂ€FHQW S\UDPLGDO SHDNV RI WKH PRXQWDLQV LQ WKH OHJHQGDU\ 7RUUHV GHO 3DLQH 1DWLRQDO 3DUN D 81(6&2 %LRVSKHUH 5HVHUYH VLWH 'HVLJQHG E\ &KLOHDQ DUFKLWHFWXUH Ă€UP &D]X =HJHUV $UTXLWHFWXUD WKH GHVLJQ RI WKLV VTXDUH PHWHU VLWH FRPSOHPHQWV WKH YDVWQHVV RI WKH 3DWDJRQLDQ ZLOGHUQHVV WKDW surrounds it and pays homage to the frontier spirit of the gauchos who carved out this land. Blending into the wilderness 7KH DUFKLWHFW &D]~ =HJHUV LV WKH IRXQGHU RI WKH GHVLJQ Ă€UP $,5$ $UWH ,PDJLQDFLyQ 5LJRU \ $PRU >$UW ,PDJLQDWLRQ 5LJRU DQG /RYH@ =HJHUV GHVFULEHV KRZ VKH DSSURDFKHG the design of the building in order for it to fuse as naturally as possible into the protected eco-wilderness around it. “The building makes its statement with its shape, like a snake or a dune,â€? Zegers says. She adds: “To give it form, I used wood in all types of ways. The idea was that the building should emerge out of the earth and return back to it.â€?

7KH IHHW ORQJ ZRRGHQ EXLOGLQJ KDV D FXUYHG RUJDQLF GHVLJQ WKDW VXLWV WKH VXUURXQGLQJ landscape, while intelligently confronting the extreme natural elements using sustainable engineering. An aerodynamic structure 7LHUUD 3DWDJRQLD PLJKW UHVHPEOH IRVVLOL]HG GLQRVDXUV ZKLFK DUH IRXQG UHJXODUO\ E\ paleontologists in this part of the world. However the design is deliberately aerodynamic LQ RUGHU WR Ă RZ ZLWK WKH VWURQJ ZLQGV WKDW VZHHS WKURXJK WKLV ZLOGHUQHVV \HDU URXQG ´,W had to be aerodynamic, like a fuselage, because of the wind,â€? says Zegers. The structure is DQFKRUHG WR WKH 3DWDJRQLDQ ODQGPDVV ZLWK VWRQH IRXQGDWLRQV 7KH ZRRG SDQHOV RI ZDVKHG native Lenga Beech wood covers the skin of the hotel and gives it an ethereal silver sheen.

,QVLGH WKH GHVLJQ RI 7LHUUD 3DWDJRQLD¡V SXEOLF DUHDV DQG VSDFHV LV RSHQ DQG Ă XLG \HW DW WKH VDPH WLPH LQWLPDWH DQG FR]\ 7KH LQWHULRU GHVLJQ DQG IXUQLVKLQJV DUH VWURQJO\ LQĂ XHQFHG E\ the local culture of the region. There are locally crafted pieces of furniture and indigenous WH[WLOHV WKDW VLW DPRQJVW RSHQ VSDFHV ZLWK ODUJH Ă€UHSODFHV 'HVSLWH LWV VL]H WKH KRWHO KDV only 40 guest rooms, a living room, a bar, and a restaurant. The hotel features the Uma 6SD LQ ZKLFK RQH FDQ XQZLQG DIWHU D KDUG GD\ RI WUHNNLQJ LQ WKH 3DWDJRQLDQ ZLOGHUQHVV www.tierrapatagonia.com www.cazuzegers.cl

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ECO-ESCAPES Our pick of the best green retreats for this summer

Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

Indian Ocean serenity: Alila Villas Hadahaa, Maldives 6XUURXQGHG E\ WXUTXRLVH ZDWHUV DQG Ă€QH ZKLWH EHDFKHV $OLOD 9LOODV Hadahaa is the ultimate Maldivian experience with a green twist. The UHVRUW LV WKH Ă€UVW RI LWV NLQG LQ WKH 0DOGLYHV WR DFKLHYH WKH YDXQWHG *UHHQ *OREH ´%XLOGLQJ 3ODQQLQJ DQG 'HVLJQÂľ VWDWXV

which is made from the hotel’s waste. Nordic Light also maintains strong links to its locale by displaying the work of local artists and artisans.

$OLOD 9LOODV +DGDKDD ZDV GHVLJQHG IURP WKH RXWVHW WR XVH WKH WURSLFDO climate and natural environment of the island as part of its sustainable design, which manifests itself in the use of rainwater harvesting, waste treatment, high-roofed areas, and open ceilings.

Alpine retreat: Vigilius Mountain Resort, Italy $ PRGHUQLVW ORGJH LQ WKH 'RORPLWH 0RXQWDLQV RI ,WDO\ PL[HV VW\OLVK PLQLPDOLVW GHVLJQ ZLWK ZDUPWK DQG FKDUDFWHU 7KH 9LJLOLXV 0RXQWDLQ Resort in is the perfect eco-setting for skiing and horse riding.

