Beyond Magazine Issue 8 Spring 2012

MAGAZINE

BEYOND BORDERS

LAYING DOWN THE LAW An interview with Minister Nazem el-Khoury HIT THE TRAIL Lebanon's hottest spring hiking destinations WANDERLUST A visual journey around the world

A WORD FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR

Springing ahead unabated

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pring is my favorite season for more reasons than one.

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BEYOND BORDERS

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CONTRIBUTORS

WALID NOSHIE

EDGARD CHEHAB

Since his early age, the sea and water sports, initially scuba diving, have been his preferred activities. Walid Noshie developed his career through passion and interest. Being the co-founder and owner of The National Institute for Scuba Diving, he has worked hard to make it the safest and most prestigious diving center and school in Lebanon. Through NISD, and for the past ten years, he has organized a yearly event to help raise awareness and clean up the sea. Today, with his work at the Water Nation Sports Center, his commitment to the sea continues. He is active in promoting fun and education, developing water sports schools, and offering services and facilities to everyone.

With 17 years of experience in the environmental field, Edgard Chehab is a renowned name in local and regional green circles. He is the assistant resident representative and manager of the Energy and Environment Program of UNDP, Lebanon. He is also the advisor to the Ministery of Environment.

Beyond is lucky to have Mr. Chehab as its environmental consultant and dear friend.

NADER NAKIB

BASSAM KANTAR

A regular contributor and strong supporter of Beyond, Nader El Nakib MW XLI MRXIVREXMSREP SJ½GIV SJ XLI Future Movement. Mr. Nakib has a OIIR MRXIVIWX MR ½KLXMRK GPMQEXI GLERKI leading him to co-found a green NGO called G, over which he currently presides. He serves on the boards of the AUB Alumni Council, Business Week Market Advisory, and Economist Global Executive Forum.

A seasoned Lebanese journalist, Bassam Kantar is the founding member of the Lebanese Environment Party (LEP). Kantar frequently writes about environmental and human rights issues. He strongly believes that the free press can, of course, be good or bad, but, most certainly without freedom, the press will never be anything but bad.

CLEMENT TANNOURI Clement Tannouri is an aerial photography specialist who has authored several gorgeous photography books including Cedar of Lebanon, Pledge of Eternity (2010), On Earth as it is in Heaven (2009), and Box of Moments (2007). Mr. Tannouri returned from France in 2004 to settle in his native Lebanon, where he started his own graphic design and advertising company. He has been capturing Lebanon’s grandeur ever since.

DIANA BOUDARGHAM TANNOURY

-R LIV ½JXL GSRXVMFYXMSR XS Beyond, Diana Boudargham Tannoury continues to push her poetic license to the next level. With a master’s degree in international communications and international relations from Boston University, Mrs. Boudargham-Tannoury enjoys writing short stories and poems in the hope that her words will help raise awareness about nature’s fragility.

ALFRED MOUSSA A photography artist who has captured the nature, architecture, and people of 15 countries and 120 cities in five continents, Alfred Moussa has been taking his best shot since his tender years. He has contributed to Lebanon’s Ministries of Tourism and Environment and LBC International, among many others. Mr. Moussa’s work has earned him nods from Photo Laureates, American Art Festival, Georgetown University, World Press Photo, and many more. He has organized shows and exhibited across Lebanon, Syria, Switzerland, and France. info@alfredmoussa.com

BEYOND BORDERS

5

Owner and General Director Pascale Choueiri Saad

Co-owner Ronald Saad

Chief Editor

(C) ALFRED MOUSSA

THE BEYOND TEAM

Pascale Choueiri Saad

Responsible Director Mayane Karam

Copy Editor Jody JaďŹ&#x20AC;e

Chief Environmental Consultant Edgard Chehab

Environmental Consultants Bassam Kantar Nader El-Nakib

Art Directror Pauline Hage

Coordinator Joelle Choueiry Makhoul

Guest Photographers Nada Karam, Clement Tannouri, Alfred Moussa, Cherine Yazbeck, Mich Tadros, Elie Andrawos, Karim Habet

Concept, Design & Research Department PhDeZigns

Translator Amer El Haddad

Contributing Writers Diana Boudargham Tannoury, Nader El-Nakib, Alice Hlidkova, Christopher Kanal, Emily Holman, Bassam Kantar, Sara Khouri, Shane Kevin Farrell, Ana Maria Luca, Alex Grey, Aline Sara, Cherine Yazbeck, Madeleine Stokes, Tracy Chamoun, Cat Fayad, Chadi M. Nassar, Zak Brophy

Printed by Chamas for Printing & Publishing Mazraa, Colombia Center

Published by Five Stars Tourism s.a.r.l.

Azarieh St. Azarieh Bldg. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Block 01 Beirut, Lebanon Tel: +961 1 994 006 , Fax: +961 1 994 007

This magazine is printed on recycled paper

All materials, content, visuals, and designs of Beyond magazine are protected by domestic and international copyright and intellectual property laws.

Nothing cited in Beyond may be used or reproduced without our written approval. Full legal action will be taken against violators.

COVER PHOTO BY CLEMENT TANNOURI

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THE VANGUARD OF GREEN COOPERATION

Beyond talks to the ambassador of Italy to Lebanon, Giuseppe Morabito

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LAYING DOWN THE LAW

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A CLEAN BREAK

An interview with Minister Nazem elKhoury Sidon's mayor on improving the city›s environment

ESSENCE 98

HIT THE TRAIL

Lebanon's hottest spring hiking destinations

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GOING BACK TO THEIR ROOTS

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A CHANGE OF SCENE

Indian villages prove naturally resourceful

National parks in the US are under threat

HORIZONS 150

WISH YOU WERE HERE

154

LIFE'S A BEACH Ecological homes by the sea

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WANDERLUST

A sexy, environmentally friendly hotel

A visual journey around the world

WHEN YOU ARE DONE LEAFING THROUGH BEYOND, SHELVE IT AS YOUR TRUSTED GREEN COMPANION OR SEND IT FOR RECYCLING.

BEYOND BORDERS

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F I R M F O U N DAT I O N S

INTERVIEW

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THE VANGUARD OF GREEN COOPERATION – Beyond recently sat down with Giuseppe Morabito, the ambassador of Italy to Lebanon, to discuss how his country is assisting the Lebanese to confront a variety of environmental LVVXHV 7KH ÀUVW FRXQWU\ WR JHW LQYROYHG ZLWK HQYLURQPHQWDO concerns in Lebanon, Italy remains the largest contributor to the sector and manages a number of projects across the country.

Words ALEX GREY

Beyond: What is your general impression of the environment in Lebanon?

Giuseppe Morabito: The importance of the environment is increasing in Lebanon. People must understand that the environment means economic wealth. We have to show that a good environmental policy is not only for rich countries.

B: Why do you see the environment as being of particular importance to Lebanon?

GM: Lebanon, perhaps along with Italy, is in a unique position. It has a combination of good weather, beautiful landscapes, heritage, culture, and a history of being the meeting point of different cultures. If you can add a beautiful environment to this, then Lebanon will have great opportunities.

B: What are these opportunities?

GM: The tourism industry is one of the fastest growing industries in

the world. In Lebanon, tourism is a very important industry, but at the moment only 25 – 30 percent of tourists come from Europe. You can improve this number.

The environment is also a major factor in encouraging investment.

When a company considers investing in a country it looks at many things, not only economic opportunities. It looks at the quality of life, because it needs to encourage its staff to work abroad.

B: What are you doing in Lebanon?

GM: In the water sector we have a huge project to distribute drinking water and to manage wastewater treatment all over the country. Another project with UNDP involves creating the first hydrogeological map of Lebanon.

This will provide full and complete data on the availability and quality of water within the country.

In the Chouf we’ve intervened in order to improve the management of the Cedars Reserve and create tourism opportunities.

We’ve restored bridges and assisted in the production of local products.

This encourages people to remain in their local areas and it bolsters the economy by creating jobs.

There’s also a project with the Lebanese Civil Defence that aims to prevent forest fires. We have provided software that highlights areas at risk from forest fires, so that the Lebanese authorities can identify problems in advance, and we’re involved in the planting of trees to replenish barren areas.

Another project implemented in cooperation with the CNRS and IAM – Bari is focused on the sea.

Its aim is to evaluate the level of pollution through sampling different depths. We’re also looking at the currents in the sea and the fish stock. We are also managing a small project involving renewable energy technologies, mainly solar water heaters.

Finally, there’s a project to strengthen the capability of the Ministry of the Environment. The Ministry’s doing a great a job, and we’re working hand in hand with it all the time in order to improve the services that it can offer to people, to help preserve the environment.

BEYOND BORDERS

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INTERVIEW

LAYING DOWN THE LAW

An open talk with the Minister of the Environment on the achievements of his ministry

– Nazem el-Khoury is determined to regulate the quarry industry as well as hunting.

Words CHÉRINE YAZBECK

N

azem el-Khoury, the minister of the environment who was appointed in January 2011, is currently working on implementing new laws and decrees relating to two major issues: hunting and quarries.

Other projects are underway, such as implementing policies and plans for solid waste management, the management of forest fires, and the promotion of natural reserves and protecting biodiversity.

With his motto “The political environment at the service of environmental policy”, Mr. elKhoury is proud to announce that since his appointment he hasn’t signed a single approval for any new quarries; moreover, he has completed and submitted a law to the cabinet regulating quarries and crushers in the country. Quarry operating companies

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will have to rehabilitate sites on private or public properties. “In order to protect our environment and prevent quarry managers from leaving quarry sites non-rehabilitated, I have developed a sanction mechanism for the disposal of bank guarantees that enables the state to rehabilitate damaged sites”, he explains. The law restricts areas and limits quantities of sand and stones that can be extracted.

Quarry managers who violate the law ZLOO EH VXHG DQG VHYHUHO\ ÀQHG The other main aspect of his campaign is to enforce laws to regulate hunting in Lebanon. So far, hunting remains an illegal activity; nevertheless, the number of hunters, according to the minister’s figures, exceeds 100,000.

El-Khoury says: “A law will force local hunters to accept procedures and control measures in order to obtain hunting permits. They will submit to a medical exam, obtain insurance in case of damage, and be obliged to join a hunting club.

We will also define the hunting season and make a list of the species of birds that hunters are permitted to hunt.”

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INTERVIEW

A CLEAN BREAK

Interview with Mr.Mohamad Z. Seoudi, mayor of the city of Sidon

Words E.C.

S

idon, a city that is rich in history and culture, was in the past the principal city of ancient Phoenicia.

It was founded in the third millennium B.C. and became wealthy through trade and the making of glass and purple dyes. The Lebanese city of Sidon is now famous for its big rubbish dump, one of the biggest in the Middle East area, which makes the Lebanese people somewhat ashamed of the city.

Beyond magazine decided to investigate this matter by having a talk with Sidon’s mayor, Mr. Mohamad Z. Seoudi, head of the municipality.

Beyond: Tell us more about yourself and your opinion about the environmental situation in Sidon?

Mayor Seoudi: First of all, I’m an engineer, I’m from Sidon, and my experience is in construction. I was D FRQWUDFWRU IRU IRUW\ ÀYH \HDUV The house in which I was born was near the beach, across the street from the municipality. My vision for my town is that of a nice beach to be enjoyed by everyone, and a great deal of greenery.

Unfortunately, the greenery has been replaced by buildings and the beach has been ravaged by about eight sewage discharges onto the beach. My main reason for accepting to be mayor was to get rid of the sewage and the garbage.

B: Please tell us more about the steps that you have taken to make Sidon a greener place for future generations?

MS: 2XU IRFXV LQ WKH ÀUVW SHULRG was to stop the sewage discharge into the sea and divert it to the network, and this has been achieved. As for the dumpsite, it has existed for around forty years.

The main problem is that nobody accepts to take the garbage and place it close to his town. For this reason the dump has become larger until it has reached

unbearable, unimaginable dimensions. We have decided to take three steps in order to address this problem: 1. Building a breakwater in the sea to create a piece of land with an area of 550,000 square meters.

2: Stop discharging the garbage in the mountain, and so we have built a plant to deal with the garbage.

3: Arranging for a contractor with the assistance of UNDP, which KDV TXDOLÀHG WKUHH FRPSDQLHV WR participate in the tender.

B: Are you planning to have an automobile-free day in Sidon?

MS: I don’t have such a plan, although people were happy about what was done in Tripoli.

In Sidon, we will have to look into this matter more deeply.

B: Do you have any eco-friendly beaches or resorts in Sidon?

MS: Sidon has a history that goes back six thousand years. We have the sea castle, a land castle, and we have many attractions in the old city of Sidon, which is characterized as a jewel by foreigners. We are working towards executing our projects within the next three years.

My vision for my town is that of a nice beach to be enjoyed by everyone

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EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE $ Ă&#x20AC;UVW VWHS WRZDUGV LPSURYHG DLU TXDOLW\ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A dearth of data makes monitoring DLU TXDOLW\ PRUH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW

Words ANA MARIA LUCA

20

explained that the study was still LQ LWV Ă&#x20AC;UVW SKDVH GXULQJ ZKLFK experts were trying to identify the locations where the monitoring equipment should be placed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It mog, which consists is challenging to gather the data; of small particles of most of the studies zoom in on toxic pollutants, is VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F UHJLRQV DQG UDZ GDWD making Beirutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s air LV RIWHQ WKH VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC;F SURSHUW\ barely breathable. This of different universities and problem also affects other areas municipalities in Lebanon, rather of the country. The problem has than being publicly available,â&#x20AC;? become a major source of concern Masri explained, pointing out WR SXEOLF KHDOWK RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOV 7KH that the current project aims data remains scarce, as only a few at instituting a culture of data institutions, mostly academic, have sharing among data holders. performed thorough studies.

Masri said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To optimize the The Environment Programme and resources, we should collaborate the United Nations Development and better coordinate among Programme, together with the the different stakeholders.

Ministry of the Environment, have For example, the Union of been working on an ambitious Municipalities of Al Fayhaa is project to deploy a network for currently active in monitoring air air quality monitoring across the quality in the area of Tripoli. We FRXQWU\ 7KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW QDWLRQZLGH need to engage concerned private initiative, orchestrated by the and public actors in collecting Ministry of the Environment, and sharing the data. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t should lay the groundwork for the require a great deal of effort, implementation of air pollution but rather a great deal of will.â&#x20AC;? reduction techniques.

The main threats to air quality in Lebanon are the transportation Nour Masri, the UNDP project sector, the energy sector, and manager, told Beyond that some industries. Masri said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The ´VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC;F GDWD LV NH\ WR GHYHORSLQJ experts are examining urban areas adequate legislation to limit and and industrial areas to determine even reduce air pollution.â&#x20AC;? She the types of air pollutants that are

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generated. The areas surrounding the power plants and operating quarries are also hot spots.â&#x20AC;?

However, the biggest challenge that the project is facing is funding.

The project needs additional funding for the monitoring stations themselves, as the equipment for only one monitoring station costs as much as $300,000, excluding maintenance costs. Involving the private sector in the operation of industrial installations and involving the power plants in monitoring air quality in their vicinity would contribute to Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLQJ WKH PRQLWRULQJ VWDWLRQV in some areas. It would also help to raise awareness about air quality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Private companies that meet the requirements could let their neighbors and surrounding communities know that they do meet the environmental requirements by posting dissemination boards with the air pollution indexes in their region,â&#x20AC;?

Masri explained.

7KH Ă&#x20AC;UVW UHVXOWV RI WKH QDWLRQDO DLU quality study are expected by midyear, according to the project manager, and a media campaign will be launched to raise awareness about the importance of air quality to public health.

ATMOSPHERE

MAKING A CONNECTION Private power Words ALEX GREY

– It’s a simple concept: You generate power through a renewable source, you use what you need, and you sell the excess back to the national grid for a reduction on your next bill. Net metering has been around for a while with varying degrees of success in Europe and the US. Beyond recently spoke to Hassan Harajli, project manager for the UNDP’s Energy and Environment Programme, about the prospects for net metering in Lebanon.

Alex Grey: Explain to me the concept of net metering.

Hassan Harajli: Net metering is the quantitative exchange of electricity between rural energy generators and the national grid.

It exists because the demand SURÀOH RI D UHVLGHQWLDO EXLOGLQJ or a commercial entity doesn’t coincide completely with a renewable energy system. For example, with photovoltaic (PV) systems, during the week people aren’t at home, but the system continues to generate power.

Essentially, there’s much time when solar energy isn’t being used. In order not to lose this 22

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power, net metering is used. On the other hand, when power demand is high, for example in the evening, or during the wintertime, solar energy often can’t meet the demand.

AG: What is the situation in Lebanon regarding net metering?

HH: In Lebanon, the UNDP’s CEDRO (Country Energy, (IÀFLHQF\ DQG 5HQHZDEOH Energy Demonstration Project for the Recovery of Lebanon) Project has over 60 PV sites. We have promoted the idea of net metering and it has been adopted by the government. We’re now

in the process of connecting to the grid.

AG: Why is this only happening now? What are the barriers to net metering?

HH: In Lebanon we have a problem: We don’t have a secure national electricity system. This forces all Lebanese to install or connect to private generators.

We had to design a system that works in the Lebanese context.

PV systems are broken down into two categories, island and grid. In island set-ups, the system is isolated and merely powers

PV panels, JEB JENNINE PUBLIC LIBRARY

your building, storing energy in batteries. In grid set-ups you don’t use batteries; you store your power in the national grid.

The island system won’t allow you to connect to the grid. The grid system doesn’t work when there’s a blackout. We have used hybrid inverters that can work in either way, but they’re much more expensive.

AG: Is net metering something that everyone with a solar panel can use?

HH: I don’t see large-scale PV net metering happening at present, as the cost is prohibitive.

Only when PV systems can overcome the blackout issue, will it work. So, it’s not really possible on a small scale.

AG: So what’s the future of net metering in Lebanon?

HH: Renewables are getting cheaper every year. The Ministry of Energy and Water’s policy is to achieve 24-hour electricity by 2015. Then you won’t need batteries or a hybrid converter and the costs will decrease dramatically. You can now connect to the grid, which is a ÀUVW 7KH QH[W VWHS ZLOO EH WR have 24-hour electricity.

The hybrid inverter, controller and data logger of a typical PV installation, HOULA MUNICIPALITY

BEYOND BORDERS

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(C) CHARBEL KARAM

(C) CHARBEL KARAM

GREEN INITIATIVES

Investigating environmental crimes along the Lebanese coast â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Greenpeace is executing a project that is designed to determine who is responsible for polluting the sea off the coast of Lebanon.

Words ALINE SARA

T

here are 6,000 cases in Lebanese case law that are related to environmental crime, but there could be much more if Lebanon had the laws, the enforcement units, and the trained prosecutors to present them in court. This is what the United Nations Development Program found out last year when a team of legal experts put together a collection of Lebanese case law to help judges to sanction environmental crime. The collection of cases was part of the Supporting the Enforcement of Environmental Law program run by UNDP and funded in cooperation with the World Bank, which since last year has trained over 300 judges to handle cases related to WKH HQYLURQPHQW D Ă&#x20AC;UVW IRU WKH Lebanese judicial system.

A lack of courses on environmental law From Tripoli to Tyre, passing through Chekka, Al Batroun, Selaata, Antelias, Beirut, and Sidon, Greenpeace Lebanon

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is determined to protect the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coast.

Threats to the Mediterranean are on the rise, but cries of alarm from NGOs and citizens alike have to date yielded little more than the Lebanese governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s casual dismissal of the issue. As a result, the international grassroots organization is taking matters into its own hands with its ÂŤSecret Mission: Blue Shield 011,â&#x20AC;? the task of which is to investigate perpetrators of maritime pollution, which is described by Greenpeace as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;environmental crime.â&#x20AC;?

and is testing the water samples in the laboratories. The projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ă&#x20AC;QDO UHVXOWV DUH VFKHGXOHG WR EH released sometime this spring. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Based on the outcome, we will build our strategy and action plan for the rest of the year,â&#x20AC;? noted Hashem, who said that the response to the project had been very positive.

Making citizens involved in the project To help raise awareness and increase lobbying efforts, activists are engaging citizens across the country by considering them to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;secret agents,â&#x20AC;? who receive $QDO\]LQJ SROOXWDQWV WR Ă&#x20AC;QG regular updates and videos on the missionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress. So far, some the perpetrators â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our one ultimate objective is to 3,000 secret agents are registered, protect our sea, our marine life, which signals a high level of and the health of our people,â&#x20AC;? awareness among Lebanese, said Greenpeace Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;though we still hope for more,â&#x20AC;?

