In November 2003, the DBU and Euronatur initiated talks in Beirut with 12 different institutions from the fields of environmental protection and nature conservancy in order to identify new starting points for common activities. In the discussions different proposals for a commitment were presented. One important topic was "protection of migratory birds" which offers a number of starting points in multiple sense and which is of international importance even beyond the Lebanese borders. The situation of the migratory birds in the Lebanon is characterised in that way that birds like storks or cranes are extremely endangered. While strong precautionary measures are seized in Central and Eastern Europe, in the Lebanon migratory birds are "fair game" in the truest sense of the word. Inadequate legal regulations, out-dated traditions, lacking environmental consciousness are not suitable to establish a protection of the birds.

The situation of the migratory birds in the Lebanon therefore is especially precarious since the country (also like the neighbouring Israel) is like a "bottleneck” for the migratory birds. On their route from Europe towards the south, migratory birds find resting places they need for their recovery in a cramped spatial situation; the air routes widen again for the birds continuing on their route to Africa. The usual resting places of birds in the Lebanon are known and frequented by hunters who shoot the birds indiscriminately (and without any further "use”).

A project is conceivable that sharpens the population’s consciousness for the protection of migratory birds. By means of communication measures, school activities or local initiatives a project could be developed, that restricts not only the shooting of the birds, but additionally serves at the preservation of the few resting places (and herewith at nature conservancy in a wider sense). The connection with a smooth tourism and other fields could open up also economic perspectives. Altogether the topic "protection of migratory birds" offers interesting possibilities to develop a model project of sustainable development.

Despite its modest size in terms of landmass, the Lebanon is in principle a high-interesting model country. Not only when considering nature conservancy and environmental protection, the country shows numerous strong problems, but offers, however, in particular manner, the communication of successful starting points. With its heterogeneous population, the various traditions and cultures, problem solutions can be found to be communicated also beyond the Lebanese borders. This especially involves the location Lebanon as bridge between Europe and the Islamic world, but also the connections in the Mediterranean area. It is proposed that interested member organisations with the Bellagio Forum establish a team in order to develop together project outlines and to support this project financially. International institutions like UNDP, IUCN or GTZ as well as a number of native Lebanese organisations are prepared to deal with the matter. The DBU and Euronatur as initiators of the team invite to the co-operation. Interested persons or parties should get in touch with Dr. Ulrich Witte (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt DBU, Vice-Chairman Bellagio Forum).

Fulfillment of BFSD Members’ Project criteria:

• International or scalable on an international level: 
             International project with particular reference to Europe, 
             Africa and the Middle East. Generally important for nature
             conservancy (and bird protection) in the Mediterranean
             region.

• Multi-cultural or adaptable for different cultures:
            Interesting through the involvement of different continents
            and countries, cultures and traditions. Big chance to work on 
            a common topic despite all differences. Possible starting point
            for further forms of co-operation.

• Contribution to humanity / natural heritage:
            Opportunity to contribute rise in common responsibility
            consciousness on the nature conservation topic. Big 
            possibilities of intercultural learning beyond all differences
            through common objectives. Very important contribution for
            the nature conservancy in the involved regions and the idea,
            that many national nature conservancy concerns are
            worthless without international co-operation.

• Sustainable Development aspect:
            Big chance to create economic advantages (i.e. necessary
            conditions for eco-tourism) and thus to gain social 
            improvements via the topic of nature conservancy and the
            protection of valuable landscapes. Advantageous linking of
            economic, ecological, social and cultural points of view.

Participation:

• What type of collaborative effort might be possible?
            Developing of a common concept; involvement of partners in
            Lebanon, accompanying support of a project into practise

• What elements might additional partners bring?
            Know-how and funding

Additional Information:

Contact Information:

Ulrich Witte
An der Bornau 2
49090 Osnabrück, Germany
Tel.: +49 541 9633 431
Fax: +49 541 9633 194
e-mail: u.witte@dbu.de