Deir Ezour is located in the Eastern region of Syria and is situated on the banks of Euphrates. The environment of Deir Ezour used to be diverse, with flora and fauna found nowhere else in the country. Development and resource extraction have in many instances taken place without proper planning or thought for long-term effects. As a result, issues of solid waste management, water conservation, soil erosion and, low crop yields have become widespread in Deir Ezour. Unsafe practices in toxic waste disposal and species depletion are now adding to the environmental concerns of the Governorate.

Effective implementation of environmental management and conservation programmes depends on education, awareness raising and training in the relevant areas. Without an understanding of how to conserve their natural resources, or indeed, why they must do so, few communities would be motivated to participate actively in programmes on environmental conservation. The intended Awareness Center will put into perspective the need for education with respect to environmental management, the need for enhancing public awareness of the environment and will encourage participation in the implementation of effective solutions.

Project Objectives

The overall objective is raising the awareness of the local community in Deir Ezour (and in the future, the local communities in the Eastern region of the country). The mission of the Center will be to inspire within Deir Ezour the preservation of the environment and the improvement of the quality of life through information, education and demonstration sites.