Beyond Magazine Issue 15 Summer 2014 by Beyond Magazine

SUMMER/FALL 2014

In a financial world, green is not necessarily related to currency

Magazine

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Resilience

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Because we believe that nature is Man’s greatest wealth, we have been pioneers in investing in it. Our determination for long-term goals, coupled with our passion and drive to achieve our financial, social and environmental objective, have placed us in the lead. And it is our firm belief that every contribution today yields a better future for our children tomorrow.

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Communities foster individuals. We foster communities. Within every individual there is a constant yearning to improve. And yet, there is only so much that can be done on oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own resources. Bank Audi dedicates itself to helping communities grow and thrive, not only for the sake of civic duty, but also for a genuine desire to contribute to society as a whole.

Grow Beyond Your Potential

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A w o r d f r o m t h e G e n e ra l d i r e c t o r

Resilience Craig Scott once said: “From every wound there is a scar, and every scar tells a story. A story that says, "I survived,” to which I add the famous statement by Nelson Mandela: “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” When times get tough, who do you think survives and flourishes? The resilient, of course! They try to make something positive out of something that is really bad; they refuse to give up; they confront adversity; and they rebound from misfortune, hardships, and traumas. I believe that the Lebanese people are resilient. They have a deeply-rooted determination to embrace all that makes life worth living, and they are unswerving in their unconditional love for and deep attachment to their land. I also believe that life is not always a bed of roses. No matter how beautiful a rose blooms there will always be thorns. Thorns may sometimes wound us, but this will surely make us stronger. So, in these difficult days, we Lebanese must and should always look at the bright side, the side of hope, the side of peace, the side of love. No matter what. P.S: This is the natural part of our resilience.

E M O T ION

achieving international deveopment markers

Cleaning up Lebanon's water sources

Lebanon is striving to realize the Millennium Development Goals A roadmap has been adopted fo depoluting the Litani River and Lake Qaraoun

essence

46 Jabbouleh is a greenisland of peace in the Bekaa Valley An Oasis of greenery

education 50 Green Green school in Bali, Indonesia is model for environmentally-Friendly learning

Horizons

ARTWORK 86 Open-Air A look at some outstanding examples of outdoor sculpture New York City 90 Rural Green spaces are expanding in the Big Apple

Beyond Magazine holds the 2013 UNDP - Lebanon Green Award in recognition of the exceptional contribution to the environment and development of Lebanon.

t h e

BEYOND

TE A M Magazine

Owner and General Director Pascale Choueiri Saad

Resilience

Co-owner Ronald Saad Chief Editor Pascale Choueiri Saad

Chief Environmental Consultant Edgard Chehab

Environmental Consultant Bassam AlKantar Copy Editor Jody Jaffe Art Directror Pauline Hage Tannouri Coordinator Joelle Choueiry Makhoul Responsible Director Antoine Hajj Guest Photographers Clement Tannouri, Fabienne Rebiard, Nada Karam, Yousra Bustros Contributing Writers Adnan Farah, Alex Grey, Alia Fawaz, Bassam AlKantar, Diana Tannoury, Fabienne Rebiard, Yousra Bustros Printed by Chamas for Printing & Publishing, Mazraa, Colombia Center Advertising & Marketing FST, info@fivestarstourism.com Editorial enquiries mag.beyond@gmail.com

Published by 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 This Mmagazine is printed on recycled paper

Ma i n

Con t ribut ors

Edgard Chehab

Yousra Bustros

Diana Boudargham Tannoury

Bassam Kantar

With 17 years of experience in the environmental field, Edgard Chehab is a renowned name in local and regional green circles. He is the assistant resident representative and manager of the Energy and Environment Program of UNDP, Lebanon. He is also the advisor to the Ministry of the Environment. Beyond is lucky to have Mr. Chehab as its environmental consultant and dear friend.

In her contributions to Beyond, Diana Boudargham Tannoury continues to push her poetic license to the next level. With a masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in international communications and international relations from Boston University, Mrs. Boudargham Tannoury enjoys writing short stories and poems in the hope that her words will help raise awareness about natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fragility.

Yousra wanted to study medicine. She studied management, which bored her profoundly. She considers herself to be a self-taught person who learned according to her passions, which are numerous. They include reading, politics, philosophy, composing music, gardening, and hiking, when she is never without her camera. She has been the assistant to two extraordinary men: Gebran Tueini and Michel Elfteriades.

A seasoned Lebanese journalist, Bassam AlKantar is a founding member of the Lebanese Environment Party. Kantar frequently writes about environmental and human rights issues. He strongly believes that the free press can, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad. Kantar won a fellowship from the Earth Journalism Network to cover the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change summit in Doha.

EMOTION

Hospitality with a Spanish flavor

Words alia Fawaz

M i l ag ro s H e rn a n do , the cur r e n t ambassa do r o f S pain to Leba n on ( sin c e 2012), has se r ved i n the dip l omati c cor ps fo r 27 yea rs . Be y ond meets u p with the ambassa do r , wh o happi ly c hats abo ut her favor ite d estin atio ns an d ho w Spain has assiste d in Leba n o n ’s r eco ver y.

From what part of Spain are you? What’s it like? I am from Bilbao in the Basque country. It is an industrial town. With all the economic transformations that occurred in the 1970s, the town was in bad shape for several years. At the end of the 1970s we also had the problem of terrorism. However, twenty years ago a group of people from the town hall and from the regional government decided that Bilbao should follow another path. They began by establishing the Guggenheim Museum, which signified a completely

different identity for Bilbao; it was the catalyst for an incredible transformation. Today when you read about urbanization or towns, there is a theoretical explanation for this type of positive transformation that is called the “Guggenheim Effect” or the “Bilbao Syndrome.” Where is your favorite destination in Spain? I would say the Balearic Islands: Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Majorca, and Formentera.

the Ambassador hosts an open house for the residents of Hadath

Where is your favorite destination in Lebanon? I like the coast between Byblos and Tripoli. My favorite place is Batroun, perhaps because it was one of the first places that I visited and I still remember the sunset in Batroun the first time I was there. However, I like all the villagesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;big and smallâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;and I think that you are very fortunate to have so much diversity in your country, as well as easy accessibility to both the seaside and the mountains. It makes the country so amazing. There is also much history in your legendary towns.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now we are concentrating on supporting Lebanon as it confronts the Syrian Refuggee crisis"

There seems to be quite a few projects in Lebanon that are being funded by Spain. After the July 2006 War, the Spanish government decided to participate in UNIFIL, and we are still here. At the same time, there was a meeting in Paris where the Lebanese discussed the Lebanon Recovery Fund with UNDP, and we decided to help because we thought that in order to have peace in Lebanon, development was necessary. We are still contributing to the Lebanon Recovery Fund. The other day we were at the Banque du Liban for the inauguration of the roof with the solar energy. This is part of the Lebanon Recovery Fund that is associated with the CEDRO program. We have also been able to work in other areas such as agriculture and infrastructure. Now we are concentrating on supporting Lebanon as it confronts the Syrian refugee crisis. What will you miss the most when you leave Lebanon? I will miss the society and the people. When I leave the house there are so many wonderful surprises! I have hundreds of anecdotes about how you are so hospitable. I will also miss the festivals in summer. The idea of going to Baalbek and later on to Byblos and so on is really wonderful.

