A project which aims at discouraging the introduction of non native plant species to nurseries and nature in Lebanon through a) promoting the use of local species of economic importance, especially endemic, landraces and wild relative species that are grown in nurseries so that people will not put pressure on wild species in their natural sites, b) raising awareness of local communities and educating school children on the damage that can be caused by alien species (invasiveness) and the benefits that can be retrieved from using native species for horticulture, forestry and crop production, etc..
The importance of the project consists of its contribution to 1) the requirements of CBD in controlling threats from Alien Invasive Species, 2) the protection of biodiversity by reducing pressure on wild in-situ plants through native plant nurseries establishment, 3) the use of native species in reforestation, and 4) the adaptation of plant species to climate change through relying on wild relatives that are known for their genetic resistance to many biotic and abiotic factors.
The project will use the few remaining palm trees of Palm Islands Nature Reserve to grow out of them in nurseries new shoots and replant them on Palm island to restore the latter after the majority of its palm trees was lost during the war 75-91. Hence, the project will establish a new phase of enforced cooperation between the EPC and the Government appointed Committee (GAC) that is managing the reserve on behalf of the Ministry of Environment.