Guests at this all-villa resort can choose from one of 14 stilted, over-water $TXD 9LOODV RU ,VODQG 9LOODV $OO JXHVW DUHDV KDYH VOLGLQJ SDQRUDPLF ZLQGRZV ZLWK PDJQLĂ€FHQW ,QGLDQ 2FHDQ YLHZV 7KHUH DUH WZR VZLPPLQJ pools, a gym, and two restaurants. There is even star-gazing deck where RQH FDQ WDNH LQ WKH VSHFWDFXODU QLJKW VNLHV RI WKH (TXDWRU

Located 1,500 meters above sea level, the resort is accessible only by cable car. There are no roads here and no noise. It is a retreat on the sublime 9LJLOMRFK 3HDN LQ 6RXWK 7\URO ZKHUH DUFKLWHFW 0DWWHR 7KXQ KDV FUHDWHG D design that resembles a tree that has fallen in the forest. The ever-changing colors of the landscape under the wide Alpine skies enhance all natural elements of health, nutrition, and peace. The hotel’s heated stone partitions keep the hotel’s 41 rooms and spa warm. $ XQLTXH VHQVRU\ H[SHULHQFH LV FUHDWHG E\ WKH XVH RI QDWXUDOO\ VFHQWHG larch wood throughout the lodge. It brings the outside environment inside in the most original way.

www.alilahotels.com

Northern lights: Nordic Light Hotel, Sweden The Nordic Light Hotel in Stockholm might be situated in Sweden’s busy capital, but it shows that a hotel can be environmentally-friendly and be located in a metropolis.

www.nordiclighthotel.se

,W LV QRW MXVW WKH JUHHQ HQHUJ\ DQG OLYLQJ JUDVV URRI WKDW JLYHV 9LJLOLXV LWV HFR status. The real green gems are in the details: The Stadel-style restaurant has 300-year-old timber beams.

The hotel was designed to minimize its ecological footprint through its architecture and technology. In addition, the 175-room hotel operates www.vigilius.it according to very green principles, including the use of chemical-free cleaning products and serving organic food in the restaurant, all of which, however small, make a difference. Every room has a Nordic Eco-label bed, manufactured from recycled wood and metal and wood. Earlier this year the hotel teamed up with the HVWHHPHG 0DOP| 'HVLJQ *URXS WR FUHDWH D VW\OLVK ELQ IRU WKH KRWHO URRPV

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Not the Thailand you know Chiang Mai offers tourists a walk on the wild side You’ve certainly heard of Thailand’s sandy beaches, where crystalline blue waters wash up against white shores. Travelers from around the world come to relax, surf the waves, and sip tropical cocktails after a day of basking in the Southeast Asian sun. Equally popular are the country’s beautiful temples and Buddha statues, symbols of the nation’s dominant Theravada Buddhist religion. Thailand’s northern province, Chiang Mai, is equally worth exploring, for it is replete with both natural and cultural marvels.

Words ALINE SARA

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/RFDWHG VRPH NLORPHWHUV IURP %DQJNRN DORQJ WKH ERUGHU ZLWK 0\DQPDU &KDQJ 0DL is home to more than a dozen different hill tribes, each of which contributes to a melting pot of ethnic traditions amidst a beautifully green and relatively untamed setting. From the Tai Yai of Burmese origin, who typically work in cattle, trade, and harvesting to the Lahu, /LVX DQG +PRQJ DOO RI 6RXWK &KLQHVH DQG 7LEHWDQ GHVFHQW ZKR ZRUN LQ VLOYHU DQG RQ SODQWDWLRQV WKH QRUWKHUQ SURYLQFH RI &KLDQJ 0DL LV XQLTXH LQ LWV PL[ RI YDULRXV WUDGLWLRQV :LWK VRPH LQKDELWDQWV &KLDQJ 0DL &LW\ WKH UHJLRQ¡V FDSLWDO VLWV DW DQ DOWLWXGH RI DSSUR[LPDWHO\ PHWHUV DERYH VHD OHYHO DORQJ WKH 0DH 3LQJ 5LYHU 5HĂ HFWLYH RI its surroundings, the charming little metropolis has grown increasingly popular with foreigners, typically drawn to traditional activities, including Thai massage, kickboxing, FXLVLQH DQG 9LSDVVDQD 0HGLWDWLRQ DOO RI ZKLFK DUH SRSXODU GLVWUDFWLRQV IRU WKH YLVLWRUV and locals alike. However, it is perhaps lovers of adventure and the great outdoors who are PRVW OLNHO\ WR Ă€QG WKHLU FXS RI WHD DV WKH\ YHQWXUH RII LQWR RQH RI &KLDQ 0DL¡V QXPHURXV national parks and reserves. Outdoor activities abound :LWKLQ Ă€YH NLORPHWHUV RI WKH FLW\ PRXQWDLQ FOLPEHUV FDQ WUHN XS 'RL ,QWKDQRQ 7KDLODQG¡V KLJKHVW SHDN ORFDWHG IHHW DERYH VHD OHYHO 7KRVH ZLWK D SHQFKDQW IRU D VOLJKWO\ PRUH modern type of eco-activity can opt for canopying, which consists in sliding from one tree platform to the next by riding steel cables between treetops. Those with a soft spot for DTXDWLF SDVWLPHV FDQ JR EDPERR UDIWLQJ DORQJ WKH 0DH 3LQJ 5LYHU RU PHDQGHU WKURXJK WKH PDQ\ ZDWHUIDOOV DQG VXUURXQGLQJ QDWXUDO SRROV VXFK DV WKH 'RL 6XWKHS 6SULQJV DOVR D hotspot for local university students in need of cooling down during the hot summer days. Land of the elephants )RU DQLPDO ORYHUV &KLDQJ 0DL LV LQH[WULFDEO\ DVVRFLDWHG ZLWK WKH /DQG RI WKH (OHSKDQWV which in Thailand, especially the North, symbolize both power and fertility. With a series of different reserves, visitors can mingle face-to-face with an elephant or ride their backs on a tour across the jungle. They can also get intimate with ferocious felines in one of &KLDQJ 0DL¡V WLJHU SDUNV

