Beyond Magazine Issue 7 Winter 2012

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MAGAZINE

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

WASTE TO ENERGY How garbage is becoming good BRANCHING OUT Life above it all in a tree house ISLAND LIFE Escape from the crowds

A WORD FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR

Get nosey id this year whizz by as fast for you as it did for us? As the year-end draws closer, it’s easy to get sucked into the holiday madness and forget that the environment is not exactly going through “a holy day” phase. But seriously who has time for that right now? The only time we can spare at the moment will be used wisely to do one of most the spiritual rituals ever performed by humankind: And that is to shop …until we faint.

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Ok, before the darling twin angels of credit and debit kiss you blind and you pass out from all the love, we’d like to state one small fact: We’re not the party poopers here. In fact, we party hard. Think of us as the eco -spirited Lindsey Lohan… or think of us as a speck of green light illuminating, kind of like Rudolph’s tiny nose. The first sign that you’re still shaking your green pompoms while everyone is cheering for something else is that you have Beyond in your hands at this very moment. And this issue we’re throwing a big bash party. We’re celebrating the kickoff of a new season with a stellar set of images and stories from all corners of the globe. Paris, Rome, Australia, Africa, Sinai, and Mexico are among the destinations we’ve set off to – and for very different reasons. We’ve come across some really cool spaces, places, and faces, such as Tûranor, the first solar boat to circumnavigate the world, the red hot new Ferrari store in Italy, and sunny pilot and pioneer André Borschberg. When we flew back to Lebanon, we rubbed elbows with extreme sports aces such as Walid Noshie and Amer Ghandour and we spent a night holed up in a tree house. And when it was time to get back to business, we pulled up a chair next to banking tycoon Raymond Audi who lifted the lid on his many green senses. While we were at it, we took a course on how businesses can make green models of themselves at no cost. Read on for Spark Notes. One of the many things we learned as we went along is that industrial waste can actually be an important economic resource. It was also interesting to know that Lebanon is thinking seriously about turning its waste to energy and that the state is working on promoting water conservation. But it was not so interesting to find out that noise levels in Beirut exceed international standards, and they are even a threat to health. This might not have been something worth shouting about, but we were loud and proud that the Lebanon Green Building Council has devised a system for rating energy efficiency in commercial buildings. And we were shouting through the roof when we saw the liquid sculpture images of Belinda Ibrahim. And so will you. As you can see, we’re not resting on our laurels, not this issue, and not any issue. We’ll continue shining our green light through. We’ve been nosey, and now so are you. So twitch your nose and be proud.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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CONTRIBUTORS

MARWAN ARAKJI

EDGARD CHEHAB

After spending much of his life studying and working in the United States, Marwan Arakji left Wall Street behind in 1994 and returned to Lebanon, eventually joining Bank Audi. After trying his hand at commercial, corporate, and retail banking, Mr. Arakji went on to start a “special projects” unit within the bank, exploring opportunities in e-banking, centered around user experience and future generation needs in financial services.

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 Ministery of Environment. Beyond is lucky to have Mr. Chehab as its environmental consultant and dear friend.

NADER NAKIB

BASSAM KANTAR

A regular contributor and strong supporter of Beyond, Nader El Nakib is XLI MRXIVREXMSREP SJ½GIV SJ XLI *YXYVI Movement. Mr. Nakib has a keen interest in ½KLXMRK GPMQEXI GLERKI PIEHMRK LMQ XS GS found a green NGO called G, over which he currently presides. He serves on the boards of the AUB Alumni Council, Business Week Market Advisory, and Economist +PSFEP )\IGYXMZI *SVYQ

A seasoned Lebanese journalist, Bassam Kantar is the founding member of the Lebanese Environment Party (LEP). Kantar frequently writes about environmental and human rights issues. He strongly believes that the free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.

DIANA BOUDARGHAM TANNOURY

In her fourth contribution to Beyond, Diana Boudargham Tannoury continues to push her poetic license to the next level. With a master’s degree in international communications and international relations JVSQ &SWXSR 9RMZIVWMX] 1VW &SYHEVKLEQ Tannoury enjoys writing short stories and poems in the hope that her words will help raise awareness about nature’s fragility.

SERGE SCHOULIKA Serge Schoulika holds a master’s degree in economics and currently works with Allianz Financial Consultants. He is an avid environmentalist. Regarding the environment, he says: “André Malraux would have said: ‘The 21st century will either be religious or will not be.’ I would prefer to rephrase that and say: The 21st century must be ecological or we will no longer exist!” Schoulika says that “the preservation of the environment must be mentioned in all of the world’s constitutions.” He adds: “The preservation of the environment…is part of my personal daily routine.”

ALFRED MOUSSA

CLEMENT TANNOURI

A photography artist who has captured the nature, architecture, and people of 15 countries and 120 cities in five continents, Alfred Moussa has been taking his best shot since his tender years. He has contributed to Lebanon’s Ministries of Tourism and Environment and LBC International, among many others. Mr. Moussa’s work has earned him nods from Photo Laureates, American Art Festival, Georgetown University, World Press Photo, and many more. He has organized shows and exhibited across Lebanon, Syria, Switzerland, and France. info@alfredmoussa.com

Clement Tannouri is an aerial photography specialist who has authored several gorgeous photography books including Cedar of Lebanon, Pledge of Eternity (2010), On Earth as it is in Heaven (2009), and Box of Moments (2007). Mr. Tannouri returned from France in 2004 to settle in his native Lebanon, where he started his own graphic design and advertising company. He has been capturing Lebanon’s grandeur ever since.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Owner and General Director Pascale Choueiri Saad

Co-owner Ronald Saad

Chief Editor

(C) CLEMENT TANNOURI

THE BEYOND TEAM

Pascale Choueiri Saad

Copy Editor Jody Jaffe

Chief Environmental Consultant Edgard Chehab

Environmental Consultants Bassam Kantar Nader El-Nakib

Coordinator Joelle Choueiry Makhoul

Chief Photographer Nada Karam

Guest Photographers Clement Tannouri, Alfred Moussa, Chafik Ariss, Cherine Yazbeck, Serge Schoulika, Nadim Barrage, Yousra Bustros, Mich Tadros, Elie Andrawos, Karim Habet

Design, Artwork and illustrations Pauline Hage

Research Department Pauline Hage

Translator Amer El Haddad

Responsible Director Antoine Hajj

Contributing Writers Diana Boudargham Tannoury, Jocelyne Boutros, Zak Brophy, Nader El-Nakib, Alice Hlidkova, Emily Holman, Bassam Kantar, Sara Khouri Shane Kevin Farrell, Ana Maria Luca, Alex Grey, Aline Sara, Cherine Yazbeck, Serge Schoulika, Rani Zahed, Karim Fakhry, Chadi M. Nassar, Leeça Desforges, Nadim Barrage, Claude El Khal

Printed by Chamas for Printing & Publishing Mazraa, Colombia Center This magazine is printed on recycled paper

Published by Five Stars Tourism s.a.r.l. Azarieh Str. Azarieh Bldg. – Block 01 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 1 994 006 , Fax: +961 1 994 007

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.

CONTENTS

COVER PHOTO BY CLEMENT TANNOURI

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FRENCH LESSONS

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INTERVIEW WITH RAYMOND AUDI

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A TALK WITH AN ENERGY CONSULTANT

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GOING WITH THE FLOW

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Beyond finds out how France is leading the way with green initiatives in an interview with Dominique Dron Green is not just about money

Zouk's technology owes ecology an apology

Worldwide beauty of waterfalls

THE VIEW FROM HERE

The Litani River is but one of Lebanon’s polluted rivers

EXTREME OUTDOOR SPORTS

Beyond interview with four of Lebanon’s top extreme sportsmen

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AN ECOLODGE IN EGYPT

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GREEN WALLS AND ROOFTOPS

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OFF THE PAGE

Eco-tourism in the Sinai

Where great ideas take root

Paper art is an ethical art that is gaining adherents

WHEN YOU ARE DONE LEAFING THROUGH BEYOND, SHELVE IT AS YOUR TRUSTED GREEN COMPANION OR SEND IT FOR RECYCLING. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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F I R M F O U N DAT I O N S

LETTRE DE ZIAD BAROUD

L’environnement sur un triple front Trois événements ont retenu mon attention tout récemment, comme une invitation à penser l’environnement sous un angle nettement plus large que l’écologique pur, un peu à la façon de Beyond qui s’évertue à l’insérer dans une acception politicosociale qui donne au “Vert” toute son ampleur. Ces “évènements” sont: 1) L’impossible accession de la grotte de Jeita au G7 des merveilles, 2) la foudroyante victoire de l’équipe nationale de football et 3) la “saga” télévisée du style WWF que les Libanais ont savourée un soir de novembre… 1) Le G7 des Merveilles: ou lorsque le nombre trahit… L’accession de la –merveilleuse- grotte de Jeita au rang des “nouvelles” merveilles naturelles du monde n’a pas été possible, on le sait. Les Italiens n’y étant pour rien (selon l’adage libanais), il a fallu chercher des explications ailleurs pour comprendre la –prévisibledéception. Les Libanais et les Libanaises n’y sont aussi pour rien: ils se sont évertués, textos à l’appui, à faire de leur mieux… La proportionnelle (oui, là encore!) n’étant pas de la partie, la démocratie dite “du nombre” a décapité leur rêve… Rien d’environnemental en la matière, diriez-vous. Pas tout à fait: les compatriotes qui ont “découvert” la grotte ont compris, je pense, que notre merveille nationale est un don de Dieu qui nous a offert un “environnement” propice à la beauté, à la pureté, à l’excellence des formes. Un environnement tel une ruche d’abeilles, pour reprendre les paroles du grand dramaturge Georges Shehadé, “où les gouttes d’eau sont les ouvrières”. Qu’avons nous fait de ce don? La politique a ses pêchés, les humains aussi… Le différend chronique qui oppose la municipalité à la société concessionnaire doit être tranché, dans l’intérêt bien compris de la grotte elle-même. Celle-ci mérite un environnement sain. 2) La victoire de l’équipe aux couleurs du cèdre: “the revenge”… /D IRXGUR\DQWH YLFWRLUH ELHQ PpULWpH GH QRV IRRWEDOOHXUV HVW XQH ÀHUWp 2Q GLUDLW TXH OHV /LEDQDLV RQW YRXOX WUqV YLWH venger Jeita et sabler quand même le champagne. Tant mieux. Morale environnementale: donnez aux Libanais un terrain vert, un espace d’excellence, une reconnaissance des talents, un appui inconditionnel et incommensurable, une “cause” hors polarisation et exigez, en contrepartie, des merveilles! Une fois n’est cependant pas coutume: nos terrains verts sont assaillis par le béton; les talents ont besoin d’environnement favorable à l’excellence. Décidément, “que de Mozart assassinés”! 3) Le wrestling en saga télévisée: ou l’indice environnemental au rouge… Là aussi, l’environnement est de la partie! Je voudrais parler de l’environnement politique dans lequel on baigne. Pollution visuelle à coup de chaises volantes, déchets verbaux toxiques, haute tension omniprésente, la couche G·R]RQH GH WROpUDQFH HVW JUDYHPHQW DWWHLQWH 2Q QH YRLW SOXV YHUW RQ YRLW URXJH &·HVW XQ SHX FD O·KpULWDJH TXH nous laissons – sur youtube, facebook et twitter… - aux générations anti-recyclage: on refait avec les mêmes… ou Presque… L’indice environnemental est au rouge. Et ca brule… Ziyad Baroud

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LETTER FROM ZIAD BAROUD

The environment on three fronts Three events caught my attention recently. They were a call for me to look at the environment from an angle much larger than the pure notion of ecology. It’s an angle similar to the one Beyond adopts as it strives to insert issues of the environment into a political and social framework in order to push the “Green” concept to its full extent. These events were: 1) The Jeita Grotto not making it among the New 7 Wonders of Nature; 2) The overwhelming victory of our national football team; and 3) The WWF-style fight the Lebanese witnessed on their TV screens one evening in November. The New 7 Wonders of Nature: When numbers fail us… The accession of the wonderful Jeita Grotto among the New 7 Wonders of Nature was not possible, as we all know. It’s not the Italians’ fault this time (as the famous Lebanese saying goes). We had to look elsewhere for explanations for this – anticipated – deception. It wasn’t the fault of the Lebanese people either: They all did their best to support their grotto’s candidature by sending mass sms to vote for it... With proportionality (yes, here too!) not being part of the equation, the so-called democracy of “numbers” killed their dream... Nothing environmental about this, one would say. But not quite: People who actually visited the Jeita Grotto have understood, I think, that our national wonder is a gift from God, who gave us an environment teeming with beauty, purity, and magnificent shapes. As famous playwright George Shehadé once said, “Our environment is like a beehive where water drops are the worker bees.” What have we done with this gift? Politics has its own sins and humans too... The unending dispute between municipalities and contractors must be resolved soon, in the best interest of the Grotto itself. It deserves a healthy environment. Victory of the cedar jerseys: The revenge The overwhelming, well-deserved victory of our football team is a real honor. It seems the Lebanese quickly sought to avenge Jeita’s defeat and insisted on drinking champagne after all. That’s even better. The environmental ethic here is: give the Lebanese a green field, a place of excellence, recognition of their talent, unconditional and vast support and an unbiased “cause,” and ask them in return to achieve wonders! Once is however not the rule: Our green spaces are beset by concrete buildings; talent needs a favorable environment in order to thrive and achieve excellence. Unquestionably, so many Mozarts are thus killed. A televised wrestling saga: The environmental index glows red Even here the environment is involved! I would like to talk about the political environment in which we bathe. The eyesore of flying chairs, toxic verbal assaults, pervasive high tension; the ozone layer of tolerance is seriously damaged. We no longer see green, we see red! This is somehow the legacy we leave behind – on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter – for the anti-recycling generations to come. The environmental index glows red and it burns! Ziyad Baroud

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Letters to Beyond MON PREMIER BEYOND : UN HAVRE DE PAIX, D’ÉCOLOGIE ET D’ESPOIR AU MILIEU DE NOTRE TUMULTUEUX LIBAN by Bakhos Baalbaki

EN FEUILLETANT BEYOND... by Ronald Barakat

Bien que Pascale ait proposÊ de me l’envoyer par voie postale, j’ai dÊclinÊ son offre. J’avais l’intention de me rendre dans une librairie avec l’idÊe d’achat en tête, le chercher en rayon, le feuilleter sur place, passer en caisse, le payer, aller m’installer sur la terrasse d’un cafÊ et commencer ma lecture. Je souhaitais être un lecteur DFWLI -H YRXODLV ÀJXUHU GDQV OH FKLIIUH GHV YHQWHV -H WHQDLV j VRXWHQLU PRGHVWHPHQW l’Êcologie que Pascale dÊfend avec frÊnÊsie.

En feuilletant Beyond J’ai dÊcouver t un monde, Un monde d’Origine Au cœur d’un magazine : Monde de PuretÊ Devenue raretÊ, Monde d’ÊlÊvation Loin de la pollution.

Je fus d’abord impressionnĂŠ par la qualitĂŠ du support. Beyond se place Ă l’opposĂŠ de certains magazines tape-Ă -l’œil. Avec un papier recyclĂŠ mat, des couleurs pastel, une mise en page ĂŠlĂŠgante et une odeur qui renvoie aux grands livres d’art, on est G¡HPEOpH VpGXLW 'H OD TXDOLWp SRXU XQH PRGLTXH VRPPH GH // OH SUL[ de 2 chawarma, 1 bière dans un pub, 1/2 amende de stationnement (lĂ oĂš l’Etat H[LVWH GH O¡HQWUpH j (GGp 6DQGV G¡XQ ERQ EDNFKLFK SRXU pYLWHU O¡HQIHU DGPLQLVWUDWLI DX FDGDVWUH HW VHXOHPHQW GX SUL[ G¡XQ ELOOHW G¡DYLRQ

J’ai revu l’univers, Aujourd’hui Ă l’envers, Dans ses plus beaux atours Et j’en ai fait le tour : J’ai revu les ĂŠtoiles Sans poussière et sans voile Et j’ai revu la lune Et bu son clair de lune.

J’ai beaucoup aimĂŠ l’Êditorial “Rising up and Aboveâ€?. “Taking time to listen, to smell, to look up, to touch and to taste‌â€?. Ceci me fait penser aux paroles de la chanson “Until the end of the worldâ€? de U2: “You miss too much these days if you stop to thinkâ€?! Et pourtant, il faudrait bien appuyer sur “Pauseâ€? et V¡DUUrWHU GH UpĂ pFKLU GH WHPSV j DXWUH 2Q OLW DXVVL ´6LWWLQJ DPRQJVW WKH WUHHV DQG listening with your heartâ€?! J’adore car c’est exactement de cette manière que je me ressource! TouchĂŠ.

J’ai revu la Nature Sans aucune rature, Connu l’absolution Dans sa vÊgÊtation. J’ai senti dans la terre Le jasmin de sa chair Et tracÊ des labours De mes doigts en amour.

J’ai bien apprÊciÊ aussi les belles photographies qui contrastent avec la laideur de plus en plus rÊpandue dans notre pays. Celle de la couverture est une invitation à s’immerger dans une belle eau turquoise, mais aussi à plonger dans le magazine. J’ai retrouvÊ des articles divers et variÊs, informatifs, rassurants, instructifs, alarmants, persuasifs et dÊpaysants.

J’ai pris à bras le corps Et la faune et la flore, TraversÊ les campagnes, ArpentÊ les montagnes Dans leur virginitÊ Et dans ma voluptÊ. J’ai ouï à l’infini Toute une symphonie.

J’ai appris beaucoup de choses: entre autres, qu’il existe 36 microclimats au Liban (seulement 28 en France!), que notre Litani national n’a rien Ă envier au Gange question pollution et que les tortues marines femelles pouvaient garder la semence PDVFXOLQH IHUWLOH SHQGDQW DQV VL VL MH O¡DL PrPH YpULĂ€p DYHF *RRJOH J’ai particulièrement aimĂŠ, les articles “Letters to Philippe Bustrosâ€?, “GreenĂ€QJHUHG IULHQGVÂľ ´$ JUHHQ $JHQGDÂľ ´3URWHFWLQJ /HEDQRQ¡V FRDVWOLQHÂľ ´,V WKH Judicial system soft on quarry owners?â€?, “Going nuclear is not going greenâ€?, “Jabal Moussa’s treasuresâ€?, “The Amazon rainforestâ€?, “Mosquitoes: unwelcome summer guestsâ€?, “Saving Lebanon’s sea turtlesâ€? et “New York city is greening up its actâ€?.

J’ai puisÊ aux ruisseaux Tous les fonts baptismaux Et parcouru des plages D’Êcritures si sages, Sur cet engagement Pour l’Environnement. En relevant les yeux J’ai redÊcouver t‌Dieu.

En refermant ce numÊro je suis à la fois enchantÊ et plein d’espoir. Bien plus qu’au dÊbut de ma lecture, c’est pour dire! Et pourtant je suis assez pessimiste en tout ce qui concerne notre pays, notamment sur le plan environnemental. Mais aujourd’hui je m’incline devant l’optimisme communicatif et la combativitÊ de Pascale Choueiri Saad. Je remercie l’Êquipe de Beyond Magazine de nous offrir ce havre de paix, d’Êcologie et d’espoir au milieu de notre tumultueux Liban. Vous avez gagnÊ un lecteur assidu.

En feuilletant ce Monde Je suis allĂŠ Beyond. R.B.

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Il est rare que je lise un magazine de la 1re de couverture Ă la 4e de couverture! Bien que ma curiositĂŠ me pousse Ă explorer des domaines variĂŠs, je suis très sĂŠlectif dans ma lecture. Et pourtant c’est ce qui m’est arrivĂŠ avec Beyond Magazine grâce Ă la rĂŠunion de 3 ĂŠlĂŠments dĂŠterminants: le thème de l’environnement qui me prĂŠoccupe depuis toujours, Pascale Choueiri Saad la directrice de la publication qui HVW XQH DPLH HW HQĂ€Q OH IDLW TXH ´5LVLQJ %H\RQG 6LJKWÂľ 6XPPHU pWDLW PRQ 1er numĂŠro, ma terra incognita!

Vivement le prochain numĂŠro Allez, Ă la santĂŠ de Beyond !

POLITICALLY CORRECT

A LEBANESE ABROAD Words PASCALE CHOUEIRY SAAD and SERGES SCHOULIKA

– Beyond talks with Lebanon’s ambassador to France, Boutros Assaker, about environmental cooperation between the two countries.

How important are environmental issues in the Lebanese government’s agenda and in your own mission as ambassador? Protecting the environment is considered to be a major challenge in post-war Lebanon. In 1993 the Lebanese government established the Ministry of the Environment as an independent HQWLW\ 2YHU WKH \HDUV WKH 0LQLVWU\ KDV developed a legal and regulatory framework to find solutions to major environmental problems facing the country, such as illegal quarrying, water pollution, deforestation, poor waste management, etc. Much progress has been made in these areas. Some problems still persist of course, but we are moving in the right direction and we are continuing our efforts to clean up the environment in our beautiful country and instill respect for nature among our citizens. We can also count on the efficient action of many environmental groups that are emerging from a strongly committed civil society. The Lebanese Embassy in Paris seeks to support this progress by gathering information and reporting initiatives undertaken in France by both the public and private sectors. These are as numerous as they are interesting, and we want to find a way to adapt the best of them to Lebanon’s specific context. The cooperation between Lebanon and France is important in all sectors. How is it reflected in the environmental sector? France actively supports the policy of preserving and improving the environment in Lebanon through two main bodies: the French Development Agency (AFD) and the French Global Environment Fund (FGEF). AFD offers its expertise and financial support to many

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projects related to water supply and wastewater treatment in the areas of Jezzine, Bkassine, Tripoli, North Lebanon, and South Lebanon. Water is a great source of wealth for our country and it is a crucial issue at both the national and regional levels. France’s vast expertise in this area is essential in helping us to be able to eliminate water pollution and ensure the optimal management of this vital resource. For its part, the FGEF assists the Lebanese government in the management of nature reserves and provides support for changing the practices of polluting companies and optimizing the energy efficiency of buildings. Furthermore, one must not overlook the positive environmental impact that results from the strict requirements of international trade. The gradual adoption of EU standards in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors is contributing to improving the impact of these activities on nature. A growing number of Lebanese companies have already acquired the international environmental certification No. Your Excellency, what makes you most proud of your country? Lebanon today is the culmination of an immensely rich culture going back several millennia in history; this is a fact in which I take great pride. It’s something that I try to communicate to my fellow countrymen and share with my foreign counterparts. All great civilizations have left their mark on Lebanon and all great conquerors have passed through it, as evidenced by the many stelae that are found in Nahr al-Kalb. The original and refined culture resulting from this melting pot has spread, and is still spreading, throughout the Arab world and beyond. What’s more, nature and culture have been closely intertwined throughout the history RI /HEDQRQ 2XU FRXQWU\ WDNHV LWV QDPH IURP LWV snow-capped mountain peaks; in the Bible it is called the land of flowing milk and honey; and the verses that were written by Lamartine about our ancient cedars are immortal. The country of

cedars is also the country of vines and wheat, which are grown in abundance in the fertile Bekaa Valley. The diversity of produce that is grown on our soil has also led to a unique DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ UHFRJQL]HG FXLVLQH 2XU culture, our lifestyle, our hospitality, and our openness to the world are treasures that, like the environment, must be preserved and enhanced at all costs. Our readers are also interested in the ecological man behind your desk. Can you briefly share with us your green career as an ambassador? You might have noticed on entering the embassy that we’ve planted different plants that are emblematic of Lebanon: roses that bloom in spring, a vine the grapes of which ripen in autumn, and an evergreen cedar tree. Every time I walk past this garden, I am struck with emotion and a feeling of nostalgia overwhelms me. I think about Lebanon’s nature. Like Proust’s little Madeleine, these plants carry me back to my childhood in Aqoura. As you PLJKW NQRZ P\ RIÀFLDO GXWLHV UHTXLUH PH WR use my car every time that I need to get around. However, sometimes when distances are not very far, I choose to walk. I also try to adopt a green behavior in my everyday life. For example I choose to take a quick shower instead of a bath in order to save water. I also turn off the lights in all unoccupied rooms to save energy. If you had to define Lebanon in a few words, which ones would you choose? Freedom, culture, coexistence, and tolerance are for me the four fundamental virtues of Lebanon. They might appear to be a bit fragile WKHVH GD\V EXW WKH\ UHPDLQ ÀUPO\ URRWHG LQ WKH hearts of our citizens, despite the wounds of our recent history, the regional upheavals, and the sometimes homogenizing effects of globalization. Because of these four virtues, our country has a message to convey to the Arab world, or rather to the entire world.

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POLITICALLY CORRECT

FRENCH LESSONS – Beyond ÀQGV RXW KRZ )UDQFH LV OHDGLQJ WKH ZD\ ZLWK JUHHQ LQLWLDWLYHV IURP 'RPLQLTXH Dron, General Commissioner of Sustainable Development at the French Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport, and Housing Words ALEX GREY

An overview of the current situation of the environment in France: Construction, urban planning, and natural resources If we consider things over the long run, the current state of the environment in France seems somewhat mixed. Concerning the atmosphere, I will point out some important things before talking about all the progress that has been achieved. Greenhouse gas

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emissions have been decreasing on a global scale and air quality in cities has been improving since major pollutants have been controlled. Some rather positive trends are taking shape with regard to the quality of surface water, the management of materials, and the reduction of waste. However, concerns remain with regard to groundwater, coastal water, land usage, and biodiversity. I believe

that we must be very vigilant in the most fragile areas such as coastal regions for example, or in the areas that are most sensitive in terms of safety, such as flood zones that are subject to the pressures of urbanization. Building a green, strong, and fair economy: The Grenelle Environment Round Table )RXU \HDUV DJR RQ 2FWREHU

WKH )UHQFK SUHVLGHQW PDGH the closing speech at the Grenelle Environment Round Table and reiterated his support for the 268 commitments that aim to limit greenhouse gas emissions and reduce France’s ecological footprint, develop renewable energy sources, and accelerate the emergence of sustainable cities and clusters in our country. To date, our results have been positive. According to the RULJLQDO VFKHGXOH QHDUO\ percent of commitments are on the right track. Beyond WKLV ÀJXUH WKH *UHQHOOH Round Table has transformed the way in which we think and act about development. Energy efficiency has been studied at all levels, particularly through low-energy buildings. Renewable energy sources have been massively developed. As an example I can mention the eightfold increase in our wind farm surface. In four years, our transportation systems have witnessed a significant change with the development of urban transport and high-speed lines. The preservation of ecosystems and the protection of biodiversity have become a truly political issue. Attitudes have also changed GUDPDWLFDOO\ VLQFH ,Q P\ opinion, the change in mentalities is the most important element for successfully implementing future ecological, economic, and social transitions. Attitudes are, after all, the most powerful drivers of change.