Leen Hashem. The new type said Hashem. The media have of project consists in gathering also covered the project, which water samples from the Lebanese has been the subject of talk shows coast and analyzing them in the on TV and on the radio, she laboratory to determine which added. One of Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major pollutants are plaguing Lebanese environmental problems is the water in the Mediterranean. increasing contamination of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once complete, the analysis will water, whether as a result of poor waste management, be used to pin down the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solid greatest culprits, individuals and untreated sewage, industrial toxic corporations alike, and ultimately waste, or excessive coastal to identify the sources of pollution construction, to name a few EDVHG RQ VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC;F SURRI ZKLFK possible causes. will avoid unsubstantiated accusations,â&#x20AC;?

Hashem told To stay abreast of the secret Beyond. At present, the NGO has missionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress, please visit: completed the collecting process www.gpsecretmission.com

Once upon a time, I was... ...a newspaper ...a plastic bottle

...a vegetable peel

...a glass lass e bottle ...a soda can

SORTING...PRESERVES THE NATURE For more information please contact us at our hotline 1551 Designed by Communications Department. Sukleen 2012 BEYOND BORDERS

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ATMOSPHERE

ANALYZE THIS: Tech with beneďŹ ts

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The UNDPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Technology Needs Assessment Project sets out to identify the most promising technologies for reducing carbon emissions and advocates their adoption throughout the country.

Beyond spoke to Lea Aboujaoude, project coordinator at the Technology Needs Assessment Project and Vahakn Kabakian, climate change advisor with the Institutional Support to the Ministry of Energy and Water Project at the UNDP, about their efforts to introduce alternatives to the country.

Words ALEX GREY

Alex Grey: Why is there a need for assessment?

Vahakn Kabakian: We have an obligation under the climate change conventions to report on our emissions for a certain base year. We also look at what mitigation options we have and how vulnerable we are. Once ZH Ă&#x20AC;QLVK WKH UHSRUW ZH GR D technology needs assessment.

We get together with stakeholders to prioritize the sectors, to Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH DUHDV LQ ZKLFK ZH FDQ

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make the biggest reductions, and to see whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s available. We analyze what the options are and the stakeholders decide on the sectors that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at in terms of mitigation and adaptation. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very stakeholderdriven. We look at a broad selection of the technologies available, and eventually adopt four technologies in adaptation and mitigation in the chosen sectors. The sectors chosen were energy, transportation, and agriculture.

AG: How do you select the stakeholders?

Lea Aboujaoude: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small country, and institutions are well NQRZQ :H RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ UHTXHVW that they send representatives to the meetings. These people are LQYROYHG IURP VWDUW WR Ă&#x20AC;QLVK We have the Ministries of Finance, Energy and Water, Public Health, and Agriculture, as well as experts from the academic sector and N.G.O.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

The stakeholders change according to phase. For example, when we selected technologies we only wanted experts and technocrats, as only they could give us the technical information.

At the latest stage we involve the private sector. For example, we invite car importers to tell us why theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not importing hybrids to

Lebanon. Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the problem thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blocking the market?

AG: Can you give us examples of some of the projects that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at as a result of this process?

LA: The technologies all have to applicable to Lebanon, of course. In energy we tackled both conventional and renewable technologies, so we had reciprocating engines for fuel combustion, combined cycles in power plants, hydropower, macro scale solar farms, PVs, and wind energy.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also looking at a variety of technologies relating to transportation and agriculture.

In terms of agriculture, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking at easy, cheap technologies. The technology has to be affordable and sustainable in order to convince the farmers to adopt it.

AG: What are you anticipating will have the greatest success?

VK: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not clear yet, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of crossover in energy.

Hydroelectric power, solar farms, and PV â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it all depends on legislation, putting tariffs in place, and net metering. The other UNDP publications, such as the wind atlas and bioenergy study, come together and really point towards an energy strategy for the country.

Sa

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GREEN INITIATIVES

AN EARLY START FOR CHANGE Green School campaign

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he â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green Schoolâ&#x20AC;? campaign is an initiative of G (an NGO that seeks to reduce carbon emissions) in partnership with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI). It targets elementary level students from different schools throughout Lebanon. The campaignâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main objectives are to raise awareness of critical environmental issues facing the country, to help students understand them, and in so doing, to involve them in taking part in the changes that are needed to address them.

The campaign will focus principally on the environmental issues of air pollution, water FRQVHUYDWLRQ HQHUJ\ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ reforestation, and waste.

Interactive learning will help the students better appreciate environmental issues and understand how important each personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution is to the problems we face.

What LRI does The Lebanon Reforestation Initiative is a project funded 28

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by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the United States Forest Service (USFS). It provides technical assistance and institutional support for sustainable native WUHH UHIRUHVWDWLRQ DQG ZLOGĂ&#x20AC;UH prevention.

Water conservation /HEDQRQ LV FODVVLĂ&#x20AC;HG DV D FRXQWU\ in need of water. Its natural water resources have been overexploited, mistreated, and contaminated. Studies have shown that 70 percent of surface ZDWHU Ă RZV LQWR WKH VHD ZLWKRXW EHLQJ XVHG LQ DQ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW ZD\

The subjects that G and LRI will be covering with elementary school children include:

+RZ ZLOO VWXGHQWV EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W IURP the campaign?

During the campaign, students will gain knowledge regarding the water cycle and the importance of water conservation.

Air pollution Air pollution is not a priority in Lebanon. No government authority ensures that laws aimed at protecting the atmosphere are enforced.

Energy production, industry, and transportation are the main causes of air pollution.

How will students help?

In order to create awareness about air pollution, G will launch an annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do Not Drive to Schoolâ&#x20AC;? day. Students, teachers, administrators, and supporting celebrities will be asked to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transportation to go to school on that day.

(QHUJ\ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ Even though Lebanon is plagued with electricity shortages, the production and use of electricity account for 83 percent of air pollution. Lebanon needs to take advantage of its 300 days of sunshine to produce renewable energy.

What will the students learn?

Students will learn about ways to reduce energy consumption and how to use renewable sources of energy.

GREEN INITIATIVES

NOT JUST A PHASE Goodbye CFCs and HCFCs

– The UNDP’s efforts to eliminate FKORURÁXRURFDUERQV &)&V DQG K\GURÁXRURFDUERQV +&)&V IURP /HEDQRQ DUH DFKLHYLQJ VLJQLÀFDQW progress. Beyond recently spoke to Mazen Hussein, head of the UNDP’s National Ozone Unit about the efforts to eradicate Ozone Depleting 6XEVWDQFHV 2'6 IURP WKH FRXQWU\ Words ALEX GREY

Alex Grey: What role does the UNDP play with regard to the Lebanese ozone environment?

Mazen Hussein: It is involved in a project implemented at the Ministry of the Environment called The Institutional Strengthening Project for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol in Lebanon. The project started in 1998 and the budget is managed by the UNDP in Beirut and New York. It’s funded by the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol, and comprises two budgets, one for institutional strengthening, and another for the implementation of the work.

In the early 1990s Lebanon imported about 940 tons of CFCs. Since Lebanon signed the Montreal Protocol and was obliged to abide by the terms, we’ve aimed to reach zero consumption of CFCs, and this was achieved in January 2010.

We no longer import or produce CFC-generating products.

AG: Have industries supported this shift?

MH: Definitely. It’s not just an environmental issue; it was also driven by costs. The alternative technology was less costly. For example, in the aerosol sector, with conversion from ODS to hydrocarbons, the environmentally-friendly option, the production cost was reduced by around 25 per cent. Moreover, Lebanese manufacturers can now export to foreign markets because they’re complying with international standards.

AG: If Lebanon no longer imports CFC, what’s the next step?

MH: Unfortunately during the implementation of the CFC phaseout, in some of the industries the alternative was to shift to HCFCs, mainly in the air conditioning, refrigeration, and insulating

foam sectors. HCFCs are now considered less ozone depleting than CFCs are, but they’re still ODS. So, we have to move away from HCFCs. The phase-out plan for HCFCs has been approved by the Multilateral Fund (of the Montreal Protocol) and the financial agreement has been concluded, for 2012-2015, for around $2.5 million.

We’re committed to phasing out 17 per cent of the national consumption of HCFCs. In phase one, we’re targeting two major industries in Lebanon, the manufacturing of prefabricated houses and one major manufacturer of air conditioning units. The budget for that is around $2.5 million.

Phase two will start in 2015 and will continue until 2022.

It will phase out the remaining HCFC’s and we have funding of $7 million.

AG: Can you hit your targets?

MH: Definitely.

We’re committed to 17 per cent in the first phase, but we’ll hit around 27 per cent just by converting two industries.

AG: What does your work consist of in Lebanon?

MH: Since 1998 our aim has been to phase out ODS in Lebanon.

ODS are mainly used in three major industrial sectors: refrigeration and air conditioning, the foam and insulation sector, and finally the aerosol sector.

BEFORE

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AFTER

INSTITUTIONAL STRENGTHENING PROJECT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MONTREAL PROTOCOL IN LEBANON REPUBLIC OF LEBANON MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ODS RE-CONVERTED INDUSTRIES FUNDED BY THE MULTILATERAL FUND OF THE MONTREAL PTOROCOL

Mchta taa Hamm Hammoud El Aaarid da da Ch heikh ei h Zennad Tal El Bire El Fraidis na Chadra Hnaider El Haissa Saidnaya Fsaqine Kffar Melki Tal Abbas Akroun Qbaiyat Es Sra raajiye Tal Hayat Aaiyat Bqerzla Tikrit El Aab Aabde

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Hermel De Dedde Beit Hasna Zighrine Qaa Ouadi El Khanzerr Qornet El Birqawiye w Anfe A Kfar el Malloul Ras El Assi Bad ad dbhoun Aaba Biyout es Souh Biy Bsarma Sibaal Bchennata El Qaa aa El H Heri Kfar Hazir Ras Baalbeck el Gharbi i Ehden Sela ela laata Ras Baalbec beck Metrit Battroun Halbata Blaouza Jibla Bcharre e Aaqaib Edde Hardine Brissat Haouerti Assia Sbouba El Ain Teh ehou houm hou Bqaa Kafra T Toula Hadtoun Ainata n Harbata EEl Mo ounsef Laboue La Hosrayel Qeddam h Kfoun Mechmech Kfo Ain el bared Aamshite ms El M Moqraq Bechouat Ehmej Jb Jbayl Aarsal at Yammoune a Ras OstaAalmat Kneisse Chaat Btedaai Younine El Aaquoura Zebdine Ksarnaba Maqne Nahr N ahrr Ibr Ibrahim Qamez Bou ouar Afqa Ghidrasse Nahle T barjja Tab Jebaa Saaide Wata a Sillla llame EghbeMairouba Lassa Baalbek Ghazyyr Ghosta G Bqaatouta q Taraya Majdaloun Maj Sarb ba Balloune Qlaiit Zoukk M Mosbeh Hizzine Ain Boudrai Daraya raya El Mahafir fir Bik Bikfaiya Haouch Snaid Britel Dbaye ayeh y h Bednayel Hao Jouret El Ballout El Mtain El Khoder Karzoun un n

Tarchich ch Temni nine et Tehta Zandouqa El Khraibe EEll Louaize e Bsous Haouch Hala Maaraboun Jenta Aley Shwa hwa waayyfate Bchemou Bc un Zahle e Kayffoun Soufar El Faida Ain Kfar Zaabad Kh Kh hal ha ald al a de de Charoun Aynab El Marj Kfar Zabad bad ad Baaouarta Baa Rechm maiya Taanaya yal Anjar Aam ammiq El Fraidis Serjbal Ain Ouzain Ej Jiye iy Ej Jahliye Sultan Yaacoub Kherb herbet Qanafar Gharife S Sibline

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Er Rm maile Sag a aghbine Bsaba El Bire Bkifa Yanta J Joun Ain Aarab Bkassine ne e Aaitanit a El Mhaidthe Salhiye Sfaray S Jezzin n Kfar Qouq Hassaniye M Mac Machghara El Ghaziye Gh El Aakabe Ain et Tine Houmine mine et Taht Tahta Tah Bakkifa Libbaya bay Aaiha Bai Baissariye Ba Zefta Sejoud o M Mimess Ain Aata Es Srairi a ir n Nmairiye iye Es Saksakiye iye ye En Deir El Zahrani De ra Aadloun ad Nab abatyeh Chebaa Mazraaat el Ouasta ta Choukine MAP LEGEND J Jezire Rachaiya el Foukhar Shehoor Dei eir Qanoun Ell Nahr Aabbas basiye MLF FUNDING OF ODS RE-CONVERSION TO NON-ODS NONEl Meri Adsheet Tou oura Ghandouriye an MANUFACTURING CTURING PLANTS (AEROSOL ((AEROSOL,, FOAM & REFRIGERATION REFRIGERATION,, 100 PPLANTSS) Aamra Tyre yr NUMBER OF ENTERPRISES Safad el Batikh SECTOR BUDGET US$ Qana CONVERTED Tibnine El Man nso souri 8 1,464,000 AEROSOL Chaqra Ell B Biyada Bi Yater 21 1,528,000 FOAM Bent Jbail 71 4,921,000 REFRIGERATION Aaitaroun En n Naqoura Aita Ech Chaab b 1,600,000 NON INVESTMENT (TRAINING, AWARENESS, ETC...)

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TOTAL

NATIONAL OZONE UNIT . 2009

9,513,000

ATMOSPHERE

HERE COMES THE SUN

Heating water the green way

– There is a great potential for developing solar water heating systems in this country.

Words ALINE SARA

olar water heating (SWH) uses the sun to heat up water in the house.

Though common in neighboring Mediterranean countries, Lebanon has not maximized its potential for the system’s use, which, in addition to being green, does not cost a dime once it has been installed. Beyond sat down with Pierre Khoury, the manager of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC), a joint project between Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy and Water and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), to hear more about the system and its prospects in the country.

Beyond: What is a solar water heating system?

Pierre Khoury: It’s a system that changes solar radiation into heating water for usage inside a house or other facility.

It is particularly eco-friendly compared to the other methods of heating such as an electric heater, which consumes diesel,

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fuel resources, and often pollutes the environment.

B: Where can the system be used?

PK: It can be used anywhere where there is abundant sunshine.

Many countries along the Mediterranean, for example, can benefit from this system. Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus use SWH in almost every household.

B: Does the rainfall during the winter affect Lebanon’s capacity to utilize the SWH system?

PK: Despite the rain, we have a huge potential for the system in Lebanon. Our target for the year 2020 is to install one million square meters of solar water heaters.

B: What is needed to reach this goal?

PK: To reach this goal, we are working on four major levels.

First, we need to develop legislation that will make the use of SWH mandatory for all new constructions. At present, there is none. Most new buildings use a system that is harmful to the environment, but we are very optimistic about making SWH mandatory in the future.

Secondly, we are working on

establishing standards for the quality of SWH that is used in the country. Whenever a company imports a system, it needs to be tested for a minimal standard of quality. If it does not pass, it must not be given a license. We also offer training to experts in the field and have a grading system for companies.

Thirdly, we are working to raise awareness of the SWH system through workshops, conferences, and training sessions for technicians and engineers.

Finally, we have established a national financing mechanism, involving the Central Bank of Lebanon, UNDP, and the Ministry of Energy and Water.

The idea is to offer loans for the installation of SWH systems at zero percent interest rate over a period of 5 years.

The strategy has been very effective. In 2011, it led to the installation of 10, 000 square meters of SWH. In addition, to further increase the use of the system, the Ministry of Energy and Water gives a $200 grant per home for installation of the SWH, which typically costs between $1,400 and $1,800, depending on the home’s system and structure.

GAZ DRILLING

WHAT LIES BENEATH Gas and oil drilling in Lebanon

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The cabinet lays the groundwork for drilling for oil and gas off the Lebanese coast.

Words CHĂ&#x2030;RINE YAZBECK

I

nterest in drilling in Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s territorial waters has grown VLQFH WZR QDWXUDO JDV Ă&#x20AC;HOGV were discovered off the coast of Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern neighbor. Estimates value the gas reserves at tens of billions of dollars. Lebanon has yet to explore off its own coast, but the cabinet has approved plans to implement a law on drilling that will pave the way for international tenders.

Risks that are associated with drilling for gas In contrast with oil hydrocarbons, which have been the object of wide and detailed toxicological studies worldwide, natural gas and its components have been left outside the scope of environmental analysis, control, and regulation.

There are serious risks that drilling may cause unforeseen damage to the ecosystem and biodiversity.

Natural gas is closely related to crude oil. Both substances are thought to have been formed in the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust through the transformation of organic matter as a result of the heat and pressure of the overlying rock.

Gas hydrocarbons can also be produced as a result of microbial decomposition of organic substances and, less often, as a result of the reduction of mineral salts. The deeper the location of a gas deposit, the higher the number of methane homologues.

Accidents that may occur in the drilling location can drastically

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disturb the composition and biomass of the water fauna and cause mass mortality of organisms, LQFOXGLQJ Ă&#x20AC;VK DQG EHQWKLF mollusks. Damaged gas pipelines, ERWK RQ WKH VHDĂ RRU DQG RQ ODQG can lead to corrosion or natural disasters, such as severe ice conditions or seismic activity that is frequent in Southern Lebanon.

Bassil is not concerned about a border dispute with Israel Gebran Bassil, the Minister of Energy and Water, who is in charge of the project, said that the cabinetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approval of the Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plans would allow it to appoint a committee to oversee drilling and exploration. The minister shrugged off concerns over potential drilling delays because RI D PDULWLPH ERUGHU FRQĂ LFW with Israel. The two countries, which remain formally at war, are disputing an 850-square-kilometer stretch of sea off their coast that lies near an area where American and Israeli companies discovered WKH WZR PDVVLYH QDWXUDO JDV Ă&#x20AC;HOGV Protecting the environment According to Nazem el-Khoury, the Minister of the Environment, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Ministry is preparing assessments on major consequences of gas and oil drilling on the environmentâ&#x20AC;?. He says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Ministry will make sure that all contracts respect the environment, and in case of leakage or other accidents, companies should be properly equipped to deal with the effects of damage and repair them. The Ministry is working on both matters, the strategic assessment as well as the monitoring of companies that will operate the offshore drilling.â&#x20AC;?

BEYOND BORDERS

37

Giant reed grass in Raouche, Beirut, potentially a very important source of bioethanol in the near future.

ATMOSPHERE

COULD DO BETTER Lebanon’s bioenergy potential

– The UNDP has recommended that Lebanon devote more attention to the development of bioenergy.

Words ANA MARIA LUCA

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A

s fossil fuels become more expensive and scarcer, bioenergy sources are becoming more appealing. According to a recent study released by the United Nations Development Programme’s Country Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Demonstration Project for the Recovery of Lebanon (CEDRO), since Lebanon doesn’t produce fossil fuel, it should think of shifting its energy industry towards more readily accessible resources.

transported to a plant, they could provide bioheat and bioelectricity that could supply industrial consumers of heat and electricity, such as food processors on the outskirts of Beirut.

Giant reeds as an energy crop Giant reeds are the most promising energy crop, as they require little effort, water, fertilizer, and maintenance. They could be processed in an ethanol plant, while the fuel could be used for transportation. The only drawback is that there is little relevant experience relating to energy crops in the country.

Fruit tree residues can generate natural gas The study shows that agricultural residues are one of the best ways to produce biogas. In an ideal scenario, the residues would come from orchards and olive plantations across the country and would be sold by the farmers to an anaerobic digester in a biogas facility, which would FRQYHUW WKHP LQWR SXULÀHG methane that could supply households with gas for cooking and heating.

The National Bioenergy Strategy for Lebanon, launched on March 4, 2012, made a resource assessment of the bio-industries in the country, looked at the technological conversion means, and then put together scenarios for the future, taking into account sustainability criteria.

Hassan Harajli, CEDRO project d that “the manager, told Beyond study was prompted by the Lebanese government’s ambitious plans for having around 12 percent of the country’s total energy needs served by renewable

sources by the year 2020.” In the end, the experts came up with three high-potential bioenergy options for Lebanon: bioheat and bioelectricity from forestry residues, bioethanol from giant reeds that are cultivated on land that is not yet used for agriculture, and compressed natural gas from fruit tree residues. “All of them are accessible to the Lebanese energy industry,” Harajli said.

Forestry residues as a source of bioenergy The forestry residues are the major biomass resource for Lebanon. If they were collected, shipped, and

The study took into account other methods of several producing biofuel, such as treating municipal solid waste or using yellow grease. These processes can be carried out in the Beirut area, but they are not feasible in other regions of the country, either because of the lack of the necessary technology or because of the transportation costs.

Harajli concluded: “Bioenergy is a very underused resource in Lebanon. There are a few independent initiatives here and there, but there is still no national strategy. Let us hope that this document, endorsed by the Ministry of Energy and Water, will EH D ÀUVW VWHS WRZDUGV DFKLHYLQJ more bioenergy awareness.”

BEYOND BORDERS

39

ATMOSPHERE

DARK CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON – The developing world’s dependence on coal is a major source of carbon emissions.

t’s very easy to get carried away by the great strides that have been made in the development of renewable energy systems. While the world, at least in developed countries, is gradually moving toward a sustainable future, the developing world remains mired in its dependency on fossil fuels.