With its natural beauty, vibrant culture, enticing biodiversity, and animal life, it is no VXUSULVH WKDW WKH QRUWKHUQ SURYLQFH RI &KLDQJ 0DL DWWUDFWV VRPH PLOOLRQ WR WZR PLOOLRQ foreign visitors each year, many of whom end up staying for good.

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Invasion of the killer weeds More needs to be done to protect Lebanon from a growing threat Invasive weeds are plants that have the potential to thrive and spread aggressively outside of their natural habitat. They could be native or nonnative plants that possess a diversity of nasty characteristics enabling them to invade, adapt, persist and compete with crops and native or desirable non-native vegetation for resources. Invasive non-native weeds displace native species, contribute signiďŹ cantly to land degradation, and reduce agrobiodiversity and farm productivity in various countries.

Words BASSAM KANTAR / Photos BIOLIB.CZ

Invasive weeds are a major threat to natural and agro-ecosystems in the Middle East. Early detection, mapping, and active management of invasive weeds are extremely important, particularly with the swift increase in global travel and trade, which accelerates weed invasion. According to a study carried out by Alia H. Sabra and Mustapha A. Haidar of the American University of Beirut, mapping of invasive weeds is considered to be the foundation for the development of a strategic long-term management plan to protect agro-biodiversity and prevent re-invasion of other noxious weed species. Surveying the spread of invasive weeds in arable and nonarable lands of Lebanon is essential for identifying their sources and their PHDQV RI GLVWULEXWLRQ $Q LQYDVLYH ZHHGV PDS LV DOVR EHQHĂ€FLDO LQ DVVHVVLQJ the economic and environmental impacts of invasive weeds and for their strategic management and monitoring. The need for weed management The study shows that a weed mapping was conducted during July 2011, involving native and-non native weeds of Lebanon. The latter include Abutilon theophrasti. The adoption of an integrated weed management SURJUDP ZLWK D TXDUDQWLQH DQG FRQWURO WHFKQLTXHV DQG PHWKRGV LV QHHGHG to manage the spreading of weeds and to lessen their ability to adapt to a constantly changing system.

The investigated land in the 52 surveyed villages of the Bekaa revealed an HSLGHPLF RI ÀYH ZHHGV LQ DOO YLOODJHV ([FHSW IRU 'DWXUD VWUDPRQLXP all the above weeds were found to be invasive in most agro-ecosystems,

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especially in vegetables. Among them Orobanche ramosa was found to be the most important invasive native weed in potatoes and tomato, while &XVFXWD VSS ZDV SDUWLFXODUO\ REVHUYHG RQ SRWDWRHV DQG PRVW YHJHWDEOHV DW D KLJK IUHTXHQF\ UDWH LQ WKH PLG ZHVW %HNDD ;DQWKLXP VWUDPDULXP LQYDVLRQ ZDV D VLJQLÀFDQW WUDLW RI WKH QRUWK %HNDD ,Q FRPSDULVRQ 6RODQXP HODHDJQLIROLXP DQG 9HUEHVLQD HQFHOLRLGH ZHUH QRW IRXQG LQ DQ\ RI WKH DJUR HFRV\VWHPV 7KLV ÀQGLQJ ZDV FRQÀUPHG by farmers, nursery owners, and from the survey of several farms with a yearly crop rotation of barley, legumes, watermelon, or eggplant. This information proved necessary when an outbreak of Solanum elaeagnifolium had previously occurred across the Lebanese border in neighboring Syria. Invasion of abutilon theophrasti 'LVWXUELQJO\ WKH QRQ QDWLYH $EXWLORQ WKHRSKUDVWL ZHHG ZDV GLVFRYHUHG IRU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ -XO\ LQ WKH PLG %HNDD SODLQ 7KH H[SDQVLRQ DUHD RI $EXWLORQ WKHRSKUDVWL JURZWK ZDV HTXLYDOHQW WR VTXDUH PHWHUV 7KLV eruption can be attributed to the intrusion of seeds and fodder constituting the animal feed imported from the USA, and/or the continuous discharge of manure in this farming area.