BILBAO BISCAY, BASQUE COUNTRY, SPAIN

Words & Photos Yousra Bustros

Gyeongbokung Castle Park

Seoul Between modernity and history

would never have believed that one day I would fall in love with Seoul. Nevertheless, this is what happened when I visited for the first time the historical and centuries-old capital of South Korea. It did not take much time for me to be fascinated by the charm of a city that is in perpetual movement, a city that never seems to sleep. Seoul already has a foot in the 22nd century, while remaining faithful to its millennial history and traditions. From the famous traditional markets, for which the city is renowned, to the major arteries and the modern towers of the city center, to the five palaces of the Joseon dynasty, and passing by Dongdaemun Market, the commercial district with an ultramodern design that appears to have been inspired by Star Wars, Seoul combines modernity and tradition with elegance and harmony. Therein lies the secret of Seoul, and beyond that, the secret of all of South Korea: The complementarity of Yin and Yang and of the four elements (air, earth, fire, and water), the emblems of the South Korean flag, which are reflected in the constant search for universal harmony that governs the country. This quest, indeed

this concern for complementarity, manifests itself just about everywhere: in art, handicraft, architecture, urban planning, botany, cooking, but also in the coexistence among the different religious communities that constitute the Korean mosaic. It is a mosaic that is formed by a people that is courteous, warm, hospitable, creative, enterprising, concerned with its environment, and extremely disciplined–a people that has understood that only the excellence of education can guarantee the progress and the prosperity of a country. To better understand the meaning of my words, one has to go to South Korea and discover Seoul as I did. There is no risk of getting lost or of having the unpleasant impression of being “the other” or “the stranger.” Agents to inform tourists are found throughout the city. If they see you looking at your map, that is enough to make them approach you and ask you in English whether you need any help. In addition, Seoul is equipped with a high-performing public transportation network: taxis with affordable prices; buses and a subway that cover the capital and the suburbs, enabling you to ride around the city in complete

Gyeongbokung Castle thrones room

security in order to discover its royal palaces, its museums, its parks, its markets, its artistic quarter, and its hectic downtown. Do not be afraid to eat in the street, to mix with the crowd, to take narrow alleyways that connect the major routes of the city, or to exit the capital straightaway in order to discover the magnificent fortress of Suwon Hwaseong. Do not hesitate to enter a Buddhist temple during prayer or to stroll for hours in the parks and gardens of the royal palaces where all is order and beauty, for it is in this way that you will be able to feel in your guts the vibrant rhythm of this city of a thousand and one contrasts, while immersing yourself in a completely Korean â&#x20AC;&#x153;zenness.â&#x20AC;? Why is Seoul so beautiful? Because Seoul has a soul. A beautiful soul, which endows it with all of its charm, and so much more. traditional costume

Jogyesa buddhist temple

Harmony in the park of Gyeongbokung Palace

Toward a renewable state Words Alia Fawaz

Re n ewab l e en e r gies ha v e r api dly be co me a v ital part o f the glo bal en er g y mi x. Beyond speaks to H assan Har ajli fr om the CE DRO-UND P E n er g y an d E n v i ron me n ta l Pr og ramme t o fin d o u t wher e Leban on sta n ds to day in te r ms of this g rowin g se ct o r .

19 (C) giSpate

Can you describe the two categories of renewable energy? There are two categories: the “local” systems that anyone (whether private homes, offices, or industries) can purchase and install on a roof or on a plot of land near their point of use, and “national” renewable energy systems that function as power plants and sell their power completely to the grid operator. What are the most common applications? For local systems, support for various renewable energy applications, such as photovoltaic systems, solar hot water, and micro-wind, has been gaining ground thanks to the removal of barriers by means of grid integration through net metering, thanks to demonstration projects such as the UNDPCEDRO project, and thanks to commercialization policies such as the NEEREA program, which is managed by the Ministry of Energy and Water, the Central Bank of Lebanon, and the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation. What facilities are available to encourage consumers? NEEREA soft loans and “grant” components are proving to be integral to the promotion of local renewable energy in Lebanon. Further reductions in prices, such as VAT and customs duty reductions and/ or further grants and soft loan packages will increase the development of renewable energy sources, until Lebanon will eventually be able to introduce feed-in tariffs, which have proved to be useful in European countries. Feed-in tariffs are subsidies that are paid for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) that is generated and/or exported to the grid.

What about the large-scale renewable energy projects? For “national” renewable energy systems, such as large photovoltaic plants or wind farms with a capacity of several megawatts, the failure so far to establish the National Regulatory Authority as prescribed in Law 462 has impeded any real progress in this much-needed sector. In the interim, the Lebanese Parliament has issued a decree that permits the Council of Ministers, for a period of only two years, to act as the regulatory authority that can study and give power purchase agreements to private sector electricity providers, after receiving proposals from the Ministry of Energy and Water that have been approved by the Ministry of Finance. Currently, the Ministry of Energy and Water, in coordination with the LCEC, is preparing two bids that will make use of this interim possibility: one bid for wind farms, and one bid for photovoltaic systems to be announced by the LCEC at the Beirut Energy Forum in September 2014. How would you sum up the current situation? Renewable energy is making progress in Lebanon. However, it could be improved and developed much more. The expected power purchase price of a kilowatt-hour from wind farms and photovoltaic farms ranges from $0.12/kWh to $0.16/kWh, and this is half of what the government currently pays for generating energy from fuel oil, while failing to provide 24-hour electricity.

Press release bank med

EIB and Fransabank renew the Byblos Bank Bio-Corridor Reforestation Initiative

OVERVIEW OF THE CONFERENCE

n the occasion of World Environment Day, July 5th, Byblos Bank announced the launch of the new “Byblos Bank/ Shouf Reserve Bio-Corridor Reforestation Initiative”, in cooperation with the Shouf Biosphere Reserve and Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI – a project funded by USAID and implemented by the United States Forest Service).

Ammik. The plantation will cover around 15 hectares of arid land currently devoid of substantial vegetation. “Aside from increasing this ecological system’s capacity to face the challenges,” as expert and representative of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve Nizar Hani noted, “the main goals of this project are to increase awareness about the rehabilitation of the ecological system on all levels.”

Prospects and benefits 10,000 cedar trees will be planted over three years in a corridor that will connect the cedar forests of Barouk and Maasser al Shouf with the oak forests that lie above the town of

A proud history Byblos Bank’s commitment to a healthy and green environment dates back decades ago. In 1994, Byblos Bank was the first institution in Lebanon to launch a campaign aiming at preserving the

environment through the protection of the sea. In 2005, the Bank was equally the first to link one of its products to its corporate social responsibility planning, through which cedars trees were planted in Byblos Bank’s Eternal Corner at the Shouf Biosphere Reserve on behalf of Lebanese expatriates benefiting from expat housing loans. Nada Tawil, Head of Group Communications Department at Byblos Bank, remarked: “We are building on our successes and renewing our commitment to reforesting Lebanon and acting in a practical manner in order to make a difference.”

Sounding the alarm What makes Byblos Bank act today is also the dreadful shrinking of green spaces in Lebanon. Only 0.0002 percent of Lebanese soil is covered by cedars. This figure was at the heart of the national campaign “Our Cedar is Our Identity and It Must Not Be Lost” that the Bank launched on Independence Day 2013 to raise awareness about the alarming situation and encourage Lebanese to give back to their country what it once had. The Bio-corridor is yet another milestone in this direction.

Shooting for goals How Lebanon measures up so far The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are eight international development goals that were established following the Millennium Summit of the United Nations in 2000. At the time, 189 United Nations member states, along with international organizations, formulated a plan to help achieve the Millennium Development Goals, which are indicated below, by 2015. What follows is a summary from Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest MDG report showing us how the country has fared in terms of achieving these goals.

Words Alia Fawaz

Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger In 2011, 37 percent of households in Lebanon did not have enough money to pay for essentials. There were also weak social safety nets, with the majority of the Lebanese not perceiving the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current efforts as effective in this respect. Placing poverty on the priority list, the government established the Social Action Plan and the National Social Development Strategy (NSDS). Direct interventions to boost employment are undertaken by the National Employment Office, which has received specific training from the International Labor Organization. The World Bank and the Lebanese government have launched reward systems for both first-time job seekers as well as the private companies that hire them. Lebanon does not have a major hunger problem, although there are disparities between urban and rural areas in the level of child malnutritionâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;mainly as a result of poverty. Impact of the Syrian Refugee Influx Refugees have deeply impacted the lives of many Lebanese, driving approximately four percent of Lebanese into poverty in 2013. Lebanese are also fearful of cheaper jobs being created for Syrian workers.

Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education Primary school in Lebanon is compulsory, and free in public schools, thus attendance ratios are high and almost universal. Repetition and dropout rates in the last year before the intermediate and secondary cycle are the biggest problem. There are many geographical disparities, with the worst performing locations being the North and the South, which are apparent when comparing the public and the private schools. Education is not equal throughout Lebanon, and it is largely affected by family-related issues. In addition, weakness in teaching staffs poses challenges to education in the country. On a positive note, youth literacy rates are almost 100 per cent. The above problems are the pillars of the Education Sector Development plan for 2010-2015, designed by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. The plan’s priorities consist in: (a) making education available on the basis of equal opportunity; (b) promoting quality education that contributes to building a knowledge society; (c) developing education that contributes to social integration; (d) promoting education that contributes to economic development; and (e) enhancing education governance.

Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women While Lebanon seems to have accomplished gender parity in education, a closer inspection shows some disparities between fields chosen by women and men. The shrinking gap after ages 25-29 shows that women tend to exit the labor force as their family roles expand. One explanation is the low availability of part-time work. Women tend to be wage employees. This is largely related to women’s specializations during their university education. In addition, men’s unemployment tends to be lower than that of women. The National Commission for Electoral Law (2006) included a 30 per cent quota for women’s representation. The 2010 municipal elections saw an increase in representation to 4.7 per cent. Although the Lebanese constitution grants women and men equal rights, education and the patriarchal structure favor the authority of men. In 2013 Lebanese activists stood up to religious leaders in a fierce battle. This granted women some rights in terms of protection from domestic violence, although the law still needs full parliamentary approval to come into effect.

Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality Lebanon is doing well in achieving MDG 4, although more has to be done. According to data available from the Ministry of Public Health, the main causes of mortality among children below five years of age are neonatal causes and injuries The achievement of MDG 4 is a result of significant efforts by the Ministry of Public Health to develop a primary health care system and to provide training, medication, and technical support. There has been a large increase in child beneficiaries as a result of awareness campaigns launched by the Ministry of Public Health. Impact of the Syrian Refugee Influx Lebanon is facing the risk of the spread of new diseases. The conditions in which the refugees live encourage the spreading of diseases. National and international organizations have established outreach campaigns, as well as vaccinations stations that are located at registration sites.

Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health The maternal mortality ratio has decreased in Lebanon by more than twothirds compared with the 1990s, which places Lebanon in a higher league than its regional peers. The success in achieving MDG 5 varies by geographical area. Benefits are lower and maternal mortality is higher in rural areas. The efforts made to achieve this goal include: upgrading the statistical system for regular monitoring and introducing improvements throughout the primary healthcare system. In 2011, the Ministry of Public Health initiated a Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Notification System, which gathers information on all births and neonatal and maternal deaths occurring in hospitals. This has allowed investigation of causes of death and identification of potential problems. Likewise, the Ministry has increased awareness of door-to-door services, and external accreditation has maintained high quality.

Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Lebanon is relatively low. However, there are increasing trends in the context of migration, and growing permissiveness in sexual relations. The cases of malaria are related to the openness of Lebanon and its travel flows. Tuberculosis has seen an increase in 2013. Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Program for Combating Tuberculosis aims to implement an observed therapy approach to treat and monitor the disease throughout Lebanon. It offers free treatment for national and non-nationals. The eight anti-tuberculosis centers and the private sector have been quite successful in detecting, diagnosing, and treating the disease. Impact of the Syrian Refugee Influx Refugees have brought new diseases, including hepatitis, measles, leishmaniasis, and tuberculosis, and increasing cases of mental health problems.

Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability Lebanon has made progress in moving towards a more sustainable development path, though much more effort is still needed. For example, Lebanon has begun an air quality-monitoring program. Rigorous implementation and enforcement and continuous follow-up will determine the sustainability of success. The ability of the Ministry of the Environment, other ministries, and intergovernmental agencies to pursue their plans is subject to political conditions and Cabinet reshuffles. With every reshuffle, plans are reconsidered and redrafted. One of the pillars of the Economic and Social Reform Action Plan, infrastructure rehabilitation, aimed to improve the coverage and continuity of the water supply throughout Lebanon by increasing storage capacity and expanding irrigation coverage, in addition to increasing levels of wastewater collection and treatment. The Council for Reconstruction and Development has also embarked on an action plan to complete the rehabilitation and expansion of the potable water supply. Urbanization in Lebanon is increasing fast. Qualitative information describing the increased amount of heavily-populated areas with poor sanitation suggests an expansion of slums in Lebanon, with no significant improvement in slum dwellersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; living conditions.

Impact of the Syrian Refugee Influx Hosting communities have witnessed an increased demand for water, which has increased strains on the already deficient system. Many Lebanese families are bearing the costs. These pressures will have high health and environmental impacts, and municipalities lack the resources necessary to manage the overload. Refugee living conditions challenge environmental and habitat goals; the increasing number of refugees is forcing many to live in unfinished houses and tents, where they face a higher risk of contracting diseases.

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geographical location, its history of economic liberalism, and its well-developed banking sector, have all facilitated its integration into the global economy. Lebanon has a number of freetrade agreements with large trading blocs. These have enabled Lebanon to introduce business reforms and to modernize the business and legal framework. Some of the main barriers to Lebanese exports arise from internal and external factors, including non-tariff, technical, and non-technical barriers. Many businesses suffer from outdated infrastructure. Debt sustainability has been a major obstacle to development in Lebanon. Swelling debt constrains fiscal policy. Even with financial reforms and debt alleviation measures with external assistance, the country has not yet embarked on a soft landing scenario. Public debt stood at 138 percent of GDP in 2012. Lebanon has never defaulted or conducted a rescheduling of its debt, a situation that has both benefitted the country and weakened the banking sector. The market share of the pharmaceutical sector has been increasing. Medicines are mostly imported, and are typically sold without prescription. This favors a curative as opposed to a preventive care approach. There are many initiatives to modernize the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infrastructure. This has increased computer ownership and Internet access. However, the quality and coverage of these services do not correspond to Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential. Prices are also kept relatively high and quality remains below accepted standards, when compared with those of peer countries.

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refuge

When Becomes Refuse

The ongoing Syrian civil war has resulted in over a million Syrian refugees flooding into Lebanon, making Lebanon the country with the highest percapita concentration of refugees in the world. The actual environmental impact of this situation is often overlooked. Words Alia Fawaz

The Ministry of the Environment has issued a press release with the preliminary results of a current study (funded by the European Union in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programmme) that is being conducted on the impact of the Syrian conflict on the environment in Lebanon. We share with you some of the key finding covering the following environmental sectors: solid waste, water and wastewater, air pollution, land use planning, and ecosystems.

â&#x20AC;Ť â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;Źhe refugees in numbers T Statistics provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on May 31, 2014 show that Lebanon is currently hosting 1,087,817 Syrian refugees (registered and awaiting registration), which is equivalent to around 37 percent of the total number of refugees in the region. This figure also accounts for 32.8 percent of the total population of Lebanon. This number is expected to increase to 1,835,000 people by the end of 2014, according to the United Nations report, which is entitled Syria Regional Response Plan 6. This increase represents the natural increase of the population in Lebanon that was expected by the year 2044. Impact on solid waste management Preliminary results of the study indicate that the amount of solid waste produced by Syrian refugees will reach around 324,000 tons per year by the end of 2014, which is equivalent to 15.7 percent of the waste that was produced before the beginning of the Syrian crisis. It should be noted that the highest quantities have been recorded in the areas that host the largest numbers of refugees. This situation is leading to increased pressure on solid waste management facilities and sanitary landfills, and is causing an expansion of open dumps. This has also resulted in an additional financial burden with regard to the management of solid waste. According to the Ministry of Finance, the spending on solid waste management by municipalities from the national treasury increased by 11 percent between 2011 and 2012 and by 40 percent between 2012 and 2013.

The increased amount of solid waste is also reflecting negatively on the surface water and the groundwater; the preliminary results of the study show that the most affected sites in terms of pollution of surface water are Srar, Fnaydek, and Adweh (North Lebanon), Baalbek, Barr Elias, and Machghara (Bekaa), Ras Al Ain and Qana (South Lebanon). Groundwater contamination is also most critical in regions such as Srar, Barkayel, Adweh, Kfarzaina and Hamat (North Lebanon), Baalbek, Taalbaya, Saadnayel, Barr Elias, QabbElias, and Ghazze (Bekaa), Ras Al Ain and Kfartibnit (South Lebanon). Increased open dumping of solid waste and the resulting runoff of leachate from dumps are also causing additional soil contamination and deterioration and ultimately affect land use. Moreover, open burning of waste is also resulting in the release of additional toxic air pollutants that negatively impact the health and safety of people. The most common health risks are: tuberculosis, typhoid, diarrhea, and eye irritation. Finally, the study indicated that the Syrian conflict has increased the burden on the health care centers in Lebanon and has resulted in an increase in the quantity of infectious medical wastes that require proper treatment before disposal.