Disturbingly, coal, that age-old polluter, accounted for around half of the increase in energy consumption in 2010.

The Chinese are aware that they need alternatives and are working on the development of other sources. Substantial wind, solar, hydroelectric, and nuclear energy systems are being developed, but these initiatives are barely scratching the surface of the problem. Coal consumption is expected to continue to rise. The problem is that coal is an easy answer.

In view of vast domestic production, easy access to global markets and a relatively antiquated power industry, the abundance of cheap fuel is impossible to resist, and it is necessary to sustain economic growth.

Asia is the chief culprit Asia accounts for two-thirds of the global growth in energy consumption and constitutes the heart of the problem.

As China and her neighbors continue to develop, coal promises to be their fuel of choice, cheap as it is. China is the largest producer of coal, and also the largest importer of coal, burning the fossil fuel in unprecedented quantities.

The use of coal is associated with the usual costs: air, water,

,QGLD LV IROORZLQJ &KLQD·V OHDG China is by no means alone. Coal consumption throughout Asia is on the rise. While China is the world’s number one consumer of coal, India isn’t far behind.

With around 70 per cent of its electricity generated by coalfueled power stations, India’s national grid is antiquated and rapidly expanding. Despite continuous growth, around 300 million Indians are still without power, meaning that there’s a long way to go before India’s

I

Words ALEX GREY

40

land, and visual pollution are all commonplace in China’s coal-producing regions.

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consumption of coal reaches its peak.

India is also showing greater interest in alternatives to coal, such as renewable energy sources, natural gas, and nuclear power. However, coal is the obvious solution to its problems. Being the thirdlargest producer of coal and possessing the fifth-largest proven reserves, India seems sure to take advantage of this natural resource. However, there’s a problem: it’s simply not possible to exploit the reserves fast enough to meet demand. Hence, while India is well positioned in terms of its own domestic market, its imports of coal are rapidly increasing.

By 2030 these developing behemoths will account for a substantial portion of global carbon dioxide emissions, with India’s power generation accounting for ten percent of them. While they are expected to lag behind larger, developed nations in terms of these pollutants, Chinese and Indian power production is perhaps the greatest threat to the planet. Whatever steps are taken outside of Asia, black clouds are looming and there seems little that can be done.

ATMOSPHERE

WAITING FOR JUSTICE TO BE SERVED The road map for Lebanese oil spill compensations

Words BASSAM KANTAR

F

or the sixth time, the U.N. General Assembly has issued a resolution condemning Israel and asking it to provide immediate compensation for the oil spill that it caused along the Lebanese coast during the July 2006 War. The resolution passed on November 2011, with 157 countries voting in favor, seven against, and three abstentions.

Canada’s opposition was new and largely the result of pressure from the Israeli-Canadian Friendship Association.

This resolution is a revised draft RI ÀYH SUHYLRXV UHVROXWLRQV (194/61, 188/62, 211/63, 195/64, 147/65) all of which were issued in the years following Israel’s targeting of oil storage tanks near the Jiyah electric power SODQW LQ WKH ÀUVW GD\V RI WKH war. An estimated 15,000 cubic meters of fuel spilled into the sea, contaminating 150 kilometers of Lebanon’s coastline.

It also repeated its request to the Israeli government to provide immediate and sufficient compensation to the people and governments of Lebanon and Syria.

The U.S., which donated $5 million to clean up the spill, voted against the resolution for the sixth consecutive time, as did Canada, Australia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Nauru, not to mention Israel.

While it is not surprising that the small island-states would vote in line with the U.S. position,

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General Assembly demands compensation In the executive clauses of this new resolution, the General Assembly again emphasized its deep concern over the negative consequences of the Israeli attack on the oil storage tanks of the Jiyah electric power plant.

The resolution stipulates that compensation should cover the costs of restoring the marine environment to its previous state and mitigating the effects of any damage to the environment that was caused by this attack.

Israel rejects the notion of compensation For its part, the Israeli government refuses to accept any responsibility for providing compensation.

The U.N. Environment Program Branch IRU 3RVW &RQÁLFW DQG 'LVDVWHU Management has queried the

Israeli permanent mission to the UN in Geneva repeatedly about this matter, but it has received no response.

Remarkably, Lebanon’s foreign ministers, who have served since the July 2006 War, have ignored the three options that they had that could have forced Israel or the international community to provide compensation.

These options include:

Appealing to the World Heritage Committee and other accredited funds established under the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and National Heritage.

Asking the UN General Assembly to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.

Bringing this case before the International Criminal Court.

There is also the option of filing a lawsuit in a national court that looks into war crimes.

However, this option should only be considered as a final step and the litigation should include charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, particularly the massacres the Israelis committed in Lebanon in 1996 and 2006.

(C) AFP PHOTO/MARWAN NAAMANI (C) AFP PHOTO/PATRICK BAZ

Member of Lebanese Non-Governmental Organization Bahr Lubnan (Lebanon's Sea) clean the oil at a beach in Jiyah, south of Beirut, on October 26, 2006.

Almost four months after the Israeli air strikes at the Jiyah electric power plant, a thick layer of oil is still covering hundreds of kilometers of the Lebanese coastline, including the ancient rocks of Byblos. Foreign experts and sources in the Lebanese Ministry of the Environment said that it would take almost a year to clean up the country's shore and seabed.

A crab covered in oil struggles towards the sea, which is polluted with heavy fuel oil in Beirut, on July 29, 2006. The minister of the environment said today that the Mediterranean was threatened by its worst ever environmental disaster after Israel's bombing of a power plant in Lebanon had sent thousands of tons of fuel gushing into the sea

BEYOND BORDERS

43

MARINE THREAT

MEET THE NEW ENEMY A threat to Lebanese waters

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Alien species of fish that pass WKURXJK WKH 6XH] &DQDO DUH threatening the ecosystems of the Mediterranean Basin.

Words CHERINE YAZBECK

I

t is not a recent threat that Lebanon is facing, but the invasion has become more and more visible for a decade now, putting Ă&#x20AC;VKHUPHQ DQG WKH ORFDO population in danger. The QXPEHU RI DOLHQ Ă&#x20AC;VK VSHFLHV WKDW pass through the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Basin has recently increased. Climate change and international shipping activities have made the introduction of exotic marine RUJDQLVPV HDVLHU $OLHQ Ă&#x20AC;VK colonize shores and kill endemic species. Introduction of alien species to new ecosystems is a major threat to their biodiversity, structure, and function.

RXW RI ZKLFK DUH Ă&#x20AC;VK PDQ\ A dangerous delicacy in Japan of which likely arrived via the Despite being poisonous, same route. pufferfish is popular in Japan.

The meat of some species is a ,Q WKH ODWH V WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW delicacy in both Japan (as fugu) UDEELWĂ&#x20AC;VK (Siganus rivulatus) and Korea (as bok-uh) but the were observed on the Lebanese problem is that everything is VKRUHV 7KH UDEELWĂ&#x20AC;VK FDPH IURP poisonous in the pufferfish.

WKH 5HG 6HD 5DEELWĂ&#x20AC;VK KDYH Its toxin produces rapid and poisonous spines that can deliver violent death. It is prepared by a very painful sting, but is not specially trained and licensed life-threatening. chefs to remove the toxic components. The price of a Beware of the puffer fugu dish usually exceeds a Among the most fearful alien hundred dollar.

VSHFLHV DUH D VSHFLHV RI SXIIHUĂ&#x20AC;VK that are known as the silverstripe 7KLV FDWĂ&#x20AC;VK LV QR SXVV\FDW blaasop or Lagocephalus sceleratus. 6LQFH WKH VWULSHG HHO FDWĂ&#x20AC;VK It contains tetrodotoxin, a (Plotosus lineatus) has been a neurotoxin that can be deadly major threat to Lebanese waters, to humans and for which there as it can be fatal to humans in Lessepsian migration LV QR NQRZQ DQWLGRWH 3XIIHUĂ&#x20AC;VK certain circumstances. Striped This massive aquatic invasion are the second most poisonous HHO FDWĂ&#x20AC;VK KDYH EHHQ IRXQG LQ through the Suez Canal is called vertebrate on earth, after the many regions of Lebanon, â&#x20AC;&#x153;lessepsian migration.â&#x20AC;? The term golden poison frog. The poisoning such as Jiyeh. It is present on is derived from Ferdinand de causes deadening of the tongue muddy bottoms and at depths Lesseps, a French vice-consul and lips, dizziness, vomiting, rapid down to 40 meters. The striped who developed the Suez Canal KHDUW UDWH GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW\ EUHDWKLQJ HHO FDWĂ&#x20AC;VK KDV WKUHH WKRUQV RQ in the 1860s. Since the early and muscle paralysis. Victims die the back and sides. Once it OHVVHSVLDQ Ă&#x20AC;VK KDYH EHHQ from suffocation as diaphragm stings, it injects a strong poison spreading rapidly throughout the muscles are paralyzed. Most of into the body of the human Eastern Mediterranean. Today, the victims pass away after four being, which can be fatal under there are as many as 1,000 exotic WR KRXUV 7KH Ă&#x20AC;VK RULJLQDWHV LQ certain circumstances. species in the Mediterranean the Red Sea.

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MARINE THREAT

SURVIVAL OF THE SALAMANDER – Many forms of wildlife, including amphibians, are in danger of becoming extinct in Mexico.

Words ALICE HLIDKOVA

S

alamanders the size of a boot proudly display their crowns of feathery pink gills as they walk the bottom of Xochimilco’s lakes and canals near Mexico City. The axlotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), black or molted brown in the wild, and albino or white in captivity, is at the top of its game for its ability to regenerate most of its body parts. For many years the amphibian species had only faced predators such as the native heron. Recently, with man-made changes to the landscape, its habitats are declining and its population numbers are decreasing.

Mexico leads world rankings of wildlife in danger – countries with the most threatened endemic species. Last year, Mexico surpassed Colombia, Brazil, and China. Amphibians have become the most

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threatened species, but studies from Mexican herpetologists show mixed results.

The Red List The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) measures population trends of more than 6,000 endangered and threatened species. Its Red List threat category includes the conservation status of the world’s known species of frogs, toads, salamanders, and caecilians, which are listed under the Global Amphibian Assessment. In Mexico, 84 species are critically endangered, while 76 remain endangered.

As experts continue to worry about declining populations, a group of Mexican herpetologists step in to re-evaluate the Global Amphibian Assessment.

Santos Barrera, one of the Global Amphibian Assessment’s evaluators. Because IUCN draws its numbers from NOM 059, Mexican government’s version of the Red List, which includes only a small portion of the country’s biodiversity, the question of conservation is not thoroughly addressed. “NOM 059 represents only seven species in the category P, or in danger of extinction, with 34 as threatened,” adds Barrera, whose team excluded more than 30 species about whose present status they knew little.

Obstacles to conservation Barrera has constructed her own list of barriers to conservation.

In order of importance are: land use changes (draining canals as a result of wetland urbanization), contamination (depleting water quality as a result of industry), and invasive exotic species and emergent disease (introducing QRQ QDWLYH ÀVK VSHFLHV WKDW feed on larvae as a result of new market demands). Dr. ´7KH OLVW GRHVQ·W UHÁHFW WKH Zambrano at the National real conservation status of the Autonomous University of amphibian species,” says Georgina Mexico, says: “Carp and tilapia

(C) ZAMBRANO

3ROLWLFV LQÁXHQFHV VFLHQFH 6FLHQWLÀF VWXGLHV DUH LQÁXHQFHG by politics. It is clear that Mexico lacks ecological and/ or demographic studies. “The FRXQWU\ DOVR ODFNV VSHFLÀF studies to demonstrate the effect of climate change on amphibians,” adds Barrera, ZKR WULHV WR ÀOO LQ WKH JDSV Disagreements about numbers 7KH 0H[LFDQ VFLHQWLÀF DQG E\ SXEOLVKLQJ KHU ÀQGLQJV conservation communities LQ VFLHQWLÀF MRXUQDOV DQG E\ disagree on population numbers. proposing projects with her Zambrano has witnessed a colleagues. “There is nothing tenfold reduction of the axlotl or almost nothing that we can –16 species in total. In a do to effect politics,” says the biological conservation journal, herpetologist, who hopes that he and his colleagues reported her government will update 6,000 axolotls per square the NOM 059 by reclassifying kilometer of the Xochimilco in certain species to draw a more 1998; 1,000 in 2004; and only complete picture.

100 surviving in 2008.

Preserving the wetlands On the other hand, Barrera Zambrano emphasizes that has questioned many studies both academia and society are on amphibians, 60 percent of beginning to raise concerns which are endemic to Mexico. about amphibians and wetlands. ´,W·V GLIÀFXOW WR VD\ WKDW WKH As a result of the ongoing situation is worse than years trend of draining wetlands to ago. Some rare species have build homes on dry land, the been seen again in recent years, last remnants of the wetlands disappearing.

“We others are impossible to collect are many more are declining, and are working against time the common are relatively (urbanization is really fast), stable,” says Barrera, who has EXW , DP FRQÀGHQW WKDW ZH FDQ recently seen Lithobates johni restore this system and this frogs on sporadic accounts. animal,” says Zambrano of large now constitute 90 percent of the biomass. Carp forage over the sediment (like cows) eating everything in it; tilapia are more active.” He says that these are factors that contribute to major habitat loss of axolotl and other amphibians.

scale drainage construction projects that are sinking the Xochimilco. Water quality is another issue and illegal waste water dumping continues, though Zambrano thinks that the situation can be resolved, saying, we are working now on restoration projects, particularly for local producers that use the wetlands properly.” The city has also proposed a large aquarium in the remaining hectares. /RFDO QRQ SURÀWV organizations, GIAX and CONABIO (The Biodiversity Service of Mexico), have expressed interest in measuring endangered and threatened species. A few years ago, CONABIO assigned Zambrano to monitor the wild creatures, and he fell in love with them, collaborating with researchers from the University of Essex, in the United Kingdom.The longterm survival of the axolotl and other amphibians in the wild is threatened and demands urgent action to restore the animal’s numbers and habitat. Until Mexico makes sound calculations and curtails its environmental hazards, the cute little creatures will continue to be on the verge of extinction.

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STONE HOUSES

THE HARD TRUTH 6WRQH KRXVHV DQG WKHLU EHQHÀWV Words JODY JAFFE

– Stone houses are sustainable and can reduce the consumption of energy.

T

he use of natural stone continues to grow rapidly in North America, as we discover what our ancestors have known for years: Natural surfaces enhance the look of our homes and our wellbeing, and bring an authentic look and feel into our living and working environments. Natural stone is durable and requires little care, if maintained properly.

Stone houses are sustainable. Rocks are about as sustainable as you can get. Look at Stonehenge. Look at the Pyramids.

These structures have lasted for millennia.

Mediterranean style stone houses have been around for centuries and will probably be around for centuries more. Stone houses have a natural beauty and don’t require painting or siding. They are built to last. They are built with local materials. Each stone should be handled by the builder and added to the house as needed. A good stone house is like a puzzle.

7KH VWRQHV ZLOO DOO ÀW WRJHWKHU 6WRQH KRXVHV are comfortable. Using passive solar design, a stone house can store heat within its walls.

It has become very fashionable nowadays to combine the elements around us in order to make the best out of what is available in nature while creating beautiful architecture. Building a stone house is eco-friendly, and reliable.

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C CAESART

Traditional Lebanese houses were built with wide stones, with a width of 30 centimeters or more, which helped to reduce the consumption of energy, keeping the house warm in winter and cool in summer.

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Jbeil

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C ALFRED MOUSSA

C ALFRED MOUSSA

Jran Batroun

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"The stones give the place character. No two stones are the same. They make the house look more attractive.â&#x20AC;?

Terry Doyle

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STONE HOUSES

BUILDING IN MACHUPICCHU CITY AND STONE STREET

C GALYNA ANDRUSHKO

Picchu is located in the Cusco Region of Peru, South America. It is situated on a mountain ridge above the Urubamba Valley in Peru. Most archaeologists believe that Machu Picchu was built as an estate for the Inca emperor Pachacuti (1438 – 1472). Often referred to as the “Lost City of the Incas”

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C NEVENM

C VALERY KRAYNOV

STONE HOUSES

ANCIENT CAVETOWN NEAR GOREME, CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY

C GALYNA ANDRUSHKO

It is a historical region in Central Anatolia. The earliest record of the name of Cappadocia dates from the late 6th century BC, when it appears in the trilingual inscriptions of two early Achaemenid kings.

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STONE HOUSES

TRADITIONAL MOUNTAIN VILLAGE IN EASTERN HARAZ, YEMEN

Jabal Haraz is a picturesque mountain region of Yemen, between Sana’a and al-Hudayda. In the 11th century it was the stronghold of the Sulaihid dynasty, many of whose buildings survive. Haraz is as famous for the beauty of its landscapes as for its fortified villages clinging to nearly inaccessible rocky peaks.

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INTERESTING ROUND SHAPED DWELLING IN PETRA, JORDAN

C KUZNETSOV ALEXEY

C OLEG ZNAMENSKIY

Tucked away in a little canyon that never receives the full warmth of the sun, “Little Petra” provides a more intimate glimpse of Nabataean culture than its larger namesake four miles to the south. Petra is a fascinating ancient city and was selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

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STONE HOUSES

C CHIAKTO

Cork, located on Ireland’s south coast, is the Republic of Ireland’s second largest city and the largest city in the province of Munster.

Its history dates back to the 6th century. For much of the Middle Ages, Cork city was an outpost of Old English culture in the midst of a predominantly hostile Gaelic countryside and cut off from the English government in the Pale around Dublin.

C KELLIE DIANE STEWART

OLD STONE HOUSE, STONE WALL AND WINDING ROAD IN COUNTY CORK, IRELAND

HOUSE MADE OF STONE IN SAVOY, ALPS

The historical land of Savoy emerged as the feudal territory of the house of Savoy ... the French First Republic, before being returned to the Kingdom of Piedmont- Sardinia in 1815. ...

In modern France, Savoy is part of the Rhône-Alpes region.

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ALBEROBELLO’S TRULLI, PUGLIA, ITALY

C MI.TI.

A trullo (plural, trulli) is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Their style of construction is specific to the Itria Valley, in the Murge area of the Italian region of Apulia. Trulli were generally constructed as temporary field shelters and storehouses or as permanent dwellings by small proprietors or agricultural laborers. Their golden age was the 19th century.

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(c) ADAM McINTOSH

HOBBIT HOUSES

GOING UNDERGROUND Words JODY JAFFE

T

he lines from J.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit, “In a hole in a ground lived a hobbit….It was a hobbit hole and that means comfort” have inspired the construction of hundreds of underground hobbit houses around the world. Tolkien, who was an admirer of the epic poem Beowulf, was inspired by ancient Scandinavian culture, in which underground houses played an important part.

In Newfoundland, Canada lies the “L’Anse aux Meadows” hill house, which is a recreation of a Viking structure. New Zealand, where the film version of Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings was filmed, is home to the world’s first hobbit motel. In the Scottish isle of South Ulst, one can find the Hebredian Earth House, a secluded rental cottage. It offers a modern version of the hobbit house design. High Life Treehouses in the U.K. offers various hobbit holes as an alternative to treehouses, for those who lack suitable trees.

C BARTUCHNAYAHOO.PL

In Pembrokeshire, Wales, an ecocommunity built hidden, green-roofed hobbit-like houses, which were unnoticed by the outside world for five years. The houses were finally discovered by a survey plane. Despite the lack of building permits, the community was allowed to remain.

HOBBITON, SHIRE, NEW ZEALAND

One of the things The Lord of the Rings movie fans want to do in New Zealand is visit as many sites from the films as they can.

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C SIMONDALE.NET

HOBBIT HOUSES

SIMONDALE HOBBIT HOUSE IN WALES

Simon Dale constructed the woodland home for his family in Wales, taking only four months to fully complete the project with help from his father-in-law. Built with “maximum regard for the environment” it contains a cosy living room, an open-plan kitchen and a split-level bedroom area.

The home is also adorned with fairy lights and wooden furniture to complete the look.

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C GORDON E. ROBERTSON

VIKING HOME RECREATION, NEWFOUNDLAND

Hobbit-type houses are hardly a modern creation.

Tolkien, who was vocal about how highly he regarded the epic poem Beowulf, got some of his inspiration from ancient Scandinavian culture in which underground homes played a notable role. The L’Anse Aux Meadows hill house in Newfoundland, Canada is a recreation of Viking structures that protected inhabitants from the harsh weather.

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UNIQUE HOUSES

SOME UNIQUE HOUSES AROUND THE WORLD

T

he type and style of houses vary substantially according to geographical region, climate, culture, and tradition.

The following are some examples of unique forms of architecture. One type of house is the earth house, which is characterized by the use of natural terrain to help form the walls of the house. An earth house usually sits partially in the ground, and it is covered with thin growth of grass or vegetation.