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TREES WITH BENEFITS Meet the versatile species that could be Lebanon's savior Trees are undisputedly precious; we owe our very existence to these perennial, woody plants. They alter the environment in which we live by moderating climate, improving air quality, conserving water, and harboring wildlife. They also provide a plethora of other beneďŹ ts in our age of global warming. Lately one particular species is proving to be the greenest of them all, thanks to its remarkable versatility and robust nature. Words ALIA FAWAZ

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,WV RIÀFLDO QDPH LV 5RELQLD SVHXGRDFDFLD EXW PDQ\ SHRSOH UHIHU WR LW DV Black Locust or False Acacia. It is a small- to medium-sized delicate-looking tree, with very attractive yellow pinnate leaves–yellow-green in summer and yellow-orange in autumn. It comes with pendent clusters of drooping fragrant ZKLWH à RZHUV ZLWK D FKDUDFWHULVWLF SHD VKDSH 7KHVH DSSHDU LQ HDUO\ WR PLG summer and are nectar-bearing, thus making them attractive to bees for honey production (Acacia honey). Flowers with medicinal uses 7KHVH VDPH à RZHUV DUH DOVR ZLGHO\ XVHG LQ PHGLFLQHV DQG KRPHRSDWK\ DV WKH\ have properties that help to treat hyperacid gastritis, gastric ulcer, asthmatic FRXJKLQJ DQG KHDGDFKHV ,QIXVLRQV RI WKHVH à RZHUV DGGHG WR EDWKV FDQ KHOS young children who suffer from insomnia. The dried leaves (applied directly to the skin) can also help to heal wounds that result from burns. Suitable for dry terrain The Robinia is very drought-resistant. In fact, it grows even better when water is scarce, making it suitable for the dry Middle Eastern climate. This species DOVR KDV QLWURJHQ À[LQJ EDFWHULD RQ LWV URRW V\VWHP )RU WKLV UHDVRQ LW FDQ grow in poor soils. In Europe, it is often planted alongside streets and in parks, especially in large cities, because it tolerates pollution remarkably well.

Durable wood for manufacturing This tree is also extremely durable and hard, which makes it ideal for PDQXIDFWXULQJ IXUQLWXUH DQG RWKHU SURGXFWV VXFK DV Ă RRULQJ SDQHOLQJ IHQFH

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SRVWV DQG VPDOO ERDWV ,WV KDUG ZRRG ZKLFK UHTXLUHV QR WUHDWPHQW DQG LV resistant to moisture, can replace exotic wood and teak in particular for the production of garden furniture. %HFDXVH RI LWV KLJK GHQVLW\ WKLV WUHH LV KLJKO\ YDOXHG DV ÀUHZRRG IRU ZRRG EXUQLQJ VWRYHV LW EXUQV VORZO\ ZLWK OLWWOH YLVLEOH à DPH RU VPRNH 7RGD\ LW is the most rot-resistant local tree in some parts of Europe and conservation projects have started to limit the use of tropical wood by promoting this tree and creating plantations. Good for Lebanon The seeds of this plant can be easily induced to grow by soaking in near boiling ZDWHU %\ WKLV PHWKRG WKH\ JHUPLQDWH TXLFNO\ DQG GHYHORSPHQW LV UDSLG :KLOH the tree prefers full sun in fertile soil, it can also thrive in poor, dry soils. It is also resistant to cold climate; however, it has brittle branches that can break in the face of excessive strong winds. 7KH 5RELQLD WUHH SURYLGHV PDQ\ EHQHÀWV ,Q /HEDQRQ ZKHUH WKH SUHFLRXV indigenous cedar forests are dwindling, it could certainly help to bolster the wood lands and help to reduce air pollution in the urban areas. Integrating this tree into our landscape would certainly be a green step in the right direction.

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It's enough to make you sick Without a food safety law, consumers can’t be too sure what they’re eating