Landfill Jab Jenin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 2014

The impact on the water resources The daily per capita consumption of Syrian refugees was estimated at between 64 liters and 104 liters per day, corresponding to an increase in the demand of water of eight percent to 12 percent at the national level, which will accelerate the pace of water shortages experienced by Lebanon this year in particular. This increase in water demand has led the Water Establishments to drill new wells, and has increased the operational costs for these institutions. For example, according to the Bekaa Water Establishment, it is estimated that the annual electricity bill has increased by around one billion Lebanese pounds since the start of the Syrian conflict. The impact on wastewater management The study indicated that the amount of wastewater generated by Syrian refugees will reach 34 million cubic meters to 56 million cubic meters by the end of the year 2014, which is equivalent to an increase of eight percent to 14 percent of the national wastewater generation rates. The increase in the amount of wastewater is causing overflowing and clogging of the wastewater network and is leading to a significant rise in the cost of operation and

maintenance of the networks, which reached up to 40 percent and 50 percent in the past two years, respectively, according to interviews with the associations of municipalities in the North, the South, and the Bekaa. In addition, given that a large portion of wastewater ends up in rivers, surface water and valleys, the extent of pollution in environmentally sensitive areas such as the Litani Basin for example, will further worsen the current environmental situation of these areas. The impact on air pollution The study has confirmed that the Syrian conflict has added to air pollution in Lebanon through the increased emissions mainly from the following sectors: transport, energy production, residential heating, and solid waste. The preliminary results of the study show that emission of air pollutants has increased by 20 percent at the national level, as a result of the massive influx of vehicles into Beirut and the main cities hosting Syrian refugees. This study also indicated an increase of 10 percent in nitrogen oxide emissions as a result of electric generators used by a large number of refugees to secure their needs, while the increase in nitrogen oxide emissions from all the sectors is estimated at around 20 percent.

According to the study, it is expected that a number of cities, such as Beirut, Zahle, Baalbek, Tripoli, and Sidon will show a significant deterioration in the air quality, which will, on its turn, affect the public health (especially that of the elderly, children, and asthmatic individuals. The impact on the land use According to UNHCR's statistics for refugees as of May 31, 2014, approximately 85 percent of Syrian refugees currently live in formal housing and shelters, whereas 15 percent live in Informal Tented Settlements (ITS). Despite the fact that the overwhelming majority are living in urban areas, the impact of ITS on land use and landscapes is far greater and more noticeable. This is mainly because of the fact that ITS occupy more land as they grow horizontally, as opposed to urban agglomerations, which grows vertically.

Moreover, the report has indicated a significant increase in demand for ITS because of the higher rental charges in formal housing, leading to an increase of more than four times in the number of ITS in the past two years (with an

increase from 282 in 2012 to 1,224 as of May 31, 2014). It should also be noted that most of these ITS are located in the Bekaa (721 camps) and in Akkar (300 camps), and as such they are located inside or on the boarders of agricultural areas. As the number of refugees continues to rise, it is expected that further expansion of ITS will inevitably encroach on agricultural lands and put those lands out of production. The impact on the ecosystem The preliminary results of the study show that the Syrian conflict is having a negative impact on several ecosystems, especially in environmentally sensitive areas such as: • Perennial rivers (for example, Kabir, Ostouene, Bared, and Zahrani), as a result of water pollution resulting from waste disposal, sludge disposal, and wastewater discharges. • Lowlands or flat lands (For example, in the Bekaa Valley, 52 percent of the ITS are located in flood prone areas). • Oak and Quercus forests (For example, the Yammouneh forest, which is expected to face the risk of abusive felling during next winter season).

Not yet clean, but on the way Lebanon â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two major water sources, the Litani River and Lake Qaraoun, have become substantially polluted largely as a result of four major factors: dumping of solid waste, municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, and agricultural pollution. Words Alia Fawaz

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onsequently, the lake water is not able to support healthy aquatic life, nor is it suitable for drinking or safe for swimming. It can only be used for irrigation purposes, but even this comes with restrictions because of its high level of pollution. In other words, KEEP AWAY from the water is the abiding message to the public.

In 2012 a cost assessment of water resources degradation of the Upper Litani Basin was conducted and the result was quite alarming â&#x20AC;&#x201C; overall damage was estimated at a cost of $230 million. At this point, things were looking quite bleak on the waterfront. It was time to reverse the damage to Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water reservoirs and to make them clean and fresh, as they once had been (albeit a long time ago). A roadmap for depollution It was time for leaders to take action and this led to the roadmap outlining a depollution national action plan, which was adopted in 2013. This roadmap addresses the four main sources of pollution by recommending prevention/mitigation measures with assigned responsibilities, a time-frame, and a budget, as well as addressing the issue of governance. This roadmap involves six ministries (Environment, Energy and Water, Agriculture, Industry, Public

Health, and the Interior). It also involves four agencies: The Council for Reconstruction and Development, the Litani River Authority, the Bekaa Water Establishment, and the National Council for Scientific Research. The roadmap consists of a series of initiatives (of which some are already underway), shifting from studies to policy and from policy to action. The funding currently comes from various international development partners. However, the draft budget law that builds on the roadmap includes a provision for tapping into the national budget (in case grants and loans are not enough). This year an institutional framework for follow-up was put in place. The Litani River Authority will submit periodic reports on progress to the Council of Ministers. This marks a crucial step towards a much-needed, integrated management of the Litani River Basin. While the road to clean water is undoubtedly a long one, the bright side is that the roadmap is underway. With sufficient funding and the thorough implementation of its policies, Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major water reserves may once again be brought back to life.

" We forgot that the water cycle and the life cycle are one"

Jacques Cousteau

EIB and Fransabank renew support for SMEs in Lebanon with EUR 45 million credit line

Overview of the press conference

he European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a EUR 45 million to Fransabank to finance the investment projects of SMEs (companies with up to 500 employees). The EIB funds will be earmarked for financing projects in the sectors of industry and agroindustry, health, education, higher education, and services.

any equitable strategy and job creation in the Mediterranean region. It is also fully in line with the European Neighborhood and Partnership instrument objective, which above all encourages investment and private global trade.”

Under the agreement, the EIB will finance up to 50 percent of the investment projects with long-term and attractive conditions. forty projects are expected to be supported.

Fransabank Chairman Adnan Kassar said: “SMEs represent the backbone of the Lebanese economy and constitute 97 percent of the total formal enterprises, employing more than 51 percent of the working population. Supporting Lebanese SMEs through improved access to finance falls within our core strategy of actively contributing to the increase of employment opportunities and to the development of the private sector in Lebanon. Our longstanding and privileged relationships with international creditors, namely EIB, is helping in achieving our goals in this respect.”

The EIB Vice-President, Philippe de Fontaine Vive, commented: “Our aim is to support new financing projects encouraging growth and employment. This is why we have decided to contribute to the development of SMEs in Lebanon. Economic growth led by private sector development remains the cornerstone of

Supporting private sector development through credit lines to MSMEs, equity investments and advisory services is one of the key priorities of the bank in Mediterranean, which has been reinforced in the EIB new External Lending Mandate for 2014-2020 for a more prosperous future for the younger generation.

This is the EIB's fifth transaction with Fransabank under its policy of supporting the economic development of small and mediumsized companies in order to foster economic recovery and job creation in Lebanon.

During the signing of the agreement

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E s s e n c e

Twin Flame

Love Me So Right Seek me not, I am nowhere and yet, everywhere Look not with thy eyes In light, you will only see lies Feel me with your spirit Sense me with your energies Embrace me and I will lift to the universe our bodies

Diana Boudargham Tannoury

Might we not fly for a while Travel through life Observe the world in a style So distant from anguish and strife Seek me with an open heart Love me as if we would never part Bare your soul to my eyes Purifying all lies And our spirits will unite, dance at night and in light, our beings will delight, in a love so right.