Another unique type of house is the “rondavel,” which is a traditional African-style house.

These houses are generally round, and the walls are usually made from stone. The roof braces are made of tree limbs, and the roof is made of thatch.

The “palloza” is found in Galicia in Spain. It is a traditional thatched house. The main structure is made of stone, and the roof is conical, made from rye straw on a wooden frame. “Earth-sheltering” is a form of architecture in which earth is placed against building walls to reduce heat loss and to maintain a steady indoor air temperature.

BANDIAGARA PLATEAU, MALI, ALSO KNOWN AS LAND OF THE DOGONS

The Bandiagara site is an outstanding landscape of cliffs and sandy plateaux with some beautiful architecture. It is one of West Africa’s most impressive sites.

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C WATCHTHEWORLD

Earth-covered farm houses are found, for example, in Iceland. Mud houses are found in Harran, Turkey. No wood was used in the construction of these houses, which have existed for around 3,000 years. After 1980, they were no longer used as dwellings.

HOGAN  THE TRADITIONAL NAVAJO NATION HOUSE

C WATCHTHEWORLD

Red clay earth house, with backdrop of famous table mountains of the Navajo National monument on the background.

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(C) JARNO GONZALEZ ZARRAONANDIA

UNIQUE HOUSES

TITICACA IN PERU

Floating Uros Island on Lake.

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(C) JENNY LEONARD

CIUDAD PERDIDA, COLUMBIA

A typical house in Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) in Colombia.

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UNIQUE HOUSES

TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BLACK

C FABIOFRATI

C MARAFONA

C HUGH MCKEAN

House converted to a holiday cottage and the original stone walls now white-washed.

RUMAH GADANG, WEST SUMATRA, INDONISIA

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STONE HOUSE ON THE TOP OF A HILL, PORTUGAL

C SIXTH LAND

C KAMOMEBIRD

TRADITIONAL HOUSE, SANTANA, MADEIRA

C DAMON HARTDAVIS

C VIAHOUSE

TRADITIONAL HOUSES IN SHIRAKAWAGO IN GIFU PREFECTURE

TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH HOUSES, SCOTLAND

C WIKIMEDIA

C JOHN FORBES

RONDAVEL IN MAFETENG, LESOTHO, AFRICA

PALLOZA GALEGA, O CEBREIRO, SPAIN

ZULU HUT, SOUTH AFRICA

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ALL IN THE MIND

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

GDT Ghanem Development & Trading Co

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CSR ENTERPRISES IN LEBANON

WHO WILL THEY BE NEXT TIME?

?

FIND OUT IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

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CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

PERSIL HELPS TO TURN TEARS INTO LAUGHTER – Henkel, in collaboration with Tammana, seeks to make children’s dreams come true.

Words CHADI M. NASSAR

P

hilip Kaady, marketing manager at Henkel-Lebanon & Syria sal, sat down with Beyond to explain the company’s latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Henkel, a German leader in consumer products, has been involved with CSR initiatives before and so the company thought it best to work with Persil (its leading laundry detergent brand) in Lebanon, according to Kaady. With this in mind, Henkel-Lebanon has started looking for ways of helping people in the society.

counting) children have had their dreams come true already!

Henkel partners with Tamanna. During all the brain-storming sessions, the Henkel team was looking for the best CSR program. This all changed when Kaady went to a Tamanna fund raiser at one of the leading rooftop clubs in Lebanon. There, Kaady watched a very touching documentary about Tamanna’s work and knew that the Persil CSR initiative had a partner. Henkel quickly approved the partnership and Tamanna was very excited to have a worldwide partner like Persil.

Work began in November 2008.

Since Tamanna is a non-profit organization with the sole responsibility of “turning tears into laughter”, it was the perfect partner for Persil. Persil wanted to reach as many children as possible to remind them that they are indeed children in the midst of all the medication and treatment they have to go through, especially since their parents forget that fact and worry very much about their children’s health and all the costs of treatment.

When the initiative started, customers were just told that their contribution was being made to Tamanna through Persil. This all changed in September 2009 with the “Persil 1,000 L.L. is donated to Tamanna” campaigns to stimulate consumer involvement. Although the consumer knows that 1,000 L.L. from every pack is given to Tamanna, Kaady believes that the actual amount raised is not of importance; it is the number of children who are helped that matters. That is true especially since we know that over 800 (and

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Corporate Social Responsibility When asked why Henkel decided to go through with this, Kaady responded that CSR is part of the ethos of his company. It doesn’t view it as a chore, but more like a responsibility on its part since Henkel is “A Brand Like a Friend”.

Henkel has been involved with CSR worldwide, namely with its Pril brand in Egypt and the Henkel name in Germany.

Raising the morale of sick children The Persil CSR initiative has helped Tamanna to worry less about raising funds. Instead, Tamanna can now concentrate on raising sick children’s’ morale. As an example, Kaady mentioned that when this Persil CSR initiative helped a group of sick kids go to Euro Disney with their guardians and doctors, not one kid fell sick through the whole trip! Tamanna’s work does help, and the Henkel team, Persil, and the consumers are all happy to make children’s dreams come true.

GREEN PRINTING

INK:

Is Green the New Black?

Words MADELEINE STOKES

W

elcome to a globalized age in which we are constantly confronted ZLWK D FRQĂ LFW EHWZHHQ RXU consumerism and our conscience.

Paper conservation is mainstream now, but few people think about ink use, even though printer ink is a $20 billion per year industry.

A nascent green ink industry has emerged to challenge the established ink industry.

Conventional ink manufacturing produces toxins The conventional ink manufacturing process uses petroleum distillates, as well as hydrocarbons such as ethyl acetate and isopropanol. These compounds emit volatile organic compounds, including â&#x20AC;&#x153;black carbon,â&#x20AC;? a toxic by-product. The environmentally friendly â&#x20AC;&#x153;greenâ&#x20AC;? inks eliminate the use of these harmful chemicals and non-renewable resources, by replacing them with vegetable oil.

Many companies have adopted up this new green manufacturing. EnNatura, for example, has been able to gain customers for its ClimaPrint Ink, as have DCI Global and Japanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Toppan Printing Co. Richard Nasraoui, owner of Modern Printing Press in Lebanon, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green ink functions in the same way as conventional inks do in its application, but with several advantages: it has no toxic elements, it is odorless, and it produces a more vivid image. Since no resins or solvents are ingredients, it is less harmful to the environment and to the operator.â&#x20AC;?

3URĂ&#x20AC;W GULYHV LQQRYDWLRQ Currently, Nasraoui is adapting to the challenge that is posed by the digital age. The printing

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industry is waning, and manufacturers need to diversify products in order to continue to be SURĂ&#x20AC;WDEOH ,W LV WKH SXUVXLW RI SURĂ&#x20AC;W WKDW JHQHUDWHV these new green solutions. Nasraoui noted: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green inks give us less trouble and headaches.

So, to be really honest, we fell into green printing by chance; it was a collateral advantage.â&#x20AC;?

A need for governmental support Despite his companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success using green methods, Nasraoui is regrettably not optimistic about the green ink industry. Without government backing, Lebanon is way behind some of its neighbors, VXFK DV WKH 8$( DQG 'XEDL ZKLFK EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W IURP government support for training and technology improvement. Lebanon not only has a small market of only three million people, but it also suffers from outdated technology. Nasraoui said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Simply put, it will be very hard to sell it here. Even LI \RX Ă&#x20AC;QG D SULQWHU ZKR LV ZLOOLQJ WR KDYH D JR DW it, it will be very hard for him to convince a client to pay more. Unless environmental measures are imposed by the government, conventional inks will remain the favorite.

It appears that the fate of the entire printing industry is bleak. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Until the day when we no longer need paper or printing, we will continue to root for green initiatives in the industry,â&#x20AC;? Nasraoui said. He added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;As for the prospect of green printing, I am really impressed that Beyond magazine is being printed on recyclable paper. I think that this is a Ă&#x20AC;UVW LQ /HEDQRQ DQG SHUKDSV ZLWK WKHVH W\SHV RI examples, others will follow suit.â&#x20AC;?

EDUCATION

CLICK TO LIKE THIS!

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The social media have a major role to play in protecting the environment.

Words BASSAM KANTAR

F

or most of us, social media have changed our lives in some meaningful way.

Collectively, they are changing the world for good. Change has become a constant.

(YHU\ VR RIWHQ ZH Ă&#x20AC;QG WKH QHHG WR VWRS DQG UHĂ HFW RQ WKHLU PRVW UHFHQW DQG QRWHZRUWK\ developments, hence the following list.

As Twitter, Facebook, and other social networks continue to capture a share of consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time spent online, companies would do well to consider how to tap into the broad reach of these platforms in communicating their progress on sustainability and the environment.

Social media organize events From â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tweetsgiving,â&#x20AC;? the Twitter fundraiser that raised enough money to build a new classroom for a school in Tanzania, to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twestival,â&#x20AC;? which organized RII OLQH HYHQWV DURXQG WKH ZRUOG WR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charity: Water,â&#x20AC;? social media have become the de facto tool for organizing and taking action. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tweet Congressâ&#x20AC;? won the SXSW â&#x20AC;&#x153;Activism Award,â&#x20AC;? and celebrity Tweeps Ashton Kutcher and Kevin Rose Tweeted their two million followers about eliminating malaria.

Inspiring action to preserve the environment Mattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dancing around the world video (http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=zlfKdbWwruY) inspired many to tears. Today, more than 42 million people have viewed his YouTube masterpiece, in which he performs a kooky dance with the citizens of planet Earth. The most recent example of this approach is Playing for Change, which connects the world through song. The project started in Santa Monica with a street performance of the classic â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stand by Me,â&#x20AC;? and expanded to New Orleans, New Mexico, France, Brazil, Italy, Venezuela, South Africa, Spain, and the Netherlands.

The project was superbly executed via social media, complete with a YouTube channel, MySpace, Facebook, and Blog. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s received tremendous PDLQVWUHDP PHGLD H[SRVXUH DQG DOVR EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV D foundation of the same name.

Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovative social media campaign Birding the Net earned 91 million website impressions Last October.

3HOLFDQV Ă \LQJ DFURVV FRPSXWHU VFUHHQV DQG â&#x20AC;&#x153;spokesbirdsâ&#x20AC;? giving clues on Twitter enticed many thousands of people to play Birding the Net, competing for the grand prize of a cruise for two to the Galapagos Islands courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions.

7KH F\EHUVSDFH HYHQW QRW RQO\ GRXEOHG WUDIĂ&#x20AC;F DW www.audubon.org and increased Audubonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online community across email and social media, but connected newcomers to the beauty of birds and introduced the next step: birding in the real world, RIĂ LQH DQG RXWGRRUV Hundreds wrote in on Facebook, Twitter, and blogs to share tips about sustainable hunting with each other, while trying to discourage Lebanese huntersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bad habit of showing their prey.

7KH 5LIW 9DOOH\ 5HG 6HD Ă \ZD\ LV WKH VHFRQG PRVW LPSRUWDQW Ă \ZD\ IRU PLJUDWRU\ VRDULQJ ELUGV (raptors, storks, pelicans, and some ibis) in the world, with 37 different soaring bird species, LQFOXGLQJ Ă&#x20AC;YH JOREDOO\ WKUHDWHQHG VSHFLHV 7KH UNDP-GEF Migratory Soaring Birds aims to mainstream migratory soaring bird considerations LQWR WKH SURGXFWLYH VHFWRUV DORQJ WKH Ă \ZD\ WKDW pose the greatest risk to the safe migration of these birds â&#x20AC;&#x201C; principally hunting, energy, agriculture, and waste management â&#x20AC;&#x201C; while promoting activities in VHFWRUV WKDW FRXOG EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W IURP WKHVH ELUGV VXFK DV ecotourism.

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Diana Boudargham Tannoury 80 ESSENCE

As I lay you to sleep With blossoms in your hair My being can no longer bear But to lower my adoring gaze and weep As I laid you to sleep Upon your face I did weep Dew droplets on a rose The fairest one I chose In your womb I awakened To life and spring time's wonder Through your arms I embraced With love this world and the yonder Out of your eternal slumbers My soul has awakened to light With spring's colorful wonders I will once more robe thee so bright Not in my dreams so wild Could I have foreseen The heavenly scene Created by Mother and Child...

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POEMS

I walk around this land So beautiful and grand I see nature unfold her grace And hold me in her embrace A balance everywhere to behold The cycle of life from young to old Like a web that has no weaver Layers upon layers that go deeper But then man came along His personality bold and strong Believing that he was king Over the earth and everything He claimed animals as his meat Expected everyone to fall to his feet From the soft and feminine way Of nurturing he was led astray He built weapons of iron and steel Made gods of his own gender real Then in their names created laws That would make of women whores Went on killing and endless rampage For centuries reaping only rage And now the Earth laments All the abuse and it relents To the toxic poisons in the air And the misguided use of prayer Creating a wasteland of grief Where future at best looks brief So how do we turn it around?

Make a life that is more sound For men and women the same To make Earth heaven in our name 82

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We have to change all our ways Stop living in an existential haze Quit being users and abusers Become caretakers and sharers Realize that nothing is ours to own Our life is just a pass through zone We cannot possess others or land This we must deeply understand Our relationship to each other Is precious like a new found lover Whose soul you can see through Revealing another aspect of you You know all his loves and pains They are your dreams and daily refrains Seeing yourself in the other -W XLI ½VWX WXIT XS [ERX XS VIGSZIV From the scary and deep alienation That today plagues every nation Transforming violence into peace Making our brotherhood increase Realizing that the God you created Is just yourself now re-instated In the center of your precious heart Where your soul is a never apart Reminding you that you are more And your life is your good chore To make better choices everyday Not let your awareness go astray But recall your sacred place As the creator of earthly Grace

I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest %KEMRWX XLI W[IIX IEVXL¼W ¾S[MRK FVIEWX A tree that looks at God all day, %RH PMJXW LIV PIEJ] EVQW XS TVE] A tree that may in summer wear % RIWX SJ VSFMRW MR LIV LEMV 9TSR [LSWI FSWSQ WRS[ LEW PEMR Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.

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SPRINGTIME

PUT A SPRING IN YOUR STEP! – It is time to celebrate the advent of a new season.

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pring! Flowers are blooming, trees are greener, grass is sprouting, fragrances are flowing, and Mother Nature is renewing her beauty. There is something about the season that brings life back into the atmosphere. The beauty of the Lebanese spring is the perfect timing of it all! Just as Mother Nature is coming back into her own, so are we celebrating our own mothers (Mother’s Day in this part of the world) and showing them that we love them for the sacrifices that they have made/are making/and will be making for us.

The official date for springtime in the Earth’s cycle has been fixed at the 21st of March. Lebanon is lucky enough to have the perfect four seasons. In springtime, its people feel the weather change after Mother’s Day. The breezes get a warm touch to them and the sun shines a little brighter. We start witnessing colors in the bush and the Lebanese mountains shine a bright green because of their foliage. All this happens in a perfect synchronicity that lasts for exactly three months, after which summer comes knocking and another season of exactly another three months begins!

The world is also rejoicing when spring comes along. Snow melts and rejuvenates rivers and related water supplies. Animals wake up from their hibernation periods and become active again. Bees start their daily routines with flowers and their pollen. The Earth comes back to life…

We welcome spring with open arms, just as it welcomes us with its varied colors and its amazing weather!

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THE SMELL OF FLOWERS 6SULQJ WDNHV RYHU =DLWXQD\ %D\ ZLWK WKH VPHOO RI Ă RZHUV

² $ à RZHU PDUNHW EULQJV FRORU IUHVKQHVV DQG blossoms to Beirut

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haven of colors, primarily green, took over the seafront area of Beirut from March 28 through April 8, 2012, with the MarchĂŠ aux Fleurs event that was held at Zaitunay Bay. Organized in partnership with Exotica, Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned Ă RZHU VSHFLDOLVW WKH 0DUFKp DX[ )OHXUV RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDOO\ announced the arrival of spring, bringing green to WKH FLW\ DORQJ ZLWK SOHQW\ RI Ă RZHUV DQG Ă RZHU related activities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a city where green has all but disappeared, this MarchĂŠ aux Fleurs in the heart of the city is a refreshing way to bring in the lovely warmth of the season that Beirut is famous for,â&#x20AC;? explained Amal Khoury, Communication Manager at BWD. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through greens and every color of the rainbow, we are bringing the city back to life in the most natural of ways, during the season of rebirth.â&#x20AC;?

The MarchĂŠ aux Fleurs took place on the street level area of Beirutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new favorite destination, Zaitunay Bay, overlooking the sea, with the bustling 96

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city in the backdrop. The signature breeze from the 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ 6HD FDUULHG WKH VPHOOV RI WKH Ă RZHUV all throughout the city.

7KH Ă RZHU PDUNHW FRQVLVWHG RI WZR DUHDV ,Q WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW DUHD YLVLWRUV IRXQG DQ DEXQGDQW VHOHFWLRQ RI Ă RZHUV DQG SODQWV RI HYHU\ NLQG IURP ([RWLFD This made the area an ideal place to take a stroll, and also provided visitors a chance to pick up VRPH ORYHO\ Ă RZHUV WR GHFRUDWH WKHLU KRPHV DQG balconies for the season. The second area consisted of an activities area, where people were invited to participate in a range of spring-like activities, including making arrangements, candle and hat GHFRUDWLRQV DQG MHZHOU\ GHVLJQ DOO ZLWK Ă RZHUV of course). A special childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s section was set up, which taught the younger visitors the green necessities through planting workshops.

The MarchĂŠ aux Fleurs is the latest outdoor activity from Zaitunay Bay. This event follows in the success of the recent MarchĂŠ de NoĂŤl, which took place in December of 2011. Many events of this nature are expected to follow in the future, because at Zaitunay Bay, there is always something to discover.

HIKING IN LEBANON

HIT THE TRAIL Lebanon's hottest spring hiking destinations Words CHERINE YAZBECK

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hiking is a popular way to spend spring break, as it enables hikers to commune with nature. Lebanon offers a variety of destinations for hiking. Some trails are well-know spots, while others remain off the beaten track.

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safe and stunning spring trail is the famous Chouf Biosphere Reserve route that starts near the entrance gate to the Masseer al Chouf Reserve. The central section of this trail, at almost 1,700 meters, leads to the Barouk Cedars Nature Reserve. A local guide can be hired at the entrance gate.

For advanced hikers, Mount Hermon is a mountain cluster, with its highest peak at 2,814 meters. This 13-kilometer long climb lasts more than seven hours, and it takes us on a steep and rocky path. Often professional trail organizers provide mules to carry the equipment. A lesser-known trail is the Qamoua Plain, where a pyramid was erected by a Syrian prince in the second century. Leading towards the troglodyte monastery of Mar Maroun, a natural picnic area by the Orontes River is an ideal spot to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

7KH IDPHG \HW UHPRWH 4DGLVKD 9DOOH\ LV Ă DQNHG by waterfalls, grottos, monasteries, and chapels. ,W LV UHJLVWHUHG DV DQ RIĂ&#x20AC;FLDO 81(6&2 :RUOG Heritage Site. In the Middle Ages, the holy valley hosted Christian monks and hermits who were seeking refuge from religious persecution.

The valley is a major hiking and pilgrimage circuit that offers to most experienced hikers a seven-hour trail adventure.

Farther south, the village of Ain Ebel is nestled in the southern hills of Mount Lebanon. Spring trips encompass the old Romanian-Canaanian Ain al Tahta, near Doueir Mountain, with visits to the ruins of an old temple of Apollo and Diana. The trail includes a visit to the pine forest near the municipality, where traditional food is usually offered to hikers.

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GOURMETS: DOLOMITES, ITALY

Dramatic view with clouds of Cimon della Pala, also known as The Matterhorn of the Dolomites.

The peaks' average height is around 3,000 meters, and the tallest, Punta Penia, is just 3,343, but deep valleys mean you'll work up an appetite to justify extra helpings of homemade pasta and gelato at the guesthouses along the way (there's no need to rough it here).

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MOUNTAINS TO HIKE

PEAK CONDITION Words EC

H

ave you ever reached the top of a mountain and felt the adrenaline rush? Mountain climbing has always been a special kind of achievement in sports, and it has always been a way in which to observe the beauty of the world from above.

After all the efforts made to reach the summit, the fresh air, WKH FRRO EUHH]H DQG Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ WKH YLHZ IURP WKHUH FUHDWH DQ incomparable feeling. Mountain climbing has always been GHĂ&#x20AC;QHG DV RQH RI WKH EHVW QDWXUDO KLJK WKDW RQH FDQ H[SHULHQFH We can experience mountain climbing at our own rhythm and enjoy natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best while breathing pure oxygen.

