Lebanon

Projects Database / Methyl Bromide Phase-out Project

Project ID
00013386

Background
Following the successful implementation of the demonstration phase of the Methyl Bromide Alternatives Project, the Ministry of Environment launched the investment project having as main objective to achieve complete phase out of methyl bromide in
Lebanon over the five coming years (2002-2007).

For this purpose, the Ministry of Environment developed two parallel projects, one in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for the sector phase-out of methyl bromide in vegetables, cut flowers, and tobacco, and another in coordination with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) for the sector phase-out of methyl bromide in strawberry production in Lebanon.

The project aims at eliminating the use of 310.2 metric tons of methyl bromide, of which 257.8 tons in vegetables sector (5,729 dunums*), 28.4 tons in cut flowers production (631 dunums), and 24 tons in the tobacco sector, over a five year period, as per the “Agreed Conditions for Phase Out of Methyl Bromide in Lebanon”.

Achievements & Expected Results
- 281.37 metric tons of methyl bromide phased out by mid 2008.
- 7,000 dunums converted into alternative techniques in 3,216 different sites, distributed over 150 villages.
- More than 10,000 farmers trained.
- Phase out achieved with the use of 100% non-chemical alternatives in 86% of the cases.
- Successful results obtained with alternatives proposed.
- Farmers achieving additional phase out through personal initiatives using alternatives suggested by the project.

In parallel to its phase-out activities, the project has implemented additional initiatives in the context of the preservation of the environment, and environment friendly agriculture. These initiatives can be summarized as follows:
- Establishment of the first nematode analysis laboratory in Lebanon at the premises of the LARI – Fanar.
- Promoting recycling of polyethylene used in agriculture.
- Provision of tools and information to farmers for composting plant residues instead of burning them.

Downloads Project Document (480 KB)

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