A corner of the Bekaa where peace grows It is a small village that is lost in the Bekaa Valley, 30 kilometers north of Baalbek. Close to Arsal and Laboueh, areas of much tension, Jabbouleh is an oasis of greenery and peace. It brings to the region its charming blend of serenity and conviviality. Words & Photos Fabienne Rebiard

Surrounded by fruit trees, dominated by the Mount Lebanon mountain range, the village, where shepherds graze their flocks, has around one hundred inhabitants. The Congregation of Nuns of Notre-Dame du Bon service was established in Jabbouleh in 1954. The convent constitutes the heart of the village. Several inhabitants from here and from elsewhere work there, in the different sectors that have been developed by the nuns: the school for orphans, agriculture, the farm, and the cheese plant.

On the land that is available, the nuns have planted fruit trees, such as olive trees, apple trees, apricot trees, and walnut trees. In the spring, these trees adorn themselves with their most beautiful flowers. It was not only a question of embellishing the place, but also of cultivating commodities in order to subsidize the orphanage, which depends entirely on donations. Who can resist Sister Jeanneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apricot jam, which is prepared in July? The last phase of cooking is done by the Sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rays. As far

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away as France, children enjoy it with their fingers. In August, it is the turn of pickles, followed by the manufacture of olive oil in September. As for the farm, it ensures the production of milk. Since the amount of livestock has gradually increased, the nuns have recently opened a cheese plant where they make, with a great deal of care and in accordance with standards of hygiene, laban, labna, shanklish, double crĂ¨me, and kishk, our best Lebanese cheeses. All of these summer works must be finished before school begins. After classes resume, the nuns devote most of their time to welcoming and supervising pupils and boarding pupils. They will convey to them the respect for the nature that surrounds them and that reveals to them, year after year, the meaning of beauty. 48

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ourgreenhome.ca

An ideal education

If only more schools were like this Words Alia Fawaz

Imagine a classroom that looks like this: There are no imposing walls or barriers. Instead of florescent lights, it is infused with natural sunlight. An occasional breeze passes through, with no need for air conditioning, and everything (the floors, the roof, the blackboards, and the chairs) is made primarily from naturallysourced bamboo. The students inside are highly motivated, happy, and eager learners and they come from all corners of the world. 51

Sede Social house

his utopian academic setting almost sounds like something from a science fiction story, but it actually exists and it has been a model of green education since it opened in 2008. Green School in Bali, Indonesia is the brainchild of environmentalists and designers John and Cynthia Hardy, who were driven by their desire to motivate communities to live sustainably. Today the school has about 300 students from the primary level to the high school level. The school is located on a sustainable campus straddling both sides of the Ayung River in Sibang Kaja, Bali. It covers 20 acres, with striking bamboo architecture throughout. The school is aiming to use 100-percent renewable energy, using photovoltaic panels, a micro-hydro-powered vortex generator, and bio-gas (methane extracted from animal manure) instead of bio-diesel. It also uses bamboo sawdust to power the water heating and cooking systems. The walking paths within the school are constructed with stones, rather than materials that would have a greater ecological impact on the site (such as

concrete or asphalt). The roads are volcanic rock and walkways are made from gravel. The curriculum teaches carbon footprint analysis, water studies, organic farming, and gardening. Each class has its own flower/vegetable garden, which students design, tend, harvest, cook, and from which students are able to obtain things to eat. The sustainability education is layered with traditional academic subjects (math, English, and science), as well as creative arts. The philosophy of the school is the following: Be local, let your environment be your guide, and envisage how your grandchildren will be affected by your actions. Cleary the effort has paid off, as the students (along with the surrounding community) are inspired to look after their environment and are truly passionate about the Earth. For the rest of us, who may not be so lucky as to actually send our children to this school, Green School can perhaps inspire us to adopt its ambitious sustainability practices in both our local schools and homes.

Architecture , Millenium Bridge

Students ordering a green Warung

Vortex

Students environmental connection

Students mud fighting

Indigenous peoples, local communities, and private smallholders own or manage a growing proportion of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forests and can play a significant role in dealing with deforestation and reducing poverty, especially if they band together in producer organizations, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and a group of its partners. Words Bassam Alkantar

n many rural economies, the forest enterprises of families and communities are major contributors to local livelihoods. Unfortunately, the vital role that they play is often overlooked in government policies. A crucial constraint is their isolation from each other, from markets, information, business services, policymakers, financing, and investment opportunities. Two policy papers published by the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF)â&#x20AC;&#x201C;a partnership among FAO, the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)â&#x20AC;&#x201C;argue that a better policy environment, coupled with targeted support to help small-scale forest and farm producers organize themselves into forest producer organizations could turn this situation around. Many roads, one map Each forest and farm producer organization is unique. Yet such organizations worldwide have many problems and solutions in common, and by sharing their experiences they could map out a better future for their communities and natural resources. Individual forest and farm producer organizations can take their own roads, but a shared roadmap could guide and unite them. Share the news There is an urgent need to increase the visibility of forest and farm producer organizations and amplify their voices in policymaking and decision-making and to improve their capacity to communicate effectively. Building capacity Despite their many benefits, forest and farm producer organizations are not as common or as well-organized as similar groups in

agriculture, nor do they have as broad a membership. Governments and development partners should strive to strengthen the capacity of forest and farm producer organizations. Create an enabling environment Existing laws, regulations, institutions, and services often hinder rather than encourage forest and farm producer organizations. Governments, service providers, and development partners should help create an enabling environment for forest and farm producer organizations. Clear a path for increased finance Many financial institutions are wary of investing in small forest and farm enterprises. Governments, development agencies, and financial institutions should collaborate to better understand the needs of forest and farm producer organizations so that their members will have greater access to financial services. Connect with services Partnerships between forest and farm producer organizations and government agencies, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and others can link local producers with remunerative markets and buyers and help them to build their skills, knowledge, resources, and capacity by connecting them with researchers, extension workers, investors, insurers, and other service providers. Encourage a global coalition Exchanges of information and knowledge at all levels are vital for learning. A worldwide coalition of forest and farm producer organizations that links national and global processes would nfluence global policy-making and generate momentum that would ultimately benefit local forest and farm producers.

“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanates from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

Rescue me

The worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oceans are in dire need of protection

report published by the Global Ocean Commission has highlighted the exceptional importance of protecting seas and oceans, especially the high seas, defined as the areas beyond national control, which constitute up to 70 percent of the oceans and seas.

The vastness of the ocean came sharply into focus nearly 50 years ago, when the Apollo missions produced the first images of our overwhelmingly blue planet from space. More recently, a number of United Nations reports and peer-reviewed scientific studies have underlined the interconnectedness

The global ocean covers nearly three-quarters of the surface area of our planet. Comprising 1.3 billion cubic kilometers of water, it is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s single largest ecosystem and plays a central role in supporting all life on Earth. It is also the provider of a wide range of services and resources that directly support human health, societies, and economies.

Words Bassam ALKANTAR

between the planetary climate and ocean systems, and the central role that the ocean is playing in protecting us from the impacts of climate change. Yet, despite this heightened awareness, the ocean remains chronically undervalued, poorly managed, and inadequately governed.

The ecological importance of the high seas This is particularly true of the high seas, the 64 percent of the total surface area of the ocean that is beyond the jurisdiction of any state. In fact, the divide between the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of coastal states and the high seas beyond is only a legal construct 61

with little bearing on the ecological reality; fish, coral reefs, pollution, and the detrimental impacts of climate change do not respect the 200 nautical mile frontier of state jurisdiction. Nevertheless, the high seas provide a critical life support function for EEZs and what happens on the high seas can and does have a significant impact on the ecological health and productivity of EEZs. It is for this reason that the Global Ocean Commission has decided to focus its attention on the high seas. The ocean’s health is our health The ecosystems of the high seas do not exist in isolation; they are the ecological hub of the entire marine ecosystem. The health of the high seas affects the whole global ocean, and the health of the global ocean affects us all. Scientific understanding and evidence regarding both the crucial role of the high seas within the entire Earth system, and the immense threats that they are facing, is growing. Nearly 10 million tons of fish are caught annually on the high seas, constituting just over 12 percent of the global, annual average marine fisheries catch of 80 million tons. The annual landed value of this catch is estimated at around $16 billion, which makes up around 15 percent of the total global marine landed value (approximately $109 billion).