Mountains are knows for storing strong Earth energies, thus giving us humans a feeling of connection with Mother Nature like never before. +HDOHUV LQ DQFLHQW WLPHV XVHG WR FOLPE PRXQWDLQV WR Ă&#x20AC;QG UDUH Ă RZHUV DQG KHUEV WKDW FRXOG FXUH PDQ\ GLVHDVHV Let us take you to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best peaks to give you a taste of their beauty. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to bring your climbing gear, hiking shoes, warm clothes, and a professional guide with you to enjoy this beautiful sport to the fullest.

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MOUNTAINS TO HIKE

ZUGSPITZE: GERMANY Unforgettable experiences up high on the roof of Germany. It is the highest mountain in Germany. The Zugspitze was first conquered on 27 August 1820 by Josef Naus.

Ambitious sports lovers, sun worshippers, romanticists or nature lovers – at the top of Zugspitze at an altitude of just under 3,000 meters. Let yourself be overwhelmed by the matchless 360° panorama across a total of 400 peaks in 4 different countries.

A total mountain experience – adventure, a breathtaking view and alpine atmosphere.

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COUCH POTATOES: BROMO, INDONESIA

At 2,782 meters, the slightly taller Panajakan, which offers the best view in the Bromo area, may not have the stature of other peaks on this list, but when you can hire a four-wheel drive to take you within five meters of the summit for a sunrise view of the steaming Bromo National Park volcanoes and surrounding Sea of Sands, all while enjoying tea and barbecued corn on the cob at a peaktop warung, whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to quibble about a few thousand metersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; difference?

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MOUNT ROBSON: CANADA

Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, towers over the lesser surrounding peaks; winter or summer, this is one of the finest views in the Rocky Mountains. Just as the early trappers, hunters and explorers felt in awe at the mountain's magnificence, travellers today experience the same feelings.One is able, on some trails, to travel between three different vegetation zones during a day hike. Over 182 species of birds have been documented in the park. All wildlife indigenous in the Rocky Mountain can be found here. First attempted in 1907, it was not until 1913 that humans finally stood on the summit of Mount Robson.

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THE THREE SISTERS FROM ECHO POINT BLUE MOUNTAINS: NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIA

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The Three Sisters are three spires carved from millions of years of erosion of sandstone cliffs. They jut dramatically into the sky, looking like three queens admiring their realm. The Blue Mountains are a popular destination for Rock Climbers, Mountain Bikers and Hikers. Mountain biking takes place mainly on the many firetrails that branch away from the main spine of the Great Western Highway. Likewise many of the firetrails are popular with day hikers, though many dedicated walking trails exist away from the fire roads.

Experience fresh mountain air as you rise above Sydney and enter the spectacular Blue Mountains region.

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LIVING ROOT BRIDGES

GOING BACK TO THEIR ROOTS Villagers in northeastern India have created a system of bridges that are made from trees.

Words JODY JAFFE

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LIVING ROOT BRIDGES

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n the forests of Meghalaya, a state in northeastern India, the native Khasi people have invented a unique method of crossing the rivers that are found in their rainy region.

Bridgette Meinhold, who writes for the weblog Inhabitat, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;They grow their own living bridges!â&#x20AC;?

The villagers use the roots of the Ficus elastic UXEEHU Ă&#x20AC;J WUHH WR ZHDYH DQ HODERUDWH QHWZRUN RI living bridges. Some of the bridges are over 100 feet long and can support the weight of 50 people, and some of them are more than 500 years old. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These extraordinary examples of living architecture are also lessons in patience, since they take about 15 years to grow,â&#x20AC;? Meinhold says.

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Harnessing the power of the roots 7KH UXEEHU Ă&#x20AC;J WUHH KDV D VHFRQGDU\ URRW V\VWHP WKDW JURZV DERYH WKH JURXQG Ă RRU 7KH :DU .KDVLV D local tribe, manipulate and direct the secondary roots in order to create living bridges. In order to guide the JURZWK RI WKH UXEEHU Ă&#x20AC;J WUHH WKH\ XVH WKH WUXQN RI D betel nut tree that is sliced down the middle and KROORZHG RXW 7KH URRWV RI WKH UXEEHU Ă&#x20AC;J WUHH DUH placed in such a manner so that they grow in the direction of the trunk of the betel nut tree. Eventually, WKH URRWV RI WKH UXEEHU Ă&#x20AC;J WUHH UHDFK WKH RWKHU VLGH RI the river and grow into the soil. The resulting bridge tends to become stronger with time.

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GREEN ARCHITECTURE

A DAM FINE IDEA

Itaipu Dam (C) IHA CENTRAL OFFICE

Words ALICE HLIDKOVA

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Q -XQH D JURXS RI LQGXVWULDOLVWV IURP Ă&#x20AC;IW\ countries visited the mammoth waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border between the Brazilian state of ParanĂĄ and the Argentine province of Misiones. At Foz do Iguaçu, home to the extensive waterfall cluster, the industrialists piled into a conference hall where WKH\ GHOLYHUHG DIĂ&#x20AC;UPDWLYH VSHHFKHV RQ VXVWDLQDEOH hydraulic systems.

Brazil boosts its hydropower sector The Brazilians flooded their largest waterfall, GuaĂ­ra Falls, to build their largest hydroelectric dam. In partnership with Paraguay, they constructed the sixty-five story tall Ipaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant. The installed power is 12,600 megawatts (MW), with 18 generating units of 700 MW each. The plant set a production record in 2000 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 93.4 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which provided 95 percent of the electric power that is consumed in Paraguay and a quarter of the total demand in the Brazilian market. Brazilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong hydropower sector has won the emerging economy new contracts with its closest trading partner, China.

The International Hydropower Association (IHA) hosts a World Conference every two years in regions that are endowed with the downward forces of moving water: from Antalya, Turkey to Reykjavik, Iceland. Iguaçu Falls, nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of Nature, is sandwiched EHWZHHQ WKH 8SSHU DQG /RZHU ,JXD]X ,W KDV D à RZ The development of mega-dams capacity that is equal to three times that of Niagara Hydropower predates the early twentieth century Falls, which borders Canada and the United States. with the use of mechanical devices, water, saw, 114

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and textile mills. Since then, the term is used in conjunction with the modern development of hydro-electric power from mega-dams. Energy experts estimate that hydroelectricity accounts for one-fifth of global renewable sources and 3.4 percent of total energy. Three Gorges Dam in China has recently overtaken Itaipu in terms of capacity. Both China and Russia operate the world’s largest electro-power plants, followed by the United States and Brazil.

South Africa has become the most recent advocate of mega-hydro, with its plans to build Grand Inga 'DP LQ WKH &RQJR 5LYHU ,WV ÀIW\ WZR JHQHUDWRU units and 39,000 MW of installed capacity will outperform Three Gorges. Similar to other dams, it will produce electricity at a constant rate and boost aquatic tourism, while reducing the continent’s greenhouse gases. The $8 billion investment will also introduce new irrigation methods, which will be useful in droughts.

Threats to the environment Building dams poses threats to the environment.

Flooding of large areas of land causes geological damages, i.e., Hoover Dam in the U.S. triggered earthquakes and depressed the earth’s surface at its location. Old dams give under the weight of water in the lake. Ecosystems are destroyed and its species become extinct. Residents are forced to leave their farms and businesses.

The continued growth in hydropower deployment has demanded the attention of international policy-makers. As water scarcity becomes the scramble for oil of the 21st century and more populations are faced with recurrent power outages, fresh water reservoirs will reign over the water-energy nexus. Decision-makers at Iguazu deemed hydropower safe and reliable, hoping that 1.4 billion people will soon be able to switch on their lights.

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NATIONAL PARKS

FREEMASONRY VS ENVIRONMENT A natural relationship.

Why would the Freemasonâ&#x20AC;şs get involved in environmental education efforts?

One of the fundamental lessons of Masonry is that each person has a responsibility to make things better in the world. Historically some of the more visible manifestations of this lesson have taken the form of charitable projects such as the the Crippled Childrenâ&#x20AC;şs Hospitals and Burn Institutes built and supported by the Shriners and the nationwide network of over 100 Childhood Language Disorders Centers, Programs and Clinics built and supported by the Scottish Rite Masons. However, often many of our efforts go unseen, whether that means helping a widow buy her groceries or providing clothes and shoes for disadvantaged children. We are already involved in a variety of community-based education and management efforts; to me it seems a very short and logical step for us to begin focusing our efforts on the environment as well.

What role do you think the Freemasons play in building economically viable, socially desirable, and environmentally healthy communities?

The Masons, and groups like us, typically are deeply embedded physically, spiritually and emotionally within our communities, and are often in positions to provide the leadership and facilitation necessary to achieve change. And there is clearly a symbiotic link between lodges and the communities they are located in; by putting into practice the fundamental tenets of Freemasonry, local lodge members give back to their community, and the community then becomes a more hospitable place for the lodge and fertile ground from which to draw new membership.

What would you say is the reason for inaction when it comes to environmental stewardship?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to speak for others, but for myself I know that it often comes down to (though in some ways this is really just an excuse) a lack of a perceived easy or accessible â&#x20AC;&#x153;way inâ&#x20AC;? to 116

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involvement and action. We all have so much going on in our lives these days and so much demanding our attention that unless something is quick and easy to start and takes little effort to continue, weâ&#x20AC;şre likely not going to keep with it. This gets much harder for me to use as an excuse when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m involved in something for my lodge or the Scottish Rite, as Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve now not only got my existing commitment to the fraternity and my brothers keeping me on track, but also the shared momentum and ease of access that come through participating in an organized group activity. Without the added motivation and assistance groups like the Masons provide their members, I think it gets very difficult for individuals to find the time and persistence to maintain environmental focus and stewardship.

In your opinion, whatâ&#x20AC;şs the most important thing a group like the Freemasons can do to foster a broader appreciation towards and action to protect the environment? , WKLQN LW FRPHV GRZQ WR Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ ZD\V WR PDNH participation easy and non-threatening. The great thing about the Masons is that we are a safe and fostering environment for individuals who may not have much experience working in or leading groups, and we provide gradual opportunities to get involved. By bringing our many years of experience in organizing in ways that make it easier to get things done to bear on the work of protecting and repairing the environment, the Masons and groups like us are in an excellent position to â&#x20AC;&#x153;help good men make the environment better.â&#x20AC;? &KULV :LVQLHZVNL PHPEHU DQG RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU RI %HXNHQGDDO Lodge Number 915, Free and Accepted Masons (Scotia, 1< LQ WKH 5HQVVHDOHU 6FKHQHFWDG\ 0DVRQLF 'LVWULFW Grand Lodge of the State of New York; member and RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU RI WKH 9DOOH\ RI 6FKHQHFWDG\ $QFLHQW $FFHSWHG Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction; member RI $XGXERQ ,QWHUQDWLRQDO $GYLVRU\ &RXQFLO

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A CHANGE OF SCENE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Climate change, overcrowding, and a deteriorating environment are posing challenges to national parks in the United States.

Words ALINE SARA

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URP FOLPDWH FKDQJH WR RYHUSRSXODWLRQ IURP LQĂ DWHG maintenance costs to a deteriorating natural habitat, national parks in the U.S., despite their worldwide fame and VHHPLQJO\ LPPDFXODWH DSSHDUDQFH DUH IDFLQJ VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQW challenges. Repercussions from mankindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s meddling with the environment mean that nature, including national parks, is struggling to survive. At the same time, easier access to information and travel means people are still keen on visiting them.

Global warming is a major threat Global warming means temperatures are rising, droughts are longer, DQG QDWXUDO Ă&#x20AC;UHV DUH PRUH OLNHO\ WR HUXSW DQG EXUQ DZD\ PLOHV RI ZRRGODQG 5LYHUV DUH Ă RZLQJ ORZ ZKLOH FHUWDLQ SODQWV DQG DQLPDO species are scrambling to adapt, some to no avail. As winters become milder, glaciers in places such as Montanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Glacier National Park are melting away, while aquatic species that rely on water, such

PANORAMIC SKYLINE VIEW OF MIAMI AND BISCAYNE BAY FROM KEY BISCAYNE

Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and ďŹ sh-bejeweled coral reefs. Here too is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents.

Outdoors enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlifeâ&#x20AC;Śor simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.

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NATIONAL PARKS

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK, MONTANA, USA

The park encompasses over 4,000 km2, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants and hundreds of species of animals, The mountains of Glacier National Park began forming 170 million years ago. Two hundred waterfalls are scattered throughout the park.

Glacier is considered to have excellent air and water quality. A total of over 1,132 plant species have been identified parkwide. Fishing is a popular activity in the park and some of the finest fly fishing in North America can be found in the streams that flow through the park.

as those in Florida›s Biscayne National Park, are left with scarce resources for freshwater. From the loss of certain animal species to changes in the landscape, parks are increasingly more vulnerable to climate change’s merciless consequences. Though according to data, visibility and ozone concentrations in U.S. parks have recently stabilized, or possibly improved, air quality has unequivocally suffered a major blow from the excessive use of cars, power plants, and industrial pollution over the past decades.

Too many visitors spoil the view Overcrowding in internationally known destinations such as Yosemite National Park often leave visitors disenchanted, as too many tourists, while seeking alternate ways of viewing the location, such as mountain biking or motor boating, bump heads with those who favor a more traditional way of exploring the site.

Indeed, according to David Barna, the National Park Service’s chief of public affairs, “One of the greatest challenges that we face is making the National Park Service relevant to all Americans.” In Barna’s view, the new generation of Americans is lagging in cultural literacy, and this jeopardizes a structure according to which twoWKLUGV RI WKH QDWLRQ·V SDUNV DUH FODVVLÀHG DFFRUGLQJ WR KLVWRULF RU FXOWXUDO VLJQLÀFDQFH $ PDMRU LVVXH KDV EHHQ WKH IUHTXHQWO\ FRQÁLFWLQJ ZD\V RI EHQHÀWLQJ IURP WKH FRXQWU\·V QDWXUDO EHDXWLHV

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LONG ROAD THROUGH AUSTRALIAN FOREST, KANGAROO ISLAND, TO FLINDERS: CHASE NATIONAL PARK

Flinders Chase National Park is one of Australia›s largest, covering 74,000ha and is considered to be one of South Australia's most significant due to its natural state, wildlife, and lack of introduced preditors. Vivonne Bay Vivonne Bay can only be described as stunningly beautiful. Experienced surfers enjoy the tremendous turquoise waters. Fishing from the jetty, beach, boats, or the Harriet River mouth is excellent.

There is a picnic area with BBQ, camping and toilet facilities.

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ANTELOPE IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA

The park is the largest and oldest South African game reserve. About 100 species of native wild animals roam the park.

The Kruger National Park is home to many diďŹ&#x20AC;erent species of animals, from Eland to small antelope such as Duiker and Steenbok. Impala are the most common antelope in the park with Kudu being the second most common. If you are lucky, you may see rare antelope such as Sable and Eland which are revered in many African cultures.

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COLORED MOUNTAISIDE, DENALI NATIONAL PARK

Denali National Park near the Savage River on the Alpine Trail. Depending on where you were in elevation you were either at peak or just past peak. Down in the valley a full range of color to look at. Pretty amazing landscape year-round!

At a height of 20,320 feet, Mount McKinley stands out over the surrounding mountain peaks of the 600 mile long Alaskan Range. Large mammals - wolves, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and grizzly bears - roam freely within the park and share this wild land with a host of smaller mammals including ground squirrels, hoary marmots, pikas and snowshoe hares.

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BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL IN THAILAND'S ERAWAN WATERFALLS NATIONAL PARK, KANCHANABURI REGION

The Erawan Waterfall was really an impressive series of seven waterfalls each with a shape and character all its own. All the waterfalls typically fell over limestone cliffs resulting in colorful plunge pools as well as interesting rounded formations reminiscent of something that appeared to belong in a cave. However, we also saw some unsigned waterfalls that seemed legitimate but didn›t appear to count towards the seven.

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NATIONAL PARKS

HOH RAIN FOREST IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK, WASHINGTON, USA

(C) PHOTOFRIENDS

Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest, contributing to the yearly total of 140 to 170 inches (or 12 to 14 feet!) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species.

The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. The Hoh Rain Forest has a campground that is open year round

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ŠUMAVA NATIONAL PARK AND RESERVE

(C) VACLAV VOLRAB

Šumava was proclaimed protected landscape area in 196In 1991 the national park was established here. Since 1990 Šumava has been included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reservations list. The Šumava Mountains belong to the largest areas covered by forests in central Europe. The longest Czech river, which is the Vltava River, springs even here. The fauna living at Šumava has developed since the post-ice age, and it is mainly of a forest character.

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NATIONAL PARKS

THE GRAND PRISMATIC SPRING, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

(C) EASTVILLAGE IMAGES

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's ďŹ rst national park. Located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. But what really bring people to this massive park are the geysers and hot springs.It boasts its own "Grand Canyon" which features the Upper and Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

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ESSENCE

FISHES SWIMMING IN A LAKE, NATIONAL PARK PLITVICE, CROATIA

(C) MAX TOPCHII

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and the largest national park in Croatia. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage register among the ďŹ rst natural sites worldwide. The park harbours a grand collection of waterfalls, gallery of lakes, forest and diversity of animal life.The lakes are renowned for their distinctive colors, ranging from azure to green, grey or blue. Hiking is a common activity with organized programs for park visitors, other possible activities include: electric boat and train ride, cycling, skiing and rowing.

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NEW GREEN BEGINNINGS

OCEANS

A SWELL THING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Oceans cover 70 percent of the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surface. It is therefore no surprise that ocean waves have an important impact on the environment.

Words SARA KHOURI

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The lowest waves occur around the Equator, where WKH ZLQGÂżV IHWFK LV OLPLWHG E\ LVODQGV ,Q WKHVH SODFHV WKH RFHDQ ZDWHU ZDUPV XS 7KLV JHQHUDWHV WURSLFDO F\FORQHV W\SKRRQV RU KXUULFDQHV $QFLHQW QDYLJDWRUV such as Polynesians, Phoenicians, and Vikings used their understanding of ocean waves to navigate across vast seas and through labyrinths of islands.

The mighty tsunami $ WVXQDPL LV D ZDYH WKDW GRHV QRW GHSHQG RQ ZLQG IRU LWV SRZHU ,W LV D VHULHV RI ZDYHV FDXVHG E\ DQ XQGHUZDWHU HDUWKTXDNH ODQGVOLGH RU YROFDQLF HUXSWLRQ 7KHVH ZDYHV can attain a length of 100 kilometers and can be as far DV RQH KRXU DSDUW 7KH\ DUH DEOH WR FURVV HQWLUH RFHDQV unnoticed, without great loss of energy, in a day or less.

Once a tsunami reaches shallow water near the coast, it VORZV GRZQ 7KH WRS RI WKH ZDYH PRYHV IDVWHU WKDQ WKH ERWWRP FDXVLQJ WKH VHD WR ULVH GUDPDWLFDOO\ $ WVXQDPL FDQ WUDYHO DV IDVW DV D MHW DW P S K LQ WKH RSHQ RFHDQ 134

HORIZONS

(C) JARVIS GRAY

aves transfer oxygen from the winds to the ocean. Without them, ocean life could not H[LVW 0DQ\ Ă&#x20AC;VK VSDZQ RQO\ during storms, when large waves can mix their gametes, or sex cells, effectively. The ELJJHVW ZDYHV RQ WKH SODQHW DUH IRXQG ZKHUH VWURQJ ZLQGV consistently blow in a constant direction. South of the Indian Ocean, waves average seven meters in height, and there are occasionally waves that are twice that height.

Rogue waves The rogue wave is the most mysterious wave of all. It LV QRW D WVXQDPL ,W LV D ODUJH DQG VSRQWDQHRXV VXUIDFH ocean wave that occurs far out in the ocean. It can reach D KHLJKW RI XS WR PHWHUV RU DSSUR[LPDWHO\ WKH KHLJKW RI D VWRU\ EXLOGLQJ ,W FDQ DSSHDU ZLWKRXW ZDUQLQJ LQ PLG RFHDQ DQG RIWHQ LQ SHUIHFWO\ FOHDU ZHDWKHU ,W LV VWLOO unclear what mechanisms cause these waves to form.

Looking toward the shore from a giant wave, Hawaii

Swell fun Waves are synonymous with destruction, but also ZLWK IXQ $ VZHOO LV D VHULHV RI VXUIDFH JUDYLW\ ZDYHV that is not generated by the local wind. Swells are ZKDW KXPDQV DV ZHOO DV DQLPDOV VXFK DV GROSKLQV DQG seals have surfed for millennia. They are the end UHVXOW RI ZLQG ZDYHV WKDW GLVVLSDWH DV WKH\ WUDYHO across the ocean before reaching land.

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136

HORIZONS

(C) JARVIS GRAY

A monster wave along Kauai's west coast, Hawaii

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Big wave crashing towards the shore, gold coast in Australia

138

HORIZONS

Rachel Carson

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EXTREME SPORTS

The lure of the deep â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Scuba diving aficionados can dive into history off the Lebanese coast.