Words CHÉRINE YAZBECK / Credit Photos CHÉRINE YAZBECK

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8QWLO WKH HDUO\ V WKH /HEDQHVH DWH PRVWO\ IRRG WKDW was grown in people’s gardens or in the fertile Bekaa 9DOOH\ )LVK ZDV FRQVXPHG DORQJ WKH FRDVW DQG PHDW ZDV PDGH RQFH D \HDU LQWR TDZDUPD SUHVHUYHG PHDW /DWHU on, traders started importing food, and they introduced white sugar, chocolate, cans, cakes, processed food, meat, cereals, poultry, and frozen seafood. 'XULQJ WKH FLYLO ZDU WKH UHJXODWLRQ RI LPSRUWHG IRRG ZDV neglected. Rotten meat and expired poultry were imported and sold on the market. The abuse continued throughout the FLYLO ZDU DQG KDV QHYHU VWRSSHG &RUUXSWLRQ LV ZLGHVSUHDG Food fraud ,Q 'RFWRU =RXKHLU %HUUR IRXQGHG WKH &RQVXPHUV¡ 3URWHFWLRQ $VVRFLDWLRQ LQ %HLUXW +H KLUHG YROXQWHHUV WR LQYHVWLJDWH IRRG %HUUR VD\V ´:H ZDQWHG WR Ă€OO WKH YRLG OHIW during the war years. I wished to pressure the government to enforce food laws in order to save citizens’ lives. It will take a long time to ensure food safety in Lebanon. The PDĂ€D FRQWUROV VRPH RI WKH IRRG LQGXVWU\ 7KHUH DUH VR PDQ\ PLGGOHPHQ DQG VR PXFK IRUJHG IRRG WKDW LW¡V TXLWH hard to stop all the rotten food from being sold on the market.â€? Forged foods are items that are sold as food but WKDW DUH QRW UHDOO\ IRRG )RU H[DPSOH LQ &KLQD VRPH SHRSOH sell mushroom dumplings that are made from cardboard instead of mushrooms. In Lebanon, some bakers use a fake thyme to make manqusha. They use a mix made from bran, spices, and a green dye that gives it an herbal smell. It looks similar to the real ingredient. Spoiled food causes food poisoning Last spring, the discovery of spoiled food caused widespread panic throughout the country. Spoiled food has EHHQ FRQĂ€VFDWHG IURP VWRUHV DQG ZDUHKRXVHV LQ DQG DURXQG %HLUXW 7KH PDĂ€D KDV HYHQ IRUJHG H[SLU\ GDWHV RQ SURGXFWV %HUUR UHPDUNV WKDW ´œ SHUFHQW RI WKH HPHUJHQFLHV DW hospitals are due to food poisoning.â€? Let the buyer beware While supermarkets in the West throw out a large amount of expired food, in Lebanon expired food is not thrown away. Berro recalls an investigation by one his “spiesâ€? LQ D VXSHUPDUNHW LQ -XEHLO %HUUR VD\V ´+H VSRWWHG Ă€YH kilograms of greenish chicken in the refrigerator that VPHOOHG TXLWH EDGO\ +H GHFLGHG WR UHPRYH LW IURP WKH refrigerator and to place it in the garbage. The owner of the supermarket refused to dump it and placed the rotten poultry in the grinder, added ketchup, loads of spices, and salt. He then asked the staff to sell it during the day as a VSHFLDO RIIHU Âľ According to Zouheir Berro, the lack of a food safety law based on international standards is the main cause of this misconduct. If industries agreed to adopt ISO 22000, it ZRXOG IDFLOLWDWH WKH LPSOHPHQWDWLRQ RI WKH UHTXLUHPHQWV IRU a food safety management system. The consumer protection law has not been enforced since 2005. Thus, consumers are unprotected, and they are the only real watchdogs over food safety.

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Sowing the seeds of disaster Ad hoc Syrian refugee camps are taking root in the Bekaa While the civil war is raging in neighboring Syria, a huge amount of civilians have flocked into Lebanon to escape the madness and the violence of this conflict. Thousands and thousands of families have settled in the Bekaa Valley, located a few miles away from the border. Some of them have formed groups and rented apartments that are sometimes shared by over 30 people. Others who are less lucky have found themselves abandoned in the “wild.” They have simply chosen to rent tents that accommodate approximately 25 people. Landlords have allocated lots that they rent out for the amount of $500 a year per tent. Unfortunately, basic facilities are lacking, as these lots were originally fields for growing potatoes and other vegetables.

Words CHÉRINE YAZBECK / Credit Photos CHÉRINE YAZBECK

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Sustainable camping does not seem to be the top priority, either for the landowners or for the campers. Apart from the fact that from a humane point of view, living under a cold tent together with an entire family LV QRW DFFHSWDEOH LQ WKHVH WHQWV FDXVH PDMRU GDPDJH LQ WKH ÀHOGV LQ ZKLFK WKH\ DUH VHW XS )LUVW DQG foremost, garbage is thrown out in the wild and piled up in the open. It causes diseases and damages the local HQYLURQPHQW 3LWFKLQJ KXQGUHG RI WHQWV LQ ÀHOGV WKDW DUH QRW GHGLFDWHG WR DFFRPPRGDWLQJ FDPS VLWHV KDV long-term negative effects on the environment and on biodiversity. Negative effects on the environment The issue is controversial, because many refugees cannot afford to rent an apartment in the region, leaving behind large groups of families to wander homelessly in the valley with their siblings. Little has been GRQH WR VWUXFWXUH WKHVH QHZ IRUPV RI DG KRF UHIXJHH FDPSV WKDW DUH ORFDWHG RQ SULYDWH ÀHOGV ZLWKRXW DQ\ VXSHUYLVLRQ E\ WKH ORFDO DXWKRULWLHV ,Q WKH ORQJ UXQ LI QR RIÀFLDO PHDVXUHV DUH WDNHQ WKH %HNDD 9DOOH\ FRXOG EH WUDQVIRUPHG LQWR D KXJH ODQGÀOO

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Bekaa: a clear and present danger Photo YOUSRA BUSTROS

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If nothing is done to regulate the massive inux of Syrian refugees, this beautiful plain will soon be laid waste by the wild encampments, while you look on helplessly.

Words YOUSRA BUSTROS / Photos CHERINE YAZBECK

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A pop of art in your mouth Proef and Sucre in Amsterdam prove that art and great ingredients can mix with surreal but very tasty results.

Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

Proef 7KH Ă€UVW 3URHI UHVWDXUDQW ZDV HVWDEOLVKHG E\ 'XWFK GHVLJQHU 0DULMH 9RJHO]DQJ LQ 5RWWHUGDP LQ 3URHI VHUYHV XS XQXVXDO FXOLQDU\ experiments. Each resembles a work of art. It serves food with a conceptual DSSURDFK 9RJHO]DQJ PRYHG WR $PVWHUGDP LQ DQG RSHQHG D VHFRQG 3URHI D VWXGLR ZKHUH VKH ZRUNV RQ KHU SURMHFWV DQG ZKLFK VKH RFFDVLRQDOO\ UHQWV RXW DV D EDQTXHWLQJ VSDFH 6KH FXUUHQWO\ KDV WZHQW\ Ă€YH SHRSOH working for her. Sublime dishes and drinks include asparagus soup, served in a glass jar with herbs sprouting from cotton wool and cocktails with HGLEOH Ă RZHUV DQG Ă RDWLQJ SHDV ,I \RX YLVLW 3URHI \RX FDQ JHW LQYROYHG LQ KHU HFFHQWULF FUHDWLRQV DQG eat salads the ingredients of which are grown in the dark. “When we try something new, I like to be there with the people who eat the food to see how they react, hear what they say, and analyze the way people are eating DQG FRPPXQLFDWLQJ ZLWK HDFK RWKHU Âľ 9RJHO]DQJ H[SODLQV 6KH UHPDUNV ´2QFH ZH KDG D JURXS RI SHRSOH HDWLQJ IURP RQH ELJ WUD\ WKDW ZDV Ă€OOHG with lots of curries, all different colors, but on top we spread a layer of white rice so that it looked really innocent. But when people started eating, the colors would mix and they would react very differently.â€? The responses from her dinner guests to having their perceptions of food deconstructed have been overwhelmingly positive, despite the often strange situations LQ ZKLFK 9RJHO]DQJ SXWV WKHP ´3URHI VHUYHV UHDOO\ ZHOO SUHSDUHG Ă€QH TXDOLW\ IRRG EXW , WU\ WR Ă€QG ZKHUH WKH HGJH LV Âľ VKH VD\V www.proefamsterdam.nl

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Sucre $FURVV WRZQ LQ $PVWHUGDP 6XFUH RIIHUV D VLPLODUO\ HFOHFWLF PL[ 'XWFK FKHI 3HWHU 6FKROWH LV VRPHWKLQJ RI D ORFDO FHOHEULW\ LQ WKLV WRZQ +DYLQJ ZRUNHG with Raymond Blanc, Scholte has combined Blanc’s meticulousness with KLV RZQ XVH RI LQWHQVH DQG GLYHUVH Ă DYRUV 6WURQJO\ LQĂ XHQFHG E\ ERWK Scandinavian and Mediterranean cuisine, Scholte makes his own rules with dishes that include a spectacular main dish of scallops with a pumpkinvanilla crème. www.sucrerestaurant.nl

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Ditch the car and bike: NYC launches AN alternative transportATION scheme While Lebanon struggles to offer its citizens the most standard forms of public transportation, cities throughout Europe, China, Latin America, and North America are incorporating bicycles into their daily mass transit. Known as “bike-sharing,� the new phenomenon provides people with bike access at a very minimal cost–at times, even for free. The new model of ecofriendly transportation serves as an alternative to more polluting means of getting around. Words ALINE SARA

The phenomenon of bike sharing traces its origins back to the Netherlands, ZKHUH DQ ROGHU YHUVLRQ ÂśRI WKH V\VWHP ZDV ODXQFKHG LQ WKH V %DFN then, the service was entirely free. It did not take long for users to take advantage of it: Bikes were stolen in a matter of months.

'ULYHUV LQ 0DQKDWWDQ PD\ KDYH QRWLFHG WKH VKULQNLQJ FRUULGRUV DORQJ VRPH of their most bustling avenues, while other cities such as LA are launching similar initiatives. Though originally scheduled to launch last summer, New York’s bike-sharing program, now three years in the making, is set to hit the city in May, with a capacity of 600 stations and 10,000 bikes. This The current system was devised in the UK FRPHV DV SDUW RI 3ODQ1<& D ODUJHU SURMHFW WKDW DLPV WR UHGXFH WKH FLW\¡V ,Q WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 3RUWVPRXWK LQ WKH 8. FRQFRFWHG WKH %LNHDERXW FDUERQ IRRWSULQW 2WKHU PDMRU 86 KXEV VXFK DV &KLFDJR DUH DOVR H[SHFWLQJ scheme. With support from the EU’s ENergy savings in TRANsport to expand a currently existing but limited bike-sharing program. WKURXJK LQQRYDWLRQ LQ WKH &LWLHV RI (XURSH (175$1&( SURJUDP WKH V\VWHP ZDV LPSOHPHQWHG DV SDUW RI D ODUJHU ´*UHHQ 7UDQVSRUW 3ODQ Âľ %\ BeneďŹ ts of bike-sharing XVLQJ ´VPDUW WHFKQRORJ\ Âľ ELNHV FRXOG EH HDVLO\ WUDFNHG 'DPDJH RU 3URSRQHQWV RI XUEDQ ELNLQJ KDYH ORQJ IDYRUHG LWV Ă€QDQFLDO EHQHĂ€W² IDLOXUH WR UHWXUQ WKH ELNHV LQ D WLPHO\ PDQQHU OHG WR DQ DXWRPDWLF Ă€QH avoiding increasing gas costs–while also serving the environment. The Today, almost two decades later, the system has gone viral, gaining bike-sharing system takes these advantages one step further, overcoming popularity worldwide. the hassles that are associated with bike ownership, such as theft, parking, or storage, in addition to fees associated with bike maintenance. But the As of spring 2011, there were 136 bike-sharing programs in 165 cities transition in cities such as New York will not necessarily be easy, claim DFURVV WKH JOREH )UDQFH 6SDLQ &KLQD DQG ,WDO\ WRSSHG WKH OLVW IRU WKH most experts, as the US remains a very car-oriented society. Europe has largest number of bike-share users. The most popular systems include long been a place where bikers are part of the everyday picture. Only time &KLQD¡V +DQJ]KRX 3XEOLF %LF\FOH SURJUDP IROORZHG E\ 3DULV¡V QRZ will tell whether the US will also catch on to the idea. UHQRZQHG 9pOLE¡ VFKHPH Bike-sharing comes to the United States Urban bike culture remains limited throughout the US. Large cities such DV 1<& DQG /$ KDYH UHPDLQHG RII UDGDU EXW D VXUJH LQ ELNH XVDJH LQ WKH United States is expected this spring.

