Under the MedProgramme, the latest consultations in Beirut moved Lebanon a step closer to finalising its new coastal governance framework
The third consultation meeting under the MedProgramme was held in Beirut from 3–5 February 2026, gathering national institutions and coastal stakeholders to advance the development of Lebanon’s Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Strategy and Law. This workshop was held jointly with the consultation on the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for Damour Area, in partnership with Plan Bleu/RAC and GWP-Med.
After the welcoming words by PAP/RAC Director Ms. Daria Povh Škugor, the meeting started with a full session dedicated to the draft ICZM Strategy and Law. During this session, PAP/RAC experts Dr. Manal Nader and Dr. Josiane Yazbeck guided stakeholders through in‑depth working groups to review proposed measures and legal provisions. These discussions enabled a clearer consensus on the structure and priorities of both documents. In the afternoon, PAP/RAC contributed to the Climagine methodology session led by Plan Bleu/RAC, ensuring that stakeholder perspectives, future sustainability targets, and scenario-based reflections were systematically integrated.
The second day was fully devoted to a prioritisation exercise led by PAP/RAC expert Dr. Jean Hugé and PAP/RAC's programme officer Dr. Ante Ivčević. Through a structured decision‑making process, participants examined, ranked, and refined the proposed measures of the ICZM Strategy, producing a consolidated set of priorities that will inform the drafting and finalisation phase. This exercise strengthened transparency, coherence, and stakeholder ownership of the Strategy.
The final day focused on IMP Damour. On its margins, PAP/RAC convened a dedicated side meeting of the Advisory ICZM Team, held in the evening to synthesise the outcomes of the three‑day consultation. The session focused on outlining the remaining steps for finalising the ICZM Strategy and Law, discussing governance arrangements, and exploring funding opportunities to support their implementation. This strategic meeting ensured alignment among partners and set a clear roadmap for the months ahead.
PAP/RAC continues working closely with Lebanese institutions to complete the Strategy and Law, and supporting the establishment of a robust, long-term framework for sustainable coastal management in the country.