Words ALINE SARA Photos WALID NOSHIE

L

ebanon ranks low among scuba divingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s WRS GHVWLQDWLRQV &RPSDUHG WR (J\SW¡V FRUDO Ă&#x20AC;OOHG 5HG 6HD ,QGRQHVLD¡V extensive underwater volcanoes, or 0DOD\VLD¡V GHHS VHD WUHQFKHV RSWLRQV IRU GLYLQJ DĂ&#x20AC;FLRQDGRV VHHP UDWKHU meager along Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 210 kilometer FRDVW <HW GHVSLWH ZKDW VHHPV WR EH OLPLWHG RSWLRQV IRU ORYHUV RI WKH GHHS D SOHDVDQW 0HGLWHUUDQHDQ climate, overall easy access to the sea, and rather DIIRUGDEOH FRVWV PHDQ WKDW VFXED IDQV FDQ Ă&#x20AC;QG WKHLU FXS RI WHD LQ WKH /DQG RI WKH &HGDUV HVSHFLDOO\ ZKHQ it comes to delving â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quite literally â&#x20AC;&#x201C; into history.

A treasure trove of shipwrecks )URP UHFHQW (WKLRSLDQ SODQH FUDVK DLUSODQH GHEULV WR VKLSZUHFNV GDWLQJ EDFN WR WKH WK FHQWXU\ ´/HEDQRQ LV HVSHFLDOO\ LQWHUHVWLQJ IRU HQWKXVLDVWV of diving over wrecks,â&#x20AC;? said Walid Noshie, head RI /HEDQRQ¡V \HDU ROG 1DWLRQDO ,QVWLWXWH IRU 6FXED 'LYLQJ ´&XULRXVO\ WRXULVWV IUHTXHQWO\ discover diving here by accident, while traveling for other reasons, such as for the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, culture, or even nightlife,â&#x20AC;? Noshie told Beyond.

Twelve kilometers off the cost of Beirut, nestled DW DQ DYHUDJH RI PHWHUV EHORZ VHD OHYHO OLHV WKH Souffleur, a French Vichy submarine, which some consider one of World War IIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most intriguing VKLSZUHFNV 7KH VKLS VHQGV YLVLWRUV EDFN LQ WLPH WR the early days of World War II, when on June 25, (QJODQG¡V 3DUWKLDQ WRUSHGRHG WKH 6RXIIOHXU before hitting a mine and sinking 50 days later.

140

HORIZONS

(C) WALID NOSHIE

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EXTREME SPORTS

$ OLWWOH IXUWKHU QRUWK RII WKH FRVW RI 7ULSROL lies another trace of French Vichy defeat, while not far away, divers can travel back in time to DQ HYHQ ROGHU HSRFK ZLWK WKH HMS Victoria.

7KH OHDG VKLS LQ KHU FODVV RI WZR %ULWLVK 5R\DO 1DY\ EDWWOHVKLSV VDQN DV D UHVXOW RI KXPDQ error when she accidentally collided with the Camperdown D VKLS IURP WKH VDPH IOHHW LQ -XQH RI Dirty water spoils the view /\QQ $ERXVOHLPDQ D FHUWLILHG GLYHU ZKR JUHZ XS LQ %HLUXW WROG Beyond, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When it comes to KLVWRULFDO VLWHV /HEDQRQ KDV D JUHDW SRWHQWLDO â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sadly, however, it is not always the cleanest ZDWHU ZKLFK KDPSHUV WKH YLVLELOLW\ÂŤ DQG WKH PDULQH OLIH LVQ¡W WRR LPSUHVVLYH HLWKHU Âľ DGGHG WKH \HDU ROG Indeed, when it comes to the waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cleanliness, Lebanon could be better off than it currently is. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Mediterranean is in danger, and one of the PDLQ SUREOHPV LV WKDW WKH FRXQWU\¡V VHZDJH JRHV directly into the water,â&#x20AC;? Noshie told , though he insisted that the situation was not as alarming as one might think.

142

HORIZONS

Unfortunately, the Lebanese government is not GRLQJ D VLQJOH WKLQJ WR KHOS KH DGGHG EXW LQ WKH end, the conditions are manageable, and Lebanese waters remain diveable.

Scuba diving is available year round in Lebanon, GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH VWDWH RI WKH VHD 3HDN VHDVRQ runs throughout the summer.

(C) WALID NOSHIE UNDER WATER PLANTS

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(C) WALID NOSHIE

ECOTOURISM

Telling tales â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Below the Egyptian sands lies evidence of the whaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s evolution from land animal to sea creature.

Words ALINE SARA Photos KARIM HABET

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HQHDWK WKH VDQGV RI (J\SW¡V $O Fayyum Governorate, a three KRXU¡V GULYH IURP &DLUR¡V bustling streets, lies the evidence of one of historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most fascinating signs of evolution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; how the once terrestrial archaeoceti, a suborder of whales, HYROYHG IURP D ODQG PDPPDO WR HPSHURU of the sea.

Wadi al-Hitan, literally the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Valley of WKH :KDOHVÂľ LQ $UDELF ERDVWV WKH ZRUOG¡V highest concentration and abundance of ancient whale fossils. From bones to entire skeletons, it is through their study WKDW RQFH XQVXUH SDOHRQWRORJLVWV KDYH FRQILUPHG WKH DQLPDO NLQJGRP¡V SRVVLEO\ PRVW LQWULJXLQJ SKHQRPHQRQ KRZ WKH worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest, now aquatic mammal, ZDV RQFH D WHUUHVWULDO VSHFLHV The Tethys Ocean was home to the first whales Years of research have shed light on a number of other creatures, as well as the geological and environmental conditions LQ ZKLFK WKH\ HYROYHG 6RPH PLOOLRQ years ago, Wadi al-Hitan was none other WKDQ WKH SUHKLVWRULF 7HWK\V 2FHDQ ZKLOH DUFKDHRFHWL SDUW RI WKH JURXS RI FHWDFHDQV ZKDOHV GROSKLQV DQG SRUSRLVHV GLG QRW KDYH ILQV EXW IHHW ,W ZDV RQO\ LQ WKH V WKDW IDQV RI H[FDYDWLQJ WKH SDVW EHJDQ WR PDNH WKHLU way to the harbor of â&#x20AC;&#x153;ecotourism,â&#x20AC;? as 689V UHQGHUHG WKH MRXUQH\ LQWR XQSDYHG ODQG VLJQLILFDQWO\ HDVLHU $PRQJ WKH ILUVW VXFK DGYHQWXUHUV ZDV 3KLOLS *LQJHULFK D YHUWHEUDWH SDOHRQWRORJLVW from the University of Michigan who had significantly researched the matter in other key regions of the world, such as India and Pakistan. He and his team were

146

HORIZONS

WKH ILUVW WR DVVHUW WKH ORQJ KHOG VSHFXODWLRQ about the whalesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; evolutionary U-turn LQ XSRQ GLVFRYHULQJ WKH ILUVW HYHU whale knee in Wadi al- Hitan. The two PRVW FRPPRQ W\SHV RI DUFKDHRFHWL DUH the Dorudon, usually between three to five meters long, and the Basilosaurus, the longest of which to be found had a striking 21-meter long skeleton.

7KH WKUHH PDLQ URFN XQLWV WKDW FRPSULVH :DGL DO +LWDQ¡V JHRORJ\ DUH SDUWLFXODUO\ indicative of oceanic changes in the region. The Gehannam, Birket Qarun, and Birket Qarun formations reflect sea level changes and traces of a lagoonal environment, essential elements in determining that the site was once an ocean.

A World Heritage Site %\ WKH ZHDOWK RI SDOHRQWRORJLFDO and geological information warranted :DGL DO +LWDQ D SODFH RQ 81(6&2¡V OLVW of World Heritage sites. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To reach the area, you have a 25-kilometer drive into the desert, ZLWK QRQ SDYHG URDGV ZKLFK FDQ EH very challenging because of the wind and rocky road conditions,â&#x20AC;? said Karim +DEHW ZKRVH SDVVLRQ IRU DUFKHRORJ\ SKRWRJUDSK\ DQG KLVWRU\ EURXJKW KLP WR Wadi al- Hitan a little less than a year ago. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once there, I felt as if I were in D YDOOH\ SHSSHUHG ZLWK VDQG GXQHV ,W turns out that they were islands within WKH 7HWK\V 2FHDQ ZKLFK GLVDSSHDUHG millions of years ago.â&#x20AC;?

Part of Wadi al-Hitan has been made LQWR D SXEOLF SDUN ,W DLPV WR RSHUDWH according to standards of sustainable WRXULVP $Q HVWLPDWHG WRXULVWV mostly foreigners, visit it each year.

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ECOTOURISM

Wish you were here

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Scarlet on Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cornish coast is a sexy, environmentally friendly hotel Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

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KH 8.·V Ã&#x20AC;UVW QHZ EXLOG KRWHO GHVLJQHG IURP the start to be environmentally friendly could not have a more dramatic location, situated on WKH ZLOG QRUWKHUQ FRDVW RI &RUQZDOO RU PRUH unique beginnings. Three sisters, the Strattons, GHFLGHG WR FUHDWH D VPDOOHU OX[XU\ VSD KRWHO EHORZ WKHLU KLOOWRS %HGUXWKDQ 6WHSV KRWHO FORVHU WR WKH ZLGH VDQG\ 0DZJDQ 3RUWK EHDFK SDUW HQFORVHG E\ D EXUQLVKHG EODFN FOLII WKDW UHDFKHV RXW ZHVW LQWR WKH $WODQWLF 7KH URRP PXOWL OHYHO 6FDUOHW QRZ D PHPEHU RI 'HVLJQ +RWHOV LV EHDXWLIXOO\ GHVLJQHG ZLWK PRGHUQ VLPSOH aesthetics. The architecture, which mixes sinuous FXUYHV DQG VKDUS OLQHV Ã&#x20AC;WV VHDPOHVVO\ LQWR WKH ZLOG DQG VSDUVH ORFDO ODQGVFDSH ZLWK LWV URRIV FRYHUHG LQ URFNV

150

HORIZONS

DQG VDOYDJHG JUR\QHV JUHHQ R[LGLVHG FRSSHU ZDOOV DQG LQÃ&#x20AC;QLW\ SRROV WKDW VWUHWFK RXW WR WKH VHD Designed for sustainability 7KH 6WUDWWRQV FKRVH DUFKLWHFWV WKH 6XWWRQ 3DUWQHUVKLS and the building team Bauwerk to realize the design, which works around clever use of levels, revealing IXQFWLRQ DQG JOLPSVHV RI YLHZV ZLWK D FHQWUDO ZDOO WR SK\VLFDOO\ DQFKRU WKH EXLOGLQJ WR WKH FOLII VLGH 7KH FOLII ZUDSV XS DJDLQVW DQG RYHU WKH ORZHU EHGURRPV through a green roof that links the natural-fronting ground level to the sea thrift roof beyond. From the very outset sustainability was the central tenet of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design. With the focus on high levels of

insulation, air tightness, utilisation of solar orientation DQG QDWXUDO FRROLQJ WKH DUFKLWHFWXUH SURYLGHV D JUHHQ EDVHOLQH IRU WKH HQYLURQPHQWDO RSHUDWLRQV RI WKH KRWHO ,QVLGH ODUJH Á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ÁHFWV WKH

6FDUOHW·V HIIRUWV WR SURWHFW DQG KRQRXU WKH SURWHFWHG &RUQLVK HQYLURQPHQW LQ ZKLFK WKH KRWHO VWDQGV A room for every taste 7KHUH DUH ÀYH W\SHV RI URRPV IURP WKH VPDOOHVW ¶-XVW 5LJKW· WR ¶*HQHURXV· ¶6SDFLRXV· DQG ¶,QGXOJHQW· 2XUV ZDV WDVWHIXOO\ designed in soft light wood with stylish furnishings and retro geometric textiles, and had a big, comfy bed and mood OLJKWLQJ 7KH ODUJH EDWKURRP ZDV HTXLSSHG ZLWK D ZDON LQ VKRZHU DQG D ÁRRU WR PDLQ URRP KDG D EDWK WXE ELJ HQRXJK IRU WZR ZKLOH WKH EDOFRQ\ RYHUORRNLQJ WKH VHD ZDV SHUIHFW for sunbathing by day and star gazing at night (the skies are FU\VWDO FOHDU DQG \RX FDQ IDOO DVOHHS WR WKH FRQVWDQW VRXQG RI WKH $WODQWLF VXUI FUDVKLQJ DJDLQVW WKH VKRUH BEYOND BORDERS

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ECOTOURISM

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HORIZONS

BEYOND BORDERS NATURE BEYOND PASSION

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ECO BEACH RESORTS

LIFE'S A BEACH

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Builders of beach houses are following the green trends that have been established by urban houses.

Words SHANE FARRELL

A

V SHRSOH DUH EHFRPLQJ PRUH DZDUH RI WKH HQYLURQPHQWDO LPSDFW RI WKHLU actions, the more conscientious are looking for new, efficient, and costsaving means of living. From travel WR VKRSSLQJ HDWLQJ WR HQWHUWDLQPHQW it is becoming ever easier to reduce your carbon IRRWSULQW OLYH KHDOWKLHU DQG RIWHQ VDYH PRQH\ LQ the longer term. :KLOH GHYHORSHUV KDYH ORQJ VHHQ WKH HFRQRPLF SRWHQWLDO RI HQYLURQPHQWDOO\ IULHQGO\ KRPHV EHDFK homes that are constructed in a green manner are a more recent trend. Naturally, much of the technology and design introduced in green houses RYHUODS ZKHWKHU WKH\ EH XUEDQ KRXVHV RU EHDFK houses. However beach houses certainly have their RZQ SHFXOLDULWLHV Solar energy +DUQHVVLQJ WKH VXQ¡V HQHUJ\ WKURXJK VRODU SDQHOLQJ is an obvious way to make a beach house greener, ZKLOH JUDVV SODQWDWLRQV RQ WKH URRIWRS FDQ SURGXFH a natural cooling effect, reducing the need for air conditioning. Larger and more numerous windows is another way by which architects can ensure that a house is well ventilated and does not turn into a heat box during the often scalding summer months.

Using natural materials :KLOH WKH GHVLJQ LV LPSRUWDQW WKH PDWHULDOV WKDW are used to create a beach house can be even PRUH LPSRUWDQW 6RPH FRPSDQLHV VXFK DV $O\V %HDFK EDVHG LQ )ORULGD 86$ SULGH WKHPVHOYHV on constructing homes that use natural materials, UDQJLQJ IURP F\SUHVV WR VROLG SRSODU ZRRG WULP coquina and raffia, as well as sea grass and locally154

HORIZONS

Alys Beach, Florida, USA

*HRWKHUPDO V\VWHPV XVHG IRU VSDFH KHDWLQJ DV ZHOO DV HQHUJ\ HIILFLHQW DSSOLDQFHV DQG OLJKWLQJ V\VWHPV are easy-to- use-tools that have a fraction of the HQYLURQPHQWDO LPSDFW RI FRQYHQWLRQDO V\VWHPV

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ECO BEACH RESORTS

Grass plantations on the rooftop can produce a natural cooling eďŹ&#x20AC;ect.

KDUYHVWHG ZRRG ,Q DGGLWLRQ WKH FRPSDQ\ UHF\FOHV XS WR SHUFHQW RI FRQVWUXFWLRQ ZDVWH ZKLFK LV DQ RIWHQ QHJOHFWHG DVSHFW RI JRLQJ JUHHQ

Packaged architecture More creatively, one could take DeMaria Designâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s LGHD DQG XVH SUHH[LVWLQJ PDWHULDOV WR FRQVWUXFW VW\OLVK DQG SUDFWLFDO KRXVLQJ 2QH H[DPSOH RI WKLV ´SDFNDJHG DUFKLWHFWXUHÂľ LV D EHDFK KRXVH EXLOW E\ JURXSLQJ WRJHWKHU WUDGLWLRQDO EXLOGLQJ PDWHULDOV DQG SUHIDEULFDWHG VKLSSLQJ FRQWDLQHUV 7KH 86 EDVHG FRPSDQ\ HIIHFWLYHO\ UHXVHV WKHVH VWXUG\ PDWHULDOV ZKLFK KDYH EHHQ SLOLQJ XS IRU \HDUV QHDU VHYHUDO coastal towns because of the increasing trade deficit EHWZHHQ WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV RI $PHULFD DQG &KLQD 7KH DZDUG ZLQQLQJ FRPSDQ\ XWLOL]HV VKLSSLQJ FRQWDLQHUV of different sizes joined together to construct a KRXVH WKHUHE\ UH XVLQJ D SURGXFW DQG DFFRUGLQJ WR D &11 UHSRUW RQ WKH FRPSDQ\ LW LV PDQDJLQJ WR VDYH customers â&#x20AC;&#x153;hundreds of thousands of dollars.â&#x20AC;?

6R IURP HOHJDQW WR SUDFWLFDO OX[XULRXV WR IXQFWLRQDO environmentally friendly beach house cater to all tastes and budgets, leaving their owners content with the knowledge that what they enjoy on their summer KROLGD\V FDQ EH H[SHULHQFHG E\ IXWXUH JHQHUDWLRQV

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Punta bunga beach Resorts, Boracay, Sugar Islands, Philippines (C) ASISBIZ

Environmentally friendly landscaping $QRWKHU ZD\ RI EXLOGLQJ D JUHHQ EHDFK KRXVH LV WR avoid exorbitant costs and environmentally damaging ODQGVFDSLQJ VXFK DV JUDVV\ ODZQV ZKLFK UHTXLUH KLJK YROXPHV RI ZDWHU DV ZHOO DV SHVWLFLGHV DQG IHUWLOL]HUV Instead, cultivating local vegetation in an aesthetic PDQQHU LV D IDU SUHIHUDEOH DOWHUQDWLYH $V DQ DGGLWLRQDO bonus, it is much easier for the owner to maintain.

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(C) ASISBIZ

ECO BEACH RESORTS

NATURE RESORT ON LAKE BATUR IN BALI, INDONESIA

158

HORIZONS

(C) PATRYK KOSMIDER

IDYLLIC MEXICAN JUNGLE SCENERY WITH HUT ON THE WATER, MAYAN, MEXICO

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(C) OLEGD

ECO BEACH RESORTS

BEAUTIFUL TROPICAL BEACH HOUSE IN THAILAND

160

HORIZONS

“The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood, and the sound of outer ocean on a beach” Henry Beston

(C) MICHAEL G SMITH

TROPICAL GETAWAY WITH A COMMANDING VIEW OF THE OCEAN, PLAYA HERMOSA, COSTA RICA

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TOURIST NATURAL RESORT ON BEACH, CANADA

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(C) RIEKEPHOTOS

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HOUSES ON A RAFT ON THE LAKE RATCHAPRAFA SURAT THANI IN THAILAND

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HORIZONS

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(C) OLGA MAKHANOVA

NATURAL LIFE

All it's cracked up to be? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The coconut is being increasingly adopted as a source of sustainable energy. However, TXHVWLRQV SHUVLVW ZLWK UHJDUG WR LWV KHDOWK EHQHÃ&#x20AC;WV

Benga, Fiji (C) SARA KHOURI

Words SARAH KHOURI

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RU FHQWXULHV SHRSOHV RI WKH WURSLFV KDYH EHHQ FDOOLQJ WKH FRFRQXW SDOP ´WKH WUHH RI D WKRXVDQG XVHV µ (YHU\ SDUW RI WKH tree can be utilized in some manner.

The coconut will soon have a thousand and one uses for the 1,500 citizens of Tokelau. This territory of New Zealand has UHFHQWO\ DQQRXQFHG WKDW LW ZLOO DGRSW SHU FHQW VXVWDLQDEOH VRXUFH RI HQHUJ\ ,Q WKH WKUHH LVODQGV ZLOO EH FRPSOHWHO\ SRZHUHG E\ VXQOLJKW and coconut oil.

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Debate about the nutritional value of coconut &RFRQXW RLO LV DOVR PDNLQJ KHDGOLQHV LQ WKH ZHVW where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creating controversy. Health-oriented ZHEVLWHV DQG SUDFWLWLRQHUV FDOO LW ´WKH KHDOWKLHVW RLO RQ HDUWK µ $GYRFDWHV FODLP WKDW LW FDQ WUHDW PDQ\ KHDOWK FRQGLWLRQV 7KHVH LQFOXGH SURWHFWLQJ DJDLQVW KHDUW GLVHDVH DQG SUHYHQWLQJ REHVLW\ 7KH 'LHWLWLDQV· $VVRFLDWLRQ RI $XVWUDOLD '$$ RQ WKH RWKHU KDQG VD\V WKDW WKHUH LV OLWWOH VFLHQWLÃ&#x20AC;F HYLGHQFH WR EDFN XS these health claims. In an interview with Beyond, '$$·6 VSRNHVSHUVRQ 1DWDVKD 0HHUGLQJ VDLG ´)RRGV that are rich in saturated fats (such as those that are

Kuna Yala, Panama (C) SARA KHOURI

DV IRXQG LQ FRFRQXW RLO PLON DQG FUHDP DUH OLQNHG WR a higher risk of heart disease, and...make weight control harder.â&#x20AC;?