Creating a World Environment Organization (United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to be held in Brazil from June 4 through June 6, 2012) 5LR LV D UDUH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR initiate a simple, yet ambitious reform of international environmental governance. In preparation for the conference, we created a steering committee FDOOHG 5LR DW WKH HQG RI Its aim is clear: to bring together representatives of the public and private sectors in order to discuss the two themes of the Conference, which are green economy in the contexts of sustainable development and poverty eradication, and the institutional framework of sustainable development. Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development, Transport, and Housing chaired the last committee meeting in early September. The public and private sectors need to contribute to French society and prove through their actions that the transformation to a less polluting economy is attainable. France supports the European Union’s goal of creating a road map for the United Nations to establish a green economy. We will focus in particular on the need to rely on a new set of indicators, taking into account the recommendations of the Stiglitz-Sen-Fitoussi Commission. Without the relevant measuring tools that go beyond GDP as the sole indicator of performance

and progress, it is impossible to envision effective governance! Compatibility between nuclear power and the environment Because of France’s strategic choices in energy policy in the past, nuclear power will continue to play an important role in the coming years. Nuclear power currently accounts for 78 percent of our electricity supply and enables the country to have a carbon-free source of energy. This is why France has further strengthened its investment in preserving this sector. However, this does not detract from our commitment to developing renewable energy sources, a move that is strongly supported by the measures envisioned by the Grenelle Round Table. I could PHQWLRQ KHUH WKH IROG LQFUHDVH in the capacity of our solar IDFLOLWLHV EHWZHHQ 0: DQG -XQH 0: In addition to increasing energy output, it is important to reduce the demand for energy. That’s why we have begun to go beyond Grenelle, which was a round table on energy efficiency involving the State, local communities, non-governmental organizations, businesses, employees, and consumers/users. This reflection will lead to concrete measures that will be DSSOLFDEOH DV RI HDUO\ Finally, the president has asked the European Union’s Court of Auditors to produce a report by early next year on the full costs of nuclear power in order to complete the elements of future strategies.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

23

GREEN TALK

"GREEN IS NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY" Words ALEX GREY

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We have a real club spirit, and the people are asking for a permanent role in the community. We have to organize ourselves properly and make sure that everyone is involved.

– The chairman of Bank Audi is deeply involved in environmental issues. Beyond talks to him about the project for Club Faqra. aymond Audi, chairman of the board of directors and general manager of Bank Audi, is a man closely connected to his surroundings. Having a close personal relationship with the environment, Audi has been involved in several projects aimed at reversing environmental damage in Lebanon.

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Besides this, he is overseeing the development of Club Faqra, a resort and destination in the Bekaa that has come to be seen as a model for responsible environmental management throughout Lebanon. Beyond: What’s your relationship with the environment? Raymond Audi: Unfortunately there are many people who care only about their own house. They don’t care about their neighbor’s house, or their neighborhood. You’re shocked. They live beautifully at home, but around them there’s dirt, rubbish, everything, and they don’t care. Since I’ve been a young man I’ve been interested and involved in my environment. I like clean, neat places. I’ve been promoting an organization

called Clean Lebanon. In one project we’ve been cleaning and repainting the exterior of Beirut. It really improves the environment, to create a new environment, a new life. When we succeed in that, it’s as if we have renovated an entire region. This is the kind of thing in which I like to be involved. Beyond: Tell us about your plans regarding Faqra Club. RA: We had a chance to buy a big piece of land in an area that was completely barrenno trees, nothing, only rocks, mountains, and goats. So we bought the land because it was cheap and Faraya was already developing. The developers from Faraya told us that it was possible to develop our own slopes and station at the Faqra site. They designed not only the plans and development for the area, but also explained what we needed for development of a ski area. During that time we decided that we should conserve as much of the area as possible, specifically the rock formations. They are ancient, they belong to Lebanon, and they’re very sculptural. There are fossil formations in the area

that suggest that water had covered the land at one time. LP: In what ways does Faqra Club respect the environment? RA: Everyone knows that Faqra is an oasis in the middle of nowhere, in a dry environment. We’ve been able to develop a good infrastructure and operation. We’ve developed the first water treatment station for all the wastewater from the local area, and it’s used in agriculture in the region. We have been able to drill natural wells and we have created a central reservoir that collects water for redistribution throughout the area. All our future water needs will be met. At present we have built 500 houses and I think we’ll get to around 1,000 in a few years time. Beyond: What are your plans for the future? RA: Faqra is becoming something special. People believe in it. The new houses are very luxurious and a great deal of money is being spent. The houses are beautiful, but also well built. We have our rules, such as banning fences, to develop the area as a real community. We have a real club spirit, and the people are asking for a permanent role in the community. We have to organize ourselves properly and make sure that everyone is involved. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

25

GREEN INTERVIEW

BRINGING IT BACK HOME Words ALEX GREY

– Live Lebanon, in collaboration with the UNDP, is engaging the diaspora’s generosity to execute developmental projects in deprived areas. WR WDNH FDUH RI WKH GHSULYHG areas of Lebanon. It enables the Lebanese community abroad to help the country. All of this is happening through the UN, and I’m honored and happy to be the regional goodwill ambassador for Live Lebanon for the Gulf region.

ive Lebanon is a development initiative that is run in collaboration with the UNDP. It relies on the generosity of the Lebanese diaspora to serve deprived areas of the country. Through cash donations from volunteers, Live Lebanon and the UNDP oversee developmental SURMHFWV LQ YDULRXV ÀHOGV LQFOXGLQJ healthcare, education, and the environment. Beyond talks to Ghaleb Farha, regional goodwill ambassador for Live Lebanon.

B: So the diaspora donates to you, and the UN spends the money? GF: Yes. We suggested around 30 projects, and we asked the municipalities of Lebanon, all 640 of them, to suggest projects, to tell us what they needed. We were given a list of around 300 projects, which we narrowed down to around 42. The UNDP evaluates the projects and we go and contact the Lebanese diaspora about them. The diaspora decides on the projects to which it would like to contribute. My job is to obtain the money; that’s it. The money doesn’t come to me. It goes to Live Lebanon’s account, which is held by the UNDP, and it spends it accordingly. We managed to get around 15 projects completed in WKH ÀUVW PRQWKV LQ WKH 6RXWK Akkar, Baalbek, Hermel, in the North, all over the country.

Beyond: What is Live Lebanon, and how does it work? Ghaleb Farha: It’s a new initiative that was launched in

B: What sort of projects have you been doing? GF: Mainly health, education, and environment. For example,

Ghaleb Farha

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we donated a colonoscopy machine to a hospital in 0DUMD\RXQ WKDW FDWHUV WR people in the South. There’s another project, a month old, near Baalbek. There’s a reservoir in the area, but the water from it had been badly managed, and it wasn’t reaching the people. We restored the storage tank, using 25 kilometers of six-inch piping over steep terrain. The water can now reach 14 villages in the area. Another project involved a small health clinic that’s been around for 28 years. We gave it an EKG machine, a sonogram machine that monitors the fetus, and some other equipment. ,W XVHG WR UHFHLYH DURXQG SHRSOH a month, but now it can receive ² SHRSOH D PRQWK WKDQNV to the new machines. In Rmesh we built a football stadium for seven villages, where there is a mixture of Shiites, Sunnis, and Christians. They all now play together. In Akkar we dug two irrigation canals. 2QH ZDV NLORPHWHUV ORQJ DQG WKH RWKHU ZDV Ă€YH NLORPHWHUV ORQJ We want the municipalities to come forward with ideas B: How is the diaspora responding to this? GF: At the beginning it wasn’t easy. This is something new, people weren’t sure. But, when they saw the UNDP and the media coverage, they began to believe, and they opened their eyes. They could see that the program was being implemented quickly, and that the money was actually being spent in a very short time. You’d be surprised at how supportive the people and friends of Lebanon have been. It’s GLIĂ€FXOW WR VD\ QR ZKHQ D JUHDW project is presented to you.

GREEN TALK

PUTTING THE POWER BACK IN YOUR HANDS – Beyond talks to Farid Chehab, who wants to create a national consensus about the economy.

Words ALEX GREY

arid Chehab is a man on a mission. The founder of KGI (Civic and Political Group of ,QĂ XHQFH LV VHHNLQJ WR put control of the Lebanese HFRQRP\ DQG E\ H[WHQVLRQ WKH GLUHFWLRQ LQ ZKLFK WKH FRXQWU\ LV KHDGLQJ LQWR WKH KDQGV RI LWV SHRSOH &KHKDE¡V EUDLQFKLOG .*, SURPLVHV WR IRUP ZKDW KH UHIHUV WR DV D EOHQGHG FRPSDQ\ XQGHU D PL[WXUH RI VWDWH DQG FLWL]HQ FRQWURO WR RYHUVHH WKH vital elements of Lebanon’s economy – its QDWXUDO UHVRXUFHV ² WKH VXQ ZDWHU DQG WKH HQYLURQPHQW .*,¡V ODXQFKLQJ ZDV PDUNHG E\ WKH SXEOLFDWLRQ RI &KHKDE¡V LQVSLUDWLRQDO PDQLIHVWR D ERRN WLWOHG Bet for a National Conscience ZKLFK LV currently available online.

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Beyond: What is KGI? Farid Chehab: 7KH NH\ HOHPHQW RI WKH whole idea is this: If I want to build a QDWLRQDO FRQVFLRXVQHVV OHW PH VWDUW ZLWK WKH HFRQRP\ /HW XV FUHDWH D SDUWLFLSDWLYH FRPPRQ RSLQLRQ DERXW WKH HFRQRP\ DQ HFRQRPLF FRQVHQVXV ZKLFK ZLOO EHFRPH D FRPPRQ FRQVHQVXV DERXW D JRDO ,I WKLV ZRUNV FKDQFHV DUH WKDW SHRSOH ZLOO VHH WKH WDQJLEOH EHQHĂ€WV RI EHFRPLQJ SDUWQHUV ZLWK RQH DQRWKHU ,I WKH\ EHFRPH SDUWQHUV then there will be no more hurdles to RYHUFRPH ZKHQ WDONLQJ WRJHWKHU )URP WKDW \RX JHW D FRQVFLRXVQHVV D IHHOLQJ WKDW SHRSOH FDQ DFKLHYH WKLQJV WRJHWKHU 7KLV LV WKH WKLQNLQJ LP: 6R ZKDW DUH WKH XQLI\LQJ LVVXHV KHUH" FC: )LUVW DQG IRUHPRVW LV WKH ZDWHU :DWHU LV DOO RYHU WKH FRXQWU\ IURP 1RUWK WR South. Everyone has an interest in water; it’s for everyone. Water can become a QDWLRQDO FDXVH ,W ZRXOG EHORQJ WR WKH /HEDQHVH SHRSOH QRW D JRYHUQPHQW QRW D PLQLVWHU 7KH WKLQNLQJ LV WKDW ZH VKRXOGQ¡W WDON DERXW ZDWHU DV DQ LQLWLDWLYH FDUULHG RXW E\ RQH SHUVRQ ,W¡V OLNH 5RRVHYHOW¡V 1HZ 'HDO ,W¡V IRU HYHU\ERG\ it’s our property. 28

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&RQWDLQHG ZLWKLQ WKH ERRN LV D VWXG\ E\ 3DUVRQV 0DLQH WKH ELJJHVW K\GURORJLFDO FRPSDQ\ LQ WKH ZRUOG D KXJH FRPSDQ\ ZLWK D WUDFN UHFRUG ,Q 3DUVRQV Maine scanned Lebanon via satellite and LW UHSRUWHG WKDW LI ZH WRRN LW VHULRXVO\ DQG GLG WKLQJV LQ D KROLVWLF PDQQHU DQG DFWHG FDUHIXOO\ LQ Ă€YH \HDUV ZH FRXOG KDYH LQ WKH ZRUVW FDVH DQ H[WUD WZR ELOOLRQ FXELF liters of water for sale. On a sustainable EDVLV /HEDQRQ FRXOG UDLVH ELOOLRQ D \HDU WKURXJK ZDWHU VDOHV LP: 7KH ERRN DOVR WDONV DERXW VRODU SRZHU Tell us about your ideas. FC: ,Q WKH 86 LQ WZR \HDUV¡ WLPH WKH FRVW RI SURGXFLQJ VRODU HQHUJ\ ZLOO EH VLPLODU WR WKDW RI SURGXFLQJ WUDGLWLRQDO IRUPV RI HQHUJ\ $W SUHVHQW DW SHDN KRXUV LQ &DOLIRUQLD WKH SULFH RI VRODU HQHUJ\ LV HTXLYDOHQW WR WKH SULFH RI IXHO HQHUJ\ 7KH KLJKHU WKH FRQVXPSWLRQ WKH KLJKHU WKH SULFH 7KH H[SHUWV VD\ WKDW LQ \HDUV¡ WLPH ZH¡OO EH DW SDULW\ WKDQNV WR QHZ WHFKQRORJ\ Let’s create solar farms on the barren PRXQWDLQV <RX FDQ¡W GR DQ\WKLQJ ZLWK the land on the mountainsides; it’s useless. /HW¡V XVH LW <RX¡UH JHQHUDWLQJ HOHFWULFLW\ <RX¡UH DOVR FUHDWLQJ MREV DQG LQGXVWULHV WKURXJK LQIUDVWUXFWXUH SURJUDPV 7RJHWKHU ZLWK K\GURHOHFWULF SRZHU \RX¡UH FUHDWLQJ MREV SRZHU DQG FRPPRQ LQWHUHVWV LP: :KDW GR \RX PHDQ ZKHQ \RX WDON DERXW ´DLUÂľ LQ WKH ERRN" FC: ,Q WHUPV RI WKH SK\VLFDO HQYLURQPHQW LW¡V UHIRUHVWDWLRQ ,Q \HDUV WLPH \RX FDQ FKDQJH \RXU HQYLURQPHQW ,W¡V QRW D GUHDP LW¡V QRW VRPHWKLQJ IRU \RXU JUDQGFKLOGUHQ LW¡V IRU \RX ,I \RX GR LW \RX can see it in your lifetime. Everyone will VHH WKH EHQHĂ€WV 7KLV RQH LV WKH HDVLHVW RQH to do. You can motivate and involve HYHU\RQH FRUSRUDWH JURXSV NLGV HYHU\RQH <RX MXVW QHHG WKH ZLOO LW¡V VLPSOH 'R LW DOO VLPXOWDQHRXVO\ DFURVV WKH FRXQWU\ /HW¡V PRELOL]H WKH SRSXODWLRQ FUHDWH D VSHFLDO GD\ D WKHPH ,W QHHGV D vision. Bet for a National Conscience can be found at pari-rihan.org

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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GREEN INITIATIVES

COURTING JUSTICE The UNDP is helping Lebanon to strengthen its environmental laws.

Words ANNA MARIA LUCA

7KHUH DUH FDVHV LQ /HEDQHVH FDVH ODZ that are related to environmental crime, but there could be much more if Lebanon had the laws, the enforcement units, and the trained prosecutors to present them in court. This is what the United Nations Development Program found out last year when a team of legal experts put together a collection of Lebanese case law to help judges to sanction environmental crime. The collection of cases was part of the Supporting the Enforcement of Environmental Law program run by UNDP and funded in cooperation with the World Bank, which since last year has WUDLQHG RYHU MXGJHV WR KDQGOH FDVHV UHODWHG WR WKH HQYLURQPHQW D Ă€UVW IRU WKH /HEDQHVH MXGLFLDO V\VWHP A lack of courses on environmental law “Most judges in Lebanon have not taken any HQYLURQPHQWDO ODZ FRXUVHV Âľ 81'3 OHJDO RIĂ€FHU Richard Akiki told Beyond. â€?Law schools in Lebanese universities have no environmental law courses. Judges and lawyers who are over 26 years old have not had the opportunity to be trained in environmental law. They have no idea about the new environmental principles, the new international treaties, and declarations,â€? he added. There is currently no enforceable law that can be used to target environmental crime in Lebanon other than the Environmental Protection Framework law, which ZDV SURPXOJDWHG LQ 0DQ\ OHJDO WH[WV KDYH EHHQ drafted since then, and are they are waiting to be implemented at the Ministry of the Environment. Legal experts from the UNDP lend a hand Apart from the collection of case law, the UNDP H[SHUWV VWDUWHG WR ZRUN LQ RQ DQ H[KDXVWLYH PDQXDO RI HQYLURQPHQWDO ODZ WKDW GHĂ€QHG LWV principles and applications in the international legal V\VWHP DV ZHOO DV WKH /HEDQHVH RQH DQG VSHFLĂ€HG WKH international conventions that Lebanon has signed. $NLNL VDLG WKDW WKH Ă€UVW FRXUVH VWDUWHG ODVW \HDU LQ

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the Judicial Institute, which trains law school graduates to become judges. UNDP has also organized a series of workshops taught by well-known international experts. “It is still early to see the outcome of such a project. It started only a year ago, but it’s a good start,â€? Akiki said. “We touched on many problems during the courses and workshops, and the judges that we trained showed a great deal of interest. However, to be honest, we need to continue this program. If they don’t work on the environmental cases, if they don’t have the practice, things won’t change,â€? he added. The program did not end there. In addition to training the judges, the UNDP team prepared a feasibility study with all the legal steps to create an environmental police unit in Lebanon. The Lebanese ODZPDNHUV PHW LQ WR DJUHH RQ VHWWLQJ XS VXFK D XQLW D SURVHFXWRU¡V RIĂ€FH DQG HYHQ VSHFLDOL]HG FRXUWV but the project has not yet been executed. An environmental police unit “UNDP’s feasibility study is still in the institution’s drawers because it needs the political will to overcome the small obstacles,â€? Akiki said. An environmental police unit needs the cooperation of two ministries – the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of the Interior and Municipalities. “The small details are still obstacles to organizing such a law enforcement unit,â€? the legal expert said. “Details include who would pay such a unit and what the advantages for the employees would be if they worked as police RIĂ€FHUV XQGHU WKH VXSHUYLVLRQ RI WKH PLQLVWHU RI WKH environment,â€? he explained. Akiki said that the UNDP had formulated a plan for a second edition of the project, which proposed a joint project between the Ministry of Justice in Beirut and the Ministry of Justice in France, a country that has more experience in implementing environmental regulations and establishing institutions to enforce them.

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RESOURCEFUL MEASURES

– The Ministry of Energy and Water, in cooperation with UNDP, has established an agency to promote water conservation. Words ANNA MARIA LUCA

ater is one of Lebanon’s most precious resources. Whereas the available water supply is slightly decreasing, consumption is increasing every year and most users don’t think of saving water. This is why a group of experts from the Ministry of Energy and Water together with the United Nations 'HYHORSPHQW 3URJUDP HVWDEOLVKHG DW WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI a new body to asses Lebanon’s water capacity, to increase DZDUHQHVV RI VDYLQJ DQG FRQVHUYLQJ ZDWHU DV ZHOO DV WR UHÀOO DUWLÀFLDOO\ VRPH RI WKH HPSW\ XQGHUJURXQG UHVHUYRLUV

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Raising awareness about water conservation Another major goal of the center is to raise awareness about water conservation and protection of resources. Khayat said: “This falls under the Ministry of Energy and Water’s new national water sector strategy, which is already on the Council of Ministers’ agenda and should be discussed anytime soon. This is a pressing need and we need to come up with funding for these activities constantly. It is a tough job, because this will be a continuous project, not one that we will execute for a year or two.�

The Lebanese Center for Water Management The Lebanese Center for Water Management developed from an older, smaller project of UNDP that was intended to assess Lebanon’s water capacity almost four decades after the last study, which was conducted LQ $IWHU WKH &HQWHU IRU (QHUJ\ 0DQDJHPHQW DQG Conservation was established at the Ministry of Energy and Water, the idea of establishing a similar body in the water sector took shape.

He also added that awareness campaigns to educate the public about saving water have to target several categories of people, from school children to the business community. “We started by introducing some extracurricular activities in schools for students between eight and ten years old, to educate them in a fun way on the importance of water, and how to save it,â€? Khayat said. “For this project we need the support of the media. We already have a campaign on televisions across Lebanon. The spot ‘save water, VDYH OLYHV¡ LV DOUHDG\ EHLQJ EURDGFDVW Âľ KH QRWHG 2WKHU awareness campaigns planned by the new center will target communities, by performing water audits in towns and villages and seeking the support of the municipalities to explain to communities how to save water and what devices they can use in order to do so. A pilot project in this campaign is expected to be launched in the area around Hamat, in North Lebanon. “We have to choose areas where households have water meters, and those are not many, unfortunately,â€? Khayat said.

UNDP project manager Ziad Khayat told Beyond: “The center focuses especially on the consumer side. We are seeking to raise awareness about water saving, to fund programs for enabling water users to actually save water, and to provide the know-how to use the proper equipment.â€? The new Center for Water Management and Conservation, run by the UNDP experts but functioning within the Ministry of Energy and Water, integrated the older initiative to assess Lebanon’s ground water capacity and come up with a new database. The study, funded by the Italian Cooperation, has already begun and is being conducted at the national level. “A great GHDO KDV FKDQJHG VLQFH 7KH ZDWHU FDSDFLW\ PLJKW be more or less the same, but we just consume much more water,â€? Khayat explained. “The ground water capacity database is a two-year project that began at the EHJLQQLQJ RI 2FWREHU Âľ KH DGGHG

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5HĂ€OOLQJ JURXQG ZDWHU DTXLIHUV The third priority of the center is kicking off a giant SURJUDP WR UHĂ€OO WKH JURXQG ZDWHU DTXLIHUV DUWLĂ€FLDOO\ “This is a very long-term project. It will be very expensive and we are in the process of securing funding for it,â€? Khayat said. Among other goals, the center is also aiming at offering the Ministry of Energy and Water the technical support for any project that the governmental body might execute in the water sector.

CREAM OF THE CROP

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE – The SaadÊ family is producing a high-end wine in northwestern Syria. The distinctiveness of the Bargylus terroir that SaadÊ mentions has been noticed by famous wine connoisseur and international wine consultant Stephane Derenoncourt. Words CHADI M. NASSAR

D

omaine de Bargylus is about to become a well-known, high-end wine that is produced in the Middle East. In fact, it is produced in Syria, a country that is not yet present on the international wine scene. The producers of Domaine de Bargylus, the two brothers Karim and Sandro, sons of Johnny R. SaadĂŠ, are seeking to set the standard for Syrian wine on the international market as well as to place their product on the wine lists of the most prestigious restaurants in the world.

former name of what are presently known as the “Al Ansariyah Mountainsâ€? in northwestern Syria. The importance of terroir The SaadĂŠ Family focuses on terroir. Sandro SaadĂŠ explains: “We produce wines that express terroir – WKDW LV WKH DSSURDFK Âľ .DULP 6DDGp DOVR DGGV ´2XU IDPLO\ LV QRW LQWHUHVWHG LQ PDNLQJ JHQHULF ZLQHV 2Q the contrary, our main focus is on how to achieve the best expression of the Syrian terroir.â€?

Both brothers emphasize the difference between the two A family’s passion for wine wines that they produce. Sandro explains that “Bargylus The SaadĂŠ family’s thirst for making distinct wines is exposed to the sea, whereas Marsyas is has led it to produce in two very different inside the Bekaa Valley,â€? and this makes ORFDWLRQV /HEDQRQ DQG 6\ULD ,Q QUOTE FROM all the difference in how distinct the two it began to produce Château Marsyas INTERNATIONAL CRITICS wines are. The Bekaa is a very dry place, but from a vineyard that is located in the In March 2011, James Bargylus is made in a more humid area. SaadĂŠ %HNDD 9DOOH\ ,Q WZR \HDUV EHIRUH Suckling, an English wine expert, published on his blog: explains that “the terroir as a whole, between beginning production in Lebanon, the the climate, the sun exposure, and the quality SaadĂŠ family embarked on the Syrian " Who has drunk a Syrian of the soil, has a special story to tellâ€?. wine project, Domaine de Bargylus, at an wine? This is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and HOHYDWLRQ RI PHWHUV DERYH VHD OHYHO Chardonnay. Full and super Facing challenges in Syria on the fringes of the city of Latakia. In clean and bright. Wow. Drink High-standard winemaking in Syria has not fact, the name Domaine de Bargylus this and hope for peace in the Middle East. 90 points.â€? been an easy task for the SaadĂŠ brothers. comes from “Bargylus Mountains,â€? the 36

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The white wines are made with specially selected Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, whereas the red wines are made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

In fact, Bargylus meets extremely high international standards, being the only wine of such quality that is EHLQJ H[SRUWHG IURP 6\ULD .DULP 6DDGp FRQĂ€UPV WKDW “the main challenge in Syria is that everything needs to be started from scratch; you are in the middle of nowhere, which makes the whole adventure interesting and appealing. In Lebanon, where the culture of wine is much PRUH SUHVHQW \RX Ă€QG ZKDW \RX QHHG VXFK DV TXDOLĂ€HG laborers and laboratories, much more easily.â€?

Karim SaadĂŠ insists that even though the marketing strategy is important to a successful Bargylus, what is really critical is that the wine be infused with passion. “Producing wine is unlike producing other spirits such as vodka or whiskey or anything else,â€? he says. “The wine culture has a different message to convey. Wine has a magical meaning,â€? he adds.

Meeting international standards Bargylus is accepted as a high-end wine on the international wine scene. Sandro SaadĂŠ remarks that “Bargylus is being very highly ranked by the international wine community and experts.â€? In both France and the United Kingdom, Bargylus has met international tasters’ requirements. As a matter of fact, today this wine is found RQ WKH ZLQH OLVWV RI 0LFKHOLQ VWDU UDWHG Ă€QH UHVWDXUDQWV No expense is spared in the production of Bargylus. The vineyard was established using the latest equipment, the bottles are imported from Bordeaux, and the grapes are carefully handpicked at every harvest. Because of this stringent self-imposed quality control, Domaine de Bargylus has produced a mere 60,000 bottles this year.

TODAY, BARGYLUS IS EXPORTED TO MAJOR WESTERN MARKETS, INCLUDING PARIS (FRANCE), LONDON (UNITED KINGDOM), AND CANADA.

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C ALFRED MOUSSA

Seeing the light Pathways that yield illuminating tales of history and spirituality combined

Words CHÉRINE YAZBECK

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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n the northbound highway to Tripoli, on the right side of the road, there is a picturesque path leading up a hill. The surroundings are dotted with EHDXWLIXO ROLYH JURYHV DQG ÀJ WUHHV UHà HFWLQJ D W\SLFDO 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ landscape. In the village of Hamat, on an isolated piece of land facing the Mediterranean Sea, atop the KLOO OLHV 2XU /DG\ RI 1RXULHK D *UHHN 2UWKRGR[ 0DULDQ VKULQH

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The legends behind the shrine Many legends refer to the story of 2XU /DG\ RI /LJKW LQ $UDELF ´QRXUÂľ means “lightâ€?). Some relate the tale of a stormy winter night in the 4th century, when two sailors in despair prayed to the Virgin Mary, who appeared to them in the form of a light and guided them to the shore of Theoprosopon, near modern day Chekka. They carved a cave as a tribute to their savior. A Greek 2UWKRGR[ PRQDVWHU\ ZDV EXLOW RQ WKH site in the 17th century. Another story

Nourieh (“the luminous�) in reference to the light that Theodosius saw. The icon of Theotokos Nowadays, the shrine is a popular Christian pilgrimage site where the miraculous icon of Theotokos can be admired. It is said to glow with light to attract wayward ships. At the turn of the century, in 1911, a new monastery was built to secure visits since the path leading to the old monastery had been built on the slope of the steep, rugged, and dangerous mountains WKDW FDXVHG LQMXULHV WR SLOJULPV 9DOXDEOH LFRQV are exhibited in the monastery. The monastery has a basilica structure and a single nave. The modern iconostasis is in marble. Only four nuns and two priests live in the monastery. On a bright day, from the tiny chapel, there is a breathtaking panorama of the city of Tripoli.

