The “Human for Environment and Development” Association, a member of the Arab Network for Environment and Development (RAED) in Lebanon, launched a beach cleanup campaign along the Mediterranean coast at the historic port of Byblos. The initiative is part of a broader regional campaign carried out across 21 Mediterranean countries in celebration of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8). It aligns with the Mediterranean Action Plan, in cooperation with the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE) and under the patronage of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

The campaign, held under the slogan “Beat Plastic Pollution”, commenced with a performance of the Lebanese national anthem by students from Collette Academy, in the presence of Byblos Mayor Dr. Joseph Chami, members of the municipal council, city Mukhtar Gaby Abi Khalil, municipal representatives, President of the ANG Association Iskandar Jebran and its members, President of the Lebanese Social Responsibility Association Elie Zeidan and its members, as well as members of the Human for Environment and Development Association and youth from the Lebanese Red Cross.

In his speech, Mayor Chami emphasized the significance of the campaign, which coincides with the launch of the summer beach season. He highlighted new measures taken by the municipality to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of Byblos’ beach visitors and expressed gratitude to the “Human for Environment and Development” Association for its consistent efforts and fruitful collaboration with the municipality.

Elyas Ghanem, Head of Activities at the association, delivered a speech on behalf of the association’s president, Engineer Marie-Therese Seif, stressing the importance of this global environmental occasion for raising awareness. He warned of the severe threat posed by plastic pollution, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, which is among the most polluted seas in the world. Ghanem also reviewed some of the association’s previous initiatives, including the “No to Plastic” campaign in Byblos, which led to important environmental decisions such as banning plastic bags and straws in the old city.

Ghanem underscored that change begins with individual awareness and requires official support and effective legislation. He also extended thanks to Lebanese Minister of Environment Dr. Tamara El-Zein, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in Cyprus, the security forces and all parties supporting the campaign.

Maryam-Elena Merhej, the association’s Youth Coordinator, presented the association’s annual activities, including tree-planting campaigns, awareness efforts on plastic hazards, waste sorting at source and beekeeping initiatives. She emphasized that this campaign is part of a national initiative organized by the association across Lebanon’s coastal regions in cooperation with municipalities. The recent municipal elections, she noted, demonstrated how closely municipalities are connected to their local communities, with each mayor playing a leading role in driving environmental change and highlighting the importance of local leadership in fostering collective awareness for a clean and sustainable environment.

Merhej concluded by stating:
“Together, we protect our seas. Together, we reduce plastic pollution. Together, we celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day.”
She then officially launched the beach cleanup campaign, which covered the Byblos city shoreline and extended to neighboring coastal towns across the Byblos district, including Berbara, El-Mounsef, Amchit, Blat, Qartaboun, Mstaita, Fidar, Halat and Nahr Ibrahim, with active and enthusiastic community participation.