I. PROJECT BACKGROUND

Deir El Ahmar is located in a remote Mountainous deforested area. There is an urgent need to create a green space.


II. AIM OF THE PROJECT

The Project aims at creating an exemplary botanical garden (2000 square meters) at Deir El Ahmar in order to preserve endangered plants and trees in the area, raise awareness among the local community on their benefits and create job opportunities.


III. OBJECTIVES

The Project objectives are to:
1. prevent land erosion
2. contribute in reducing climate change
3. disseminate environmental awareness
4. increase green spaces mainly for women and children
5. create work opportunities for women through the proper use of these plants


IV. ACTIVITIES

1. Prepare map and plans of the garden
? Prepare map and plans of the garden
? Execute internal passages
? Design planting sites

2. Undertake a survey of major plants and trees existing in the region.
This activity will be undertaken in collaboration with the 4 schools at Deir El Ahmar. A questionnaire will be designed by experts and teachers. Students will collect information from their own families and environment based on this questionnaire. Data will be analyzed and information documented with the support of the teachers and experts.



3. Disseminate the results of the survey
The information will be documented. A brochure will be designed and distributed to the local community.

4. Organize and implement one training workshop
A training workshop to discuss results, disseminate information on medicinal plants and plants and their use.

5. Soil leveling, install water network and reservoir, plant seedlings

6. Put information signs
Prepare around 50 information signs made of wood. Students and scouts will prepare and post these information signs.

7. Undertake field visits
Field visits of the site will be undertaken by students, parents, housewives.

8. Organize and implement one training workshop
A training workshop on how to collect, conserve and use the plants will be organized. Housewives will participate in these workshops.

9. Disseminate information on how to use these plants
A brochure will be designed and printed. It will be distributed to the local community.

10. Prepare and print questionnaire for persons interested in planting these types of plants
The questionnaire will be filled by local community members.

11. Organize and implement one training workshop for distributing seeds
A training workshop on how to collect, conserve and use the plants will be organized. The target group will be interested members from the local community (based on the data collected in phase 10). Seeds will be distributed to members during the workshop.

12. Organize and implement one training workshop
A training workshop for sharing the experience with other bodies will be organized. Municipalities, NGOs/CBOs will participate in this workshop.


V. BENEFICIARIES

The direct beneficiaries will be the inhabitants of Deir El Ahmar and neighboring villages. Families will have an additional source of living.




VI. EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS/BENEFITS

Expected achievements from this Project are:
1. Contribute in increasing biodiversity conservation
2. Contribute in combating desertification in a semi-arid region
3. Increase of green areas through the establishment of a 2 000 m2 botanical garden
4. Survey of 50 species of medicinal and other plants, documenting their benefits and how to use them
5. Train local communities members on how to plant medicinal and other plants and on their use
6. Improvement in the socio-economic welfare of women and their families in the local community through the implementation of income generating projects based on planting and using medicinal and other plants
7. Capacity building of 100 persons through training workshops
8. Dissemination of information by the trainees to around 500 persons in their surroundings
9. Increase of knowledge of 250 students and their families on the benefits of these plants
10. Contribute in the increase of organic farming
11. The initiation of environmental awareness activities
12. Provision of a place for children to play
13. Networking with NGOs/CBOs in other regions such as Mabarrat association which is establishing a botanical garden in the South of Lebanon

The expected achievements of the Project have a very high tendency and potential for being self-sustaining beyond the duration of funding and involvement of SGP.