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;tree of lifeâ&#x20AC;? has multiple uses 'HVSLWH WKH FRQWURYHUV\ FRFRQXW LV VWLOO NQRZQ LQ WKH WURSLFV DV ´WKH WUHH RI OLIHÂľ 7KH GLIIHUHQW SDUWV RI WKH coconut tree are used for medical remedies and religious FHUHPRQLHV 7KH \RXQJ FRFRQXW LV Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK Ă DYRUHG ZDWHU WKDW WKH ORFDOV VRPHWLPHV VXEVWLWXWH IRU ZDWHU $V it matures, the clear liquid turns into white meat that is XVHG WR PDNH PLON DQG FRSUD 7KH PLON LV WKH ZDWHU WKDW

comes from squeezed, grated meat. It is used extensively LQ WURSLFDO FXLVLQHV &RSUD LV WKH GULHG PHDW IURP ZKLFK oil is extracted. It is used for cooking and is the main ingredient of the multi-billion dollar coconut oil FRVPHWLF LQGXVWU\ ,W LV DOVR D SULPDU\ VRXUFH RI LQFRPH IRU WURSLFDO QDWLRQV 7KH IUXLW IHHGV WKH HFRQRP\ DQG WKH SHRSOH 7KH WUXQN LV XVHG WR EXLOG KRPHV 5RRIV baskets, and brooms are made with the leaves. The GULHG FRFRQXW VKHOOV DUH XVHG IRU PDNLQJ Ă&#x20AC;UH DQG DV ERZOV 7R EH FDOOHG D FRFRQXW LQ )LML LV D FRPSOLPHQW ,W PHDQV WKDW D SHUVRQ LV SUHIHFW LQ D WKRXVDQG ZD\V

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AROUND THE WORLD

Wanderlust

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Get inspired by Beyond's visual journey around the world

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HORIZONS

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FOR THE OUTDOORIST: MOUNT WHITNEY, CALIFORNIA 7KLV LV WKH KLJKHVW SHDN LQ WKH FRQWLQHQWDO 8QLWHG 6WDWHV $URXQG SHRSOH DWWHPSW WKH FOLPE HDFK \HDU 7KRV ZKR succeed can enjoy a beautiful view of &DOLIRUQLD·V 2ZHQV 9DOOH\

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FOR A PERFECT GETAWAY: TANGIER, MOROCCO ,Q D VWDQFH RI GHÃ&#x20AC;DQW VXSUHPDF\ /H 0LUDJH UHVWV RQ WKH HGJH RI LWV FOLII VXUYH\LQJ WKH $WODQWLF Ocean and daring its untamed waters to reach XS WKH URFN IDFH DQG VHL]H LW :LWK EUHDWKWDNing views over the wide, golden sands of the vast EHDFKHV EHORZ DQG WKH LQÃ&#x20AC;QLWH 7XUTXRLVH 2FHDQ DGYDQFLQJ RQ WR 6SDLQ DQG EH\RQG LWV SUHVHQFH on the coastline is truly majestic.

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THE COFFEE LOVER: BLUE MOUNTAINS, JAMAICA %OXH 0RXQWDLQ &RIIHH LV RQH RI WKH ZRUOG·V PRVW SUHPLXP FRIIHHV 2QH FDQ WDVWH WKLV EHYHUDJH DW &UDLJKWRQ (VWDWH D SODQWDWLRQ WKDW LV D PLQXWH·V GULYH from Kingston.

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FOR THE BIG EATER: SARDINIA, ITALY $JULWRXULVP LQ ELJ LQ ,WDO\ +XQGUHGV RI UXUDO SURSHUWLHV LQ 6DUGLQLD DFFRPPRGDWH travelers who wish to get a taste of the local farm life.

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THE ETERNAL HONEYMOON: SANTORINI, GREECE This island boasts volcanic cliffs and strings of whitewashed villages. In the seaside town of Oia, one can witness one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most DZH LQVSLULQJ VXQVHWV 6DQWRULQL LV truly a great romantic getaway.

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(C) ANTONY MCAULAY

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After chaos comes order – The natural disaster of March 2011 has compelled Japanese architects to come up with new urban designs Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

J

apan is still reeling from its greatest national disaster since the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaski in 1945. The magnitude 9.0 earthquake and the resulting tsunami of March 11, 2011 devastated the northern Tohoku region on Honshu Island, leaving over 27,000 people dead and 173,000 people homeless. The damage was estimated at $309 billion. The longer-term repercussions will be considerable, as the Japanese deal with population dispersal and urban design.

While the earthquake caused widespread damage, it was the subsequent tsunami that killed so many people and resulted in entire communities vanishing under the waves. The tsunami reached a speed of 500 miles per hour over the Pacific Ocean. When it struck land, the tsunami scraped towns clean, tore buildings off their foundations, and carried walls of debris inland.

Innovation in urban design is required In the aftermath of the destruction, the design and even location of many urban areas may change dramatically. The Tohoku earthquake will spur greater innovation. Blaine Brownell, assistant professor and co-director of the Sustainable Design Program at the University of Minnesota, says: “I see at least three strategies for protecting against a future tsunami: Build on substantially elevated ground, and away from the coastline; erect a more massive seawall with an adequate height; or design more buildings to take the brunt force of a tsunami—like automobiles designed to collapse in a crash.” Leading architect Kengo Kuma believes that a radical rethinking is needed. “During the process of restoration, we should be able to realize a dispersed model of population distribution,” he says.

Japanese buildings are by law designed to withstand the strongest earthquakes. Even simple wooden houses have cross bracing and steel ties to reinforce them.

Kuma says that wood can withstand an earthquake, but not a tsunami. “We should seek the possibility of hybrid structures, such as wood and concrete, wood and steel,” he explains.

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Decentralization is the key “The disaster will be a turning point towards a decentralization policy,” says Kuma. He says that a regional approach will be taken in the rebuilding process rather than a traditionally centralized dictum from Tokyo. The disaster demonstrated that a centralized response from Tokyo was not as effective as local action by local people. Masahiro and Mao Harada of Mount Fuji Studio, one of Japan’s most progressive architectural firms, say: “This disaster made the entire nation conscious of the problems that we cannot handle within the existing social order.”

Japanese resilience “Japanese people are more attuned to changing environmental cycles and the potential damaging effects of natural disasters than most, and they are also more resilient,” says Brownell. The dignified response to a national tragedy on an almost unimaginable scale is reflected by the Japanese sense of resilience or “gaman,” which will form the basis of generating a response on a spiritual, psychological, and practical level.

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Surreal shadows in Seville â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Metropol Parasol is Juergen Mayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest example of architecture that connects directly with the individual.

Words & Photos CHRISTOPHER KANAL

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DQG VKRSV XQGHUQHDWK DQG LQVLGH WKH SDUDVROV $W WKH VXPPLW DVWULGH WKH SDUDVROV LV D SDQRUDPLF WHUUDFH Beneath is an archaeological museum that rises above WKH UXLQV RI D 5RPDQ PDUNHW ´,W LV D VSHFLDO SURMHFW and, in combination with the old city, it is even more dramatic,â&#x20AC;? Mayer says.

7KH 0HWURSRO 3DUDVRO SURYLGHV VKDGH IRU WKH KRW FLW\ 7KH VWUXFWXUH HPSOR\V ODPLQDWHG WLPEHU ZLWK D SRO\XUHWKDQH FRDWLQJ DQG VWHHO KHOG WRJHWKHU ZLWK KLJK SHUIRUPLQJ JOXH WKDW FDQ ZLWKVWDQG WKH KLJKHVW WHPSHUDWXUHV ,W LV WKH ZRUOGÂżV ODUJHVW VWUXFWXUH WKDW LV held together just by glue.

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SRVVLELOLWLHV RI VSDFH WKURXJK DHVWKHWLFV DQG technology that connect directly with the individual.

Mayerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s buildings look as though they are about to VSULQJ WR OLIH 7KH\ VZHOO FXUYH DQG EHQG 0D\HU·V work transcends definition through labels. «I might be unconsciously surreal, but it is not a deliberate DSSURDFK WKDW , WDNH ZKHQ , VWDUW D SURMHFW ª 0D\HU says with a smile.

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Strange stirrings in Montmartre – David Lynch talks to Christopher Kanal about his first interiors project, a nightclub in Paris that was inspired by his acclaimed film, Mulholland Drive.

David Lynch (C) ADAM BORDOW

Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

F

ilmmaker and artist David Lynch has applied his idiosyncratic vision to designing a Paris nightclub, a departure from filmmaking that is not as far-fetched as it first appears. Club Silencio in Paris, which opened in September, drew its inspiration from an identically named key location, Club Silencio, in his critically celebrated film noir from 2001, Mulholland Drive. Designing a nightclub is a complete departure for the 65-year old filmmaker.

Mulholland Drive: an illusion Even by Lynch’s standards’ Mulholland Drive is enigmatic to the point of utter abstraction. The film follows the increasingly nightmarish adventures of a naïve would-be Hollywood actress, Betty (Naomi Watts) and Rita (Laura Harring), an amnesiac on the run from the mob. Their neo-noir trip through Hollywood’s dark underbelly leads them eventually to Club Silencio. Ironically the film’s meaning, or lack of, is best summed up by the words of the sinister performer on the stage of Club Silencio: “It is an illusion.”

Six flights of stairs beneath the rue de Montmartre in the second arrondissement, Club Silencio is Lynch’s salon of the surreal and weird. The club was conceived

by Arnaud Frisch, the charismatic entrepreneur

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behind the popular Parisian nightclub the Social Club and music label Savoir Faire, as a 21st century burrow for artists to mingle and exchange ideas.

Lynchian motifs Silencio in Paris is very much immersed in Lynchian motifs. “The space for the club existed underground, so the design had to fit the space,” he says. “The ideas, you could say, were similar to cinema ideas in the way that sets are designed to create a specific mood,” he remarks. The director designed everything in the 2,100 square foot club from the toilets – suitably crafted in pitch black – to the 1950s retro bar furniture that evokes one of Lynch’s favorite paintings, Edward Hopper’s Nighthawks. “Hopper can catch a dream in these images,” Lynch says. “He makes me dream. I think that there is a film in every painting,” he adds.

Making space come alive The club is a series of intimate, individually tailored spaces, dedicated to arousing a different atmosphere.

Despite this, Lynch’s visual style and cinematic flair are apparent in the composition of interiors using furniture, lighting, and art. “Design and architecture and furniture are like that. You try to get the space to come alive in a certain way,” he points out.

Lynch collaborated with designer Raphael Navot,

(C) SABINE PIGALLE

architectural agency Enia, and light designer Thierry Dreyfus to realize his vision.

Lynch says: “Silencio was designed to induce and sustain a specific state of alertness and openness to the unknown". The club certainly stimulates, even confuses, the senses, with its gold-leaf gilded Buddhist mandalas on the sinuously curved walls, a dream forest-like smoking room, and a live performance stage with a reflective dance floor. “The ideas, you could say, were similar to cinema ideas in the way sets are designed to create a specific mood,” says Lynch. “Design, architecture, and furniture are like that. You try to get the space to come alive in a certain way,” he explains.

Down to the details The furniture was designed by Lynch. He also made the carpets. All furniture and materials were madeto-measure by firms including Domeau & Pérès and Ateliers Gohard. It didn’t stop there. Lynch even

had a hand in choosing the type of peanuts served at the bar. Lynch’s characters would probably feel at home propping up the bar at Silencio. “Sometimes you drift off and think about what is going on with the characters in Twin Peaks,” Lynch says.

Life after cinema It has been 20 years since Lynch’s cult television series, Twin Peaks, co-created with Mark Frost, hit the small screens and wider audiences were introduced to his uniquely surreal world of dancing dwarves and the “Log Lady”. Today Lynch seems to have forsaken the screen for a variety of pet projects spanning art, photography, music, paintings, and sculptures as well as his passion for transcendental meditation through the David Lynch Foundation. He says: “When you start something it ignites a flow of ideas. Action and reaction, it’s so beautiful.” Lynch is buzzing with ideas and is currently putting together his own art, film, and music program for Club Silencio: He says: “At any moment I can get an idea. It’s like boom. It will strike you anywhere.”

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An unorthodox design duo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director Gary Hustwit interviews acclaimed French designers the Bouroullec Brothers.

Words CHRISTOPHER KANAL

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n Objectified *DU\ +XVWZLW¡V GRFXPHQWDU\ on industrial design, the director visited the Boroullec brothers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are sitting without VKRHV LQ WKH 5DSKDHO *DOOHU\ RI WKH 9LFWRULD DQG $OEHUW 0XVHXP XSRQ WKH %RXURXOOHFV¡ latest installation Textile Field, a vast gently LQFOLQHG FDUSHW XSKROVWHUHG LQ JUHHQ DQG EOXH DQG created for the London Design Festival,â&#x20AC;? Hustwit says. Textile Field is the duoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third collaboration with Danish manufacturer Kvadrat â&#x20AC;&#x201C; their last was WKH VXEOLPH &ORXGV SURMHFW LQ D VKDSH VKLIWLQJ creation that blurred the boundaries between furniture and fabric.

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and the unknown, the comfortable and the strange, a SODFH WKDW WKH %RXURXOOHFV FUHDWLYHO\ LQKDELW The beginning of collaboration 5RQDQ ZDV WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW EURWKHU WR EHFRPH D GHVLJQHU +H VWXGLHG IXUQLWXUH GHVLJQ DW WKH eFROH 1DWLRQDOH 6XSpULHXUH GHV $UWV 'pFRUDWLIV LQ 3DULV ,Q \RXQJHU EURWKHU (UZDQ KHOSHG 5RQDQ UHDOL]H KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW SURMHFWV (UZDQ VWXGLHG )LQH $UW DW WKH eFROH 6XSpULHXUH GHV %HDX[ $UWV LQ &HUJ\ 3RQWRLVH +LV DUW EDFNJURXQG SHUPHDWHV his thinking. Erwan has never subscribed to any design theory. The two brothers had an immediate synergy and a FUHDWLYH UHODWLRQVKLS ZDV ERUQ ,W LV GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW QRW WR VHH WKH Bouroullecsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; body of work as nothing less than a realization LQ IRUP DQG VSDFH RI D SURIRXQG UHODWLRQVKLS Future shock 5RQDQ UHFHQWO\ VSHQW WZR GD\V LQ 6KDQJKDL )RU 5RQDQ 6KDQJKDL LV D FLW\ ZKHUH WKH IXWXUH LV KDSSHQLQJ VR IDVW

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ŠMorgane Le Gall

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Abandoned between these walls â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A Dutch artist creates art from destroyed buildings Words EC

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W D WLPH ZKHQ SHRSOH DUH UXVKLQJ WR EXLOG new houses and destroy the last green VSDFHV RQ (DUWK VRPH LQWHOOLJHQW FDULQJ human beings are making the best out of what already exists to turn old devastated, inhabited buildings into incredible art. )URP WKH 1HWKHUODQGV WR 5XVVLD 'XWFK artist Marjan Teeuwen eviscerates the walls of abandoned buildings, conjoining rooms with massive holes, and uses leftover fragments to create densely textured walls and surfaces. $V RSSRVHG WR H[FDYDWLQJ WKH VLWHV 7HHXZHQ ILOOV WKH FDUHIXOO\ VWDFNHG GHEULV D WHFKQLTXH WKDW KDV DSSHDUHG LQ KHU ZRUN VLQFH 6KH W\SLFDOO\ FUHDWHV ILOPV VWXGLR SKRWRV DQG GUDZLQJV DV NH\ SDUWV RI KHU SURMHFWV WKDW DFFRPSDQ\ KHU LQVWDOODWLRQV Creating order out of chaos 7KH VXUIDFHV ZLWKLQ WKH SKRWRJUDSKV SRUWUD\ OD\HU IUDJPHQWV FUDPPHG LQWR URRPV WKDW DSSHDU WR EH RQ WKH YHUJH RI FROODSVH \HW WKHVH SLHFHV DUH PHWLFXORXVO\ DUUDQJHG WR create order from chaos.

,Q RQH RI KHU SURMHFWV HQWLWOHG ´'HVWUR\HG +RXVH µ 7HHXZHQ UHPRYHG WKH ZDOOV IURP D SRVW ZDU DSDUWPHQW EORFN LQ $PVWHUGDP DQG VDZHG WKH EXLOGLQJ·V GRRUV LQWR KXQGUHGV RI IUDJPHQWV XVLQJ WKHP LQ WXUQ WR FRQVWUXFW OD\HUHG SDUWLWLRQV ² walls made from doors. In other works she has used countless REMHFWV FUDPPHG LQWR VPDOO URRPV FUHDWLQJ FODXVWURSKRELF VSDFHV WKDW DSSHDU DERXW WR FROODSVH JLYLQJ D QHZ LPDJH WR FRQWHPSRUDU\ DUW 6\PPHWULFDO LQ LWV FRPSRVLWLRQ KHU DUW FDOPO\ GHSLFWV VXIIRFDWLQJ FUDPSHG VLWHV 7KHVH YLVXDO UHPQDQWV RI WKH VSDFHV KDOW WKH HUXSWLRQ RI GHEULV ZLWKLQ the buildings, thus adding a tranquil dimension to their disorder.

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Turning up the heat – The Baudier Painter’s Structurellism brings an explosion of color to the art world.

Words ALEX GREY

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one.â&#x20AC;? The enigmatic Beaudier Painter and his school of art entitled Structurellism is one such figure and one such idea.

Classic roots plus hot colors $ FUHDWLYH IRUFH LQVSLUHG E\ ,PSUHVVLRQLVP DQG WKH works of Vincent Van Gogh, with a touch of the Ă RDWLQJ IUHHGRP RI WKH -DSDQHVH PDVWHUV %HDXGLHU¡V 6WUXFWXUHOOLVP LV VRPHWKLQJ RI DQ H[SORVLRQ RI FRORU ´7KH ,PSUHVVLRQLVWV DQG 9DQ *RJK DUH FHUWDLQO\ P\ PDLQ LQĂ XHQFHV Âľ VD\V %HDXGLHU 7KHVH FODVVLF URRWV DUH DOOLHG ZLWK WKH XVH RI DOPRVW SV\FKHGHOLF FRORUV which the artist himself refers to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;hotâ&#x20AC;?. The result is something altogether striking, modern, thoughtSURYRNLQJ \HW ZLWK D VHQVH RI KHULWDJH WKDW IHZ PRGHUQ DUWLVWV FDQ DSSURDFK Painting with a knife This sense of heritage is enhanced by Beaudierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice RI WRRO WKH SDOHWWH NQLIH ´, FKRVH LPPHGLDWHO\ WR SDLQW ZLWK D NQLIH ZLWKRXW D GRXEW WKDW LW ZRXOG KHOS PH achieve the structure, the form that I was looking for,â&#x20AC;?

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n the field of art and other creative fields, PRYHPHQWV FRPH DQG PRYHPHQWV JR VSULQJLQJ XS OLNH VR PDQ\ ZHHGV DOPRVW LPSRVVLEOH WR NHHS WUDFN RI $ WDOHQWHG DUWLVW HPHUJHV LW¡V foretold that this is the one who will change the world but, after gathering a clique of followers, KH GLVDSSHDUV LQWR UHODWLYH REVFXULW\ ,W¡V D WDOH as old as art itself. However, every now and then there emerges an artist of such ability that you find yourself thinking, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maybe, just maybe this is the

%HDXGLHU LQWHQGV WR LQYLWH RWKHU SDLQWHUV WR MRLQ KLV PRYHPHQW +H VD\V ´, FUHDWHG 6WUXFWXUHOOLVP WR EULQJ together artists in a new generation, one that talks DERXW VKDULQJ ORYH DQG SDVVLRQ , Ă&#x20AC;UPO\ EHOLHYHG WKDW WKLV ZDV P\ ZD\ Âľ &HUWDLQO\ LQWULJXLQJ XQGRXEWHGO\ talented, it remains to be seen if Beaudierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Structurellism ZLOO EH YLHZHG DV WKH QH[W JUHDW DSSURDFK WR SDLQWLQJ One thing that cannot be questioned, however, is the SDLQWHU¡V DUWLVWLF LQWHJULW\ VNLOO DQG DGPLUDWLRQ IRU KLV subject matter. www.peintre-beaudier.wifeo.com.

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Make art, not war

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VWULNLQJ FROOHFWLRQ RI LPDJHU\ LQVSLUHG by the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fear of nuclear war, 5DLQERZ RI 'HDWK E\ 7DJUHHG Darghout is a stark reminder of the SRWHQWLDO IRU GHYDVWDWLQJ FRQIOLFW Named after the codename of the early British DQG $PHULFDQ QXFOHDU SURJUDPV ² ´5DLQERZÂľ â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Darghoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work attracted the attention of art collector Johnny Mokbel, the man behind the 0RNEHO $UW &ROOHFWLRQ +H VSRNH WR Beyond about one of Lebanonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising stars.

