El Zein and French Ambassador hold talks
Environment Minister Dr. Tamara El Zein met French Ambassador to Lebanon Patrick Durel to discuss expanding environmental cooperation between Lebanon and France and opening new areas for partnership and investment.
Talks focused particularly on preparing Lebanon’s waste sector to attract specialized French and European companies, alongside cooperation on health, climate, air quality and institutional capacity-building at the Environment Ministry.
El Zein said the ministry had updated the national integrated solid waste management strategy, appointed the National Solid Waste Management Authority and advanced cost-recovery legislation, helping create a clearer regulatory and financial framework for investment.
She also highlighted a project being prepared by the French Development Agency for submission to the Green Climate Fund and discussed opportunities to expand climate financing.
The minister said Lebanon is preparing to launch an air-quality monitoring network in Beirut as a first step toward a nationwide system, while seeking to benefit from French expertise.
El Zein also stressed the importance of completing cooperation on the ministry’s new organizational structure and training personnel to strengthen institutional performance.