C ALFRED MOUSSA

depicts the story of King Theodosius, who set out on a trip to Jerusalem. Back then it was the dawn of Christianity in Greece. Upon his arrival in the Mediterranean facing Tripoli, a stormy wind blew and agitated the sea. The ship sunk and was carried by waves to the shores of El Heri Bay near Chekaa. As the King was kneeling on his boat saying his last prayers asking God to save him, a halo ZLWK WKH ÀJXUH RI WKH 9LUJLQ 0DU\ DSSHDUHG to him. He shouted loudly, asking her to save him and his crew. He heard the voice of the Lady answering back that they should not fear and that she would save them. All of a sudden, the waves calmed and all were saved. $IWHUZDUGV 7KHRGRVLXV KHDUG WKH 9LUJLQ adding that she wanted him to build a shrine on this site. He complied with her demand. The shrine was called the Monastery of Al

LETTER

Finally full How much do you need to be happy? How many zeros on your bank statement? How many credit cards, debit cards, Gold Visa, American Express, Diners Club? How many friends on Facebook, followers on Twitter, contacts on BBM to feel alive? How many air miles to feel free? How many inches of silicone, how many shoes, dresses, carats, to feel like a woman? How much horsepower in your car engine to feel like a man? How many undone beds to feel loved? How big should your restaurant check be to show that you had a good meal? How much should you spend on your wedding, how many guests, how much icing on the cake, to believe you’re soulmates? How many demonstrators in the streets to understand you have a voice? Thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions? :H OLYH LQ D JOXWWRQRXV ZRUOG 0RUH DOZD\V PRUH 1HYHU VDWLVĂ€HG 1HYHU IXOO :H GHYRXU ZH JX]]OH ZH EORDW ZH LQĂ DWH ZH JHW IDW :H JHW IDW ZKHQ ZH VKRXOG EH JURZLQJ 2YHU WKH \HDUV ZH NHHS DFTXLULQJ DFFXPXODWLQJ FRPSLOLQJ OLNH JRRG OLWWOH GXQJ EHHWOHV Spending our lives carrying large balls of crap. But if one day we stumble, if the treasure escapes us, if the dung ball rolls away beyond our reach, we suddenly feel empty and lost, alone and naked. Deeply, terribly naked. Like after a tsunami or a civil war, or like when we go home and discover that there is nothing left, that everything was swept away. Life’s gifts often come as kicks in the ass. When we get one, we curse, we moan, we groan, ZH VFUHDP ZH FU\ ZH SXNH 7KHQ ZH FDOP GRZQ :H LQKDOH :H H[KDOH $QG Ă€QDOO\ wake up. The fog slowly lifts and we begin to see things as they really are. We begin to understand that all our treasures were mere disguises, armors, bulletproof vests. That underneath we are fundamentally crippled. And it’s about time to actually learn to stand up and walk. True freedom, that’s when it starts. When we wake up. When the fog lifts. When we stand up and walk. When we stop being the stockbrokers of our daily lives and become the writers of our destiny. When we decide to grow instead of getting fat. When we understand that a Christmas tree, as twinkling as it may be, only glitters for a short while, while Cedars in the wild last a millennia. When we fathom that one person, just one, with a clear vision and the user’s manual that comes with it, has much more power to change the future than millions of demonstrators chanting empty chants. When we cannot anymore pretend to love before we stop lying between all consenting sheets, before we stop forgetting in whose asses we’ve been sleeping. :KHQ ZH VWRS WUDGLQJ DQG EHJLQ VKDULQJ :KHQ ZH FDQ VLPSO\ VD\ ,¡P Ă€QDOO\ IXOO

Claude el Khal

42

GROUND GROUND

– Beyond talks to an energy consultant to the Ministry of Energy and Water. Words ALEX GREY

C ALFRED MOUSSA

Photos ELIE ANDRAWOS

44

GROUND

he power station in Zouk Mikael is, without a doubt, an eyesore, a blight on the coastline of Lebanon. The pollution emitted from WKH \HDU ROG SODQW FDQ EH VHHQ LQ WKH IRUP RI à \ DVK DQG un-burnt carbon emissions, but it’s the invisible carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and sulfur derivatives that are the main problem. Beyond recently spoke to Karim 2VVHLUDQ HQHUJ\ FRQVXOWDQW WR the Ministry of Energy and Water to understand the situation at the aging plant.

T

LP: What exactly is the situation in Zouk Mikael? KO: At Zouk the problem is mostly the black smoke that you FDQ VHH Ă \ DVK DQG SDUWLFXODWH matter, and un-burnt carbon. This is the result of poor combustion. The plant is in a bad state. Maintenance-wise, a great deal of wear and tear has accumulated over the years and it hasn’t been corrected. The plant needs complete rehabilitation. There is a system that manages the combustion, to optimize the Ă€ULQJ WKH WHPSHUDWXUHV² WKH whole process. This system is basically out of service. LP: What are you doing to solve these issues? KO: We have two stages, one immediate, one long-term. In the ORQJ WHUP ZH FDQ PDNH VLJQLĂ€FDQW improvements, but we can’t do that while the plant is running. At the moment we’re working on a system that will condition the heavy fuel oil. It’s a skid, the size of a car, through which the fuel passes. Additives and water are added to the fuel,

the additives help to form a precipitation of the sulfur derivatives and nitrogen at the bottom of the boiler, meaning that a large amount of these damaging components can be removed. The water improves the emulsion of the fuel, meaning that combustion is significantly improved. This system is expected to reduce WKH HPLVVLRQV E\ DW OHDVW percent in solid carbon dioxide and sulfur derivative emissions E\ DW OHDVW SHUFHQW ZLWK D 17percent reduction in nitrogen emissions. We expect to have this implemented in one year. LP: What about the long-term plans? KO: These involve the rehabilitation of the plants, and a complete rehabilitation of the combustion process. That should reduce the nitrogen emissions to DSSUR[LPDWHO\ SHUFHQW RI their current levels. With today’s technology, you can achieve zero emissions ‌ it’s only D TXHVWLRQ RI SULFH 7KH Ă€OWHULQJ technologies are very expensive, and it’s a question of space. In modern plants, two-thirds of the SODQW LV WDNHQ XS ZLWK Ă€OWHUV $QG WKH\¡UH Ă€YH WR VHYHQ WLPHV PRUH expensive than traditional plants. At Zouk, we don’t have the space, and we don’t have much money to spend. LP: What are the costs involved? KO: This type of solution, the conditioning of the fuel, will FRVW DURXQG per year, per unit. However, it will cost you nothing, for when you improve the combustion, fuel consumption improves,

and your consumption will be reduced by two to three percent–that’s millions of dollars. It’s a huge saving, and an environmental improvement. LP: Some people will forever call for the closing of the Zouk plant. Is that an option? KO: We have long-term plans to create a gas pipeline along the coast. This pipeline will connect the North to South and connect all the coastal cities. We currently have gas coming from Syria and Egypt, but it’s not enough, and sometimes supply is interrupted. However, Turkey is a hub. It receives gas from Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan. There’s a pipeline being constructed between Turkey and Syria. 2QFH WKDW¡V FRPSOHWHG ZH¡OO be able to buy gas from anyone. That’s why we’re constructing the coastal pipeline. The Turkey-Syria link will EH Ă€QLVKHG WKLV \HDU $V IRU the North-South pipeline in Lebanon, we’re waiting for the Council of Ministers to approve LW 2QH SDUW LV UHDG\ EXW WKH problem is that the government GRHVQ¡W KDYH WKH Ă€QDQFHV WR GR LW all in one go. The pipeline will be launched as soon as we have the go-ahead and it will take around three years to complete. As soon as the gas is available, all of our plants will be converted to gas. When you’re running on gas, the emission problem is completely different; it’s solved at the root. LP: So when would you imagine all of this happening? KO: After the politicians give us the go-ahead, it will take three to four years.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

45

DIRTY NOISE

WAKE UP AND HEAR THE NOISE! – Noise levels in Beirut surpass international standards, and they are a threat to health. Words SHANE KEVIN FARRELL

C

ar horns, thumping disco beats, construction and WKH FUDFNOH RI ÀUHZRUNV are just some of the sounds that are synonymous with Lebanon’s larger cities. These sounds are not only annoying; they also represent a form of pollution and a potentially grave one at that. Although noise pollution is a term that is open to debate, it can be EURDGO\ GHÀQHG DV DQ\ QRLVH WKDW LV annoying, distracting, or physically harmful.

Dr. Nabil Watfa, senior occupational safety and health specialist for the ,QWHUQDWLRQDO /DERXU 2UJDQL]DWLRQ 5HJLRQDO 2IĂ€FH IRU $UDE 6WDWHV LQ an interview with Beyond, explains that “there are two different types of noise pollution: industrial or commercial and day-to-day ‘nuisance’ noise.â€? Nuisance noise is more than just that The latter includes everything from the obnoxious beeping that you might hear on your daily commute, to early morning drilling that stops you from getting enough – shut eye is one word. And while, on the surface, nuisance noise might not sound so severe, do not be deceived. According to the World Health 2UJDQL]DWLRQ :+2 ´1RLVH can cause hearing impairment‌ disturb sleep, cause cardiovascular and psycho-physiological effects, reduce performance, and provoke annoyance responses and changes in social behavior.â€? It can even cause 46

GROUND

premature death, according to a recent study on the effects of noise pollution in Europe. :KLOH UHVXOWV DUH GLIĂ€FXOW WR SURYH WKH VWXG\ HVWLPDWHG WKDW WUDIĂ€F QRLVH may account for some three percent of coronary heart disease deaths - or DURXQG GHDWKV LQ (XURSH each year. In Lebanon, meanwhile, daily noise levels are often far higher than the acceptable limit, often SHJJHG DW GHFLEHOV $V 1DMLE Saab, secretary general of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development writes on his website, “in many sectors of Beirut, noise levels are over 85 decibels.â€? This, he writes, is more serious than it may first appear as an increase of three decibels translates into a doubling of the noise level. Therefore, “a level of 85 decibels actually translates into a 16 times increase over the tolerable level.â€? Commercial pollution is bad for the ears Commercial or industrial noise pollution, on the other hand, involves anything from manufacturing plants to nightclubs, and has the potential to cause irreparable damage to the ear. At its most extreme, noise pollution can burst an eardrum and cause deafness, but it can also result in partial hearing and temporary deafness. The latter, especially, is a feeling that many clubbers have

experienced at one point in their late night outings, and what some bar staff consider an occupational hazard: a constant ringing that is heard minutes to hours after leaving the club. Frequent temporary deafness can lead to more permanent deafness. Frequency is only one of several factors that have to be taken into consideration with regard to noise and its effect on the ear. Loudness, the duration for which a person is exposed to the noise, and the pitch of the sound are others to keep in PLQG 2QH RI WKH PDLQ SUREOHPV in Lebanon, Watfa believes, is that although the government has signed up to an international standard that places an upward limit on the amount of noise that may be emitted by a commercial venture, this is rarely enforced. As a result, many enterprises surpass WKH GHFLEHO OLPLW ZLWK LPSXQLW\ thereby threatening the health of their workers, customers, and nearby residents. A second problem is the failure to provide workers with ear PXIà HUV DQG RWKHU GHYLFHV WKDW FDQ reduce the likelihood of ear damage. Watfa also notes a third problem, which is the lack of awareness among people about the danger of noise pollution and ways of reducing the potential damage to one’s ear. Sadly, though, with noise pollution low on the priority list, these problems are unlikely to be solved any time soon.

SO HEAVY IT HURTS

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

47

DIRTYLEGACY UGLY ???

THE LEGACY OF WAR – Five years after the July 2006 War, the damage caused by Israeli bombing is still evident. Words CHADI M. NASSAR

The attack on the Jiyeh power station There still exists evidence of the damage that was caused to Lebanon’s beaches by the air raid executed by Israeli airplanes on July 15, 2006 at 4:23 p.m. This attack targeted a power station in Jiyeh, a city in southern Lebanon. The assault caused eight barrels of oil to rupture and to pollute an 80-kilometer stretch of the Lebanese shoreline,

48

GROUND

with the power plant being at its center. To make matters worse, the Israeli planes targeted the tanks that were closest to the shoreline, which resulted in the oil slick spreading to a depth of 14 meters and having a thickness estimated at 40 centimeters in some of the affected areas. It is also estimated that around one-third of Lebanon’s coasts are still being affected directly by this outrage against the environment.

Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea Not only are the coasts of Lebanon affected, the coasts of its neighbors are also threatened. It is feared that WKH RLO PD\ ÁRZ DOO WKH ZD\ WR *UHHFH and Turkey, and hit Cyprus and Syria on the way. Mr. Louis Kolasimune, WKH ,QIRUPDWLRQ 2IÀFHU RI WKH Mediterranean Action Plan under the United Nations Environment Program, said: “The pollutants may remain in the water for a century. It was the worst environmental disaster to have occurred in the Mediterranean Sea at the time.” Mr. Yacoub Sarraf, the former

Minister of the Environment, said: “It was the biggest environmental catastrophe in the Mediterranean Sea. It has had a devastating impact on the marine life and ecosystem, threatening certain types of marine species to the point of extinction.” Shortcomings in the cleanup The cleanup has not been properly complete, causing the beaches to remain polluted. Because of the lack of experience, primitive procedures were used, such as divers wrapping big oil patches like one would roll a carpet

and disposing them in bags. The oil that was thus removed was then placed in special tanks, but its transportation was extremely expensive and Lebanon could not bear those expenses alone. Instead, the tanks were distributed all over Lebanon and not properly treated, compounding the problem to the environment. Mr. Karabet Kazenjian, the person in charge of the campaign to clean up the ocean, said: “The delay in cleaning up the oil spills was due to continuous Israeli bombardment as well as the impact of high temperatures

in summer, which caused the oil spills to sink to the bottom of the sea in large quantities LQVWHDG RI EHLQJ ÁRDWHG DQG pumped immediately by special pipes from the surface, thereby hindering the cleanup process.” $ JUHDW ÀQDQFLDO EXUGHQ 7KH ÀQDQFLDO FRVWV UHVXOWLQJ IURP this catastrophe are high. The World Bank estimates the losses to Lebanon at around $175 million. This raises the question: How is a country that is built on tourism and that is known as ¶7KH *UHHQ 0LGGOH (DVW· JRLQJ WR IDFH VXFK D ÀQDQFLDO DQG environmental burden?

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

49

CRUSHING STORIES

"THE LAND OF MY HEART IS THE LAND OF WIDE OPEN SPACES, THE LAND OF PLENTY, THE LAND OF GENEROSITY AND HOSPITALITY. THE LAND OF MY HEART IS THE LAND OF THE GODS BACCHUS, BAAL, AND AEOLUS". Yousra Bustros

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

0

51

CRUSHING STORIES

(C) YOUSRA BUSTROS

The mutilated mountain. The humiliated mountain.

52

GROUND

By remaining silent and not taking any action, we are all guilty of not helping the endangered mountains.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

53

54

GROUND

(C) KARIM HABET

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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CRUSHING STORIES

56

GROUND

(C) YOUSRA BUSTROS

“Nothing seems surprising any more in a country where everything has turned into an unexpected show for the eye, a phantasmagoria, a changing mirage.” Pierre Lo.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

57

GREEN BUILDINGS

CROSSING OVER TO THE GREEN SIDE

– The Lebanon Green Building Council has devised a system for rating energy HIÀFLHQF\ LQ FRPPHUFLDO EXLOGLQJV Words ANNA MARIA LUCA

58

GROUND

W

hen an entrepreneur, owner of several profitable Lebanese companies, agreed to turn off the unnecessary lights in the conference room during a meeting in plain daylight, Dr. Samir Traboulsi knew that there was hope. With increasing awareness about energy saving, many other commercial building owners may be inclined to cross over to the green side.

some buildings – volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde.

Traboulsi, the head of the Lebanon Green Building Council, is one of the ten engineers, architects, and academics who established the QRQ JRYHUQPHQWDO RUJDQL]DWLRQ LQ DQG devised a building rating system for Lebanese commercial buildings.

Lack of funding Traboulsi says that the LGBC’s idea was very daring, especially since Lebanon is experiencing a real estate boom, while the world is facing a severe financial crisis. He said: “Maybe it was not the right time to launch the ARZ Rating System, because the whole world is feeling the financial crisis. The businessmen in the real estate sector feel reluctant to apply new regulations in Lebanon, as elsewhere. That’s why you need to give them incentives, and that can only come from the authority – the municipality or the government. Now the government and the municipalities are also crippled by the lack of funding. This is the major impediment in the way of applying the rating system.� He said that there were already two buildings that were in the process of being rated.

The ARZ Building Rating System The ARZ Building Rating System, a pioneer initiative in Lebanon, is meant to evaluate the energy efficiency of commercial buildings in the country in order to encourage better resource management, which decreases energy costs and addresses climate change. “The ARZ system is only meant for commercial buildings, for now, and it was adjusted to the Lebanese environment’s particular needs. For us, energy consumption and water usage are vital criteria that other rating systems in the world might not value as much as we do in Lebanon,� Traboulsi told Beyond. The system takes into account and addresses the electricity demand – which continues to be higher than the supply – the water resources under pressure, the lack of water conservation, while also providing recycling guidance and building materials. ARZ warns against the lack of awareness of the toxicity of gases emitted by

The ARZ Building Rating System, launched with the help of the International Finance Corporation, part of the World Bank, determines whether commercial buildings in Lebanon are healthful, comfortable places in which to work and do business, and also determines their impact on the environment.

Green renovations can save money 2WKHU JUHHQ DXGLWV RI VHYHUDO FRPPHUFLDO buildings that have been conducted according to the ARZ System have found that through investments in “green� renovations, the company saves money. With investments of between DQG PLOOLRQ EDVHG RQ EXLOGLQJ VL]H RZQHUV FRXOG VDYH EHWZHHQ DQG SHU \HDU 7KH DXGLW LV DFFRPSDQLHG E\ recommendations that will also enable owners to achieve higher ARZ rating levels.

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

59

ECOCENTRIC INITIATIVES

WILL ACTION FOLLOW THE WORDS? –The Ministry has adopted a multi-faceted program for 2011-2013 to protect the environment. Words CHADI M. NASSAR

ebanon’s Ministry of the Environment is promising to take action in its 2011-2013 program with the slogan “Everybody for the homeland, everybody for work”. The Mission Statement and Work Program stress that “the political environment is at the service of environmental policy”. The Ministry of the Environment is pitching itself as a “strong, transparent, fair, multi-partner and educating” entity of the government.

L

Strenghthening the Ministry’s role First, the Ministry will work towards “the activation and consolidation of its role”. It is working on improving its own human resources, its financial standing, its logistical capacities, and it is also working on improving its communication strategies. It is aligning its programs with those of other public administrations, with help from EU grants for example. The Ministry will be working with the other ministries (e.g., the Ministry of Justice) to both draft decrees and enact laws that benefit the environment “based on clear and transparent scientific and practical criteria”. It will also strive to consolidate efforts by NGOs, as well as international, regional, and national organizations, so that they are more efficient. It will publish the first edition of “Green Pages” and organize fairs and exhibitions that focus on environmental issues. The Ministry will devote attention to education and communication media by publishing papers in Arabic, French, and English. Protecting natural resources Second, the Ministry of the Environment will become stricter with regard to protecting Lebanon’s natural resources. For example, it will apply a “quarrying master plan,” which includes rehabilitation of some sites through legal measures and the drafting of newer and better laws. It will also activate national strategies for managing forest fires better when they occur by defining the Ministry’s role in this area. It intends to implement reforestation and combat desertification by supporting national campaigns and through the adoption of new technologies. Promoting biodiversity, nature reserves, and nature sites will also be a priority. Specific sites will be declared natural sites, such as the Byblos coast for example. Lebanese water basins are also an issue. The Ministry will combat pollution in water basins as well as coordinate with the Ministry of Energy and Water to develop plans to better manage the country’s water resources. Reducing risks to the environment The third aspect is working on preventing and remediating environmental risks. The Ministry will do this by implementing policies for solid waste management, by ensuring the safety of the environment using proper sanitation projects, and by developing an integrated agenda for the reduction of point source pollution. This is to be done by establishing well developed landfills, encouraging industrial waste management, and drafting clearer decrees for all kinds of waste, e.g., that from health institutions. The Ministry will also work on making sure that energy projects have a minimal effect on the environment through better coordination with the proper ministries and sectors. The Ministry of the Environment’s program is an ambitious one. Let’s hope that it can succeed for my sake, for your sake, and for the sake of future generations! For more information, please visit www.moe.gov.lb

60

HORIZONS GROUND

THREE TIPS FOR MAKING A GREEN BUSINESS Words SHANE KEVIN FARRELL

IT’S GOOD TO BE

N E E R G – Too often companies think that they must choose between being environmental and reaching their commercial potential. However, this is not true, as more and more companies are discovering.

A s

customers become more environmentally conscious, companies are quick to realize that commercial benefit can be gained by making their products more environmentally friendly. After all, the deciding factor between two similar products for the consumer may just boil down to the question of which product is friendlier to the environment. So how do you go about starting your green business? Beyond offers you three key tips: Be realistic Let’s face it; the economic environment is harsh at the moment and environmentally-friendly companies are no less affected. ,QGHHG DV .HYLQ 6XUDFH &(2 of sustainable building materials firm Serious Materials, told Inc. magazine in an article dated July

12, “there is no [venture capitalist] who would fund a company just because it’s recycled or green.� he said. “They would have years ago, but not today,� he added. The current reality is that customers are more likely to prioritize price over a product’s effect on the environment. Thus, the importance of having a strong business idea and business plan to back it up is crucial to a green business, just as it is for other businesses. Create, test, and go for it 2QFH \RX KDYH D VWURQJ LGHD WHVW LW and, if it is successful, go with it. This lesson is no better explained than through the story of the creation of UK-based company Innocent Drinks. Not entirely satisfied with their previous jobs and believing that there was potential to the smoothies that they created, the soon-to-be founders of Innocent 'ULQNV ERXJKW … ZRUWK RI IUXLW

turned it into smoothies and sold them from a stall at a little music festival in London. Next to the stall they placed a giant sign with the question ‘Do you think we should give up our jobs to make these smoothies?’ Next to the sign they placed a ‘yes’ and a ‘no’ bin. When they saw that the bin marked ‘yes’ was full, they quit their ordinary jobs. Innocent Drinks is now one of the UK’s fastest growing food and drink companies, and it has been dubbed “one of the companies at the vanguard of the green revolution.� Go green, stay green As a green company expands, the temptation to move away from sustainability and environmentallyfriendly practices is strong. Moral issues aside, a company that loses its green image may also face a loss of customers. Through the use of specialists or environmentallyfocused employees, many companies seek to avoid such a situation. Also, some companies, such as Interface, a company that produces green carpet tiles, are even willing to suffer short-term losses, in the knowledge that over the long term they will be rewarded.

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ECOďšşCENTRIC INITIATIVES

PUTTING THE YOU INTO WATER USE – The government is considering a new solution to the problem of high irrigation costs in Lebanon Words CHADI M. NASSAR

I

n view of the high costs of implementation for irrigation SURMHFWV RIĂ€FLDOV RI WKH /LWDQL 5LYHU $XWKRULW\ /5$ SDUW of the Department of Rural 'HYHORSPHQW LQ /HEDQRQ have decided to try an unconventional route: Water 8VHUV¡ $VVRFLDWLRQV :8$V 2QH RI WKH PDLQ SUREOHPV WKDW LV EHLQJ IDFHG E\ WKH SURMHFW to implement the WUA FRQFHSW LQ /HEDQRQ LV WKH ODFN of awareness of what WUAs DUH DQG KRZ WKH\ FDQ EHQHĂ€W DQ LUULJDWLRQ SURMHFW What are water users’ associations? WUAs are, as the name suggests, associations for the management RI ZDWHU DQG LWV XVH 7KH\ DUH VHOI PDQDJHG DQG VHOI VXIĂ€FLHQW associations in which the users of the water themselves do the managing and monitoring of the ZDWHU EHLQJ XVHG ,Q RWKHU ZRUGV the operators and the managers of the water irrigation systems are the XVHUV WKHPVHOYHV L H WKH IDUPHUV DQG DJULFXOWXULVWV ,Q HVVHQFH WKH JRYHUQPHQW HVWDEOLVKHV WKH

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infrastructure, trains the users how to use and manage the systems, and then hands them over to the XVHUV WKHPVHOYHV ZKR EHFRPH FRPSOHWHO\ LQGHSHQGHQW 7KH idea is that since the farmers will manage the infrastructure, they ZLOO WDNH EHWWHU FDUH RI LW EHFDXVH WKH\ ZLOO EH KHOG DFFRXQWDEOH IRU LW Waiting for implementation :K\ ZRXOG WKH /HEDQHVH government opt for such a new approach? “WUAs from all around the world, especially in ,WDO\ DQG 6SDLQ KDYH SURYHQ WR EH PRUH HIIHFWLYH LQ WHUPV RI VXVWDLQDELOLW\ RI LQIUDVWUXFWXUH Âľ VD\V .DPDO .DUDD IURP WKH /5$ One of the main issues that is EHLQJ IDFHG LQ /HEDQRQ LV WKDW when the government sets up a project and then furnishes the system with all the necessities, VXFK DV GDPV SLSHOLQHV HWF D JUHDW GHDO RI YDQGDOLVP DQG DEXVH RI WKH V\VWHP HQVXHV 6KDULQJ RI WKH ZDWHU EHFRPHV XQHTXDO DQG FRVWO\ :8$V DUH D ZD\ WR WU\ WR prevent all of that from happening LQ /HEDQRQ 7KH ODZV QHHGHG WR

LPSOHPHQW :8$V LQ /HEDQRQ KDYH EHHQ GUDIWHG DQG WKH\ DUH VRRQ WR EH WDWLÀHG

C CLEMENT TANNOURY

A pilot program in the South ,PDQ $EGHODOO ZKR ZRUNV closely with the United Nations 'HYHORSPHQW 3URJUDPPH 81'3 has already started the education process for a pilot program in the VRXWKHUQ SDUW RI /HEDQRQ 6KH KDV WROG PH WKDW LW DSSHDUV WR EH YHU\ GLIÀFXOW WR JHW IDUPHUV WR DFFHSW WKH LGHD (YHU\RQH VHHPV WR ZDQW WKH ZDWHU WR LUULJDWH WKHLU IDUPV EXW RQ WKHLU RZQ WHUPV +RZHYHU VKH LV DGDPDQW DERXW PDNLQJ VXUH WKDW ZLWK WKH KHOS RI WKH /5$ DQG WKH UNDP, only farmers who accept the WUA and its practices will receive D VXSSO\ RI ZDWHU IRU WKH VDNH RI WKH VXVWDLQDELOLW\ RI WKH GLPLQLVKLQJ ZDWHU VXSSO\ LQ /HEDQRQ DV ZHOO as in order to preserve the water LUULJDWLRQ V\VWHPV Preserving the water supply for future generations :8$V DUH PDNLQJ WKHLU ZD\ WR /HEDQRQ *RYHUQPHQWDO DQG QRQ JRYHUQPHQWDO DJHQFLHV DOLNH DUH ZRUNLQJ WRZDUGV WKH HVWDEOLVKPHQW of WUAs in order to improve /HEDQRQ·V IDXOW\ LUULJDWLRQ SUDFWLFHV %RWK .DUDD DQG $EGHODOO DUH ZRUNLQJ KDUG RQ PDNLQJ WKLV SURMHFW VXFFHHG 7KH\ KDYH VHYHUDO REMHFWLYHV WR guarantee the water supply for future generations, to ensure the VXVWDLQDELOLW\ RI WKH LQIUDVWUXFWXUH DQG WR UHGXFH WKH EXUGHQ RI FRVWV RQ the government as well as on the SHRSOH RI /HEDQRQ

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SHOCKING REALITY

THE SOURCE OF DISCONTENT ² :LOO &KLQD VHHN WR PRQRSROL]H WKH UHJLRQ¡V ZDWHU VXSSOLHV RU ZLOO LW Ă€QG ways to cooperate with its neighbors in order to share water? Words CHADI M. NASSAR

W

hen we were children and played with water guns, our playing almost always ended with our getting wet and having smiles on our faces. When countries play with water guns, however, things have the potential to get ugly. China has recently come under Ă€UH IRU WU\LQJ WR PRQRSROL]H WKH region’s water supplies and not “playing niceâ€? with its neighbors. With much of the region’s water originating in Chinese territory, LW LV GLIĂ€FXOW IRU &KLQD QRW WR get into disputes with countries ranging from India to Russia. Modernization creates a thirst for water The Chinese are doing what most superpowers usually do; they think of their own interests Ă€UVW &KLQD¡V PDLQODQG KRXVHV URXJKO\ RQH Ă€IWK RI WKH ZRUOG¡V population, and the country is modernizing very rapidly. Its need for water is increasing daily, if not hourly. So, this is China’s dilemma: Should it delay its own progress and modernization, or should it look after its own interests and deplete its own water resources, and in so doing ruin its own environment as well as that of the region?