The ocean also yields significant non-living resources including oil and gas, minerals, sand and gravel, and even drinking water in places where sources of freshwater are scarce. It is the principal medium for trade and migration, carrying 90 percent of the world’s trade and connects the world via a global network of thousands of kilometers of fiberoptic cables laid along the ocean floor. The ocean is the kidney of our planet, keeping its systems healthy and productive. Rising temperatures are reducing its oxygencarrying capacity. The increasing uptake of carbon dioxide is causing ocean acidification and unprecedented changes in chemical and physical conditions that are in turn impacting the distribution and abundance of marine organisms and ecosystems. The very life of the global ocean, from the smallest phytoplankton to the largest of the great whales, is being affected, with consequences for the vital ecosystem services that it performs and that are of value to the whole planet.

It is estimated that nearly half a billion tons of carbon, the equivalent of over two billion tons of carbon dioxide, are captured and stored by high seas ecosystems every year.

What needs to change? Growing concern about high seas biodiversity was reflected at the 2012 Rio+20 conference with heads of state and governments committing themselves to “addressing, on an urgent basis, the issue of the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction including the taking of a decision on the development of an international instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).” This instrument is referred to as the implementing agreement.

Based on current calculations of the economic cost of additional carbon in the atmosphere, the value of the carbon storage by high seas ecosystems is estimated at $148 billion a year

A new implementing agreement would aim to protect the health, productivity, and resilience of the ocean and marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

The global ocean produces almost half of all the oxygen that we breathe and absorbs more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide that we emit into the atmosphere. More than 90 percent of the heat trapped in the Earth system by greenhouse gas emissions is stored in the ocean, providing a buffer against the full impacts of climate change on land.

(with a range of $74 billion to $222 billion for mid-estimates). By comparison, the entire global Official Development Aid outlay for 2013 was $134.8 billion.

Lebanon: Risk from waste There is no data on the amount of waste that has made its way from the Lebanese coast to the high seas. The most infamous landfills in the country, located in Tripoli, Burj Hammoud, and Sidon, are home to thousands of tons of waste, a large part of which has sunk to the seabed, while sea currents have scattered thousands tons more to wide areas very far from the coast, all the way to European shores. In addition to landfills, wastewater outlets and industrial pollution exacerbate the threats to marine life in Lebanon and the Mediterranean. The landfill in Sidon was always the biggest marine pollution disaster, putting Lebanon on the list of countries polluting the Mediterranean. With the upgrade works expected to be

completed in mid-2015, marine pollution resulting from household waste is expected to decline to record levels since the end of the Lebanese civil war, along with the direct risk to marine life and public health, given that household waste is a source of organic and chemical pollutants. Now, with the development of the legal framework for oil and gas exploration, there have been questions about the environmental impact and the challenges associated with the potential discovery of oil and gas in Lebanon. The greatest danger lies in the event of a malfunction or leak during the exploration, extraction, refining, and transportation process, and the impact on the marine ecosystem in the Mediterranean. 63

The Coral Triangle, an area of natural coral reefs found between Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, is one of the most stunning natural sites in the world. Sadly, its ecology is threatened. Words Alex Grey

he Coral Triangle is a geographical area in the southwest Pacific Ocean that contains some of the finest natural corals known to man. With at least 500 different species of coral throughout the area, it represents one of the most diverse marine environments in the world and has been formally recognized as a global center of marine biodiversity.

of danger. The poverty found in the countries bordering The Coral Triangle means that the local economies are often totally reliant upon it, resulting in a total lack of political will to address the damage and the practices that cause it. Protecting the area from threats Thankfully, there is work being done to help save this remarkable area. The World Wide Fund for Nature, The Nature Conservancy, USAID, and the Global Environment Facility, to name just a few organizations, have banded together to undertake much-needed conservation work.

The so-called “Amazon of the Seas” spans just under six million square kilometers of ocean floor and it is a major contributor to the regional economy, supporting over 100 million people and bringing in approximately $6 billion per year from fisheries and tourism. The Coral Triangle is vital, both in terms of the environment as well as economics. The groups are tackling the salient issues, beginning with management. They are creating a regional plan of action An important ecological zone and liasing with governments. They are encouraging With an incredible diversity in terms of corals, this cooperation and forward planning to create a blueprint wonderful natural area supports more than 3,000 species for further work. A sustainable fisheries program hopes of fish, including the gargantuan whale shark and the to give fishermen an alternative source of income, rather ancient coelacanth. Six out of the seven ocean-going than forcing them to continue harvesting the inhabitants turtle species also live under the protection of its corals. of the reefs. Funding is also being sought to create a The name “Amazon of the Seas” is truly fitting, as nothing permanently protected zone around the area, focusing else like The Coral Triangle exists in the oceans, and it is primarily on protecting the rare species of turtles and one of the most important ecological zones in the world. the whale shark. Finally, the organizations are working with local tourist boards to stress the important of green Perhaps predictably, The Coral Triangle is also under tourism at all levels. threat from a number of different factors. A horrendous lack of management has led to the erosion and shrinking There is no doubt that there is a long way to go, but there of the corals. Coastal development, overfishing, marine is a glimmer of hope for The Coral Triangle. We are tourism, and changing weather patterns are all sources watching with optimism and expectation.

Marvelous sites that are well worth the trek In this section, we shall depict some remarkable places that beckon the traveler who is seeking something different, something truly special. They are not for the run-of-the mill tourist, but rather for the adventurer who wishes to visit locations that feature spectacular natural beauty, a diversity of flora and fauna, and in some cases, aboriginal inhabitants.

It is one of the wildest territories in the world. The Kamchatka Peninsula, which extends for 1,200 kilometers in the Russian Far East, is a land of fire and ice: It contains 160 volcanoes, of which 29 are still active; 414 glaciers; as well as geysers; luxurious forests; and rivers of white water. During close to a half-century, access to the region was prohibited because the Soviets had installed in it their largest submarine base. It was re-opened beginning in 1990. This secrecy made it possible for a remarkable fauna to live there without any impediments. The Kronotsky Nature Reserve (see photo), which UNESCO classified as a biosphere reserve in 1996, provides shelter for 700 brown bears, 2,500 reindeer, eagles, wolves, ermines, and sables.

The Kamchatka Peninsula A Land of Fire That Was a Forbidden Zone for a Long Time

The Atacama Desert, Chile A Martian Soil That Has Even Seduced NASA

Volcanoes with naked slopes that are cooked by the Sun, stone cathedrals that have been sculpted by erosion, impetuous geysers, immaculate saline formations (“salares” in Spanish)….Atacama, which stretches for 1,600 kilometers in northwestern Chile, is one of the most arid areas in the world. In some places, no precipitation has ever been recorded. However, lagoons are formed, thanks to the very slow accumulation of underground water or to the presence of miniscule watercourses that tumble down from the Andes. More than 500 varieties of plants have succeeded in adapting to these conditions. It is here that NASA tests robots that are intended for the exploration of Mars. The sky is so pure that the largest observatory on the planet has just been inaugurated here in the Atacama Desert.

Ellesmere Island, Canada A Whiteness That is So Vast and Absolute

The Arctic wolf is one of the rare mammals that is able to confront the climatic conditions that prevail on this island, which reaches an altitude of 2,600 meters, the northernmost island of the Canadian Arctic archipelago and the tenth largest island in the world (200,000 square meters). There, a few hundred yards away from Greenland and the North Pole, winter temperatures can fall to minus 60º Celsius. Only an Inuit community of less than 150 inhabitants lives on the south of the island, which also accommodates a meteorological station. To subsist, the wolf hunts the musk ox, the Arctic fox, or the Arctic hare. However, these animals’ territory is gradually becoming smaller (there has been a decrease of four percent in 100 years) because of global warming.