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GREEN REVOLUTION Leading postmodern architect Matteo Thun’s ground-breaking eco-buildings, such as the Klima Hotel in Italy, are re-evaluating how architecture approaches the environment. Words CHRISTPOHER KANAL

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Milan-based architect Matteo Thun’s latest concept project could well be a major blueprint for 21st century architects in informing how design can interact intelligently with nature in the most sustainable manner that is possible. Eco bello Thun’s design philosophy revolves around the concept of what he describes as “eco bello,â€? a SUDFWLFDO FRPELQDWLRQ RI HFRORJ\ DQG HFRQRP\ +LV Ă€UP¡V .OLPD +RWHO VXPV XS WKH SKLORVRSK\ of “eco belloâ€? very well. The Klima Hotel is partially built beneath the side of a hillside in Bozen, and it utilizes green methods of heating and cooling. There are 11 villas built into the hillside, ZKLFK SURWHFWV DQG LQVXODWHV WKHP IURP WKH Ă€HUFHVW HOHPHQWV 7KH EXLOGLQJ ZDV GHVLJQHG WR incorporate a heat pump that uses local spring water as a renewable source of energy. 7KH .OLPD +RWHO LV D QDWXUDO HYROXWLRQ RI 7KXQ¡V ZRUN LQ SDUWLFXODU KLV 9LJLOLXV 0RXQWDLQ 5HVRUW LQ 6RXWK 7\URO ,WDO\ ZKLFK ZDV FRPSOHWHG LQ 9LVLWRUV FDQ RQO\ UHDFK WKH 9LJLOLXV Mountain Resort, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, by cable car or by foot. The resort is embedded into the swerves of the mountainside and employed Tyrolean craftsmanship and materials, including local wood, clay, and stone, in its construction. The building’s grass-covered roof and wood chip insulation system is an Ăźber ecological solution to energy conservation, just as is its use of advanced bio-mass technology to power the building. Thun has described his design of the hotel as that of recreating the effect of a fallen tree. The architect adores the wild Alpine YDOOH\V DQG 'RORPLWH 0RXQWDLQV ZKLFK KDYH LQIRUPHG D GHVLJQ SKLORVRSK\ WKDW FDSWXUHV WKH essence of a place through establishing a profound relationship with nature. 7KXQ VWXGLHG XQGHU 2VNDU .RNRVFKND LQ 9LHQQD DQG EHJDQ KLV FDUHHU ZRUNLQJ IRU (WWRUH Sottsass in Milan. It was in this northern Italian city that Thun co-founded the Memphis Group, D UDGLFDO GHVLJQ PRYHPHQW WKDW KDG D PDMRU LQĂ XHQFH RQ OLIHVW\OH GHVLJQ RI WKH V 7KH 7\UROHDQ ERUQ DUFKLWHFW IRXQGHG 0DWWHR 7KXQ 6WXGLR LQ DQG IURP WR 7KXQ ZRUNHG DV WKH &UHDWLYH 'LUHFWRU RI 6ZDWFK 7KXQ¡V PRVW UHFHQW GHVLJQV LQFOXGH WKRVH IRU the Hotel Missoni in Edinburgh and the Hotel Missoni in Kuwait. “We work from the smallest to the biggest possible scale,â€? says Thun. www.matteothun.com

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The value of ugly Dutch architect and theorist Rem Koolhaas talks about preserving history

