I. BACKGROUND

The South of Lebanon is considered as one of the most unprivileged regions in Lebanon. It suffers from land degradation and loss of green areas. This is mainly due to the following reasons:
? Poverty and absence of social services which cause internal immigration
? Misuse of lands
? Hap hazardous use of pesticides
? Mismanagement of water and bad use of techniques
? Fires
? Intensive use of plants for commercial purposes
? Presence of land mines especially after the war on Lebanon in July 2006
? The haphazard urbanization process.

Carob Tree is one of the most important trees in the Mediterranean area. It is being used in Lebanon for the production of molasses. It is also being used for medical and industrial products. The bean constitutes 10% of the plant; it is used to extract the Carob Bean Gum which is widely used in the food industry. The tree grows at 500 meters height above sea level. It has the capacity of combating desertification.

II. OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this Project are:
? To combat land degradation through the improvement of Carob agriculture and training of farmers on Carob cultivation and use in South Lebanon

III. ACTIVITIES

? Plan and implement a survey of Carob tree in the area
? Establish a nursery
? Produce 12 000 Carob seedlings and plant 400,000 square meter with Carob trees
? Work with 100 farmers
? Train farmers