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Failure to implement laws It is one thing in China to have a law, and another to have it implemented. I do not have one Chinese friend, whether he is a lawyer, a student, or an ex-government official, who does not truly believe that the government is trying to do the right thing. However, my friends also tell me that in China the task of getting laws implemented is not easy. This is because although most resources are controlled by federal laws, laws are implemented on the provincial and local levels. All the bureaucracy and politics that are involved prevent many laws from being implemented. China is facing a water shortage )LJXUHV IURP VKRZ WKDW water resources in China were already not up to par. China already had a shortage RI ELOOLRQ FXELF PHWHUV annually. In addition, more than half of the cities on the mainland are currently facing one type of water shortage or another. Moreover, droughts are wreaking havoc all over &KLQHVH IDUPODQGV 2IILFLDOV are even warning that water demand will increase with the rapid urbanization that their country is experiencing.

Monopolization or cooperation? With its huge dams and its apparent disregard for international laws, China is still being blamed for monopolizing its water resources. In 1997, it was one of three countries to vote against a UN convention on water resources that are shared internationally.

Since the Tibetan plateau is one of South Asia’s main water sources, China possesses a major advantage over its neighbors. This is a fact that worries not only its neighbors but also the international community as a whole. China has taken measures to improve its international standing with regard to water issues. It has signed a Memorandum of Understanding relating to water management ZLWK RYHU FRXQWULHV LQFOXGLQJ Bangladesh. The Chinese Ministry of Water Resources has also established cooperative UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK RYHU countries to help them to better utilize their water resources. The future will show whether China will pursue water policies that help its neighbors or whether its policies will cause them to suffer from water shortages.

C JAN HELMERDIG

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DEVASTING CONSEQUENCES

A LAND IN CRISIS

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(C) JON GUSTAFSSON

According to the United Nations, the drought that hit the Horn of Africa recently is the worst the region has seen in 60 years. It has caused a food crisis and a sharp rise in malnutrition rates with parts of Kenya and Somalia currently living under pre-famine conditions. The organization said that more than ten million people have been affected in the droughtstricken areas of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Uganda and the situation is deteriorating.

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SEEING THE WOOD FOR THE TREES

(C) KARIM HABET

GREEN SOLUTIONS

– Proper forest management can be a vital tool for carbon mitigation. Words CHADY M. NASSAR

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ince carbon emissions are known to be the biggest contributors to air pollution and global warming, there has been much research lately on how carbon emissions and forests are related. Topics such as developing renewable fuels through sustainable forests and how to best use the wood are being actively discussed and implemented in some parts of the world. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has voiced general support IRU WKH EHQHĂ€WV RI VXVWDLQDEOH IRUHVW management for carbon mitigation. Lebanon can learn from the research and experience of others to reduce its own carbon emissions using forests. Forests absorb carbon emissions Through many studies, it has been shown that there are many possibilities for decreasing carbon emissions through forest management. Forests, as they grow, absorb atmospheric carbon. This is because forests absorb carbon emissions, store them, and displace fossil intensive

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substitutes. Forests also have been shown to be a comparatively lowcost option for carbon capture and the reduction of fossil fuel emissions (i.e., taking carbon emissions out of the atmosphere), especially given the rising costs of fossil fuels. Since Lebanon is not a rich country, this should be seen as a viable option. Substituting forest residuals for fossil fuel products Research from different parts of the world, irrespective of cultural use patterns of forests or economic conditions of a particular area, have come to a similar conclusion: Substituting renewable wood reserves for fossil fuel products is the best mechanism for reducing carbon emissions. Europe, being the leader in using carbon taxation methods, has promoted the use of forest residuals and thereby reduced the dependence on fossil fuels and decreased carbon emissions. In Sweden, forest residuals have been substituted for carbon-

intensive construction materials in the construction industry. Lebanon should take notice of the European technological innovations and implement them. Measures should also be taken in Lebanon to implement a carbon tax system similar to those that are being implemented in Europe

as an incentive to encourage the development of forest-based carbon stocks. Wood as a source of renewable energy In 1996, a 15-research institution group named the Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial

Materials (CORRIM) was established to come up with a research strategy and a database for wood and its uses. Other than construction products, wood can also be used as a fuel to generate electricity and it can be turned into a liquid fuel. CORRIM’s research has shown that wood-based products can reduce the carbon

dioxide emissions by between one and ten kilograms of carbon dioxide per kilogram of wood, depending on the wood product. Lebanese forests, with proper management, can also be harvested as a renewable source of energy with minimal carbon emissions and at a low cost, thereby beautifying our country.

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GREEN SOLUTIONS

FUEL FOR THOUGHT

– The drawbacks that need to be overcome for biofuels to tap their real potential. Words CHADI M. NASSAR

T

here has been a great deal of talk lately about biofuels and their potential. However, some experts warn that we should not jump onto the bandwagon without first doing the proper research. A think WDQN EDVHG LQ /RQGRQ DQQRXQFHG LQ $SULO that attempts to promote biofuels had badly “backfiredâ€?. Research indicates that biofuels have the potential to make the best use of waste from the farming and forestry industries as well as waste from everyday city life. %LRIXHOV KDYH WR EHFRPH PRUH HIĂ€FLHQW Even though other green sources of energy can contribute to the electricity needs of a growing worldwide population, the truth of the matter is that engine-powered vehicles are mostly dependent on liquid forms of energy. It has been recently reported in Nature that at the moment, biofuels made from corn and VXJDUFDQH HWKDQRO FRVW EHWZHHQ DQG SHU OLWHU HTXLYDOHQW EXW JDVROLQH LV PRUH FRPSHWLWLYH DW 7R WUXO\ UHGXFH greenhouse gas emissions, biofuels need to shape up and become more efficient. Research on the lifecycle of biofuels, from field to car, has shown that greenhouse gas emissions can be surprisingly high. A paper published in Science by scientists from 3ULQFHWRQ 8QLYHUVLW\ LQ HVWLPDWHG WKDW when taking into account the higher amounts of cultivated corn that are needed to meet the increasing demand for biofuels, this will eventually cause those emissions to surpass those of gasoline. This is an alarming prediction, in view of the fact that biofuels are being cultivated to reduce emissions rather than to increase them. Advocates of biofuel initiatives are hoping that new advanced generations of biofuels

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will reduce the need for gasoline and thereby minimize its harmful by-products. A need for international standards Scientists agree that to properly determine sustainability, international standards should be standardized. Studies from the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment at the University of Bath in the United Kingdom have shown that the magnitude of the carbon footprint reduction varies according to the protocol that is used to measure this impact. Goeffrey Hammond’s team at the university, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, has shown that this variation is anywhere between nine percent and 38 percent, a considerable difference. However, all the protocols studied did show a decrease in carbon emissions from barley and wheat straw-fed bio-refineries. Biomass competes with food Another major problem with biofuels is related to the land that is used to plant the needed biomass. This is because what is happening right now is that most of the land used for biofuel efficient plants is reclaimed from foodstuffplanting areas. This means that the foodstuffs are either not being harvested anymore or that forests are being cleared for that purpose. In any case, biofuels are being partly blamed for the rise in food costs in many countries, for H[DPSOH 0H[LFR LQ In short, biofuels are a viable replacement for the traditional crude-oil based energy sources that we use now, but a careful approach is needed to properly take advantage of them. International standards need to be revised and implemented, VSHFLÀF SURWRFROV IRU PHDVXULQJ WKHLU LPSDFW PXVW EH VWDQGDUGL]HG DQG PRUH HIÀFLHQW JHQHUDWLRQV of biofuels must be developed.

BIOFUELS

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GREEN SOLUTIONS

EVERYTHING IS RENEWABLE – Technology makes it possible to transform human and animal waste into electricity. Words ALINE SARA

cience, technology, and evolution have presented mankind with a new source of renewable energy, the origin of which is none other than human and animal excrement. The substance, also known as biogas, is both odor-free and 100 percent sanitary. Its use is preventing people in places such as Nepal from raiding the region’s

S

Bung - The Nepal counryside

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ÀUHZRRG IRU KHDWLQJ DQG FRRNLQJ purposes. Preserving the woodland in turn helps protect the tigers, one among several species inhabiting the often threatened woodland. From biogas to electricity The scene takes place in Badreni, a little town in southern Nepal. The concept is simple. Rather than discard human and animal waste, villagers conserve the manure in

underground tanks. After natural fermentation, the substance generates biogas, which contains methane, the chief component of natural gas. The chemical compound can be used to create electricity when it is burned as a fuel. It also releases less carbon dioxide than other similar hydrocarbon fuels, making it an appealing option for generating heat. With this new type of sustainable mechanism, biogas is

The World Wide Fund for Nature shows the way Who is the brains behind the innovation? The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), which to date has enabled approximately 7,5000 KRPHV WR EHQHĂ€W IURP WKH ELRJDV with some houses even made from the human and animal dung, which when combined with a little bit of

ZDWHU FDQ VROLGLI\ LQWR D KRXVH à RRU Traditional means of cooking as well as heating and lighting the houses in these areas consumes an estimated 5.5 pounds of fuel wood per day, which means that demand for timber is high. With the demand constantly increasing, those in need of wood have to go increasingly deeper into the woods to meet to their requirements, meaning that it isn’t only the forest and its inhabitants that are at risk, but those in search of the timber as well. Biogas stoves help to save the woodlands Moreover, the WWF has adopted a micro-lending system to provide families with biogas stoves. Support from Nepal’s Alternative Energy Promotion Center has made it possible to subsidize 25 percent of the stove unit cost. With adequate

monitoring of the technology’s functioning, families need not spend beyond their budget, and to assist families in dealing with high interest rates, the WWF has launched PLFURĂ€QDQFH LQVWLWXWLRQV WKDW DUH VSHFLĂ€FDOO\ RULHQWHG WRZDUGV WKH biogas project. Each year, the 7,500 stoves spare the destruction of approximately 617 acres of woodland, and according to the president and CEO of the WWF in the U.S., “at a price of $18.50 per ton of CO2 equivalent, we can reach a break-even point on the biogas project in the seventh year.â€? The WWF is the globe’s leading conservation network, with more than six million members active throughout 100 countries. It estimates that it will assist in building another 40,000 houses WKDW ZLOO EHQHĂ€W IURP ELRIXHO E\ WKH year 2016.

C DANIEL PRUDEK

not only protecting the woodlands and their inhabitants, but it is also enabling women to avoid inhaling WR[LF DLU IURP WKHLU VPRNH ÀOOHG kitchens. The hard-working women are also spared the typical afternoon of rummaging in the wild forest in search of sticks and tree trunks, helping them to avoid potentially unfriendly encounters with the very creatures that they are trying to save – ranging from tigers of course, to snakes, and elephants.

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ALL IN THE MIND

POEMS

I am dotted silver threads dropped from heaven by the gods. 2EXYVI XLIR XEOIW QI XS EHSVR ,IV ½IPHW ERH ZEPPI]W I am beautiful pearls, plucked from the Crown of Ishtar by the daughter of dawn to embellish the gardens. ;LIR - GV] XLI LMPPW PEYKL ;LIR - LYQFPI Q]WIPJ XLI ¾S[IVW VINSMGI When I bow, all things are elated. 8LI ½IPH ERH XLI GPSYH EVI PSZIVW ERH FIX[IIR XLIQ - EQ E QIWWIRKIV SJ mercy. I quench the thirst of the one; I cure the ailment of the other. The voice of thunder declares my arrival; The rainbow announces my departure. I am like earthly life, which begins at the feet of the mad elements and ends under the upraised wings of death. I emerge from the heart of the sea and Soar with the breeze. ;LIR - WII E ½IPH MR RIIH - HIWGIRH ERH IQFVEGI XLI ¾S[IVW ERH XLI XVIIW MR a million little ways. - XSYGL KIRXP] EX XLI [MRHS[W [MXL Q] 7SJX ½RKIVW ERH Q] ERRSYRGIQIRX MW E Welcome song. All can hear, but only the sensitive can understand. The heat in the air gives birth to me, But in turn I kill it, As woman overcomes man with The strength she takes from him. - EQ XLI WMKL SJ XLI WIE 8LI PEYKLXIV SJ XLI ½IPH 8LI XIEVW SJ LIEZIR So with love-sighs from the deep sea of affection; Laughter from the colourful ½IPH SJ XLI WTMVMX 8IEVW JVSQ XLI IRHPIWW LIEZIR SJ QIQSVMIW

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Colors and scents cling on helplessly Shades of green fading away &VMKLX WOMIW WYVVIRHIV WIP他IWWP] To shady days drifting our way %[EMXMRK REXYVI W GEPP XS 他II Flocks of birds soar through clouds Upturned little heads cry out with glee As they glide over them in shrouds Autumn of my heart and spirit Why do thee seem so light? Regal winter approaches, might you let it Cloak your earthy colors in white? Creaking on fallen leaves My steps along shaded paths carry me Through the seasons each weaves An eternal longing to be.

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SEASONAL SPLENDOR – As autumn and winter unfold, so do their diverse colors. Join Beyond on a stunning visual journey into their beauty.

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(C) MICH TAD

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(C) CLEMENT TANNOURI

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Mysterious forest

(C) SARA WINTER

(C) CLEMENT TANNOURI

Almost bare trees and branches on a fall day with fog in the distance. A few colourful leaves remain.

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(C) NODEROG

... WHEN AUTUMN LEAVES START TO FALL...

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(C) ALFRED MOUSSA

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(C) CLEMENT TANNOURI

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(C) CLEMENT TANNOURI

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(c) ADAM McINTOSH

BRANCHING OUT Tree houses provide a connection to nature and the evironment Words ZAK BROPHY

T

here are few joys of childhood as exhilarating and adventurous as climbing trees. The desire to be elevated high above the world and to become a resident in the nesting ELUGV¡ GRPDLQ VXIĂ€FHV DV D UHDVRQ )RROLVKO\ en route to adulthood most of us abandon these childish UHWUHDWV DQG VHHN VDQFWXDU\ RQ WHUUD Ă€UPD +RZHYHU LW need not be that way. A tree dweller in Scotland “My house is half on a cliff and has a tree growing through the middle of it. It overlooks the ocean and is next to a ZDWHUIDOO Âľ VD\V $GDP 0F,QWRVK DV KH DGPLUHV WKH VXQ setting over the ocean’s horizon. “It sounds too good WR EH WUXH , NQRZ EXW WKDW¡V UHDOO\ KRZ LW LV Âľ KH DGGV McIntosh has been living among the branches since he was fourteen and when not traveling around the world PLQLQJ UDUH VWRQHV IRU KLV EXVLQHVV 7ZR 6NLHV -HZHOOHU\ KH VHHNV VRODFH LQ KLV WUHH KRXVH LQ HDVW 6FRWODQG 5XVWLF LW PD\ EH EXW WKDW GRHV QRW PHDQ WKDW KH KDV VDFULĂ€FHG KLV KRPH FRPIRUWV ´,¡YH JRW D ZRRG EXUQLQJ VWRYH ZKLFK DOVR SURYLGHV PH ZLWK KRW ZDWHU ,¡YH JRW :L )L ,QWHUQHW DQG ZH¡YH MXVW Ă€QLVKHG EXLOGLQJ D VDXQD GRZQ EHORZ Âľ KH H[SODLQV $GDP IHHOV WKDW KLV KRPH LQ WKH trees gifts him an alternative vantage point in life. “I feel FRPSOHWHO\ FRQQHFWHG WR QDWXUH DQG P\ HQYLURQPHQW EXW , VWLOO KDYH DOO WKH FRPIRUWV RI D QRUPDO KRPH Âľ KH says. “I’ve been able to construct the house according to the lifestyle that suits me and over 60 percent of the materials are recycled. I really take pride in that. I really IHHO SURXG RI ZKDW , KDYH EXLOW KHUH Âľ KH DGGV )RU WKRVH ZKR GR QRW KDYH WKH VNLOOV WKH WLPH RU WKH LQFOLQDWLRQ WR EXLOG WKHLU KRPH LQ WKH WUHHV IURP VFUDWFK DV $GDP KDV GRQH WKH\ FDQ HQJDJH WKH VHUYLFHV RI VSHFLDOLVW WUHH house architects. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Tree house architects *HUPDQ Ă€UP %DXPUDXP FRPELQHV DUFKLWHFWXUH LQWHULRU GHVLJQ DUERULFXOWXUH DQG ODQGVFDSH GHVLJQV WR EXLOG VOHHN PRGHUQ DQG GHFLGHGO\ XQLTXH WUHH KRXVHV ´7KH WUHH KRXVH LWVHOI VKRXOG EH LQ D GLDORJXH ZLWK WKH WUHH HLWKHU LQ D FRQWUDVWLQJ RU LQ D V\PELRWLF ZD\ Âľ VD\V GHVLJQHU $GUHDV :HQQLQJ

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7KH YDULHW\ RI %DXPUDXP GHVLJQV UHĂ HFW KRZ YHUVDWLOH WUHH KRXVHV FDQ EH $V $QGUHDV H[SODLQV ´WKH WUHH KRXVHV DUH XVHG DV URRPV IRU UHVW DQG UHOD[DWLRQ DV H[WHUQDO JXHVW URRPV DV SODFHV WR PHGLWDWH DV PHHWLQJ SODFHV DV ZHOO DV D SOD\ ]RQH IRU NLGV RU HYHQ DV FRPPHUFLDO VSDFHV IRU KRWHOV DQG HQWHUWDLQPHQW SDUNV Âľ A social hub above the ground $GDP 0F,QWRVK¡V KRPH LQ 6FRWODQG PD\ SUHFDULRXVO\ hug a tree on a cliff but he has made it somewhat of a social hub. Perhaps the most communal element of his tree house is the sharing of skills as friends contribute to its development. “People come and help and we all share our skills and learn from one another. I work people really hard but we walk away smiling ZLWK D UHDOO\ VWURQJ VHQVH RI VDWLVIDFWLRQ Âľ KH VD\V 0RVW LPSRUWDQWO\ KLV IULHQGV DQG JXHVWV UHDOL]H WKDW D return to the treetop retreats of their childhoods is SRVVLEOH LI WKH\ RQO\ GDUH WR WKLQN WKDW LW LV SRVVLEOH

The Treehouse, Alnwick Castle, Northumberland

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(c) CHRIS2766

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This unusual 'tree house' appears to be built on some type of pole stucture. These photos were taken in November when the tree is bright with fall foliage.

The trees are God's great alphabet: With them he writes in shining green across the world his thoughts serene. Leonora Speyer

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(C) BONNIE WATTON

If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees.

(C) LYNNE FURRER

Hal Borland

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(C) DON KLUMPP

Tree house in autumn colored forest

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(C) ROBIN KNIGHT

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GOING WITH THE FLOW (WORLDWIDE BEAUTY OF WATERFALLS)

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Laqloud, Mount Lebanon. , (C) ELE PLUS

C DEREK JENSEN

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Celestial blue waterfall in Costa Rica. C LVALIN

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Gullfoss, Iceland. The Great Watefall. (C) YUANDI

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Guilfoss golden waterfalls and the brown land in Iceland. (C) YUANDI

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Iguazu Falls. Brazil, (C) ANDREJ GLUCKS

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Iguazu Falls. Brazil. (C) RAFAEL MARTINGAITERO

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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. (C) HPQPHOTO

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Albert Einstein

WHEN POLLUTION RUNS DEEP – Beyond recently conducted an exclusive interview with the supervisor of a study about SROOXWLRQ LQ WKH /LWDQL 5LYHU DQG /DNH 4DUDRXQ DQ DUWLÀFLDO ODNH LQ WKH VRXWKHUQ %HTDD 9DOOH\ Words ANNA MARIA LUCA

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(C) ALFRED MOUSSA

KH /LWDQL 5LYHU LV WKH ORQJHVW river in Lebanon. It originates in WKH 2OOHLT 6SULQJV WHQ NLORPHWHUV VRXWKZHVW RI %DDOEHN FURVVHV WKH %HTDD 9DOOH\ DQG SDVVHV WKURXJK Lake Qaraoun before reaching WKH 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ 6HD MXVW QRUWK of Tyre. It links together the entire economy of 6RXWK /HEDQRQ DQG WKH %HTDD 9DOOH\ DQG LW LV also the site of the largest hydroelectric project in Lebanon – the Litani Dam.

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The most recent study of the Litani River 7KH /LWDQL 5LYHU FRQWDLQV D ODUJH DPRXQW RI LQGXVWULDO ZDVWHZDWHU SHVWLFLGHV IHUWLOL]HUV DQG sewage water that endanger its ecosystem. These

are the findings of the most recent and most elaborate study that has ever been conducted about the Litani and Lake Qaraoun. Delegated by the Ministry of the Environment and the United Nations Development Programme WR (DUWK /LQN $GYDQFHG 5HVRXUFHV 'HYHORSPHQW WKH VWXG\ FDPH XS ZLWK D IXOO business plan worth $144.3 million for the /HEDQHVH JRYHUQPHQW WR LPSOHPHQW $FFRUGLQJ WR +DQDGL 0XVKDUUDIL\HK WKH VXSHUYLVRU RI WKH VWXG\ WKH SURMHFW ZDV DQ ROG JRYHUQPHQWDO LQLWLDWLYH GDWLQJ EDFN WR ZKHQ WKH IRUPHU /HEDQHVH 3ULPH 0LQLVWHU )RXDG 6LQLRUD created an inter-ministerial committee that recommended the initiation of a business plan in order to alleviate pollution in the Litani. It

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UGLY TRUTH

was in 2009 that the government included a VWXG\ RQ WKH /LWDQL 5LYHU DQG /DNH 4DUDRXQ LQ LWV 3ROLF\ 6WDWHPHQW DQG WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI WKH Environment set it as a goal for its 2010 – 2012 program. Musharrafiyeh explains: “The project started with an extensive and comprehensive review of studies that had previously been FRQGXFWHG LQ WKH XSSHU /LWDQL 5LYHU DUHD DQG Lake Qaraoun. Data from previous studies on pollution pressures were updated with field surveys that made it possible to create an elaborate map of all sources of pollution pressure that could potentially influence the ZDWHU TXDOLW\ RI WKH /LWDQL 5LYHU DQG /DNH Qaraoun. We also collected all the water and VHGLPHQW TXDOLW\ UHVXOWV REWDLQHG LQ WKH VWXGLHV WKDW KDG EHHQ GRQH EHIRUH $ ODUJH DPRXQW RI UHVXOWV ZHUH SXW LQ D GDWDEDVH ZKLFK OHG WR WKH LGHQWLILFDWLRQ RI WKH VDPSOLQJ JDSV DQG WKHQ we conducted additional confirmatory and FRPSOHPHQWDU\ VDPSOLQJ Âľ Sources of pollution “The main pollution is from domestic wastewater. Most of the villages have upgraded IURP WKH XVH RI FHVVSRROV RU XQGHUJURXQG UHVHUYRLUV IRU ZDVWHZDWHU VWRUDJH WR WKH XVH of sewage networks that discharge the raw ZDVWHZDWHU LQWR WKH ULYHU EHFDXVH RI WKH ODFN of wastewater treatment systems for most YLOODJHV Âľ 0XVKDUUDIL\DK H[SODLQV ´7KHUH LV DOVR DJULFXOWXUDO SROOXWLRQ $JULFXOWXUH LV WKH PDLQ RFFXSDWLRQ LQ WKH %HTDD 9DOOH\ 7KHUH is also industrial pollution from the agroIRRG LQGXVWU\ EDVHG LQ WKH DUHD ² ZLQH GDLU\ FDQQLQJ DQG SUHVHUYLQJ YHJHWDEOHV Âľ VKH VDLG Contaminants in the water $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH VWXG\ WKH KLJK FRQFHQWUDWLRQV RI DPPRQLD DQG QLWULWHV DQG DOVR WKH SUHVHQFH RI IHFDO FROLIRUPV IRXQG LQ WKH ZDWHU LQGLFDWH that municipal wastewater and also industrial wastewater are finding their way into the river.The water has high concentrations of

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SKRVSKDWHV DQG VXOIDWHV HVSHFLDOO\ LQ WKH ZHW seasons when runoff from agricultural fields is at LWV SHDN +HDY\ PHWDOV VXFK DV FDGPLXP ZHUH IRXQG LQ WKH ULYHUEHG VHGLPHQWV LQGLFDWLQJ that the doses of pesticides that farmers apply WR FURSV IUHTXHQWO\ H[FHHG WKH UHFRPPHQGHG levels. The study also found that people as well as industrial plants usually dump their solid waste directly into the river. 6ZLPPLQJ LQ WKH /LWDQL 5LYHU RU GULQNLQJ directly from its waters is not recommended because of the bacteriological counts in the ZDWHUV WKH VWXG\ ZDUQV (YHQ WKH XVH RI WKH /LWDQL 5LYHU¡V ZDWHU DV LUULJDWLRQ ZDWHU LQ VRPH areas should be restricted for certain crops EHFDXVH RI SROOXWLRQ ´+RZHYHU JLYHQ WKH amount of pollutants gathered by the Litani 5LYHU RQ LWV ZD\ WKURXJK WKH %HTDD 9DOOH\ the water in Lake Qaraoun is not as bad as the H[SHUWV KDG H[SHFWHG Âľ 0XVKDUUDIL\HK VD\V ´7KH ZDWHU LQ WKH ILQDO UHFHSWRU /DNH 4DUDRXQ can be treated for biological and nitrogen FRQWDPLQDWLRQ DIWHU ZKLFK LW EHFRPHV ILW IRU many uses. We looked at data over time and found Lake Qaraoun’s waters to be generally suitable for VZLPPLQJ 7KH VHGLPHQWV DUH KRZHYHU ULFK LQ KHDY\ PHWDOV DQG ZH GR QRW KDYH VFLHQWLILF studies that determine whether these metals are FRPLQJ EDFN LQWR WKH ZDWHU RU QRW Âľ VKH VD\V 7KH VWXG\ FRQFOXGHG LQ PLG -XQH DQG WKH business plan has already been submitted to the 0LQLVWU\ RI WKH (QYLURQPHQW ZLWK recommendations to continue building the SODQQHG ZDVWHZDWHU WUHDWPHQW SODQWV QHWZRUNV DQG FROOHFWRUV LQ YLOODJHV WR HQJDJH WKH LQGXVWU\ sector in more environmentally friendly SUDFWLFHV DQG WR FRQVWUXFW VROLG ZDVWH management facilities and landfills. “It is the most complete environmental management study that has ever been conducted for this area. It is up to the Ministry of the Environment.

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½ S`V fZW d[hWd Éaie eZadf aX ^[XW¾

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THE VIEW FROM HERE

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Words & Photos NADIM BARRAGE

– Beyond recently conducted an exclusive interview with the supervisor of a study about pollution in the Litani River and Lake Qaraoun, an artificial lake in the southern Beqaa Valley.

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FROM GARBAGE TO GOOD – Beyond talks to the UNDP’s assistant resident representative about a plan to convert waste into energy.

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Waste to Energy in Amsterdam

“The only real issue that we see is the resistance of the people. The ‘not in my back yard’ factor is always an issue�.