Words CHRISTPOHER KANAL

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In November 2012, at the Royal Institute of British Architects, the 2012 Jencks Award winner Rem Koolhaas explained to a fascinated audience the evolution of his ideas and the projects that he has executed. 7KH 'XWFK DUFKLWHFW WDONHG DERXW KRZ KLV WZR FRPSDQLHV WKH 2IĂ€FH RI 0HWURSROLWDQ Architecture (OMA) and its research arm, the Architecture Media Organization, work together. 7KH \HDU ROG DUFKLWHFW GHVFULEHG KLV DPELWLRQV ´,W¡V SUREDEO\ D JRRG WKLQJ IRU DQ DUFKLWHFW to be born in this city, as the idea of change is radically present,â€? he said. An architecture that preserves national identities 3ULW]NHU 3UL]H ZLQQLQJ .RROKDDV LV FXUDWLQJ WKH 9HQLFH %LHQQDOH Modernity. Koolhaas intends to focus on how national design identities are being effaced in favor of a global architectural dialogue. It is a subject that is of interest to Koolhaas, given the dynamic, international character of his practice. Koolhaas describes how he emerged as an architect DIWHU WKH &ROG :DU D SHULRG RI KLVWRU\ WKDW KH GHVFULEHV DV DQ ´H[FHSWLRQDO SHULRG RI PXWXDO intelligence and preoccupation, when one half of the world knew more about the other half than is the case today.â€? Today Koolhaas talks about “a globalized world that is both one of radical transformation and radical stasisâ€? and advocates an “architecture of preservation that can remember and reconstruct history.â€? He continues: “If you only preserve the beautiful, then you distort history. Whether an architectural moment is ugly, compromised, or absurd, you should preserve it so that later generations can enjoy the intelligence of history.â€? The OfďŹ ce of Metropolitan Architecture 20$ KDV LWV KHDGTXDUWHUV LQ 5RWWHUGDP DQG RIĂ€FHV LQ 1HZ <RUN DQG %HLMLQJ /DVW \HDU 20$ FRPSOHWHG LWV ODUJHVW HYHU SURMHFW WKH &&79 &HQWUH LQ %HLMLQJ ZKLFK UHIRUPXODWHV the skyscraper as a loop. OMA is also designing the new building for the Shenzhen Stock ([FKDQJH 20$¡V 5RWWHUGDP RIĂ€FH LV H[HFXWLQJ VHYHUDO SURMHFWV LQ WKH 0LGGOH (DVW LQFOXGLQJ RIĂ€FH DQG UHVLGHQWLDO WRZHUV DQG PDVWHU SODQV LQ 'XEDL WKUHH PDVWHU SODQV LQ 5DV $O .KDLPDK and numerous public buildings in Qatar. Koolhaas is also designing a science center for Hamburg’s Hafencity. Sustainable design 6XVWDLQDEOH GHVLJQ KDV DOZD\V EHHQ FHQWUDO WR WKH ZRUN RI 20$ ,Q &KLQD WKH UHFHQWO\ FRPSOHWHG &&79 7RZHU LQ %HLMLQJ ERDVWV HQYLURQPHQWDOO\ IULHQGO\ PDWHULDOV DQG D EURDG landscaped garden underneath that creates a public plaza. The building was designed to make XVH RI QDWXUDO OLJKW DQG KDV VLJQLĂ€FDQW WKHUPDO LQVXODWLRQ DQG SURWHFWLRQ IURP RYHUKHDWLQJ DQG JODUH %HQHDWK WKH WRZHU WKH VTXDUH FUHDWHV D PLFURFOLPDWH WKDW DOVR VHUYHV WR FOHDQ WKH DLU For Koolhaas, sustainability is vital in a world in which over half the population lives in metropolitan areas. “The world is now a city,â€? he says. “If we don’t look at the countryside, ZH DUH LJQRULQJ SHUFHQW RI WKH ZRUOG Âľ ,Q WKH VSLULW RI 7XUJHQHY¡V Sketches from a Hunter’s Album, Koolhaas wants to write a book about the countryside and explore “what we have lost and what we have gained.â€? www.oma.eu

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%(,587 )HEUXDU\ )URP -DQXDU\ WKURXJK )HEUXDU\ WKH =LQF 5HVWDXUDQW ORFDWHG LQ 6RGHFR KRVWHG D XQLTXH H[KLELWLRQ IHDWXULQJ WKH ZRUNV RI (OLH %HNKD]L ,W ZDV WLWOHG The White Spirit. The exhibit featured nine works, including a series of photographs revolving around nature under the snow DQG IUDPHG LQ D XQLTXH IDVKLRQ WKDW RQO\ %HNKD]L FDQ GR %RUQ LQ LQ %HLUXW (OLH %HNKD]L LV RQH RI WKH IHZ ORFDO DUWLVWV WR HPEUDFH QDWXUH +H VWXGLHG DW WKH AcadÊmie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts, where he is currently teaching the art of photography. He is also JLYLQJ FRXUVHV DW WKH 8QLYHUVLWp 3RXU 7RXV DW 6DLQW -RVHSK 8QLYHUVLW\ Bekhazi’s work is groundbreaking in the history of Lebanese art and advertising and merits the attention of a wider audience. This exhibition beautifully combined his creative work with fascinating aspects of nature in its white coat. All the photos illustrated this natural phenomenon exclusively in black and white. For more photos and more information, contact: Elie Bekhazi at 03-244335 or at eliebek@inco.com.lb

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Plunge into the forest, deep inside the wilderness…don’t wonder where or why…feel the ecstasy that touches your soul and reaches your spirit…let all sensations of pain and suffering leave you.. then, hear the sound of the depths of your nature…be alive, breathe, rebel… you are beyond free. Pascale Choueiri Saad

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