Amal Mohammed

Beirut - The environment has always been linked to human health and quality of life. It is not merely a natural framework we live within, but a fundamental element that affects our psychological and social balance. In Lebanon—once known as “Green Lebanon”—environmental challenges now threaten this balance, with increasing pollution rates, shrinking green spaces, and contamination of water sources.

 

A healthy environment is a cornerstone in building a balanced and healthy society. In Lebanon, environmental crises intertwine with economic and political ones, making their impact on individuals even more severe.

Safia Zaza, Director of the Shield and Environment Association, explained that environmental pollution is among the most dangerous factors affecting women’s mental health, as well as that of children and all citizens.

 “It is essential to adopt effective systems to protect the environment, starting with monitoring factories, farms, and even hospitals,” she said.

She pointed out that environmental education begins at home and in schools: “We must teach our children to respect nature, because respecting the environment is respecting ourselves—it protects both our mental and physical health.”

Speaking about her experience in defending nature, she said: “Six months ago, while I was on my way to Saint Joseph University in Beirut, I witnessed an attempt to cut down an ancient tree. I immediately intervened and asked those present to stop it. That tree purifies the air in a city suffering from pollution. Those who care about the environment should plant trees, not cut them down.”

 

Beirut: From Green to Concrete

She noted that Lebanon was once known as “Green Lebanon,” but today even Beirut’s forest- considered the lungs of the city—is suffering from neglect.

“Pollution caused by electricity generators and the burning of diesel affects everyone, not just women. Therefore, strict energy management systems must be implemented, waste burning must be prohibited, and recycling should be activated.”

She emphasized that water is the foundation of food and health security: “Lebanon is rich in springs and rivers, such as the Litani River, but industrial pollution threatens these resources. Healthy food starts with clean irrigation water. If the water is polluted, we expose ourselves to serious diseases such as cancer.”

Three Pillars of Environmental Security

She explained:“As associations, we believe in three interconnected goals—water security, food security, and health security- and all of them begin with one point: water.”

She added that Lebanon’s snow accumulates in the mountains, feeding groundwater and reviving springs in spring and autumn.

 “Preserving it means preserving the natural cycle of life”

Regarding the role of law in protecting the environment, she said:As a lawyer and legal researcher, I have worked to activate the role of the environmental public prosecution and called for legislation that criminalizes cutting down trees and burning forests, considering them crimes against life. I also advocate for increasing global tree planting efforts.