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STAYING ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE FLOOD ² ,%0 KDV GHYHORSHG D QHZ V\VWHP IRU IRUHFDVWLQJ WKH PRYHPHQWV RI ULYHUV

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anything along their way, from homes and buildings, to entire bridges and other theoretically VROLG LQIUDVWUXFWXUHV ([SHUWV DUH DOVR QRWLQJ WKDW ODUJH VFDOH à RRGV DUH RFFXUULQJ PRUH IUHTXHQWO\ than in the past, possibly because of changes caused E\ JOREDO ZDUPLQJ *LYHQ PDQ¡V WHQGHQF\ WR OLYH near water, this can make for a deadly formula, and according to a report published by the Organization IRU (FRQRPLF &RRSHUDWLRQ DQG 'HYHORSPHQW LQ FRDVWDO à RRGLQJ DORQH FRVWV WKH ZRUOG DQ DSSUR[LPDWH WULOOLRQ LQ WHUPV RI GHVWUXFWLRQ

,%0 KDV D V\VWHP IRU SUHGLFWLQJ D ULYHU¡V EHKDYLRU Man has yet to decipher a way to ward off such 7KH FRVWV RI à RRGLQJ natural disasters, but a new IBM system based Many of these incidents can have dire consequences, on basic weather patterns and comprehensive RQ ERWK SHRSOH¡V OLYHV DQG WKH UHJLRQ¡V HFRQRP\ maps can today help foresee the cataclysms These powerful water movements can destroy days in advance, giving those in the vicinity 124

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OLYMPOS, TURKEY - OCTOBER 14. C RIEKEPHOTOS

adequate time to prepare and thus avoid the PRVW GHYDVWDWLQJ FRQVHTXHQFHV :RUNLQJ LQ WDQGHP ZLWK UHVHDUFKHUV DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 7H[DV in Austin, a city which is known for being particularly Ă RRG VWULFNHQ ,%0 KDV GHYLVHG D WHFKQRORJ\ WKDW LV allegedly 100 times faster than what scientists have XVHG WR GDWH ,QGHHG WHFKQRORJ\ FXUUHQWO\ FRQVLVWV LQ WKH XVH RI WKH 5HVHUYRLU (YDOXDWLRQ 6\VWHP +(& 5HV WKDW DFFRUGLQJ WR H[SHUWV QHHGV VLJQLĂ€FDQW WLPH WR XQGHUVWDQG D ULYHU %XW ,%0¡V UHFHQW FUHDWLRQ ZLOO foresee a river’s tendencies in a matter of days, giving SRWHQWLDO YLFWLPV PRUH WLPH WR SUHSDUH

7H[DV V *XDGDOXSH 5LYHU D PLOH ORQJ ULYHU To date, it has proven successful in predicting WKH ULYHU¡V EHKDYLRU 7KH WHFKQRORJ\ UHOLHV KHDYLO\ RQ FDOFXODWLRQV XVLQJ WKH 32:(5 power architecture microprocessor and a weather PRGHOLQJ PHWKRG NQRZQ DV 'HHS 7KXQGHU ,W WDNHV ULYHU WULEXWDULHV LQWR FRQVLGHUDWLRQ 7KH\ have often not been included in more traditional à RRG SUHGLFWLRQ PRGHOV NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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One setback is that the IBM system depends on comprehensive and accurate data, which is not always available in regions that might need this $FFRUGLQJ WR ,%0 UHVHDUFKHU )DGL *HEDUD W\SH RI Ă RRG SUHGLFWLRQ PHFKDQLVP PRVW :LWKRXW FRPSDULQJ WKH VXUURXQGLQJ ODQG¡V GHSWK DQG Ă RZ WKH GDWD WKH V\VWHP PLJKW DV ZHOO KDYH QR YDOXH with the land’s topography enables an accurate Nevertheless, implementation of the system will SUHGLFWLRQ RI ZKHUH WKH Ă RRGLQJ ZLOO WDNH SODFH begin in a number of cities worldwide, especially The mechanism has been put to the test along WKRVH ORFDWHG DORQJVLGH ULYHUV NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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ISLAND LIFE – Sometimes an island is nothing but a piece of land surrounded by water. However, often it is rather a dream that represents the desire to be untouchable and free as a bird, where nothing but the sun touches your skin and the clear blue ocean waves gracefully caress the shore.

Case Bay in St Barts. C TRAVEL BUG

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Langkawi island, Malaysia. C ALEXANDER CHAIKIN

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Western Cape, South Africa. C PHOTOSKY

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Langkawi island, Malaysia. C ALEXANDER CHAIKIN

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ISLAND LIFE

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NATURE BEYOND PASSION 131 Capetown, South Africa. C INNAFELKER

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Lanikai beach, oahu, hawaii C DAVID WOODBERRY

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Fraser Island, Australia. C LIFEANDLOVE

OUTDOOR SPORTS

LET'S GET EXTREME

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To discover how sportsmen are interacting with the environment, Beyond recently interviewed four of Lebanon’s top sportsmen: $EERXGL 'LDE D FDVWLQJ EOXHÀQ WXQD ÀVKHUPDQ $PHU *KDQGRXU DQ H[WUHPH KXQWVPDQ 'RUL +LWWL a long-distance runner with the Inter-Lebanon Road Running and $WKOHWLFV &OXE DQG :DOLG 1RVKLH a deep sea diver.

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OUTDOOR SPORTS

Amer Ghandour, HUNTER

“Hunting is part of our lives. Hunting in an organized, seasonal way, is beneficial for the environment, for business, and for everyone.” “We need established seasons that people respect. All over the world, people comply with the rules [of hunting], but not in Lebanon. We really need civic education concerning the environment and the importance of not overhunting.” “In Lebanon there’s no respect for the hunting seasons. If someone sees an animal, he will shoot it. This is wrong. We need a great deal of work in the field of civic education, years of work.” “Anything that isn’t regulated is extremely bad for the environment. They tell you that there are hunting seasons, but there’s a lack of education with respect to the promotion of guns and hunting. The government says that there’s seasonal hunting, but that’s not what I see. Everyone just drives up to the valleys and starts shooting; there’s no organization.” “I’m for hunting in Lebanon, but it has to be organized.” “We should be educating people about how to hunt and what you’re allowed to hunt. People should know what animals are important to the environment. We should teach people how to respect the environment.”

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Dori Hitti,

LONGDISTANCE RUNNER

“Running gives you the oxygen with which to live. It’s something to which you become addicted.” “I always used to run on the Corniche. All over the world people run on the seafront, but if you see Beirut’s Corniche‒ the street, the greenery, the water‒ it all needs to be maintained. We have such a beautiful area, but we need to look after it, and we can.” “We went to Horch Beirut. It’s such a nice park, but it’s not being cared for, the trees are dying, people throw their garbage into the park, and it’s a terrible waste. Fortunately, it’s private, so the owners are able to maintain it. If it were open to the public, it would be so much worse. We have to let people know, we have to do something.” “People need to be aware of runners on the road. At the moment people don’t expect to see us and it can be dangerous. However, as more people run, the situation will improve.” “We need, and want, the help of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. This is a country-wide problem, and we need to involve everyone.” “There’s no public place in Lebanon in which to run. Cité Sportive is a wonderful place, but it was built in the mid-2000s and it’s simply not maintained. It’s in need of real work. It could be such an asset to country. When you’re there you understand the problems of the country when it comes to maintaining infrastructure.” “Lebanon needs places where people can run. We have such a beautiful country, we have everything we need, but we don’t look after it. At the moment we either don’t have permission to run in the best areas, or else the environment is just not suitable.” “Running allows you to enjoy the environment, to get outdoors, and to improve your health. It’s an activity that everyone should support.” NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Walid Noshie, DEEP SEA DIVER

“It’s amazing; it never ceases to amaze me. We see all kinds of fish, sharks, dolphins, all sorts of amazing sites. We always see something, no dive is the same, and that is what makes diving in Lebanon fascinating.” “I’ve done this all my life, but diving’s the only thing that is constant in my life. I’m always going to get pulled back in. I love the sport, and I love the environment.” “Casual divers, around Beirut particularly, see all sorts of pollution, garbage mainly. Along the coast there are some very bad areas. Farther out, deeper down, there’s definitely less pollution.” “Technical diving has allowed me to see some amazing sites, primarily wrecks that I would never had seen if I had not gotten into technical diving. They’re simply too deep. Down there, it’s like another world‒ unspoiled and beautiful.”

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Abdulrahim Diab, FISHERMAN

“Looking back, I would say that it was barbaric! Nowadays I am much more eco-friendly. I have turned the page when it comes to this. Now I just catch what I need, and I release the rest of the fish. Frankly, I am trying to promote conservation as well. Fishing is great, but respecting the environment is the future.” “Conservation is vital. Tuna are on the decline. We have to act responsibly. All over the world they’ve been over fished, and we’re paying for that now.” “Casting reduces the number of fish caught when compared to trawling. Trawling requires having five or six rods in the water at the same time and you catch too many fish.” “Casting restricts you to maybe two fish per day, and that should be the quota for everyone. There’s more pleasure in casting as well, as it’s a more dynamic sport.” “I would like to see awareness of how important it is to conserve the environment of Lebanon. As a result of overfishing, tuna are a dying breed, mainly because of commercial activities. Tuna stocks all over the world are decreasing.” “If you’re out fishing, try not to abuse nature or the environment. Catch what you need to catch and release the rest. It’s not about how many fish you catch; it’s about enjoying nature and going out to sea.” NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Oil platform. (c) ALICE HLIDKOVA

46,000 pieces of plastic, each one no bigger than a cent, are oating on every square mile of the world's oceans.

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HOW OIL'S BENEFITS SPILL OVER TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY Words ALICE HLIDKOVA

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the oil rigs. They argue that last year’s Deepwater +RUL]RQ VSLOO ZKLFK VSUHDG RYHU WHQ PLOOLRQ JDOORQV RI FUXGH RLO FDXVHG OLWWOH GDPDJH WR WKH SHODJLF Ă€VK 7KH H[WHQW RI WKH LPSDFW GHSHQGV RQ KRZ WKH RLO VSUHDG ZKHUH LW WUDYHOHG DQG KRZ LW was treated. Mitigation prevented some oil from ZDVKLQJ DVKRUH ZKLOH FKHPLFDO GLVSHUVDQWV EURNH down the rest. :KDWHYHU %ULWLVK 3HWUROHXP %3 IDLOHG WR VFRRS up or burn sunk into the depths of the sea or ZDV FOHDQVHG QDWXUDOO\ OLNH PRXWKZDVK 6LQFH WKH 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU WKH ODUJHVW ULYHU V\VWHP LQ 1RUWK $PHULFD SXPSV WULOOLRQV RI JDOORQV RI IUHVK ZDWHU LQWR WKH 'HOWD WKDW FOHDQ WKH EDVLQ GDLO\ LW LV GLIĂ€FXOW WR HVWLPDWH HQYLURQPHQWDO GDPDJH IURP the spill. The accident occurred in waters with a high concentration of chlorophyll in close proximity WR VKRUH FDXVLQJ OHVV GDPDJH WR WKH SHODJLF SRSXODWLRQ VLQFH Ă€VK VXFK DV WXQD VZLP LQ EOXH waters with low concentrations of chlorophyll. %HFDXVH WXQD HDW ODUJH DPRXQWV RI EDLW Ă€VK WR PDLQWDLQ WKHLU PHWDEROLVP WKH\ DUH UHOXFWDQW WR VZLP LQ DUHDV ZLWK OLPLWHG IRRG VRXUFHV DUJXHV &DSWDLQ 1DLO ´7KH VWXEERUQ ÂśWRS GRJV ¡¾ WKH FDSWDLQ VD\V ´DYRLGHG WKH VSLOO DV WKHUH ZDV QR IRRG VRXUFH VZLPPLQJ PRUH WKDQ D ERG\ OHQJWK SHU VHFRQG IXUWKHU XSVWUHDP LQ VWURQJ FXUUHQWV Âľ

:DLWLQJ IRU WKH Ă€VK WR ELWH 6DLOLQJ WR WKH *XOI YLD WKH 7LJHU 3DVV URXWH 1DLO¡V FKDUWHU ERDW SDUNV QH[W WR 0HGXVD Ă RDWHU RLO ULJ 0LVVLVVLSSL &DQ\RQ EORFN DQG ZDLWV IRU Ă€VK 7KH PXUN\ ZDWHU IHHW GHHS LV FRORUHG D SHUIHFW VKDGH RI EOXH XQVSRLOHG E\ OHDNDJH $Q KRXU KDV SDVVHG DQG WKH Ă€VK DUH QRW HDWLQJ OLYH EDLW ² VPDOO Ă€VK FDOOHG ´KDUGWDLOVÂľ ² dangling from hooks behind the boat. Captured QHDU EXR\V ² Ă RDWLQJ PDUNHUV IRXQG FORVHU WR shore – the blue runners give off an oily odor that The Deepwater Horizon oil spill DSSHDOV WR WXQD $OUHDG\ VHYHUDO FKDUWHU ERDWV %HFDXVH WKHUH LV D ZLGH UDQJH RI HFRV\VWHPV LQ WKH are losing patience and are heading for other rigs. *XOI EDVLQ VRPH Ă€VKHUPHQ WLPLGO\ SURWHVW DJDLQVW $ UHVHDUFK ERDW IURP WKH /RXLVLDQD 'HSDUWPHQW ´2LO ULJV DUH SLQQDFOH WR WKH Ă€VKLQJ LQGXVWU\ Âľ VD\V FKDUWHU VHD FDSWDLQ &KULV 1DLO ZKR KDV EHHQ Ă€VKLQJ IRU KLV HQWLUH OLIH ´7KH\ DUH OLNH WUXFN VWRSV IRU Ă€VK Âľ KH DGGV Âľ 5DFLQJ DIWHU SHODJLF Ă€VK WKDW VZLP QHDU WKH VXUIDFH RI WKH VHD KH KDV FDXJKW RYHU Ă€IW\ VSHFLHV RI Ă€VK LQFOXGLQJ EODFNĂ€Q DQG \HOORZĂ€Q WXQD DPEHUMDFN UHG VQDSSHU EDUUDFXGD and king mackerel. Occasionally he goes after groupers and captures sharks by mistake

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Red snappers. C ALICE HLIDKOVA

Nail follows only one rule: the ‘law of averages’. “Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don’t,� he says, without coming home empty-handed.

RI :LOGOLIH DQG )LVKHULHV KDV DOVR GHSDUWHG XQDEOH WR ÀQLVK LWV VWXG\ VSRQVRUHG E\ %3 $ IHZ ERDWV that have remained have won the golden trophy: \HOORZÀQ ZHLJKLQJ XS WR RQH KXQGUHG SRXQGV 3HUVHYHULQJ IRU D TXDUWHU RI DQ KRXU &DSWDLQ 1DLO LQVWHDG FDWFKHV D WZHQW\ SRXQG EODFNÀQ DQG D large blue marlin with the bait. +H WKHQ VDLOV WKH ERDW QRUWK DERXW WZHQW\ PLOHV WR WKH FRQWLQHQWDO VKHOI WR ÀVK QHDUE\ D IHZ ULJV LQ WKH :HVW 'HOWD NQRZQ IRU LWV QXPHURXV ULJV DQG D IHZ underwater salt domes. Pelicans scoop down to seize à \LQJ ÀVK ZKLOH GROSKLQV VZLP DORQJ D KDQGIXO RI ERDWV +RSLQJ WR FDWFK D JRRG VL]HG ÀVK &DSWDLQ 1DLO WKURZV FKURPH FRORUHG ÀVK GXPPLHV LQWR WKH water. They are actually lead sinkers with hooks FRYHUHG E\ D VRIW ERG\ WR DWWUDFW ÀVK DWWDFKHG WR D URG WKDW LV MHUNHG YHUWLFDOO\ 6RPHWLPHV WKH VWURQJ ÀVK EUHDN WKH OLQH ZKLFK LV VXSSRVHV WR EHDU XS WR one hundred pounds of weight. The crew regretfully captures red snappers the FRORU RI UHVWDXUDQW FDYLDU WKH VL[ ZHHN ILVKLQJ window of which has already closed. They hook barracudas; the aggressive predators tear off

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VRPH RI WKH OLQHV ´)RROV Âľ WKH FDSWDLQ VKRXWV 7KH\ DOVR VQDWFK VLON\ VKDUNV DOPDFR MDFNV VNLSMDFN WXQD DQG DPEHUMDFNV ZKLFK WKH WHDP FDOOV ´ULJ GRQNH\VÂľ EHFDXVH RI WKHLU VWUHQJWK and stubbornness in comparison to donkeys. Nail successfully captures a sixty-pound DPEHUMDFN XVLQJ D OLQH VXVSHQGHG FORVH WR WKUHH hundred feet. 1DLO IROORZV RQO\ RQH UXOH WKH ´ODZ RI DYHUDJHV Âľ ´6RPHWLPHV \RX JHW OXFN\ VRPHWLPHV \RX GRQ¡W Âľ KH VD\V ZLWKRXW FRPLQJ KRPH HPSW\ KDQGHG +RRNLQJ RYHU WKLUW\ ILVK ZHLJKLQJ HLJKW KXQGUHG SRXQGV LQ WRWDO ZLWK D PDUNHW YDOXH RI XS WR SHU SRXQG HTXLYDOHQW WR WKH FRVW RI WKH IXHO WKH captain and his crew have hit the bull’s eye. Oil platforms help to monitor the environment )RU D ILVKLQJ LQGXVWU\ WKDW EDQNV RYHU ELOOLRQ DQQXDOO\ IRU WKH VWDWH RLO SODWIRUPV DUH VLJQLILFDQW environmental stewards. The monstrous beasts UHOXFWDQWO\ OHDYH WUDVK LQ WKHLU EDFN\DUGV carefully monitoring every pump. They safely harbor countless fish populations that are not accounted for by leading experts.

Oil rig, C ALICE HLIDKOVA

Some 100 million sharks and rays are killed annually. year as a result of plastic rubbish.

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PROTECTING ENDANGERED ANIMALS – The Lebanese government should adhere to an international treaty that governs international trade in wild animals. Words BASSAM KANTAR

OLRQ FXE EHLQJ NHSW LQ %HLUXW ZDV UHVFXHG E\ $QLPDOV /HEDQRQ DQG will soon be sent to a sanctuary LQ 6RXWK $IULFD 7KH ÀYH ZHHN ROG FXE NHSW RQ D EDOFRQ\ ZDV smuggled into Lebanon before ending up as a private pet. Once all RI WKH SHUPLWV DUH LVVXHG WKH FXE ZLOO EH à RZQ WR WKH 'UDNHQVWHLQ /LRQ 3DUN LQ 6RXWK $IULFD ZKLFK FDUHV for dozens of rescued lions and has agreed to provide OLIHWLPH FDUH IRU WKLV FXE :LWKLQ WKH ÀUVW FRXSOH RI months of life a lion becomes too large and strong to be kept in a house. It ends up locked in a backyard cage or sold to a private zoo.

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Animals Lebanon $QLPDOV /HEDQRQ LV D QRQ SURILW RUJDQL]DWLRQ WKDW was founded in 2008 to protect animals in this FRXQWU\ $QLPDOV /HEDQRQ KDV XQFRYHUHG ]RRV LQ 6\ULD WKDW RIIHU QHZERUQ OLRQ FXEV IRU HDFK and workers offered to advise on how best to bring a lion to Lebanon. One zoo owner in Lebanon UHSRUWHG EULQJLQJ LQ HLJKW OLRQV IURP 6\ULD DQG DGPLWWHG WKDW WKH\ DOO GLHG ZLWKLQ ZHHNV DV WKH\ were too young. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Lebanon has not yet adhered to the Convention RQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 7UDGH LQ (QGDQJHUHG 6SHFLHV &,7(6 ZKLFK HQWHUHG LQWR IRUFH LQ $ ZLGH range of endangered animals are smuggled into the country and kept as pets or in private zoos. Lions DUH D &,7(6 $SSHQGL[ ,, OLVWHG DQLPDO DQG WKH international trade in lions should be regulated. /LRQ SRSXODWLRQV LQ $IULFD KDYH GHFOLQHG

significantly in recent decades because of loss of KDELWDW KXQWLQJ SRLVRQLQJ DQG RWKHU IDFWRUV &,7(6 LV WKH PDLQ LQWHUQDWLRQDO FRQYHQWLRQ WKDW UHJXODWHV WKH WUDGH RI HQGDQJHUHG VSHFLHV /HEDQRQ ,UDT DQG %DKUDLQ DUH WKH RQO\ WKUHH FRXQWULHV LQ WKH Middle East that have not adhered to this important convention. The Lebanese government has expressed its intention WR VLJQ &,7(6 7KHUH DUH FXUUHQWO\ PHPEHU FRXQWULHV DQG OHW XV KRSH WKDW QH[W \HDU /HEDQRQ ZLOO EH QXPEHU Smuggling animals into or through Lebanon $QLPDOV VXFK DV OLRQV WLJHUV FKHHWDKV FKLPSDQ]HHV JUD\ SDUURWV DQG HYHQ DQ HOHSKDQW KDYH EHHQ smuggled into or through Lebanon in recent years. 7KHVH DQLPDOV HQG XS LQ XQUHJXODWHG ]RRV LQ SULYDWH FROOHFWLRQV RU DV H[RWLF SHWV DQG PDQ\ HQGDQJHUHG species can be seen for sale at pet shops throughout Lebanon. Thousands of birds of various species are smuggled WKURXJK /HEDQRQ DQQXDOO\ $ VKLSPHQW RI JUD\ SDUURWV IURP /HEDQRQ ZDV FRQÀVFDWHG LQ %XOJDULD after it was shown that the documents were incorrect DQG SRVVLEO\ IDOVLÀHG 7KH DQLPDOV ZHUH QRW ÀW WR WUDYHO DQG VRRQ DIWHU FRQÀVFDWLRQ PRUH WKDQ KDOI RI the 120 birds died of disease. The illegal trade of wildlife and wildlife products is a billion-dollar industry. There is evidence that suggests that wildlife criminals are also linked to the VPXJJOLQJ RI ZHDSRQV DQG GUXJV $QLPDO ZHOIDUH organizations strongly encourage people not to keep endangered species in private homes. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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BATTY ABOUT BATS – The United Nations Environment Program, the Convention on the Conservation of 0LJUDWRU\ 6SHFLHV DQG PDQ\ EDW FRQVHUYDWLRQ RUJDQL]DWLRQV KDYH GHFODUHG DV WKH <HDU RI WKH %DW ZKLFK FRLQFLGHV ZLWK WKH 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV ,QWHUQDWLRQDO <HDU RI )RUHVWV

Words BASSAM KANTAR

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ebanon has adhered to the Convention on the Conservation RI 0LJUDWRU\ 6SHFLHV RI :LOG $QLPDOV &06 DQG WKH $JUHHPHQW RQ WKH &RQVHUYDWLRQ RI 3RSXODWLRQV RI (XURSHDQ %DWV (852%$76 LQ FHOHEUDWLQJ WKH <HDU RI WKH %DW 0DQ\ DUH QRZ HQGDQJHUHG WKRXJK WKH\ provide invaluable services that we cannot afford to lose. In fact over one-fifth of all bat species are threatened with extinction. %DWV FRQWULEXWH WR RXU HFRV\VWHPV 0\VWHULRXV DQG PLVXQGHUVWRRG the world’s only flying mammal EULQJV XV GHOLFLRXV IUXLWV XVHIXO SURGXFWV DQG OLIH VDYLQJ PHGLFLQHV %DWV DUH HVVHQWLDO WR our global environment and wellEHLQJ (FKRORFDWLRQ KLEHUQDWLRQ and sleeping upside down are just some of the unsung talents of bats.

3ROOLQDWLRQ VHHG GLVSHUVDO DQG insect control are some of the underestimated eco-services that EDWV SURYLGH )URP IRUHVWV WR JUDVVODQGV GHVHUWV WR FLWLHV QRUWK WR VRXWK RYHU VSHFLHV RI EDWV help maintain biodiversity and replenish eco-systems worldwide. Those that eat insects are primary predators of the vast numbers RI LQVHFWV WKDW IO\ DW QLJKW including ones that cost farmers and foresters millions of dollars in ORVVHV DQQXDOO\ )UXLW DQG QHFWDU HDWLQJ EDWV DUH HTXDOO\ LPSRUWDQW in maintaining whole ecosystems RI SODQW OLIH ,Q IDFW WKHLU VHHG dispersal and pollination services are crucial to the regeneration of UDLQ IRUHVWV ZKLFK DUH WKH OXQJV and rain makers of our planet. Education regarding the essential roles of bats in maintaining healthy ecosystems and human

economies has never been more LPSRUWDQW %DWV DUH IRXQG QHDUO\ everywhere and the approximately VSHFLHV RI EDWV DFFRXQW IRU DOPRVW D TXDUWHU RI DOO PDPPDOV 1HYHUWKHOHVV LQ UHFHQW GHFDGHV their populations have declined alarmingly. Recent studies of bats $ SXEOLFDWLRQ RI WKH $PHULFDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ RI %HLUXW 0XVHXP RI 1DWXUDO +LVWRU\ KLJKOLJKWHG DQ ectoparasite survey that is being conducted in Lebanon by the senior author of the study. Collections of over three hundred bats of fourteen species and subspecies have been made during the past two years. Two of these species occur in Lebanon as VXEVSHFLHV QHZ WR VFLHQFH ZKHUHDV several others represent additions to WKH FKLURSWHUDQ IDXQD EDWV RI WKH $UDELDQ 3HQLQVXOD $FFRUGLQJ WR D study monitoring the bat population LQ /HEDQHVH FDYHV D EDW VXUYH\ ZDV conducted in almost 21 different FDYHV LQ WKH \HDU DQG FDYHV in the year 2009. The two seasons revealed starting new discoveries. The large hibernating colonies appeared either at the same

SODFH 0LQLRSWHUXV VFKUHLEHUVLL LQ $OURXLVV FDYH RU LQ GLIIHUHQW chambers of the same cave 5KLQRORSKXV IHUUXPHTXLQXP LQ $ITD FDYH ,Q ERWK FDYHV WKH WRWDO QXPEHUV ZHUH KLJKHU WKDQ LQ 6LPSO\ EHFDXVH WKH\ DUH DFWLYH only at night and difficult to REVHUYH DQG XQGHUVWDQG EDWV rank among our country’s most misunderstood and intensely persecuted mammals. Economic value of bats Many of the plants that depend on such bats are additionally of great HFRQRPLF YDOXH WKHLU SURGXFWV UDQJLQJ IURP WLPEHU DQG WHTXLOD WR IUXLWV VSLFHV QXWV DQG HYHQ natural pesticides. 6FDU\ PHGLD VWRULHV QRWZLWKVWDQGLQJ EDWV DUH remarkably safe allies. It is now well demonstrated that people and bats can share even our cities at great mutual benefit. $V DFWLYLWLHV ZLOO VKRZ WKURXJK varied events during the Year of WKH %DW EDWV DUH QRW RQO\ HVVHQWLDO to our environment. They are the incredibly fascinating and extremely likeable masters of our night skies.

NEW GREEN BEGINNINGS

ECOTOURISM

I

t was a little over a year after Egypt recovered the Sinai that Sherif El-Ghamarawy, a 54-year-old from Cairo, found the ideal setting in which to create his dream project, an ecocamp in the heart of the Sinai Peninsula. Fed up with the crowds and pollution of Cairo, he had set out to discover the hidden gems of his homeland. Four years later in 1986, he founded Basata, Egypt’s ÀUVW HFR ORGJH The sun rising over the Gulf of Aqaba is always a highlight to any trip to Sinai and serves as the perfect beginning to a stay at the coastal resort. Unlike many of the beaches in the stretch between Taba and Nuweiba, Basata is a 100 percent natural sand beach. Enclaved within the mountains, the beach is lined with distinctive dried reed huts and adobe chalets, providing the optimal seaside escape in a peaceful and natural setting. Basata encourages a communal atmosphere Whereas most tourists in Egypt stay in all-inclusive hotels, people come to Basata for the cool, laid-back atmosphere. “We want to stimulate conversations between visitors in a tranquil setting,” said Ghamarawy,

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referring to the concept behind the camp. Comprised of a kitchen, a bakery, a small library, and a game room, the communal area makes up the hub of the space, an especially popular aspect to some of the lodge’s visitors. “I think its paradise. I love the community spirit when we gather in the common room for dinner,” said Melanie, a 23 year old student from )UDQFH DQG D ÀUVW WLPHU DW %DVDWD “I’ve been to other camps in the area, but because Basata is clean and respectful to the environment it is the perfect place for relaxing,” she added. The ground is covered with beautifully colored handmade kilims, while palm tree trunks are XVHG IRU VHDWLQJ 2QH FDQ ÀQG anything from ashtrays to lighting À[WXUHV PDGH RXW RI ORFDO PDWHULDOV Everything seems perfectly in place. Local culture as inspiration for green building techniques Ghamarawy’s sensitivity towards the environment started long before the concept of ecotourism was developed. “Humans tend to destroy their surroundings. We can never erase our impact, but we can at least keep it to a minimum … all we need is to look at the locals and their techniques. Our culture is

rich with building techniques that are eco-friendly,” he told Beyond, stressing that there is no need to draw on the West’s recent urge to go green. Recycling organic waste At Basata, the huts integrate perfectly into the Sinai landscape. The camp’s system relies heavily on recycling and produces minimum waste, all of which is collected and categorized. For example, organic waste is used to feed animals that are bred locally in the surroundings. As it is consumed and converted into animal dung, the dung is taken to the nearby green house and used as fertilizer to grow vegetables. The greenery itself is consumed by visitors who will in turn produce their own organic waste, thus continuing the cycle. When mixed with hay, mud, and sea water, dung can also be used as mud bricks for building. Ghamarawy shares his doctrine: “I would rather have the quality ecotourist than the quantitative mass tourism in which Egypt is currently engaged.” He is certain that the ecotourism sector will continue to develop in the region, and he will keep trying to promote it as a vital part of the tourism sector.