The Carinthian Lakes, Austria The Riviera Perched in the High Alpine Pastures of Austria

The waters of Lake Rauschelesee are so clear and hot that one could believe that he is below the Tropics. However, this azure pearl extends into the heart of the Austrian Alps. Carinthia, the southernmost state in the country, is dotted with 1,270 lakes, all as exceptional as Lake Rauschelesee. Despite their glacial origin and their altitude (often between 1,000 and 2,000 meters), these natural “bathtubs” are cauldrons! From June to September, their temperatures oscillate between 25º Celsius and 28º Celsius, thanks to a microclimate: a high annual amount of sunshine (2,000 hours), the blowing of the foehn, a hot and dry wind, as well as the protection that is provided by the mountainous barrier that makes this miracle possible. Another wonder: The water is so pure that one can bathe in it, observe the fish, and even drink it.

Fiordland, New Zealand The crest line that is pampered by the gods

The immaculate peaks of the Alisa chain shimmer in the transparent waters of the southwest of the country. The landscapes of snow-covered peaks, deep fjords, and glacial valleys are typical of Fiordland, the largest national park in New Zealand. It is as vast as l’Île-de-France (12,000 square kilometers). It is also a sacred land for the Māori [the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand]. A founding myth recounts that during a voyage among men, the four sons of the god of the sky were transformed into rocks. Their canoe gave birth to the Island of the South and their bodies gave birth to the mountains. Thanks to the aborigines, who venerate nature, the region has remained intact, and it offers a refuge to endangered species, such as the takahē, a big, flightless bird that is endemic to New Zealand.

maudanros

hotel splendido

Small but beautiful

“La dolce vita” lives on in Portofino Words alex grey

Hidden Gems Portofino is one of the most exclusive getaways in the world. This Italian fishing village has become a place to see and be seen, and we heartily recommend paying a visit there. Here’s our insider’s guide to this stunning town. Sleeping There’s only one place you should consider staying in Portofino: the fantastic Hotel Splendido. Perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, the hotel has been the place to stay for years, and that’s not about to change.

Boats, What Else? Lastly, you’d be remiss if you didn’t at least take some time out to look at the international yachts that are on display here. From classic sailboats to luxury, modern super yachts, there’s a whole world of boating excess to be seen. Grab a cocktail or a latte and people watch; you’ll be there for hours.

Eating Head straight for Da Puny for the finest Italian cuisine to be found. Don’t be tempted by any other tourist trap that you may pass. Da Puny is a Portofino staple, serving the best food in town. It’s a place for locals, and that’s always a good sign.

Take a Hike If you fancy getting out of town for a while, be sure to head straight to the Benedictine Abbey in San Fruttuoso Bay. You can hike there in two hours, or there’s a ferry if you’re feeling lazy. Whatever route you take, you’d be a fool to miss out on the stunning views, architectural beauty, and national treasures that are on view there.

Portofino panoramic Portofino bay

View from above of town and Portofino bay, Liguria, Italy. 73

Portofino village on Ligurian coast

Portofino Santa Margherita village on Ligurian coast

77 (C) haveseen

Bay of Portofino, province of Genoa, in Liguria, northern Italy

The Glacier Skywalk gives you a high, but wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last forever Words alia fawaz

aunched in May of this year, the Glacier Skywalk enables visitors to literally step into the scenery, high above the Sunwapta Valley (280 meters) on a suspended U-shaped glass platform. From this exhilarating height, you can view the towering mountain peaks drenched in snow–akin to a soaring bird’s view. From far below you can hear the faint sound of rushing water from the Sunwapta River and a number of different falls. You may even spot mountain goats or sheep roaming through the majestic peaks along the cliffs below.

At a cost of $21 million, Glacier Skywalk is perhaps the most ambitious attraction to have been introduced into a Canadian national park. A combination of structural steel and glass is skillfully anchored into the rock on the side of the mountain, to create an elevated 400-meter walkway, hanging 35 meters out from the cliff edge. Unlike the skywalk at the Grand Canyon, here cameras are allowed and visitors don’t have to take off their shoes. The Glacier Skywalk is open until October 19th, and it is expected to attract almost a quarter of a million visitors in its inaugural season.

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horizons

Art but not for your home ,

There are few things as impressive

as an outdoor sculpture that is placed in a stunning garden. Here, Beyond takes a look at some of the finest outdoor artwork on the market today. Words Alex Grey

Perm

Three Heads Six Arms

Zhang Huan: Three Heads Six Arms Zhang Huan is one of China’s most exciting artists, as you can surely appreciate when you behold the giant Three Heads Six Arms sculpture. He is an actor, a visual artist, a painter, a sculptor–it appears that there is no limit to this man’s creativity.

2008, Steel and Copper 315 x 709 x 394 inches (800 x 1800 x 1000 cm) Exhibited at San Francisco Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco in 2010 Courtesy of San Francisco Arts Commission and The Pace Gallery, NY Permanent Sculpture at Parkview Green Group, Beijing, China

Three Heads Six Arms is a steel and copper piece that takes one’s breath away. Part of a series of monumental works that was inspired by the artist’s discovery of religious works for sale in a market, the piece evokes the fragmented extremities of Buddhist statues. The statue’s missing arm perhaps hints at the fractured relationship between man and his god and the trials through which we put our creator. Whatever the message, Three Heads Six Arms never fails to make newcomers stop and stare.

Mark Reed: Arbour Metallum American Mark Reed’s work is intimately connected to nature and man’s place within it. Fascinated by the relationship between nature and manmade objects, Reed’s work often suggests the conflict inherent between man and his environment. In the past, Reed has created pieces harking back to ancient fossils, pollen, and natural structures such as leaves. Arbour Metallum is Reed’s latest work. It was inspired by the windswept trees of his native

Norfolk, Virginia. Reed envisaged the sculpture as “a protector, from the heat of the sun, creating a dappled shade, as nature protects and nourishes us.” Made of forged steel, stainless steel, and bronze, the tree naturally offers shade, but it can also be a frame for lights or a canopy, bringing the piece to life at night, or creating a place to rest in the heat of the midday. Natural, yet designed with a definite eye for detail, Arbour Metallum is a most organic piece, exuding the charm of nature.

Skeleton Leaf Gates span 4.7m x 4.2 high, solid bronze each side is handed, so that as they open they create a mirror image. Each weighs a ton( approx 1604kg), and has security measures and a stainless steel core in the centre for strength and security.

Jeppe Hein, Geometric Mirrors VII, 2012 Dimensions: 200 x 185 x 100 cm Materials: Aluminium, stainless steel, high polished stainless steel (super mirror), Courtesy Johann König, Berlin and 303 Gallery, New York , PHOTO CREDIT Christie’s Images

Jeppe Hein: Geometric Mirrors VII Jeppe Hein is a Danish sculptor working out of Berlin and Copenhagen. Inspired by the futuristic possibilities offered by reflective surfaces, Hein’s work is far from conventional, but certainly inspiring. Geometric Mirrors VII is a pair of mirrors, positioned at angles to each other: One reflects the viewer, the other the opposite space. The result is an apparent optical illusion, full of voids and confusing reflections. Hein’s works stand apart from the environment in which they are situated. There’s no desire for them to blend into the background. They are nothing less than works of art, demanding the viewer’s attention. Geometric Mirrors VII forms a center point, a focus of attention that daringly defies the idea of unity in favor of a unique, artistic expression.

CAROL BOVE Hieroglyph 2013, Powder coated steel, 55.5 x 88.25 x 56.75 inches Exhibited: “RA, or Why is an orange like a bell?”, Maccarone, New York September 7, October 19, 2013 Image courtesy of the artist and Maccarone, New York. Photo credit: Jeffrey Sturges

Carol Bove: Glyphs Swiss-born American artist Carol Bove has embraced minimalism like few others. Bove refers to her powder-coated steel constructions as Glyphs. Resembling a twisted coil of white metal, her Glyphs are nothing less than expressions of creative imagining, structures that appear to move without effort or direction. Art for art’s sake, Bove’s work evokes a sense of freedom, and a lack of form or purpose that frees the mind. Resembling a puzzle of sorts, the Glyph follows a twisted line, challenging the eye to complete the shape, and offering an escape, a means of letting the world pass the viewer by as he gazes upon a product of pure whimsy.

