Creation Care Challenges in Lebanon

World Vision (International)

Since 1975 World Vision, a Christian relief and development organization, has worked in Lebanon to combat the forces of poverty and transform the lives of children and their families. Creation-care is an integral part of World Vision's activities. Lebanon is blessed with a wide variety of climate zones. Almost anything can be grown somewhere in the country. Adnan Melky is the Operations Director for World Vision Lebanon and has been instrumental in imparting an appreciation for the environment throughout the staff.

Economic development is a critical need for almost all Lebanese, but even more so for those living in rural areas making a living by farming. As a response to the obvious economic need of rural farmers, World Vision has an organic agriculture project in five areas of the country. Funded by USAID, it is an attempt to simultaneously increase income for farmers while making their natural environment healthier. Traditional agriculture relies heavily on pesticides and fertilizers resulting in most of the waterways being polluted in Lebanon in addition to the high cost of production because of the misuse of pesticides. Currently over 100 farmers have chosen to participate in this project to convert to organic methods of farming and many more have expressed interest. Once certified, farmers will be able to sell their produce at a premium price and have produce that is healthier to eat and better for the environment.

In another creation-care effort, World Vision has partnered with A Rocha Lebanon to work with local groups including the landowners, farmers and local village councils to maintain one of Lebanon's last wetlands in the West Bekaa valley. A Rocha, in addition to being involved in practical conservation and scientific research, also conducts educational programs for children, including World Vision-sponsored children in that area.

There is one more project that literally has biblical resonance. Lebanon was known for its cedar trees in ancient times, supplying King Solomon with valuable wood for constructing the temple. At one time the hills were covered with trees, some of which were over 2,000 years old. Sadly, today the mountains are bare. As a response to this issue, World Vision planted over 3,000 cedar trees and produced 5,000 seedlings in the forest trees nursery in the past year. Children are taught the importance of trees for preventing soil erosion and helping clean the air.

Organizations such as World Vision and A Rocha are raising awareness that preserving nature and creating a healthy environment is fulfilling our duty to God to steward the earth and demonstrate God’s love.

Adapted from an article in Creation Care magazine by Philip Denino, Project Coordinator for World Vision in the Middle East.