AN ECO-LODGE IN EGYPT – Sherif El-Ghamarawy pioneers ecotourism in the Sinai. Words HASSAN EL GHAYESH, Photos MUHAMMED MAHDY

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(C) MUHAMMED MAHDY

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When in Rome... – Italy’s capital has it all and when it comes to taste, Italians are certainly experts! Words and photos CHÉRINE YAZBECK

ome has a mythic history that spans more than two thousand years. It is a unique place with a countless number of historical and cultural attractions. The city offers a blend of old and new venues in which to eat. From local classic trattorias to subtle cafés, Rome has it all.

R

A much-appreciated trattoria, Flavio al Velavevodetto (Via di Monte Testaccio 97, +06 574 4194) has been claimed by Carlo Petrini, the founder of Slow Food, as one of his favorite places in Rome. It is indeed a tasty place to dine out and undoubtedly a cult cantina among local gourmets who flock there for its traditional local dishes. It is located in a trendy district that rocks Rome’s dolce evenings. Located in a backstreet of busy Campo di Fiori, Settimio (Via del Pellegrino 117, +06 688 01978) offers classic Italian dishes with a handful of courses to suit all tastes and satisfy your appetite. It serves trippa alla romana (tripes), polpette alla piastra (grilled meatballs), gnocchi (dumplings),and involtini 154

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(meat rolls). In the fall, Montblanc, a savory homemade dessert made of chestnut spread, cream and meringue, is served in season. Luzzi (Via San Giovanni in Laterano, 88, +067096332) is a casual, traditional Italian restaurant in a comfortable setting. It is reasonably priced. It offers a conservative Roman classics menu matched with a well-rounded wine list. The brainchild behind Pecorino (Via Galbani, 64 – Testaccio +6400153), Alfredo Lucarini, has been running this family trattoria for over 40 years. Ingredients are sourced locally and cooked in a loving way. The menu is quite extensive. Coda alla vaccinara, ossobuco alla romana, straccetti di manzo in padella, and fettuccine alla gricia are among the many alluring dishes. Among Italians, pasta and pizza top the polls as the nation’s favorites dishes. Da Baffetto (Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 +066861617), the unfussy pizzeria, prepares daily a fine dough crust that has made it one of the

most famous places in which to savor this world famous specialty. Unfortunately, the service is rude and stiff. There is an extensive variety of cheese in Italy. Two committed cheese mongers offer in their boutiques some of the finest local cheeses: pecorino romano, mozzarella di bufala, or gorgonzola. La Cooperativa Latte Cisterno (Vicolo del Gallo, 18-+066872875), managed by a buoyant couple, Paola and Gianni, boasts regional dairy products. Antica Cacciara Trasterverina (Via San Francesco a Ripa, 140 a/b, +065812815) located in the quaint neighborhood of Trastervere, offers a fine selection of cheeses. During the fall, the perfect weekend gourmet place to enjoy a breathtaking fresh Montblanc or a strawberry tart is Regoli (Via dello statuto, 60, +064872812). Italian deli food encompasses a wide range of specialties and some fine grocery shops are worth the visit. At Franchi (Via Cola de Rienzo, 200+0668805869 ,204/), you can either purchase artisan fresh pasta or eat food on the go. The neighbor next door, Castroni (Via Cola de Rienzo, 196, +066874383) has a solid reputation and an extensive collection of delicatessen such as gourmet coffee, connoisseur chocolate, all kinds of sauces (pesto, olive spread, etc.) and much more. Volpetti (Via Marmorata, 47, Testaccio) is quite popular for its take-away, first-rate prepared food. Wine bars have become trendy places to dine out for nibbles paired with fine regional wines. Enoteca Cavour 313 (Via Cavour, 313, +066785496) is an absolute blast.

This establishment is dedicated to genuine wine lovers. Another authentic wine bar, Enoteca Cul de Sac (Piazza Pasquino, 73, +0668801094) has an extraordinary wine list; it’s better to make a reservation as it’s usually jam-packed year-round. Er Buchetto (Via del Viminale, 2F, +064883031) is certainly the tiniest snack bar in town with a single yet amazing Roman specialty: la porchetta romana, pork stuffed with herbs and cooked over a charcoal fire. For a casual take-away, Sandwicheria (Largo del Nazareno, 16,17/ +0669797805) offers freshly homemade quality sandwiches stuffed with regional ingredients. After a nice meal, there are plenty of ice-cream parlors where one can sample some of Italy’s best flavors. Il Gelato di San Crispino (Via della panetteria, 42, +066793, is a well established parlor and is one of the most famed gelateria. The honey cream is a specialty here. Palazzo del Freddo di Giovanni Fassi (Via Principe Eugenio, 65, +06 446 4740) is the oldest ice cream factory in the city. The buzzing gelateria has been managed by the same family for five generations. The Sanpietrino comes in the shape of a square, reminding one of the paved roads of Rome. It is stuffed with different IODYRUV DQG FRDWHG ZLWK FKRFRODWH LFLQJ D UHDO WUHDW Quality coffee is found almost in every coffee shop in Rome. However, two cafés have a special ambiance: Il Caffé Sant’ Eustachio (Piazza Sant’ Eustachio, 82, +066880048) is an upscale joint for tourists and locals alike, and Caffé Greco (Via Condotti, 86, +066791700) provides old school formal service and quirky baroque-style decoration. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Wild about farming

C LEEÇA DESFORGES

Words LEEÇA DESFORGES

I

went to visit a sustainable farm in Ontario. It was Mariposa Farms, a semi-organic farm that is owned by Ian and Suzanne. I am a high school English teacher, two-parts Canadian and onepart Lebanese, who is trying to rediscover his roots. I am fascinated by all cultures, and this curiosity has led me down some very interesting paths, including this one, where I am beginning to understand how we are all affected by our interactions on our planet. We all need our planet to be healthy. Canada is strict about organic certification Ian and Suzanne have a background in agriculture. They own three commercial businesses, and while they do their best to keep things green and ecofriendly, they still cannot be certified organic. They provide fresh fruit and vegetables to over 15 restaurants in the city of Ottawa. They are also distributors for other local farms in the region, and they raise pigs, geese, and other animals for sale to restaurants and customers who drop into their store. One reason that they cannot be certified is that the scraps that they pick up in restaurants around Ottawa to feed to their pigs may not be organic, and so whatever minute traces of pesticides are left in the vegetable peels could end up in the pig meat. The chances are slim, but the laws for organic certification in Canada are strict. Purifying the water with buffer zones As I tour the farm, Ian explains to me the process

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whereby the water is purified by buffer zones that surround the field. He digs the ditches himself, and the bull rushes purify the water as it settles into the bottom and is absorbed into the earth. The same thing happens with the roof water. He explains how this could easily be done with our Nation River, which has turned brown in the past 50 years, from waste coming from adjoining farms, which drains directly into the river. He is hopeful that as people become more educated about ecology, they will want to work with the environment, not against it. “We would love to see the Nation River as a model,” he says. Sustainable farming They have hired Lutero, a refugee from Mexico, but also a former biology teacher, to help them with their practices of sustainable farming. He explains how beans take nitrogen from the air, but give extra nutrients to the corn and squash that are planted next to them. He has planted alternating rows of marigolds, which emit strong odors that mask the smells of the edible foods, and which repel insects and protect roots from nematodes. He tells me about Mexico City, the largest city in the world at 32 million people, and explains how people there have lost touch with nature. “Here, people are close to nature,” he says. “Farming should be like a forest, and gardens should be a bit wild. Commercial farms seem to have lost that sense of wildness,” he adds.

C LEEÇA DESFORGES

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Lea’s green universe – An AUB graduate shows the way in organic farming. Words ANA MARIA LUCA

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ea Wehbe is a small, slim girl with big brown eyes and a pony tail who speaks passionately about how a one-year old asparagus will sprout next April, and how the raspberry bush that she obtained from the Netherlands bore fruit this summer. The young woman wears jeans and sneakers, a polo shirt and spends her weekends at Sfeila, her own organic farm. She found a piece of abandoned land in Beit Shabab a year ago. It belonged to a local monastery and hadn’t been cultivated in a long time, but the young American University of Beirut graduate saw her future in it and rented it for 15 years. A love for agriculture At 23, Wehbe is one of the youngest farmers and entrepreneurs in Lebanon. She graduated from AUB’s agriculture program in 2008 and obtained her master’s degree in irrigation in 2010. “I wanted to study veterinary science because I am in love with animals, and somebody told me to enroll in the agricultural engineering program and later on switch to the program I wanted. However, I fell in love with agriculture very fast. The university has very interesting classes to offer. They involve a great deal of practice, and I like to get my hands dirty,” she jokes. When she graduated from the university she realized that she had very few employment opportunities in Lebanon. “Agriculture in Lebanon is limited. You either work for a big agriculture company or go into landscaping and gardening. I would have loved to work in a landscape company, to get my piece of land and take care of it, but this is difficult here,” Wehbe explains. She says she works for a landscaping company during the week and experiments on her own farm on the weekend. Kafalat makes it possible 158

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Wehbe’s family was very supportive of her project and her mother was the one who encouraged her to establish her own farm. “She was very persistent. I spent last summer going from farm to farm, observing, and gaining experience. I needed to see what kind of products I had to grow, what the market needed, and how much it would cost,” Wehbe explains passionately. She decided that asparagus and raspberries were the plants that she wanted to cultivate, as no other farm grows them in Lebanon. Then she applied for and got a loan from Kafalat, a Lebanese investment fund that assists small- and medium-sized enterprises. By November she had obtained the farm, cleaned the field and the small old house that came with it, hired workers, and got the business going. She explains how she used fava beans as a test plant, and then cultivated soy beans for sushi until the raspberry and asparagus arrived from the Netherlands last April. To her surprise, the raspberry bore a large quantity of fruits. “I was amazed. Usually the raspberry doesn’t bear fruit the first year. At first we ate them at home, and then we had to sell them because they were too many,” she says, smiling. Her own brand She sold around 50 kilograms of raspberries to several supermarkets throughout the country. “My father comes with me and helps me with the contacts. He handles the marketing of the farm. “We also have a brand now, ‘L’univert de Lea’ – Lea’s green universe,” she adds. The raspberry season is over this year, but Wehbe is looking forward for the first crop of asparagus sprouts. In the meantime, she enjoys spending time on the farm, taking care of the small family crops that she has planted and feeding the ducks. After all, her first love was animals.

Plates of pleasure Words LEEÇA DESFORGES

A

s Lutero, a Mexican biology teacher and farmer from Mariposa Farms explained to me, “Chefs teach people how to eat. If you convince chefs to use local, fresh foods, then you will change things. It is important to know where your food is coming from. That way you know that your food is healthful.” Ian, the owner of Mariposa Farms, suggested that I head to Allium Restaurant, a little place tucked into a busy street in Ottawa, Canada. It serves startlingly exceptional food from Mariposa and other local farmers. So I made a date with the chef and owner of the place, Arup Jana, a man of East Indian origins.

A question of values Arup and I talked about why he has chosen to use local food versus commercially grown and imported food despite the higher costs. He replied that for him it was a question of values, and that it was not so much about money but about the quality of the food that he could provide to his customers. Though he tries to stay local and sustainable, he does use some imported produce, such as lemons, limes, and bananas. Arup Jana grew up in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. His parents came from East India in 1969. His father was a professor in plant ecology and population genetics. He also had a doctorate in crop sciences and worked at the University of Saskatoon as a researcher and teacher. His mother was a psychologist. They travelled extensively when they were young, and lived abroad for several years.

C LEEÇA DESFORGES

A sensitivity to ecology Arup learned to cook while in cooking school and at the only French bistro in Saskatoon. He learned to make everything from scratch. When he finished school, he got a job there. Now, he has opened his own place with the same sensitivity to the ecology. He uses local meats and fish, arctic char and speckled trout from a local fish farm called Whalesbone. The Maritimes are low on fish, and so he refuses to buy from those areas. His dedication and attention to food has been translated into plates that are creative and that suit what is delicious and in season. People will always respond to good food, and it makes them somehow feel better to know that they are part of a process that protects the environment. A personal philosophy about food Arup has a philosophy about food that is quite personal. He said: “Don’t think, just do. We have fun every day. We enjoy each other. There’s a great deal of freedom. The menu changes every night. There are five chefs. I sit down and write the menu in an hour or two every week, but sometimes things change according to what’s available. We don’t have recipes. We cook by feel and by taste. I never wanted things to be structured. I wanted to be creative. Everyone can do everything.” These are winning ingredients for a delicious menu.

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An organic apple a day – Gapples are an organic alternative to conventionally grown apples, which are laden with pesticides. Words NADER EL NAKIB

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Environmental Working Group, an American environmental organization, has come up with the “Dirty Dozen,â€? a list that includes the twelve most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables. Conventionally grown apples top the list. 7KH EHQHĂ€WV RI RUJDQLF DJULFXOWXUH Organic apple agriculture maintains soil fertility by using biological, instead of chemical, pest control. Organic apples contain antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and phytonutrients that help to decrease WKH ULVN RI FDQFHU DQG RWKHU GLVHDVHV 6LQFH WKHLU VNLQ is pesticide free, organic apples can and should be HDWHQ XQSHHOHG ,Q WKLV ZD\ FRQVXPHUV ZLOO EHQHĂ€W from vitamins A and C, which are concentrated in and just under the apple’s skin. In Lebanon, organic apple producers face many problems. Because of the lack of government supervision, some products that are not really organic penetrate the organic market. Other problems include the lack of awareness, the lack of good packaging, the lack of reliable distribution channels, and increasing export costs.

(C) GAPPLE

5HDFK IRU D *DSSOH * D JUHHQ EXLOGLQJ FRQVXOWLQJ ÀUP WKDW KDV LWV KHDG quarters in London, has decided to empower organic apple producers in Lebanon by educating and trainLQJ WKHP IDFLOLWDWLQJ WKHLU LQWHUQDWLRQDO FHUWLÀFD tion, and designing appealing biodegradable packaging. G also facilitates good distribution channels for the Lebanese farmers. By realizing good sales, farmers will invest more in organic apples and thus achieve economies of scale. This will lead to a lowering of the market’s entry barriers, thus creating more opportunities for local farmers to remain on their land.

owadays, people are beginning to eat more organic foods because of the fact that organic agriculture does not involve new synthetic fertilizers. It also prohibits the use of pesticides, plant growth regulators, and genetically PRGLĂ€HG RUJDQLVPV 6ZLWFKLQJ WR RUJDQLF IRRG LV QRW just a way of eating; it represents a different lifestyle.

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Not just any apple a day will do Organic apples are healthier for both growers and consumers. The World Health Organization estimates that each year, three million farmers experience severe poisoning from pesticides. The

´*DSSOHÂľ LV D EUDQG RI LQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ FHUWLĂ€HG RUJDQ ic apples that was created by G. Gapple was created ZLWK KHDOWK DQG HFRQRPLF EHQHĂ€WV LQ PLQG *DSSOH¡V team of experts is always on the lookout for new ways of marketing communication in order to create brand equity as well as corporate reputation. $OO *DSSOHV DUH LQWHUQDWLRQDOO\ FHUWLĂ€HG E\ WKH ,VWL WXWR 0HGLWHUUDQHR GL &HUWLĂ€FD]LRQH ,0& $OO ,0& FHUWLĂ€FDWLRQV IRU RUJDQLF DJULFXOWXUH DUH DFFUHGLWHG LQ FRQIRUPLW\ ZLWK WKH ,62 DQG ,)2$0 LQWHUQD tional standards. Before reaching the stands, all Gapples are regularly tested at laboratories for bacteria and mold, thereby ensuring that all of these apples are free from E. coli and mycotoxins. Major corporations, such as Bank Audi and BankMed, are investing in Gapple as part of their FRUSRUDWH VRFLDO UHVSRQVLELOLW\ &65 SURJUDPV Other corporations are not only investing in organic apples, but also in organic apple jam, vinegar, and potato chips. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

GDT Ghanem Development & Trading Co

CSR ENTERPRISES IN LEBANON

WHO WILL THEY BE NEXT TIME?

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FIND OUT IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

GREEN INITIATIVES

Lighting up in Lebanon may become more difficult – Parliament’s passage of a bill that bans smoking in closed public places is a sign of hope for anti-smoking advocates. Words ALINE SARA

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HEDQRQ UDWLÀHG WKH :RUOG +HDOWK 2UJDQL]DWLRQ :+2 )UDPHZRUN &RQYHQWLRQ RQ 7REDFFR &RQWURO )&7& in 2005, but as of 2010, the government was lagging behind all of its regional counterparts, having yet to implement even one of the treaty’s obligations.

such as Egypt, images of potential health ULVNV DUH UHĂ HFWHG WKURXJK YLVXDOV RQ WKH SDFNV typically aimed at deterring youth from picking up on the deadly habit, the notices, which will take up to 40 percent of the space on cigarette packs in Lebanon, will remain in writing.

Many neighboring countries, such as Syria and Turkey, had successfully banned lighting up in public spaces for months, if not for years. It was not until this summer that Lebanon’s tobacco control advocates had something over which to rejoice.

The law is welcomed by many people &RPLQJ DV D UHVXOW RI XQLÀHG DQG GRJJHG OREE\LQJ HIIRUWV by Lebanon’s civil society, including the American University of Beirut Tobacco Control Research Group, local NGO IndyAct, and the Tobacco Free Initiative, the RQO\ /HEDQHVH RUJDQL]DWLRQ HQWLUHO\ GHGLFDWHG WR WKH ÀJKW against tobacco, the bill was welcomed, not only by those who had so adamantly worked on it, but by a number of residents in the country.

3DUOLDPHQW Ă€QDOO\ WDNHV DFWLRQ 2Q $XJXVW WKH /HEDQHVH 3DUOLDPHQW Ă€QDOO\ passed a bill according to which smoking in closed public places, namely restaurants, cafes, and public transportation would be banned. The ban in public institutions theoretically took place as of September 3, and full implementation of the law in eateries is to take place over the course of the year. As of September 2012, customers who violate the ODZ ZLOO EH Ă€QHG // ZKLOH RZQHUV RI the establishments will have to pay a hefty 3 million // IRU IDLOLQJ WR HQIRUFH WKH XQSUHFHGHQWHG regulation. A second part of the bill, scheduled to go into effect as of February, will forbid tobacco companies from advertising or conducting sponsorship campaigns and also make warnings about the tobacco-related health hazards mandatory on cigarette packs. ´:H¡UH VDWLVĂ€HG EHFDXVH ZH GLG D ORW RI DGYRFDF\ WR PDNH it happen and get the law to pass,â€? said Rania Baroud, vice-president of the Tobacco Free Initiative, during an interview with Beyond a few weeks after the victory. No pictorial warning “We have only one reservation: We wanted a pictorial warning on the package, and we didn’t get it,â€? she noted. Whereas in many European countries, and Arab states 166

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Cardiologist George Saade, who heads the National Tobacco Control Program within the Health Ministry, said that 92 percent of Lebanese interviewed were in favor of the ban in public places. His department coordinated carefully with the ministries of economy, interior, and tourism in order to pass the bill. Advocates, added Baroud, were also supported by media partners such as local Lebanese TV channel LBC and the Pikasso advertising company, which created witty billboards to further promote the anti-tobacco cause. When asked whether the law would actually be properly implemented, she said that did not want to be skeptical. “Everybody told us that the draft law would not pass, but it passed. So I am positive about the law taking effect,� she said. “Now we are just waiting for the bylaws,� she added. After having carried out a large media campaign to promote the law, the coalition of anti-tobacco advocates will also monitor the law’s violations. According to the World Health Organization, tobaccorelated diseases claim over 3,500 Lebanese lives each year. This new law might very well be the starting point from which that number will begin to decrease.

GREEN POEM

Stream of consciousness And then there is Facebook, a place where people from all cultures, races, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, and social statuses can find common ground and share music, art, photography, literature, and ideas. I asked my writer friends from around the world to collaborate on this “Cadavre Exquis,â€? a living poem about how they feel about their world. There is Paula D. Lietz SG OLHW] IURP 0DQLWRED &DQDGD 6KH LV D SXEOLVKHG SRHW DUWLVW DQG SKRWRJUDSKHU IHDWXUHG in online articles around the world, as well as in print and on covers of international chapbooks. There is Mary-Lee Lachance, who lives in QuĂŠbec City, Canada, who is, at 18, the youngest and one of the brightest of the poets that I know. Her motto in life is: “Don't be under, above, or besides the influence. BE the influence.â€? Contributing his notes as well is Ratzo B. Harris, bassist, composer, actor, and writer. He ZULWHV D ZHHNO\ EORJ IRU 1HZ0XVLF%R[ RUJ ZZZ UDW]REKDUULV FRP :KR NQHZ WKDW D JHRORJLVW would have it in him to write poetry? Manuel Abrunhosa is a geologist, hydrogeologist, and geoarchaeologist who lives in Porto, Portugal. He recognizes that above him are the clouds, the sky, birds flying, the aurora borealis, suns, moons, and dreams. Francesca Maese is a lovely Italian lady who lives in New York City. By day she works in the office world, by night, she is a vocalist who concentrates on the American songbook. There is also Tim Buck, one of the best poets that I know, who is retired and living in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He writes songs, poems, and as he says, humbly, “other stuffâ€?. You can read some of his work at http://mydrippingbrain.blogspot.com/. There is also Paul Beshara, who lives in Lansdowne Ontario, but who has roots in Lebanon, and is the editor and publisher of Natural Presence magazine. And finally, there is me, a woman who does not like boundaries, a high school English teacher who lives in the Canadian countryside, but who considers herself to be a woman of all nations. And so it goes, a rich blend of people’s thoughts and ideas about our planet.

-RLQ RXU %H\RQG 0DJD]LQH JURXS RQ IDFHERRN KWWSV ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP JURXSV EH\RQGPDJD]LQH "QRWLIBW JURXSBDFWLYLW\

This is a cadavre exquis. I invited my poet friends from all over the world to participat in WKLV OLYLQJ SRHP DERXW WKH HQYLURQPHQW $ FDGDYUH H[TXLV Ă RZV DQG FKDQJHV OLNH D ULYHU with each poet adding his or her bit to the stream. Renew well ,QĂ€QLWH EULOOLDQW OLJKW Synapses coursing Through the universe Like blood in a body, One body, Like countless drops Of rain falling on the Surface of a lake. What is this sense of unexpectedness happening? Every moment mystical, because beautiful abysses fall into ephemeral abysses within eternity's blooming. Current, past, and future live Swirling, shimmering, shining through LQĂ€QLW\ Dancing with each other, generating love. The universe is love. Poetic landscapes sometimes suffer from droughts and I am more a cloud than a river. That is life. Gossamer With coarse winds Blown, scattered, and strewn Across conquered plains. And so it is that we drift OLNH GDQGHOLRQ Ă XII upon the breezes of the Soul each one uniquely carrying the universal seed of divine love within us.

First, I say thank you, then I let go and lose myself to the Earth's rhythm. The universe continues with natural elegance. I can smell the storm coming, the feel of crisp air, the whispering of voices in the wind, and later, the sound of falling snow. The moon, having glutted itself on the other side, lay face down on the edge of the horizon, larger and more swollen than it had a right to be. Je l'appellais pour qu'elle me parle: ÂŤMère, mĂŞme s'il fait clair..guidez-moi, je n'y vois rien!Âť Et j'ai attendu, cherchant sur le visage des âmes dans la rue une expression connue. Prières, pouvez-vous ĂŞtre rĂŠponses? Ma mère m'a abandonnĂŠe. 6H SrXW LO HQĂ€Q TXH QRXV VR\RQV WRXV orphelins? Are we not like spores on the back of fern leaves? Are we not ants working always, sugar carried on our backs, too weary to look skyward? Do the cells on our hands not UHVHPEOH VFDOHV RQ D Ă€VK" Deep inside my skin rivers used to branch, carrying life Deep inside my skin. No more ways of Quenching thirst.

GREEN YACHT

A world of travel beneath the sun – Tûranor will be the first boat to have circumnavigated the globe powered by solar energy. Words SHANE KEVIN FARRELL

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NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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WWW.PLANETSOLAR.ORG

The TÛRANOR PlanetSolar at Tahiti

GREEN YACHT

“I think that the project is excellent to get into the heart of cities, to get close to people.�

A

s you sit down to read this, a slick, ÂŁ16m catamaran will be slicing WKURXJK WKH Ă€QDO VWUHWFK RI RFHDQ before terminating its 34,000-mile journey around the world. Having cut across the Atlantic, passed through the Panama Canal, ripped through the Indian Ocean, the six-man crew aboard the TĂťranor PlanetSolar has withstood the more challenging aspects of an undoubtedly unforgettable trip. Displaying the power of the Sun What is most remarkable about this feat is the fact that the TĂťranor is powered exclusively by sunlight. Indeed, the name TĂťranor is actually derived from the Lord of the Rings saga by J.R.R. Tolkien and translates as “the power of the Sunâ€?. Using the latest technology, the solar planes covering the top surface of TĂťranor transfer solar energy directly to the electric motors in each of the vessel’s two hulls that push the TĂťranor forward. Extra energy is stored in large lithium batteries that have the capacity to drive the vessel, in the absence of sunlight, for around three days at 7.5 knots, the speed of an average oil tanker. At slower speeds, according to its makers, the vessel can run for up to 15 days without sunlight.

ZLWK WKH FUHZ $OVR WR PD[LPL]H VRODU HIĂ€FLHQF\ WKH crew washes the photovoltaic panels every three weeks, to clear them of salt deposits and other substances. Demonstrating the functionality of solar energy According to RaphaĂŤl Domjan, the man behind PlanetSolar and the leader of the expedition, “the circumnavigation of the globe is to demonstrate the IXQFWLRQDOLW\ DQG HIĂ€FLHQF\ RI WRGD\¡V WHFKQRORJ\ , think that the project is excellent to get into the heart of cities, to get close to people, to convince politicians and industrials, and let them experience solar energy.â€? This is extremely important since, according to the United Nations, the shipping industry is responsible IRU IRXU WR Ă€YH SHUFHQW RI JOREDO JUHHQKRXVH JDV emissions. At the time of writing, the TĂťranor had docked in Singapore, where crewmembers will take a short vacation and stock up on supplies before continuing RQ WR $EX 'KDEL $IWHU WKDW LW LV GRZQ WR WKH Ă€QDO VWUHWFK WKURXJK WKH 6XH] &DQDO EHIRUH Ă€QLVKLQJ LQ Monaco. After completion of this epic journey, the 31-meter long boat is likely to be used as a luxury yacht.