Rural

City

New York City is a city where everything can live. It is a city of opposites, of that which is different, and of the diverse. True, it is known for its bustling and extravagant lifestyle, but it also features various crucial green patches. Its Central Park is one of the most attractive sights for tourists. It contains the largest unbroken meadow to be found in any park. In addition, it is combining many new technological advancements with its traditional activities, thus creating a unique experience. Flushing MeadowsCorona Park is famous for its zoo, boating lake, and playfields. New York City hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t only restricted itself to traditional parks and gardens, but it has taken advantage of its infrastructure to establish innovative green terraces. The High Line is an elevated urban linear park, situated on a section of an elevated former railroad that was built on Manhattanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Side in the 1930s. It consists of sumptuous gardens and a magnificent walkway. These kinds of terraces, which are spreading all over New York, are helping to increase the amount of green space and to reduce noxious carbon emissions. Words Adnan Farah

MOMA New York Courtyard, from the CafĂŠ 5 terrace after being remodeled by architect Yoshiro Taniguchi

Gorgeously designed terrace in Manhatan, New York

Gorgeously inspiring rooftop terrace, New York

Trees and plants grow on the outdoor deck of an apartment building in Manhattan, New York

The garden nation

One of the most distinctive features of England is its peculiar and ostentatious cottages. These cottages are dispersed from Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning coastline to its profound, breathtaking countryside, and they attract individuals who desire to live a greener lifestyle outside of the bustling city. The attractive cottages are identified by their coziness, charm, and harmony with the countryside. Nearly all of them consist of a cheerful garden and a dripping, thatch roof that give the impression of rural bliss. Each area of England has its own style of cottages, which is the product of the complex geology of the British Isles as well as local building traditions. Many of these cottages are available to holiday-seekers and tourists. Words Adnan Farah

Picturesque Cotswold village of Castle Combe, England

Pretty thatched Cotswold cottage in the village of Stanton, Gloucestershire, England.

Bibury. Traditional Cotswold cottages in England, UK.

Traditional timber framed and thatched Norman village cottages and gardens.

Traditional thatched english village cottages with bench seat outside.

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â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Let s get extreme Malibu

sweeping white beaches, palm trees, and the high life. evokes images of

However,

its architectural trends range from wide-ranging estates to modern minimalism. Words Alex Grey

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(C ) Jamen Percy

between two extremes, extremes that at first appear to be paradoxes that could

not possibly exist alongside one another.

Architecture and design in Malibu lie

These extremes are represented by, on

the one hand, the vast, sprawling estate; like properties of the super-rich, and on the other hand, minimalist designs that appear to be made of concrete cubes and right angles.

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L uxury S panish style hacienda in M arisol , M alibu Minimalist architecture The minimalist elements of Malibu’s architectural environment take full advantage of the sunshine and stunning views through the use of tall, glass walls as well as balconies and verandas. Malibu’s style is very much modern minimalist, featuring high ceilings as well as open and airy spaces. The single unifying factor is a desire to make the most of the stunning natural environment. Estates of the super-rich The larger, often sprawling, estates combine classical elements with the same minimalist bent that is seen in the smaller properties. With sweeping plains, often gently descending to the sea, the focus is on unifying the indoor décor with the natural beauty of the area. As such, wide decks, outdoor seating, and covered exterior walkways are the order of the day. Open designs that facilitate the movement of wind and the transmission of light make for airy, spacious abodes that leave the visitor with a sense of interconnectivity and light. Malibu’s architecture embraces the free, forwardthinking spirit of California. There are hints of excess, but in the main the buildings of the Sunshine State aptly reflect its moniker, embracing sun, light, and air like few other places in the world. Where better to enjoy the bounties of nature than perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, reveling in the natural beauty of Mother Earth?

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U nique

design architecture

and modern homes ' design

Phoenicia_augustad_beyond_200x278.pdf

7/22/14

12:40 PM

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Reflections

of generations Words Alex Grey

a s tate s u c h a s F l o r i da , th e reâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a l wa y s a te n s i o n b et w e e n th e o l d e r g e n e r at i o n a n d th e y o u ng e r .

This is re flected in the architecture , as we â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ve seen in recent years . 106

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The traditional styles and

design in Florida constitute what is widely known as the “Cracker” design ethos.

“Cracker” buildings feature

high ceilings, wide windows, and deep, raised porches.

Perfectly at home in the

o f t e n s w e l t e r i n g h e a t, t h e s e largely wooden buildings

were designed to combat the s u mm e r ’ s h i g h t e m p e r a t u r e s , allowing for the movement

of air and light throughout the structure.

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Florida’s more modern buildings tend to borrow elements from the existing environment. As with the “Cracker” tradition, the newer buildings embrace high ceilings, broad windows (though these tend to function as sliding doors), wide balconies, and sweeping gardens. This design philosophy has persisted until today in many regions of the state. While the architects have moved away from traditional wooden structures in favor of air- conditioned, modern creations, many of the design elements are clearly inspired by what had gone before. Spanish influence These modern reinterpretations seem perfectly in place with the environment, resembling plantation owners’ houses, with their pillars, ornate entryways, and manicured gardens. The Spanish influence is evident, with the arches, covered hallways, and verandas that are typical of Cuba and Santiago being represented here.

While there are

many tributes to the â&#x20AC;&#x153; C r a c k e r â&#x20AC;? m o v e m e n t,

many of these modern

buildings embrace the concept of minimalism when it comes to their exteriors.

Seemingly made from solid concrete, the

buildings are often

s q u a r e o r r e c ta n g u l a r

in shape, their solidity seemingly at odds with the large windows

and open space so often f o u n d i n t h e s ta t e .

A melting pot of identities, history, and h e r i ta g e , i t â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s n o s u r p r i s e t h a t F l o r i d a is home to a wide range of styles and architectural approaches.

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Some Great Indoor and outdoor green and eco-friendly landscape architecture designs 110

Willow House, Singapore, designed by Guz Architects

Willow House is a home for a young family. The architects tried to take advantage of its hilltop position by opening up the building plan to make the most of the prevailing breezes and of what little wind there is in Singapore. Orientation and massing of the house was instrumental in encouraging these breezes.

Aldea House, Merida, Mexico designed by Seijo Peon Arquitectos y Asociados

The site of the house is in front of a golf course. the challenge was the possibility of keeping all the trees, at least all of the medium- and large-sized. After studying multiple alternatives with conventional layouts (U shape, L shape, in two or three volumes, etc.) the architects figured out that in all cases they would have to cut an important amount of trees From that point they decided to build a project in which multiple, small, habitable rooms would be filtered through the vegetation so that all the trees would be respected. This led then to think that the concept of the house would be like a village in which one travels outside in a sinuous way through the trees to get from one building to another. To make more evident the project posture, the rooms of the house are designed as parallelepipeds that have very strong and clear volumetric presence. As opposed, the outer trails and the inner circulation (roofed and closed with glass walls) blend in with the sinuous, organic and seemingly complex framework that the trees generate. The house is then conceived as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;villageâ&#x20AC;? so as to reach every single space you have to travel in a trail across the treesâ&#x20AC;Ś like on a village in the jungle.

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Greenhouse Nightclub, NYC Designed by Bluarch Architecture Greenhouse is a 4,000 square foot nightclub, lounge and event space built from recycled or recyclable materials, Greenhouse is the first nightclub in the nation to receive certification via LEED_CI by the United States Green Buildings Council for its environmentally conscious construction and design. The ceiling is an organic formation of 40-millimeter crystals representing

a body of water about to project onto the ground… and the sudden character of nature. The bar is a scale model of a gently sloping landscape punctured with miniature trees. Waterless urinals and dual flush toilets were installed to achieve water savings of about 150,000 gallons per year.

Masdar city centre, UAE Designed by LAVA

LAVA designs heart of Masdar, world’s first sustainable cityGiant umbrellas, with a design based on the principles of sunflowers, will provide moveable shade in the day, store heat, then close and release the heat at night in the plaza of a new eco-city in the United Arab Emirates.The ‘sunflower umbrellas’ are one aspect of the winning design by the international practice Laboratory for Visionary Architecture [LAVA] for the city centre for Masdar in the UAE - the world’s first zero carbon, zero waste city powered entirely by renewable energy sources. Masdar is a planned city located 17 kilometres from Abu Dhabi. A government initiative, the city is being constructed over seven phases and is due to be completed by 2016. Masdar City is the world’s most prestigious project focusing on sustainable energy design. It is the city of the future and a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.

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