:KHQ 7€UDQRU UHDFKHV LWV ÀQDO GHVWLQDWLRQ RI 0RQDFR LW ZLOO KDYH EHHQ WKH ÀUVW YHVVHO WR KDYH HYHU circumnavigated the globe powered solely by solar panels, among other accolades. Because of its reliance on the sun, the path that the vessel is following is subject to slight deviations in order to maximize sun exposure. To help the crew plan its route, TÝranor has a team on land that is in constant communication 172

HORIZONS

Propeller of Solar boat PlanetSolar www.planetsolar.org. (C) ERIC76

Designed by architects from New Zealand, constructed DQG Ă€QDQFHG LQ *HUPDQ\ WKH 3ODQHW6RODU WHDP according to a statement on its website, has two objectives: “to show that current technologies DLPHG DW LPSURYLQJ HQHUJ\ HIĂ€FLHQF\ DUH UHOLDEOH DQG HIIHFWLYH DQG WR DGYDQFH VFLHQWLĂ€F UHVHDUFK LQ WKH Ă€HOG RI UHQHZDEOH HQHUJ\ Âľ

GREEN INITIATIVES

Catching the ecological wave – Australians are paying more attention to the environmental impact of surfboards.

(C) 1000 SURFBOARD GRAVEYARD

Words EMILY HOLMAN

A

ustralia might be known for sea, sand, and surf – but that is not to say that WKH VXQ ORYLQJ DQG QRWRULRXVO\ IXQ ORYLQJ FRXQWU\ GRHVQ¡W WKLQN DERXW the profounder things in life. The land of barbecues and kangaroos is gaining an increasingly impressive track record when it comes to the color that we at Beyond love most: green. Through recycling, ethical practices in the market place, and protection of the environment, the Aussies are pretty keen on keeping their country FOHDQ $V ZH DOO NQRZ KRZHYHU LW FDQ EH GLIĂ€FXOW WR combine care for the environment with our everyday passions and hobbies. For environmentalists who love to travel, this is the ultimate conundrum – how to offset your carbon footprint when air is the fastest, PRVW HIĂ€FLHQW ZD\ RI JHWWLQJ VRPHZKHUH" $QG LW LV not only air travel. Producing surfboards emits carbon dioxide Surfboards, it turns out, are another unlikely culprit in carbon pollution. The production of a typical UPR shortboard emits around 170-200 kilograms of carbon dioxide. For diehard surfers, giving up the sport is not an option. Various alternative schemes have been concocted by those especially troubled by the idea of contributing to a massive global problem. Some surfers plant trees to try and offset the extra carbon that their boards have generated. As with other initiatives, the emphasis is on reducing carbon emissions in other areas.

Limiting surfboard waste Unfortunately, surfboard manufacturing is only part of the problem. Surfboard ‘waste’ is also on the rise. However, one graphic design student is determined to make a difference. Chris Anderson, an Australian, has devised the “1,000 Surfboard Graveyard’ initiative.â€? The project involves the collection of 1,000 broken or unused surfboards for use as gravestone markers, and intends to raise awareness about waste in the surfboard industry, as well as the use of unsustainable materials. Anderson, from Wollongong, wants to “increase awareness about the lifecycle of a surfboard, including carbon emissions, non-renewable resource FRQVXPSWLRQ DQG GLVSRVDO LQWR ODQGĂ€OOV Âľ +H VD\V ´P\ creative projects as a designer aim to capture audiences and advocate sustainability through the construction of large-scale campaign images.â€? The master’s degree student claims that 55 million VXUIERDUGV ´DUH GHVWLQHG WR GLH LQ ODQGĂ€OO Âľ +H ZLOO install his 1,000 boards in a graveyard on Garie Beach, an area in the Royal National Park located between Southern Sydney and Wollongong in Australia, and also have the campaign photographed as an art exhibition. With one young man doing so much to increase awareness about an issue that many of us didn’t even know existed, Beyond is asking – what can you do to make a difference? Check out Chris’s website at http://1000surfboardgraveyard.blogspot.com/ NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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(C) NADER EL NAKIB

(C) NADER EL NAKIB

GREEN ARCHITECTURE

Bring your yacht to Zaitunay Bay – Le Yacht Club is a key element of the Zaitunay Bay project. Words NADER EL NAKIB

L

e Yacht Club (LYC) is located at the top of Zaitunay Bay, which is physically an extension of the Corniche Beirut. Zaitunay Bay features beautifully landscaped public areas, with reflective pools on the rooftop of outlets as well as vast areas for long walks. Although the design of Zaitunay Bay bears the signature of the

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internationally renowned architect Steven Holl, this project is the best example of what local expertise has to offer in terms of real estate development, architecture and landscaping, as well as project and facilities management. The Zaitunay Bay project is owned by Beirut Waterfront Development s.a.l., a joint venture between Solidere and Stow.

A Y-shaped structure LYC’s building takes its shape from strata and layers in forking vectors. Like the ancient beach that was once located on this site, the lapping waves of the sea inspire striated spaces in horizontal layers, as distinct from vertical objects. The form enables a striated arrangement of public and private spaces that include restaurants, retail stores, members-only yacht club facilities, and private residences on upper floors. The “Y” shape of the LYC’s building creates a high ratio of exterior surface area, which offers a maximum amount of view, rising all the way to the roof to form a public observation platform for the sea horizon. LEED certification LYC’s building is aiming to be the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified project in Lebanon. To start with, most of its roof will be covered by plants. In order to conserve drinking water, all chillers will

contain sea water that is cooled by a platinum turbine. The arrangement of the apartments permits daylight to enter easily, thereby decreasing energy use. In order to monitor utilities usage, every apartment will have separate sub-meters for electricity, chilled water, hot water, and potable water. Controlling pollution and waste An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan was implemented for all construction activities related to the project, and as a result pollutants and sediments runoff were controlled. An area in the basement of the building is dedicated to the collection and storage of materials for recycling for the entire building. This results in a 70 percent decrease in the amount of waste that ends up in a landfill. Hybrid and electric cars will have the best parking places. Since the building is linked to the only bicycle lane in Beirut, bicycle racks will be available for tenants, visitors, and employees. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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SUISTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION

An impulse to make a statement – AndrÊ Borschberg strapped himself to a single seat inside his aircraft, which is propelled only by solar energy, and took off from Brussels. He flew silently over Europe for twelve hours before landing safely in Paris in time for the largest international air show.

Words ALICE HLIDKOVA

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ith a degree in management science, Borschberg became WKH Ă€UVW SLORW WR WHVW WKH ZRUOG¡V Ă€UVW VRODU SRZHUHG DLUFUDIW WKDW FDQ Ă \ GD\ DQG QLJKW 1HYHU EHIRUH FRXOG DQ DLUSODQH SODQH Ă \ ZLWKRXW IXHO DQG Ă \ DV LQH[SHQVLYHO\ DV WKH 6RODU ,PSXOVH FRXOG 3RZHUHG E\ ¡ VRODU FHOOV WKDW SURGXFH HQRXJK HQHUJ\ WR Ă \ WKH NLORJUDP DLUFUDIW LW UXQV RQ EDWWHULHV WKDW ZHLJK D WRWDO RI

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NLORJUDPV ² D TXDUWHU RI WKH DLUFUDIW¡V WRWDO ZHLJKW The challenge lies in storing enough energy 7KH &(2 IDFHG PDQ\ FKDOOHQJHV DERDUG WKH 6RODU ,PSXOVH ZKLFK KDV FRPSOHWHG WHQ PLVVLRQ IOLJKWV LQ WRWDO ILYH WKLV \HDU ´7KH PDMRU FRQVWUDLQW LQ WKH SURMHFW LV VWRULQJ HQRXJK HQHUJ\ LQ WKH OLWKLXP SRO\PHU EDWWHULHV WR IO\ WKURXJK WKH QLJKW ¾ KH VD\V ´3URGXFLQJ HQRXJK

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HQHUJ\ WR SURSHO WKH DLUSODQH IRU ORQJ SHULRGV RI WLPH UHTXLUHV WDNLQJ PD[LPXP DGYDQWDJH RI VRODU HQHUJ\ µ KH DGGV Carrying a message of environmental awareness 7KH 6RODU ,PSXOVH IOHZ WKLV VXPPHU RQ WKUHH WULSV ² 3D\HUQH WR %UXVVHOV RQ 0D\ NLORPHWHUV %UXVVHOV WR 3DULV /H %RXUJHW RQ -XQH NLORPHWHUV DQG 3DULV /H

%RXUJHW WR 3D\HUQH RQ -XO\ NLORPHWHUV ³LQDXJXUDWLQJ D (XURSHDQ IOLJKW FDPSDLJQ WKDW LV IXOO RI SURPLVH ZLWK UHJDUG WR ILQGLQJ FOHDQ HQHUJ\ VROXWLRQV WKDW FDQ KHOS WR DUUHVW WKH SURFHVV RI FOLPDWH FKDQJH ´7KH 6RODU ,PSXOVH ZDV QRW EXLOW WR FDUU\ SDVVHQJHUV EXW WR FDUU\ PHVVDJHV µ VD\V FKDLUPDQ DQG SURMHFW LQLWLDWRU %HUWUDQG 3LFFDUG ZKR EHOLHYHV WKDW HQHUJ\

+H DOVR KRSHV WKDW PLVVLRQV ZLOO LQFUHDVH HQYLURQPHQWDO DZDUHQHVV VKLIWLQJ SDUDGLJPV WRZDUG QHZ JUHHQ VROXWLRQV +H VD\V WKDW ´SHRSOH DUH GLVFRXUDJHG E\ WKH PDJQLWXGH RI WKH SUREOHPV ZKHUHDV WKH\ VKRXOG EH PRWLYDWHG E\ WKH WHFKQRORJLFDO VROXWLRQV WKDW FDQ FUHDWH MREV DQG RSHQ QHZ PDUNHWV ZKLOH SURWHFWLQJ WKH HQYLURQPHQW µ :KLOH DGYRFDWLQJ WKDW WKH DYLDWLRQ LQGXVWU\ PDNH FKDQJHV LQ DQ HUD RI HYHU LQFUHDVLQJ IXHO FRVWV 3LFFDUG IROORZV D VLPSOH UXOH ´:KR FDQ GR PRUH FDQ GR OHVV µ :LWK 6ZLVV IUDQFV HTXLYDOHQW WR URXJKO\ WKH FXUUHQW EXGJHW LV FDOFXODWHG WR LQFOXGH WKH H[LVWLQJ DLUSODQH DQG DQ DGGLWLRQDO SURWRW\SH WKDW ZLOO EH EXLOW RYHU WKH QH[W GHFDGH $V WKH WHDP ILQDOL]HV GHVLJQ DQG FRQFHSWLRQ HDUOLHU QH[W \HDU WKH SURWRW\SH ZLOO EH DVVHPEOHG LQ WLPH IRU LWV URXQG WKH ZRUOG IOLJKW LQ NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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GREEN ARCHITECTURE

Cool in so many ways – The new Ferrari store in Italy makes use of high performance design to prevent its glass panels from overheating.

Ferrari Factory Store , Š GIANLUCA GRASSANO

Words JODY JAFFE

T

he new Ferrari Factory Store in Novi /LJXUH ,WDO\ QHDU *HQRD DGKHUHV WR the guidelines for sustainable building. The store was designed by Iosa Ghini $VVRFLDWL DQ DUFKLWHFWXUDO Ă€UP WKDW ZDV IRXQGHG LQ DQG WKDW KDV RIĂ€FHV LQ %RORJQD and Milan. The store has a curved glass façade that exposes the cars that are inside. “Beyond its sexy exterior it features a high-performance design that takes advantage of passive cooling to prevent overheating,â€? says Bridgette Meinhold,â€? writing for the weblog Inhabitat.com. The design of the 370 square meter gallery reminds the visitor of a Formula One garage. “Just like the cars, but even more energy

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HIĂ€FLHQW WKH EXLOGLQJ LWVHOI LV GHVLJQHG WR EH KLJK performance,â€? Meinhold says. “In order to have a glass shop to show off the wares inside, Iosa Ghini Associati had to ensure that the building would not take on too much solar heat gain,â€? she points out. Each glass panel was treated with special UV SURWHFWLRQ Ă€OPV DV ZHOO DV D VFUHHQ SULQWHG IULWWLQJ that reduces the sun’s rays. A system of air circulation takes advantage of the motion of air convention, providing for natural cooling by natural induction. Passive cooling enables warm air to move up and out of the building, while at the same time bringing in fresh air. If additional cooling is necessary, a forced air system can be activated.

Walk this way – Mexico City has always been associated with pollution and often appalling living conditions. However, in recent years the city has been launching myriad projects that aim at improving the environment within this huge metropolis. Words ALEX GREY

(C) FEDERAL DISTRICT PUBLIC SPACE AUTHORITY

M

exico City’s latest project, a green walkway in the heart of the city, draws inspiration from a similar project in New York City. Using old elevated rail lines as a foundation, New York’s High Line public park has created a veritable urban garden, lined with greenery, in the middle of what used to be New York’s industrial area. Reaching a height of 30 feet above the street in many places, High Line, a project that began in 1999, is the fruit of collaboration between local groups and the city’s government, leading to genuine community involvement in the planning and design. 7DNLQJ LQVSLUDWLRQ IURP 1HZ <RUN¡V +LJK /LQH Mexico City’s take on the High Line concept is a little different, in that it will be both above and underground as it dips under busy roads and takes advantage of Mexico City’s urban topography. The plan is for a walkway that will be converted into a vibrant, lush public park that lies underneath two major roadways in this most densely populated city Sponsored by the city’s Public Space Authority, the pathway should be open by mid-2012 at a cost RI PLOOLRQ D WULIOLQJ FRVW FRQVLGHULQJ WKDW New York’s High Line has, to date, generated an HVWLPDWHG ELOOLRQ LQ SULYDWH LQYHVWPHQWV OLQNHG to the park. $ SDWKZD\ WR &KDSXOWHSHF )RUHVW 3DUN This green path will provide a convenient access point

to the Chapultepec Forest Park, Mexico City’s largest green space and the biggest urban park in South America. The perfect marriage of urban regeneration and green space, the pathway will enable pedestrians to escape the urban sprawl for something altogether more peaceful. Along the pathway the plan is for relaxation and recreational points to be added so that people can pause and make full use of this wonderful asset. Picnic areas, manicured lawns, seating areas, and a wide UDQJH RI Ă RUD DQG IDXQD PHDQ WKDW WKH ZDONZD\ LVQ¡W just an access route to Chapultepec, but rather an attraction in its own right and, hopefully, somewhere where local residents and workers alike might choose to spend their lunch breaks. Thankfully the planners are going out of their way to ensure that the walkway, and therefore the forest park, are easy to access; the walkway itself is going to be linked to a nearby subway stop, ensuring that visitors don’t have to take their life in their hands by dodging through rows of onrushing cars to get to the park, as they have to do at the present time. This stunning undertaking, serving as a green entrance way to South America’s largest urban park, breathes not only fresh air into the lungs of Mexico City’s citizens, but, if New York’s example is anything to follow, could well spur private initiatives that are aimed at furthering the reinvigoration of this vast city. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Louisiana's losing game

Banners displayed after Katrina (C) ALICE HLIDKOVA

Words ALICE HLIDKOVA

– New Orleans is still struggling to overcome the effects of Hurricane Katrina, and environmentalists are facing an uphill battle.

O

n the sixth anniversary of the perfect storm that drowned more than twothirds of New Orleans, and obliged over a million of its residents to evacuate overnight, gray clouds of smoke veil city blocks. A year ago, nearby marshlands GUHVVHG LQ FRDWV RI RLOÂłWKDQNV %3 ÂłFRXJKHG XS ELOORZLQJ VPRNH DV D UHVXOW RI D VWXEERUQ Ă€UH WKDW EXUQHG IRU PRUH than three days. Recently, a tropical storm washed ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. Katrina surges into the Big Easy Storm surges from hurricanes are an integral part of life in Louisiana’s famed port city, nicknamed “The Big Easy.â€? The ORZHU 0LVVLVVLSSL 5LYHU PHDQGHUV LQ ORRSV RYHU LWV Ă RRGHG plain. Each spring, as the snow melts along its northern tributaries, high water descends. These cycles have repeated themselves for over thousands of years, leaving annual silt deposits along the banks that have gradually 180

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built up to several feet. Consequently, the highest ground in southern Louisiana is along the river banks. Falling rain drains away from rivers and bayous into swamps at the rear of the river banks. The Mississippi levees held, until category-3 winds and tidal surges pushed a barge into the HPEDQNPHQW à RRGLQJ VFRUHV RI 'HOWD FRPPXQLWLHV³ including our big lady, New Orleans. With eighty percent of the city drowned in up to fourteen feet of water, The United States Army Corp of Engineers responsible for levy upkeep turned a blind eye, while the Federal Emergency Management Agency dispatched close to a thousand mobile trailers that sprayed chemicals to keep rodents and other pests out. 1RQ SURÀW RUJDQL]DWLRQV VWHS XS WR WKH SODWH Mobile homes are sitting in a deserted yard in the eastern part of the city, being studied by a high school football coach. Mounting solar panels on their roofs, he hopes to produce enough energy to sell to the city grid. Brad Pitt KDG WKH VDPH LGHD +LV QRQ SURÀW RUJDQL]DWLRQ 0DNH ,W Right, has installed solar panels on Leadership in Energy DQG (QYLURQPHQWDO 'HVLJQ /((' FHUWLÀHG QHZO\ EXLOW WZR VWRU\ KRPHV LQ WKH /RZHU 1LQWK :DUG³D QHLJKERUKRRG WKDW ZDV FRPSOHWHO\ à DWWHQHG E\ ZDWHU with its four thousand homes coated in mud. Pitt and his WHDP DUH VHYHQW\ ÀYH KRXVHV VKRUW RI UHDFKLQJ KLV JRDO RI

Reconstruction as the grass remains uncut (C) ALICE HLIDKOVA

Brad Pitt's Make It Right Homes (C) ALICE HLIDKOVA

RQH KXQGUHG Ă€IW\ KRXVHV +LNH IRU .DWULQD KDV SODQWHG trees. Habitat for Humanity has donated jeans material WR LQVXODWH KRXVHV $QRWKHU QRQ SURĂ€W RUJDQL]DWLRQ KDV donated tents. Tulane University architecture students and faculty have designed blueprints for new housing. The city government introduces initiatives The city is promoting solar technology by introducing citywide initiatives. “Its Energy Smart Program provides shortterm and long-term rewards for those who make energysaving investments in their homes and businesses,Âť says Cathy Herren, director of Housing Initiatives for Entergy New Orleans. By partnering with the United States Department of Energy for the adoption of a tax credit that EHQHĂ€WV WKH VRODU LQGXVWU\ WKH FLW\ IDOOV VKRUW RI WKH Ă€QLVK line. Help from the federal government The federal government might have a chance of succeeding, E\ VXSSRUWLQJ JUHHQ FRQVFLRXV QRQ SURĂ€W RUJDQL]DWLRQV that are looking to solve problems. The Environmental 3URWHFWLRQ $JHQF\ KDV DOUHDG\ LQYHVWHG RYHU PLOOLRQ in grant money for the following recipients: The Louisiana *UHHQ &RUSRUDWLRQ ZKLFK LQVWDOOV FHOOXORVH DQG Ă€EHUJODVV LQVXODWLRQ VHOOLQJ VDOYDJHG F\SUHVV ZRRG QDWLYH WR

/RXLVLDQD PDWHULDOV WKDW RWKHUZLVH ZRXOG KDYH HQGHG XS LQ D ODQGÀOO *OREDO *UHHQ 86$ ZKLFK GHVLJQV VXVWDLQDELOLW\ plans, urban green design proposals, and climate action plans for homes, and installs solar panels on schools; and the Louisiana Bucket Brigade, which encourages citizens to take their own air samples, a step that is needed to study the damaging effects of the Horizon Deepwater Oil Spill. The greening of Louisiana is a long way off In spite of all these efforts, the race for green technology has fallen short. Four megawatts of energy installed across the VWDWH KDV QRW EHHQ HQRXJK IRU VLJQLÀFDQW SURJUHVV Legislation has been limited; only recently several bills have begun to snake their way through the state legislature. With sluggish progress on the renewable energy portfolio standard, clean energy advocates remain skeptical. Not to mention the poor reconstruction of levies, which hold little promise of safety for New Orleaners. Such failures are related to oil and gas industries that dictate how money is to be spent, as well as the federal government’s improper UHGLVWULEXWLRQ RI SURÀWV IURP UR\DOWLHV /RXLVLDQD LV D SRRU state with a multitude of industries that are capable of cleaning up its mess only if the federal authorities play a fair game. However, until the state cleans up its act, the green bar will remain low. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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Where great ideas take root

Flora Grubb, SAN FRANSISCO

A

green roof, or “living roof,” is a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. One of the most famous of such living roofs is found at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. The structure was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano. It is topped by a huge, undulating, living green roof. The roof will prevent around two million gallons of rainwater from becoming storm-water runoff. It will also provide excellent insulation, improve air quality, and require very little maintenance. “A living roof will slope over interior exhibitions and read as hills against the natural landscape,” says Emily Pilloton, writing for the weblog Inhabitat.com. The plants on the rooftop will transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, capture rainwater, and reduce energy needs for heating and cooling.

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A green wall, or “living wall,” is a wall that is partially or completely covered with vegetation. It is also known as a “vertical garden.” The concept of the vertical garden was created by the French botanist Patrick Blanc. A well-known example is found at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, located near the Eiffel Tower. It was inaugurated in 2006. The building was designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, who also designed The Landmark in the Beirut Central District. The green wall on part of the exterior of the museum was designed and planted by Gilles Clément and Patrick Blanc. “Patrick Blanc’s vertical garden system allows both plants and buildings to live in harmony with one another,” says Evelyn Lee of Inhabitat.com. “The natural benefits of the vertical garden are many: improved air quality, low energy consumption, and providing a natural shield between weather and inhabitants,” she adds.

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HORIZONS Quai Branly Museum, Paris, France (C) BRUNO DE HOGUES

GREEN ARCHITECTURE

Beirut Wonder Forest – Proposal to the Municipality and to the People of Beirut.

I

n a city of concrete, a city stranger to green spaces, a city where sidewalks like roads have been carjacked, a city where a dark smog looms over daily, you'd figure, there's more to rooftops than rooftop bars�, Quoting Sir Mark Sykes, on his last visit to Beirut. Beirut is a concrete and pollution mayhem. Ironically, the high pollution levels are not caused by the industries that we do not have, by the crippled political system, by armed militias or by foreign interferences, but instead, it is a problem from within the populace itself, which has proven throughout the years to be uncooperative and inconsiderate towards its surrounding, to the extent of rejecting the mere idea of replacing the Humvee with a smaller car, or the “blasphemy� of riding a bike to work. Therefore, given the circumstances, the most pragmatic solution will be to have a municipal decree that requires

BEFORE

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each building to grow it's simple rooftop garden (by require we mean harshly implement, by force if necessary). Nothing fancy, just a couple of trees in a ODUJH À[HG SRW RQ HDFK URRIWRS $V LQFHQWLYHV WR WKH urban population, the municipality can offer tax UHGXFWLRQV RU EHQHÀWV WR WKH EXLOGLQJV WKDW KDYH D ZHOO maintained rooftop garden, and the gardening/plant companies could offer discounts and sponsorship, and later claim that they turned Beirut green (we can already predict their campaigns). There are many types of tree that can grow in the beirut climate to 34- meters high in a simple 1 meter pot, such as the olive tree, WKH 6FKLQXP 0ROOH 0RUXV $OED 0HOLD D]DGHUDFKK Punica Granatum, Etc... In order to prevent these trees from falling in case of high winds, they could be connected by three steel wires to the roof slab. The advantages of having this done on a large scale are many. Better oxygen levels and a healthy environment are the first things that comes to mind, but also a

layer of trees will provide shade and accordingly soften the increasingly hot and arid climate, which in turn would lead to a lower level of energy consumption. Moreover, semi-public green spaces will be created for the respective residents of each building, increasing even further the quality of living within the city itself. On the other hand, depending on the choice of trees and plants, these gardens can

evolve into a sort of urban farming, yielding a small but valuable agricultural output. Ultimately, if the plan works out, Beirut could become a rooftop wonder forest, the whole city as a Landmark.

the Proposal is in the conceptual phase, and that we would love the help of any NGO/association/organization/volunteer to make it happen.

AFTER

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A home of harmony – Beam Architects has created Villa N, which is a testimony to the synergy between man and a seemingly uncooperative piece of land. Words KARIM FAKHRY

A

man in his prime, building a home made to last, is a forward thinker. Knowing that he will grow old in this home, he imagined a space without a single flight of pesky stairs. Knowing that he will play host in this home to extended family, to long-time friends, and even to neighbors from the village, he imagined large open terraces and outdoor spaces. He had a clear vision of what he wanted, and the residence had to accommodate all of his specifications. The land however was steep, sloping down over fifteen meters. Any attempt to terrace the soil would have transformed the hill into successive walls each over two meters high, essentially disfiguring the landscape. This was evident in a number of neighboring homes, where the residents’ demands were in conflict with the surrounding environment. Furthermore, any attempt to integrate the house into the hill would have involved following the topography of the land. Mediating the different levels created by the landscape would have required the use of at least one full flight of stairs. For the client, that was out of the question. $UFKLWHFWXUH LV D FRPSURPLVH EHWZHHQ WKH FOLHQW·V wishes and the layout of the land Architecture is a balancing act. It is all about balancing the clients’ expectations with the limitations of the land upon which the structure is built. Oftentimes, architects are lucky and the two are in accord. Sometimes though, architects are even luckier and the two are at odds. Therein lies the challenge: to come up with a design that is innovative and functional enough to satisfy all of the clients’ expectations and make it seem as if the structure had been on that land forever.

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Blurring the line between indoors and outdoors It was precisely this disaccord between the client’s needs and the land’s topography that gave shape to Villa N. Tucked away in the scenic village of Kafra in southern Lebanon, Villa N reconciles the client’s desire for ample terrace space and his aversion to stairs with the land’s steep topographic constraints. In the interior, the whole house is designed around a loop, so that the residents only have to take a few small VWHSV DW D WLPH WR UHDFK DOO ÀYH DUHDV RI WKHLU KRPH ,Q the exterior, traditional terracing would have marred the street view, making for a series of unattractive monolithic walls that would have covered the green and lush terrain with hardscape. The expansive roof of Villa N was innovatively transformed into a useable social space, creating a unique spatial experience between the interior and the remarkable panoramic vistas, while allowing two-thirds of the site to remain intact as green landscape. Villa N’s roof became an extension of the interior space accessible from different parts of the house, effectively blurring the threshold between indoors and outdoors. Crucial to the design and the client was the creation of different social spaces for the various members of the family. The roof creates a number of distinct outdoor terraces, all visually interconnected, yet all spatially different. The folding surface of the residence becomes an external loop that encourages the exploration of the surrounding land. Ultimately, the house becomes a viewing platform for the residents, and the greater landscape becomes a visual extension of their home. There’s a line between the man-made and the natural, between nature and home. The fun comes when you blur that line. For any enquiries: karim.n.fakhry@beamdevelopers.com

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(C) R&K

Building with a green approach

Jnah resort

– Beyond talks to Rachid Karam, whose firm, R&K, is leading the way with regard to green architecture in Lebanon. Words ALEX GREY

I

n 1976 Rachid Karam travelled to Paris. A budding student of architecture, Karam headed to “The City of Light� hoping to be inspired by its cosmopolitan locales. After almost ten years in this most vibrant of cities, Karam headed home to work for the architect Pierre El Khoury. He established his own practice in 1987. Inspired by the need for environmentally sound elements in his buildings, Karam’s firm, R&K, is at the forefront of green architecture in Lebanon, playing a leading role in Downtown’s District//S, among other projects.

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%H\RQG When did environmental architecture enter your mind? 5DFKLG .DUDP It began in 1988, or 1989, when I started to work on chalets in the ski resorts. There was a need to have good insulation in order to reduce the consumption of heating fuel. We didn’t know about environmental construction, but it’s common sense IRU DQ DUFKLWHFW WR LQFRUSRUDWH HQHUJ\ HIĂ€FLHQF\ ZKHQ working on any project. With time, such things became a worldwide concern. % How do your clients respond? Is money a major factor? RK: Money is a factor, but it’s not the prime factor. :H¡UH GRLQJ KLJK VWDQGDUG FRQVWUXFWLRQ DW WKLV Ă€UP In the high-standard sector, you already take into consideration many environmental issues. If you want to measure against the Leadership in Energy and (QYLURQPHQWDO 'HVLJQ /((' VFDOH ZH¡UH SUREDEO\ already at that level, because we’re using double walls

Plot 124

(C) R&K

with insulation, organic insulation, and solar panels for hot water. We can use minimum lead paints as well as gas boilers rather than solid fuel systems, which aren’t common here. There are many other things that we can do, such as double-glazing, thermal break aluminum sections, and stone exterior cladding, which is a low heat emitter. If we want to go for the KLJKHVW FDWHJRULHV RI FHUWLĂ€FDWLRQ WKHQ ZH KDYH WR do more. For example, there’s an electro-mechanical aspect, treated gray water for irrigation, and all sorts of other ideas. There’s also the issue of the construction phase: re-using materials is important. You have to reXVH WKHP DQG VWRUH WKHP SURSHUO\ ,W¡V GLIĂ€FXOW EXW LW¡V an important issue.

(C) R&K

% What’s the most common technology that you use? What’s easiest to use? 5. Here it’s taking advantage of the sun, ventilation, and the materials, mainly stone, and then using good insulation techniques. Then there are solar panels and, when the infrastructure’s in place, photovoltaic cells. % How do you incorporate green spaces in your projects? 5. Wherever we work we try to have as much green space as possible, such as terraces that are partly planted or the roof of the building. We can make use of gardens all around the built-up areas and also on the XSSHU à RRUV :H WU\ WR DGG JUHHQHU\ ZKHUHYHU ZH FDQ For example, in District//S Beirut, we have green spaces HYHU\ZKHUH ZLWK JDUGHQV RQ WKH JURXQG à RRU WKH ÀUVW à RRU DQG WKH URRI à RRUV :H KDYH JDUGHQV HYHU\ZKHUH in the landscaped areas. % What do you see as the future of green architecture in Lebanon? 5. I believe that it has a very important role to play. 3HRSOH ZDQW HIÀFLHQW EXLOGLQJV DQG JUHHQ VSDFHV 7KH\ want to reuse water and to make use of solar energy. It’s expensive at the outset, but there is interest. The cost isn’t very high in the long run. Everything that we do is to a high standard, and we can incorporate new technology. Even if in some cases it may be expensive, it helps in the marketing of the building, especially in view of Lebanon’s problems with water and power.

District S

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How industry can come clean – People tend to perceive waste as a threat to the environment as well as human health. However, what many people don’t know is that industrial waste can actually be an important economic resource. Words NADER EL NAKIB

Shoreline Transfer Station

T

he industrial sector is the second biggest polluter worldwide. It pollutes the air, the water, and the. It accounts for 20 percent of worldwide soil greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial parks can make industries less polluting and friendlier to the environment. (FR LQGXVWULDO SDUNV Industrial activities should comply with strict regulatory norms in order to limit pollution and to use energy and raw materials efficiently. The development of a sustainable community begins with the concept of eco-friendly industrial cities. $Q HFR LQGXVWULDO SDUN (,3 FRQVLVWV RI D QHWZRUN of complementary companies. By working together, these businesses can achieve great economical, social

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and environmental benefits. EIPs are created through the process of depleting limited resources, minimizing energy and water usage, tackling air pollution, and reducing waste. Products and waste from one industry are another industry’s raw materials. This arrangement creates a higher value and more robust economy with a wider range of opportunities. Kalundborg, Denmark is an eco-industrial park where businesses realize economical and environmental benefits by consuming each other’s waste materials and energy. This pattern of reuse and recycling has reduced water pollution by 25 percent, contributed to the reduction of ash by 80,000 tons, the reduction of gypsum by 200,000 tons, and the reduction of oil by 20,000 tons.

Green industrial buildings One of the main elements of an eco-industrial park is the designing of sustainable buildings DQG LQIUDVWUXFWXUH /((' FHUWLÀHG EXLOGLQJV DUH becoming a model for entirely new industrial parks. Nowadays, there are 115 industrial projects ZRUOGZLGH WKDW DUH UHJLVWHUHG IRU FHUWLÀFDWLRQ XQGHU WKH /((' SURJUDP 7KH ÀUVW LQGXVWULDO SDUN WKDW ZDV FHUWLÀHG /((' 3ODWLQXP ZDV WKH 6KRUHOLQH Recycling and Transfer Station, located in the City of Shoreline, in the State of Washington, United States. Its design employs natural daylight through structured plastic glazing panels, low organic compound paint, recycled materials, a rainwater harvesting system, and an underground parking lot. 7KH HQG UHVXOW LV HIÀFLHQW XVH RI UHVRXUFHV UHGXFHG impact on the ecosystem, minimized pollution generation, and increased energy saving. Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu 7KH 5R\DO &RPPLVVLRQ IRU -XEDLO DQG <DQEX 5&-< in Saudi Arabia has decided to lead the green trend in the Gulf region. First and foremost, the new health education center in Yanbu is aiming for LEED FHUWLÀFDWLRQ 7KLV QHZ KHDOWK HGXFDWLRQ IDFLOLW\ LV around 60,000 square meters, accommodating 600 male and 600 female students in separate colleges. It includes classrooms, a mosque, a cafeteria, a recreation center, laboratories, and a state-of-theart Medical Simulation Center. In addition, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu has incorporated an environmental program for both cities that emphasizes the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources without impacting the environment. Before the selection of the industrial sites, an overall environmental assessment is conducted at all stages of development. Domestic and industrial wastes are also collected and treated at centralized facilities that are owned and operated by RCJY. Moreover, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu also conducts a full environmental assessment related to the operations in order to enforce guidelines, and environmental regulations regarding organic waste.

Night View RCJY

Denmark eip

Sea vew RCJY

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“Prelude” expresses the rage against destruction Words EMILY HOLMAN

B

yblos Bank Headquarters, Ashrafieh, October 26, 2011: In the context of its support for arts and culture, on Tuesday, October 25, 2011, Byblos Bank inaugurated “Prelude,” an exhibition by the renowned painter Charbel Samuel Aoun, in the presence of the Bank’s managers, VIP clients, invitees, and media representatives. Nada Tawil, head of Group Communication, said: “This exhibition reflects our belief in art and culture, and in their capacity to educate and develop communities.” Art mirrors the souls, dreams, and ambitions of people. It shapes and molds their minds and enables them to envision a perfect world to which we all aspire. Encouraging people to value and appreciate art is a mission to which Byblos Bank is deeply committed within its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy.” Charbel Samuel Aoun thanked Byblos Bank for its remarkable initiative and for its interest in supporting Lebanese culture and artists. “Prelude” presents 17 paintings that are tantamount to a symphony of emotions. The paintings express, through their radiant colors, the genuine rage and protest against destruction and the ugliness of a certain reality. They also depict a strong belief in feelings, the irrational, the powers of the unconscious, and transcendence.

“Prelude” will continue through Tuesday, November 1, 2011, on weekdays from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and during the weekend from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 pm.

For further information, please contact: Mrs. Joëlle Bassil Tayah, Group Corporate Communication Unit, Byblos Bank, Group Communication Department Tel: (01)335200, ext. 0325, E-mail: joebassil@byblosbank.com.lb

“Prelude” by Charbel Samuel Aoun

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“Eclosion” by Charbel Samuel Aoun

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“Divine intervention” by Charbel Samuel Aoun

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Caught in the act Bélinda Ibrahim and David Sahyoun create high-resolution photographs of liquids in motion.

² %pOLQGD ,EUDKLP FDSWXUHV OLTXLG VFXOSWXUH LPDJHV ÁXLGV LQ PRWLRQ WKDW DUH frozen in time by her macro lens. Together with her companion, David Sahyoun, she orchestrates these sculptures by accurately aiming the drops and releasing them with precise timing. Droplets are witnessed in mid-splash and offer a myriad of shapes through their color, viscosity, and surface tension.

Words CHÉRINE YAZBECK

Paying tribute to Mother Nature Fluids in motion reflect smooth and effortless curves – a perfect balance of dynamic forces. Ibrahim and Sahyoun have been venturing in the photographic field for many years and turning splashes of droplets into leaves and flowers is their latest obsession. They linger for hours to immortalize the right lighting at the perfect moment. It is a sensitive tribute to Mother Nature, where time plays an essential role in making things happen. Alongside with David Sahyoun, Bélinda creates splashes. Many attempts are necessary to succeed in producing what they consider to be the very best possible picture. Materiality and poetry Their pieces combine materiality and poetry. ‘Apesanteur’, a key work, is a glimpse of life in its fragility. ‘Farandole d’été’ explodes with its flashy colors and 1970s-style texture. On

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“APESATEUR� AMCHIT 2011, 1mX50cm, DAVID SAHYOUN

a lustful level, ‘Explosion’ is an audacious, explicit piece focusing on manpower through a metaphoric stance that leaves little doubt about the meaning. During their latest exhibition, this picture was hidden behind the entrance door in order to avoid hurting some visitors’ feelings, as some people might have found it indecent. ‘Indolence’ is a classic photo depicting, through the sensual prism of the photographer, a sequence of everyday life. BĂŠlinda and David insist on the fact that their photographs have been shot in the country and the road movie leading to the beautiful end result has been a sort of inner journey in their home country. Their mystic exploration took them into the magic world of the ever-changing natural elements that generate thoughts and tell unexpected stories. In the drop’s reflection, there are tiny bits of many parts of the countryside or seaside, a subtle glance at spots that the photographers wished to safeguard in their precious treasure box collection.

A single drop reveals the whole world In many ways, BĂŠlinda, who is also a journalist DQG DQ DXWKRU Ă XFWXDWHV EHWZHHQ WKH PDJQLĂ€FHQW DQG WKH QDWXUDO EHDXW\ ,Q KHU early artistic days, she concentrated on writing, while now she intends to express herself through visual means. The viewer plunges into her dream world, carried away by the different layers that are hidden within each picture. The photographer employs an outstanding approach to the macro world of tiny details and elements that live and evolve in our environment. Through a single drop, the whole world reveals itself in all its explosive beauty. A drop yields many interpretations of our natural environment and arouses curiosity about the hidden splendors that form part of the discreet world of Mother Nature. The exhibition that took place late October at Galerie 6 in $VKUDĂ€HK HQFRPSDVVHG DQ LQWULJXLQJ VHOHFWLRQ of images that revealed the physical and metaphysical properties of water. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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“The exquisite freshness of those dew drops caught in the early morning, when the world is rising, on the pistils of the flowers of Lebanon, works of surprising beauty; they are not painted pictures, but simple photos taken with a macro lens. Hats off to David and Belinda.� Dr. Antoine Courban

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Art that leaves an impression Words EMILY HOLMAN

Hoja 023 - Ciervos, Medidas aproximadas de la hoja: 20 cm x 9 cm, Approximate measures of the leaf: 20 cm x 9 cm

I

t isn’t often that one sees nature in art. Though nature is frequently depicted in paintings, it is much less regularly used as medium. Most often teasingly associated with a childhood pastimes of sticking dry autumnal leaves onto paper and covering them with glitter, nature in art is a phenomenon that tends to be seen not so much as natural, but rather as inartistic. That is, until recently. As with so many things in the last decade, nature is making a progressive comeback. In line with increasing public awareness about proenvironmental initiatives such as recycling and an increasing public perception of the need to protect our Earth, more people care about protecting the natural environment than ever before. 0DNLQJ QDWXUH SUHVHQW LQ DUW People such as Lorenzo Duran, a Spanish artist hailing from Guadalajara, are doing a fantastic job of showing the rest of us just how natural the presence of nature in art can be. As we enter the autumnal months, Duran Ă LHV WKH Ă DJ IRU IDOO EHDXW\ DQG GHPRQVWUDWHV D FXULRXVO\ inspiring use for all those fallen leaves. He uses them to make art. Duran does not use leaves in their organic shapes and postures. In a provoking combination of the natural and the man-made, he cuts into them. “Cutsâ€? isn’t quite the right word: Duran’s technique can be the product only of years of artistic experience. A mere JOLPSVH DW WKH Ă€QDO UHVXOW LV HQRXJK WR UHYHDO WKH Ă€QH VNLOO DQG GHOLFDF\ WKDW LV QHFHVVDU\ IRU 'XUDQ¡V work. Though he uses a medium straight from nature, Duran subverts expectations by using his leaves in an unnatural way; the end-products, so demanding RI D Ă€QH H\H Ă€QH LPDJLQDWLRQ DQG Ă€QH KDQG DUH FOHDUO\ not natural. And yet Duran wants his leaves to depict natural phenomena: owls, trees, deer, and insects.

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Using the techniques of paper cutting How does he do it? Duran shares his technique on his website www.naturayarte.blogspot.com/p/ que-es-naturayarte.html. To those familiar with the traditions of paper cutting, it is not unusual – except, that is, for the use of leaves. Duran places his washed, dried leaves in a press while he sketches his selected patterned designs for each leaf. Once the leaves are pressed, he then tapes the designs onto the leaves and snips delicately around the templates. Each leaf is therefore the “shellâ€? for the designs. Leaves are usually described as the most delicate of mediums: We have “leafsâ€? of paper; something very thin is described as “thin as a leafâ€?. Yet Duran’s leaves are of an altogether different texture. They are not so much dry and crispy, apt to fragment at the slightest moving rustle of contact, but are more durable. It is these kinds of leaves that Duran selects, enabling him to bring his artistic idea to life. Nevertheless, the leaves that are amenable to paper cutting techniques are of necessity prone to being torn easily. 7KH SURFHVV LV WKHUHIRUH H[WUHPHO\ GLIĂ€FXOW ² DQG LQ being so, all the more laudable. Perhaps the hardest part comes at the point of removing the sketched template. This is when the leaves are most likely to rupture, thus destroying days of careful cutting. Incredibly, Duran is self-taught and learnt his paper cutting technique from trends in Europe and Asia. The idea of applying the same technique to leaves was his own. Though Duran’s leaves are what support his family, he chooses not to price his leaves; instead, he encourages the buyer to decide themselves just how much they are worth. Duran calls his process Naturayart – and we agree that this is just what it is. Art at the almost natural – but art nevertheless.

Off the page

– Paper art is an ethical art that is gaining adherents. Words EMILY HOLMAN

Emma Van Leest paper art

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hat is it, exactly, that constitutes art? When we see a minimalist piece – take Bob Hope’s blank canvas with black border, expected to fetch a whopping Â… DW DXFWLRQ LQ WKH 8. WKLV PRQWK ² GR ZH GHĂ€QH LW DV art? Is it testing us, forcing us to challenge our preconceptions? Or is it simply a white square with black edges? This is a question that has troubled art critics and fans, as well as artists themselves, enormously during previous generations and over the past few decades in particular. Just what is it, that mysterious quality, which makes art art? Paper is the medium Unfortunately Beyond can’t give you the answer. However, we can provide you with an example of some art that we think pushes the barriers while nevertheless requiring skills of excellence. And best of all, it is art that is ethical, using a material that is all too often thrown away. Paper art – art which uses paper as its medium – is a little practiced but increasingly recognized movement. Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, has been around for centuries. This paper art cuts the material, folds it, paints it, and uses it for sculpture and collage. :K\ XVH SDSHU LQ WKH Ă€UVW SODFH" %\ LWV QDWXUH LW LV IUDJLOH easy enough to fold but even easier to tear. Surely, we wondered, the resulting pieces can only be transient? Not so. Australian artist Emma Van Leest in a recent interview described her medium as “an ephemeral, everyday material that we all use... It’s exciting to create something of beauty and interest out of it.â€?

Je Nishin Paper, Sculpture

Paper has a life of its own In fact the material isn’t as wispy as you might think. New York-based Eloise Corr Danch makes entire wearable garlands out of paper, and has even created a full-length dress. Lizzie Thomas, from Brighton in the UK, makes wooden books complete with paper pop-ups. Paper sculptor Jeff Nishinika of Los Angeles sees paper as extremely powerful, describing paper as “a living breathing thing that has a life of its ownâ€? – rather like the trees from which those thin white sheets originally come. Perhaps this, the link between paper and trees, is why so many paper artists choose to depict nature in their paper pieces of art. Jade Pegler, from Wollongong, Australia, has created her own garden out of paper, and inserts her temporary installations into natural environments. Artist $P\ (LVHQIHOG *DUGHU Ă€QGV LQVSLUDWLRQ LQ WKH EOXHV RI WKH ocean rather than the greens and browns of the wood; she mounts rolled and painted paper on canvas to create sea scenes and evoke the darkest depths of underwater life, both plant and animal. “I often look to the natural world for inspiration,â€? she says. Our favorite paper artist, though, has got to be Yuken Teraya. The Japanese-born sculptor combines his work with recycling. He takes objects that we throw away everyday – toilet paper rolls, fast food paper packaging – and cuts or sculpts them into elegant portrayals of the natural. Teraya is wary of being known only for his “artist’s message.â€? “My works have a right to simply be beautiful,â€? he says. We agree. His works are certainly beautiful. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

203

Plastic fantastic – Cracking Art aims to change history through its revolutionary use of materials. Words ZAK BROPHY

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he Cracking Art Group envisages itself as a bunch of modern day invaders – invaders of the social consciousness, that is. Filling a public square in Milan with a platoon of man-sized, bright purple plastic snails JLYHV \RX D Ă DYRU RI WKHLU ZDUIDUH ´:KHQ confronted with our invasion of plastic VFXOSWXUHV LW EHFRPHV GLIĂ€FXOW QRW WR WDNH D Ă€UP VWDQFH and thus we create a demobilization of consciousness,â€? says Renzo Nucara. He is one of the six European artists in the group, Kicco, Carlo Rizzetti, Marco Veronese, $OH[ $QJL DQG :LOOLDP 6ZHHWORYH ZKR LQWHQG WR ´FKDQJH DUW KLVWRU\ WKURXJK ERWK D VWURQJ VRFLDO DQG environmental commitment and the revolutionary and innovative use of different plastic materialsâ€?. 204

HORIZONS

Man’s relationship with nature :KLOH WKHLU ZRUN LV XQDSRORJHWLFDOO\ EUDVK DQG SOD\IXO LW SURYRNHV VHULRXV UHĂ HFWLRQ DERXW PDQ¡V UHODWLRQVKLS with nature. The natural forms of animals, which are DPSOLĂ€HG LQ VL]H IRUJHG IURP SODVWLF DQG HQOLYHQHG with audacious synthetic colors, create a somehow KDUPRQLRXV \HW FRQWUDGLFWRU\ DHVWKHWLF ´7KH JDS ZLWK QDWXUH LV ERXQG WR H[SDQG HYHQ PRUH Âľ VD\V 1XFDUD ´,W LV VRPHWKLQJ WKDW ZH KDYH WR DFFHSW ,I ZH XQGHUVWDQG that this is unavoidable, we can live better and maybe have more control over it,â€? he adds. A more conscious understanding of the use of plastics ([SORULQJ VXVWDLQDEOH OLYLQJ DQG PDQ¡V XVH RI resources, especially plastics, is integral to Cracking

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$UW¡V FUHDWLRQV 7KH JURXS¡V QDPH LWVHOI SRVHV FHUWDLQ TXHVWLRQV 7KHUH LV D ´FUDFNÂľ EHWZHHQ PDQ¡V QDWXUDO VHOI DQG KLV LQFUHDVLQJO\ DUWLILFLDO UHDOLW\ DQG WKHQ WKHUH LV ´FUDFNLQJ Âľ ZKLFK LV WKH process that is employed to transform petroleum into virgin naphtha, which is the basis for plastics. ´3ODVWLF LV VRFLDOO\ XVHIXO DQG QHFHVVDU\ IRU technology; we must use it, recycle it carefully, and not scatter it,â€? says Nucara. Reemploying plastics for alternative uses also leads to ideas DERXW ´XSF\FOLQJ Âľ WKDW LV WR VD\ WDNLQJ ´ZDVWHÂľ materials and increasing their utility. A Cracking Art installation of brazen-faced plastic meerkats KROGLQJ VLJQV VXFK DV ´+ROG 0HÂľ DQG ´6DYH WKH 3ODVWLFÂľ FRQVWLWXWHV DQ DPEDVVDGRU IRU D PRUH conscious understanding of our use of plastics.

RE Generation challenges the urban routine 6LQFH WKH WHDP KDV EHHQ GHYHORSLQJ LWV project RE Generation, which has the huge fuchsia snail as its symbol. This conveys three PHWDSKRUV UHSUHVHQWLQJ WKH DUWLVWV¡ LGHDOV )LUVW LV the resemblance to the ear, which represents the LPSRUWDQFH RI OLVWHQLQJ 6HFRQG LV WKH SULPDF\ RI life itself, with the snail carrying its home on its back. And finally, there is the allusion to the symbol ´#Âľ ZKLFK LQ ,WDOLDQ LV FDOOHG D VQDLO WHFKQRORJ\ and computer-mediated communication are integral to modern society, and also highly reliant on plastics. :LWK UHJDUGV WR LWV 5( *HQHUDWLRQ SURMHFW WKH JURXS VD\V ´:H QHHG WR SOD\ ZLWK WKH FLW\ LQ order to rebuild it ideally and mentally and break with the daily urban routine, rediscovering both the urban crossing and the landscape.â€? Cracking Art installations have occupied supermarkets, village squares, and highways. At first appearance they may seem like jovial adornments to these everyday locations, but the artists hope that in the long run they will serve to stimulate a more socially and environmentally DZDUH FRQVFLRXVQHVV LQ SHRSOH ´+RZHYHU WKLV will not happen overnight,â€? acknowledges Renzo 1XFDUD ´,W WDNHV WLPH IRU DUW WR SHQHWUDWH SHRSOH¡V minds and prepare the ground for a change in thinking over generations,â€? he concludes. NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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GREEN REFLEXES

WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE IN OUR ENVIRONMENTAL SCENE IF YOU HAD A MAGIC WAND?

MICHEL HABIS If I had a magic wand, I would certainly change the following elements of our environment:

JOELLE FARSOUN BASSIL We need parks The nakedness of our coasts, the neglect of our mountains, and the absence of green parks is striking. We must establish leisure ports all along our seashores and create green parks in every corner of Beirut. There is a need for parks where elderly people can enjoy nature, where children can play, and where lovebirds can sing. Going back to our roots We must replant all of our mountains and restore the glory of our cedar forests. People all around the globe are going green, and so should we. We must give priority to plants and living things. Going back to our basic roots is a must. We must learn to live in a sustainable way, by using our natural resources without damaging them. It is time to become an Earth warrior. According to Professor David Orr, “when we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves.”

First: During the last 40 years, more than 35 percent of the existing forest cover in Lebanon has deteriorated because of the increased number of forest fires and new insects attacking its cedar trees. With my magic wand, I would reforest 40 percent of the land in order to restore a balance in the Lebanese ecosystem, to create “green Lebanon” all over again, and to raise awareness among the local communities about the importance of conserving natural resources and contributing to increasing the green cover. Second: We are now witnessing a veritable destruction of our marine life from waste, sewage, industrial outflows, and coastal development. The outlook for the coast of Lebanon is bleak as well, both environmentally and aesthetically. Severe threats are afflicting the coastal region from north to south: unregulated disposal of solid waste, wastewater, oil residue, chemical pollution, privatization of the coastline, and beach quarrying. The once green plains and hills facing the Mediterranean have mostly become, from north to south, bulks of stone and cement, bearing witness to a frantic activity of illplanned development. For that I would use my magic wand to preserve what remains and to repair the damage that has been caused to our coast by overexploitation, industry, and chaotic urban growth. Third: With my magic wand, I would close down the stone and sand quarries in Lebanon. Rock and gravel quarries cause the final, irreversible destruction of the landscape by permanently obliterating mountainsides or even entire mountains that have stood for millions of years. Lebanon’s unique landscape is what makes Lebanon special.

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RAMI HOURIE 1st thing: I would add 1,000 times more green spaces. 2nd thing: I would provide good water and good wastewater management. 3rd thing: I would seek to reduce air pollution, and increase awareness about noise and visual pollution.

ELISSAR HAJJ ZARWI I would spread vertical gardens in Beirut in the absence of alternative solutions. I would replace advertising billboards with fruitful and colorful trees. I would establish fishing schools and promote seaside activities, such as rental of material along the seashore, in order to encourage eco-tourism.

MAXIME CHAYA First, I would remove the truckloads of garbage that are being dumped with impunity on the side of our roads and dispose of them properly. Just as important, I would ensure that such serious violations are punished according to the law, so that they are not repeated. This is what the newly designed ThinkGreen app is supposed to achieve. Second, I would convert all of the concrete in buildings into stone and embellish the unfinished roofs of our houses/buildings – especially those in the mountain villages – with red tiles. If the law were applied without exception in this regard, our towns and villages would retain their traditional appearance. Third, all of the quarries and ugly, man-made structures – especially those that line our Mediterranean shore – should be restored to their original state, allowing for greenery and sandy beaches. For sure, it would require a miracle to make these three wishes come true.

RAYMOND HATEM * Use the “Off” Switch * Use Less Hot Water * Plant a Tree (or more) * Buy Energy-Efficient Products * Change a Light Bulb * Drive Less and Drive Smart * Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning * Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

NATURE BEYOND PASSION

207

TECH FREAKS

Tech toys with a green touch – Who says that high-tech can’t be environmentally friendly? Words ALEX GREY

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1- Power walking We all know about kinetic energy, the potential energy that you generate simply by moving something, but how about using that power to charge your tech toys? The nPower® PEG does just that. A personal power generator that stores the energy created by your own motion, the nPower® PEG literally charges up as you walk along. Carry it with you as you stroll down the street and it’ll build up a charge and hold it. Then it’s just a matter of plugging in your devices and charging their internal batteries. It’s a simple concept, and one that means running out of juice is a thing of the past – as long as you’re walking, you have power. www.npowerpeg.com 2- Green light The Leaf desktop light from designer Herman Miller makes long nights at the office a bit more environmentally friendly. By using 20 LEDs as opposed to fluorescent blubs, the Leaf uses only 40 percent of the power of traditional desktop lights with bulbs that last around eight times as long. Economically and environmentally-speaking, the Leaf’s a clear winner over standard lighting solutions, and we haven’t touched on the design yet. Environmentallyfriendly products often put function well ahead of form, but the Leaf is elegant, thoroughly modern, and it comes in some great design choices. Brightness, on and off, and the “warmth” of the light are all controlled by intuitive touch controls. Green and avant-garde? Absolutely. www.hermanmiller.com 208

HORIZONS

3- Green time This water-powered clock from Bedol takes all the thought out of the clock. It’s as simple as it looks. Fill it up with ordinary tap water and it’ll give you two to three months of accurate timekeeping. It’s as easy as that. There are no chemicals, batteries, external power sources, or pollution of any kind. The clock just sits and does its thing, telling you the time, without any effort or waste. Just refill the tank every two months and it’ll tick along nicely. Don’t worry; you won’t have to reset the clock after you’ve refilled it, thanks to an inbuilt memory chip. A refined, green solution to keeping track of Father Time. www.bedolwhatsnext.com 4- Running silent Here’s a thought. Instead of opting for the biggest and the best, try going for something that actually makes sense. Aleutia’s T1 fanless, slim PC is one of the most energy-efficient, and quiet, machines on the market. Its slim form and almost silent running make it an unobtrusive option and something that appeals to the environmentally conscious PC user and the workaholic alike. Even when it’s running flat out, the T1 uses only 18 watts of power and, because of its solid state drive (SSD) options, you’re looking at a lightning fast experience. Windows 7 boots in under 15 seconds, not bad at all for a machine that was built for low environmental impact. The SSD and the lack of a fan mean that there are no moving parts inside the machine, which in turn means that it’s almost silent. If you care more about the environment than playing World of Warcraft, then the T1’s well worth a look. www.aleutia.com

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