Beyond: Why did you collect Darghoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work?

Johnny Mokbel: She has a strong style and a way of H[SUHVVLRQ 9LHZLQJ KHU SDVW ZRUNV DW $JLDO *DOOHU\ in Beirut, I could see that the technique was there. , WROG KHU WKDW LI VKH FRQWLQXHG RQ WKH SDWK WKDW VKH was on, then I would buy her works.

B: 7HOO XV DERXW 5DLQERZ RI 'HDWK JM: 6KH UHFHQWO\ H[KLELWHG KHU 5DLQERZ RI 'HDWK VHULHV DW $JLDO *DOOHU\ :LWKLQ WKH FROOHFWLRQ WKHUH DUH IRXU VXE VHULHV WKH VNXOOV ZKLFK , DP FROOHFWLQJ H[SORGLQJ ERPEV WKH ERPE LWVHOI DQG D VHULHV RI famous individuals who are linked to the bomb, IRU H[DPSOH :LQVWRQ &KXUFKLOO IRU ZKRP WKH ´)DW Boyâ&#x20AC;? bomb was named. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m collecting the skulls and the bombs.

B: :KDW¡V WKH DWWUDFWLRQ RI 5DLQERZ RI 'HDWK" JM: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a very strong, emotional way for the artist to H[SUHVV KHU FRQFHUQV DERXW SROLWLFV DQG WKH HYROXWLRQ RI VRFLHW\ /RRN DW KRZ SHRSOH JLYH QLFNQDPHV WR ZHDSRQV RI PDVV GHVWUXFWLRQ LW¡V GLVWXUELQJ 0\

THE RAINBOW OF DEATH, Acrylic on foam paper 70 x 50 cm (27.6 x 19.7 IN.) X9 PCS

ROSETTE, Acrylic on canvas, 150 x 150 cm (59.1 x 59.1 IN.)

Words ALEX GREY

JHQHUDWLRQ OLYHG WKURXJK ZDU ERPEV VQLSHUV DQG GHDWK 7KH SUREOHP LVQ¡W Ă&#x20AC;QLVKHG \HW B: 0DQ\ SHRSOH FRPSODLQ WKDW ZDU VWLOO IHDWXUHV too strongly in Lebanese art. What do you think?

JM: (XURSH KDG WZR ZDUV LQ WKH WK FHQWXU\ :RUOG :DU , DQG :RUOG :DU ,, 7R SUHSDUH SHRSOH IRU ZDU \RX KDYH D SUH ZDU SHULRG ZKHUH WKH JRYHUQPHQW PDGH SURSDJDQGD WR VHW WKH VFHQH PHQWDOO\ DQG VRFLDOO\ 7KH DUW RI WKH WLPH LV FDOOHG SUH ZDU DUW LW¡V YHU\ VW\OLVWLF 7KHQ GXULQJ WKH ZDU \RX KDYH DOO WKH SURSDJDQGD DUW WR HQFRXUDJH SHRSOH WR KROG RQ DQG WR NHHS Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ $IWHU WKH ZDU ZH KDYH SRVW ZDU DUW ZKHUH DOO WKH SHRSOH ZKR VXUYLYHG DUH IUHH WR FUHDWH DJDLQ DQG WR H[SUHVV WKHPVHOYHV (XURSH SDVVHG WKURXJK DOO RI WKLV $UWLVWV H[SUHVVHG WKHLU RSLQLRQV VWURQJO\ IRFXVLQJ RQ the uncertainty of the future. In Lebanon weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the SRVW ZDU SHULRG 7KH ZDU LV VWLOO LPSRUWDQW DQG ZLOO EH IRU D ZKLOH <RX FDQ¡W HVFDSH LW LW¡V WKH WRSLF RI WKH GD\ B: How does Darghoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work fit in with this?

JM: :H GRQ¡W KDYH QXFOHDU ZHDSRQV LQ /HEDQRQ but yes, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clearly related. If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 6mm revolver RU D QXFOHDU ERPE WKH UHVXOW LV WKH VDPH D VNXOO is a skull, a bomb is a bomb.

B: +RZ ZRXOG \RX VXP XS 'DUJKRXW¡V ZRUN" JM: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very high quality work, even if she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t famous RXWVLGH RI /HEDQRQ 7KH SLHFHV VSHDN IRU WKHPVHOYHV Tagreed is highly collectable. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a talented Lebanese artist. She can evolve and evolve.

Mokbelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full collection can be seen at www. mokbelartcollection.com.

BEYOND BORDERS

195

ART & BEYOND

Harmony of shapes and colors Musician Walid Nahas makes his debut as an artist.

Words CHADI M. NASSAR

CIRCLES Enamel on canvas, Diameter 100cm

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KH 602 *DOOHU\ LQ %HLUXW ZLOO EH SUHVHQWLQJ WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW H[KLELWLRQ RI DEVWUDFW DUW E\ :DOLG Nahas, from March 8 through March 26, +H LV PRUH NQRZQ DV D SLDQLVW DQG PXVLF FRPSRVHU :KHQ DVNHG DERXW KLV DUW 1DKDV VD\V ´5K\WKP PHORG\ KDUPRQ\ DQG IRUP DUH WKH EDVLV RI P\ PXVLFDO FRPSRVLWLRQV DV ZHOO DV WKH EDVLV RI P\ SDLQWLQJV 6RPHWLPHV , XVH FRPSOHPHQWDU\ SDLUV RI colors, giving a romantic and more classical mood to P\ SDLQWLQJV $W RWKHU WLPHV , XVH GLVVRQDQW FRORUV which give my work a jazzy and modern feeling."

196

HORIZONS

:KHQ ORRNLQJ DW KLV SDLQWLQJV RQH FDQ XQGHUVWDQG 1DKDV¡V GHVFULSWLRQ RI KLV DUW ,W LV HYLGHQW WKDW DV abstract as the art is, there is a sense of emotion and PDWXULW\ LQ LW DV ZHOO HYHQ WKRXJK KH KDV QRW SXEOLFO\ H[SUHVVHG KLPVHOI YLD WKLV PHGLXP EHIRUH 7KH WLWOH RI WKH H[KLELWLRQ VD\V LW DOO $ KDUPRQLRXV FRPELQDWLRQ RI FRORUV DQG VKDSHV WR EULQJ D VHQVH RI NQRZLQJ DQG LPDJLQDWLRQ $Q\RQH ZLWK D VHQVH RI DUW FDQ VHH WKDW 1DKDV KDV LQGHHG EHHQ LQà XHQFHG E\ KLV PXVLFDO background to bring us a fantastic collection in a ´+DUPRQ\ RI 6KDSHV DQG &RORUV¾

Solar Climes

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elcome to 2012 where yet another DSRFDO\SVH LV SUHGLFWHG WKRXJK WKLV RQH LV not biblical in origin. It seems the ancient Maya ended their calendar on December DQG VLQFH WKH\ ZHUH FRQVLGHUHG H[FHSWLRQDO WLPH NHHSHUV WKHUH DUH VRPH ZKR VD\ WKDW WKH ZRUOG ZLOO HQG ZKHQ WKH FDOHQGDU GRHV 7KHVH SHRSOH SRLQW WR D tremendous amount of electromagnetic activity that has EHHQ KDSSHQLQJ RQ WKH 6XQ ZLWK WKDW DFWLYLW\ VFKHGXOHG WR SHDN WKLV \HDU +RZ GRHV WKDW DIIHFW WKH (DUWK \RX DVN" Well, Beyond is about to tell you... (not that we buy into WKH DSRFDO\SVH

In order for life to be sustainable on Earth there are VHYHUDO WKLQJV WKDW KDYH WR EH LQ SURSHU ZRUNLQJ RUGHU One of those things is the Sun. Without the Sun, the SODQHW FDQQRW VXSSRUW OLIH DV LW GRHV QRW JHQHUDWH HQRXJK warmth on its own and will likely freeze. In addition, the 6XQ LV HVVHQWLDO WR JURZLQJ IRRG DQG SODQW SKRWRV\QWKHVLV $Q\RQH ZKR OLYHV LQ D FRXQWU\ ZKHUH ZLQWHU VWULNHV KDUG DQG H[SRVXUH WR WKH 6XQ LV VFDUFH IRU PRQWKV DW D WLPH FDQ tell you that a lack of sunlight can and does contribute WR PRRG à XFWXDWLRQV DQG WKH ZHOO GRFXPHQWHG 6HDVRQ $IIHFWLYH 'LVRUGHU 6$' $OO WKLQJV FRQVLGHUHG WKH 6XQ is essential to our survival however this is only a fraction of its function. We all know that the Earth orbits the Sun DQG LW¡V PDJQHWLF SXOO LV EDVLFDOO\ ZKDW NHHSV WKH SODQHWV in our solar system in line, what we are not fully aware of LV KRZ LPSRUWDQW WKH VWDWH RI WKH 6XQ¡V PDJQHWLF SXOO LV to our own survival.

2012 is set to be the year where the centre of our solar V\VWHP WKH 6XQ KDV HOHFWURPDJQHWLF DFWLYLW\ QRW VHHQ since the late 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. This activity is a cause of some concern for two reasons 1. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know exactly how much effect the Sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HOHFWURPDJQHWLF DFWLYLW\ KDV RQ RXU SODQHW DQG 2. We do know that the Sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electromagnetic activity has historically wreaked havoc on our communications V\VWHPV DQG VDWHOOLWHV ,Q D VWURQJ VRODU VWRUP FDXVHG WHOHJUDSK ZLULQJ WR VKRUW RXW LQ WKH 8 6 DQG LQ (XURSH RWKHU VRODU VWRUPV LQ DQG ZUHDNHG KDYRF LQ WKH 8 6 DQG &DQDGD FDXVLQJ PDMRU EODFNRXWV (VVHQWLDOO\ LI D PDMRU VRODU VWRUP ZHUH WR RFFXU LW FRXOG NQRFN RXW SRZHU JULGV OHDYLQJ PLOOLRQV ZLWKRXW HOHFWULFLW\ DQG SRWHQWLDOO\ cause weather satellites, Global Positioning Systems *36 DQG DQ\ RWKHU VDWHOOLWH GHSHQGHQW LWHP WR VWRS working.

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SODFH ZH KDYH WZR SROHV 1RUWK DQG 6RXWK WKDW DWWHVW to that. Science tells us that even a slight shift in our SROHV FDQ FDXVH PDMRU LVVXHV LQ ZHDWKHU SDWWHUQV DQG VHLVPLF DFWLYLW\ 7KH TXHVWLRQ LV ZKDW KDSSHQV ZKHQ the Sun has a major electromagnetic storm and shoots it our way? There are theories that aside from knocking out electricity and causing other ruckus, a major HOHFWURPDJQHWLF ZDYH KLWWLQJ WKH SODQHW FRXOG FDXVH D VKLIW LQ RXU SROHV RU GLVUXSW ZKDW LV DOUHDG\ D IUDFWLRXV ZHDWKHU SDWWHUQ ,W LV WKRXJKW WKDW D ORW RI WKH H[WUHPH ZHDWKHU ZH DUH VHHLQJ LV KDSSHQLQJ LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK PDMRU DFWLYLW\ RQ WKH 6XQ &RQWURYHUVLDO JHRVFLHQWLVW Dr. Saumitra Mukherjee believes that seismic events are WULJJHUHG E\ VKDUS PRYHPHQW LQ VXQVSRW DFWLYLW\ 7KHVH PRYHPHQWV RU Ă XFWXDWLRQV ERWKHU RXU RZQ SODQHW¡V PDJQHWLF Ă&#x20AC;HOGV FRQWULEXWLQJ WR D GHVWDELOL]DWLRQ LQ IDXOW OLQHV PRVW HVSHFLDOO\ WKRVH OLQHV ODGHQ ZLWK URFNV ZLWK PDJQHW VXVFHSWLEOH PHWDOV 'U 0XNKHUMHH FRQWHQGV WKDW the connections between solar storms and storms here on (DUWK KDYH EHHQ RYHUORRNHG +H SRLQWV WR WKH YHU\ IDFW WKDW LQ WKH \HDU RI .DWULQD 5LWD DQG :LOPD WKH 6XQ ZDV also in a year of extreme weather. In fact, the week of 6HSWHPEHU ZDV DQ H[WUDRUGLQDULO\ WXUEXOHQW WLPH RQ WKH 6XQ DQG RQ 6HSWHPEHU WKHUH ZDV DQ HDUWKTXDNH LQ %RQLD (WKLRSLD ZKLFK UHVHDUFKHUV UHSRUW signalled the formation of a new ocean basin and the EHJLQQLQJV RI WKH $IULFDQ FRQWLQHQW FUDFNLQJ DSDUW 7KHQ RQ 6HSWHPEHU ZKHQ LW ORRNHG OLNH WKH VRODU DFWLYLW\ ZDV Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ FDOPLQJ GRZQ D JDUJDQWXDQ VRODU VSHDU VKRW RXW ODUJHU WKDQ DOO WKH SODQHWV FRPELQHG DQG GD\V ODWHU D YROFDQR LQ (O 6DOYDGRU HUXSWHG ZLWK QR SULRU ZDUQLQJ 'U 0XNKDUMHH LQ FRQMXQFWLRQ ZLWK &ROOHDJXHV =KRQJKDR 6KRX RI WKH (DUWKTXDNH 3UHGLFWLRQ &HQWUH LQ 1HZ <RUN and Laszlo Kortvelyessy of the Kleverberg Observatory in *HUPDQ\ DUH RIIHULQJ XS SURRI RI WKH FRQQHFWLRQ EHWZHHQ WKH 6XQ¡V DFWLYLWLHV DQG RXU SODQHW¡V 7KH SHRSOH FLWHG numerous solar-related seismic activity not the least of which is an Earthquake in Pakistan that killed over 50,000 SHRSOH WKDW FRLQFLGHG DOPRVW GLUHFWO\ ZLWK +XUULFDQH Stan. We have seen an increase in concern from the VFLHQWLĂ&#x20AC;F FRPPXQLW\ DERXW WKH HIIHFW RI VRODU VWRUPV DQG this is cause for huge concern. When scientists worry, we DOO VKRXOG 7KH VFLHQWLVWV KRZHYHU GR FRQĂ&#x20AC;UP WKDW WKH\ DUH QRW SHUFHQW DFFXUDWH LQ SUHGLFWLQJ VRODU VWRUPV In the end, it is not the Mayan calendar that should have us worried, it is the very real effect of a major solar storm set to occur that should. â&#x20AC;?

BEYOND BORDERS

197

EDUCATION

Winning ideas – The Youth Shadow Government launches a competition for green projects.

Words ANA MARIA LUCA

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198

KHQ WKH SULVRQ LQ $OH\ 0RXQW /HEDQRQ was built four decades ago, it was intended to accommodate no more than SULVRQHUV ,Q WKH PXQLFLSDOLW\ RIÀFH FRXQWHG DQ DYHUDJH RI SHRSOH GHWDLQHG LQ WKH same building with the same facilities that it had when it ZDV ÀUVW EXLOW +RZHYHU VSDFH ZDV QRW WKH PDLQ SUREOHP 7KHUH ZDV QRW HQRXJK HQHUJ\ WR SURGXFH KRW ZDWHU HOHFWULFLW\ IRU OLJKWLQJ DQG FULWLFDO YHQWLODWLRQ $IWHU VHYHUDO VPDOO ULRWV EURNH RXW RYHU WLPH EHFDXVH RI WKH SRRU OLYLQJ FRQGLWLRQV RI WKH SULVRQHUV WKH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI $OH\ WULHG WR UHFWLI\ WKH SUREOHP WHPSRUDULO\ E\ HTXLSSLQJ WKH IDFLOLW\ ZLWK D JHQHUDWRU +RZHYHU WKH SULVRQ LQ $OH\ QHHGHG D PRUH GHÀQLWLYH VROXWLRQ

Evaluating the projects: Being friendly to the environment is key 7KH 0XQLFLSDOLW\ RI $OH\ ZDV RQH RI WKH ZLQQHUV DORQJ ZLWK WKH 0XQLFLSDOLWLHV RI 4ED\HW DQG 5RXPLQ 2EHLG WKH SURMHFW PDQDJHU VDLG ´7KH $OH\ SURMHFW KDG D VRFLDO DVSHFW 7KH SULVRQ UHDOO\ QHHGHG D ZDWHU KHDWHU µ $FFRUGLQJ WR 2EHLG WKH SURMHFWV ZHUH evaluated and scored according to savings in energy FRQVXPSWLRQ VDYLQJV LQ FDUERQ GLR[LGH HPLVVLRQV LQQRYDWLRQ DQG FUHDWLYLW\ PDLQWHQDQFH FDSDFLW\ EXLOGLQJ VXVWDLQDELOLW\ SURMHFW ULVNV SD\ EDFN SHULRG DV ZHOO DV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH LPSDFW RI WKH LGHD DQG KRZ LW FRXOG HQFRXUDJH RWKHU PXQLFLSDOLWLHV RU HYHQ SULYDWH FRPSDQLHV WR IROORZ WKH OHDG

“Madinaty Khadra” competition The solution came when the United Nations 'HYHORSPHQW 3URJUDPPH &('52 SURMHFW DQQRXQFHG ´0DGLQDW\ .KDGUDµ D FRPSHWLWLRQ RI JUHHQ HQHUJ\ SURMHFWV IRU PXQLFLSDOLWLHV DFURVV /HEDQRQ 2UJDQL]HG

by UNDP and the Minister of the Interior and 0XQLFLSDOLWLHV LQ WKH <RXWK 6KDGRZ *RYHUQPHQW 0V -HVVLFD 2EHLG WKH ´0DGLQDW\ .KDGUDµ FRPSHWLWLRQ ZDV ODXQFKHG DW WKH HQG RI 0D\ $FFRUGLQJ WR 2EHLG PXQLFLSDOLWLHV VXEPLWWHG SURMHFWV UDQJLQJ IURP HOHFWULFLW\ JHQHUDWHG E\ WKH VSHHG EXPSV WKDW PRVW GULYHUV KDWH WR SKRWRYROWDLF ZDWHU KHDWHUV 7KHVH SURMHFWV DSSOLHG IRU WKH LQ IXQGLQJ WKDW ZDV DW VWDNH ´,W ZDV D JRRG QXPEHU RI DSSOLFDQWV JLYHQ WKH IDFW WKDW WKH\ KDG D PRQWK WR VXEPLW WKH SURMHFWV DQG WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ SURFHVV ZDV TXLWH FRPSOLFDWHG µ 2EHLG VDLG ´7KH SURMHFWV LQFOXGHG PDQ\ WHFKQLFDO GHWDLOV DQG WKH DSSOLFDQWV KDG WR KDYH VRPH H[SHULHQFH ZLWK JUHHQ energy,” she added.

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HORIZONS

´:H ZRXOG OLNH WR KDYH FRPSHWLWLRQV VXFK DV WKLV RQH HYHU\ \HDU EXW ULJKW QRZ ZH DUH IRFXVLQJ RQ KHOSLQJ WKH RWKHU PXQLFLSDOLWLHV WR VHFXUH IXQGLQJ IRU WKH SURMHFWV WKDW WKH\ KDYH VXEPLWWHG µ 2EHLG VDLG

Judges get taught a lesson $ JUHHQ HGXFDWLRQ Words ALEX GREY

SEEL

Soutenir le système judiciaire dans le renforcement de la lÊgislation de l'environnement

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designed by cre8mania

$Q HGXFDWLRQDO JDS Ministry of the Environment in exists in the judiciary LWV ODZ SXEOLFDWLRQV WR HQDEOH when it comes to the texts to be used side-byenvironmental side. concerns.

The UNDP has been involved with 6((/ WKHQ SXEOLVKHG D WH[W RQ the creation of a curriculum HQYLURQPHQWDO MXULVSUXGHQFH IRU SURVSHFWLYH MXGJHV WKDW containing international FRYHUV QXPHURXV DVSHFWV RI judgments.

We analyzed HQYLURQPHQWDO ODZ LQ DQ DWWHPSW international rulings based to address the issue and to teach XSRQ WKH VDPH VHFWRUV DV WKH MXGJHV DERXW WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI Ministry of the Environmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental issues. Beyond SXEOLFDWLRQ PHDQLQJ WKDW VSRNH WR 5LFKDUG $NLNL OHJDO the governmental text, the RIĂ&#x20AC;FHU DW 81'3 /HEDQRQ DERXW LWV SURMHFW introduction, and the international cases can be used 6XSSRUWLQJ WKH ,PSRUWDQFH RI (QYLURQPHQWDO WR VXSSRUW RQH DQRWKHU :H DOVR SXEOLVKHG DQ DQDO\VLV /HJLVODWLRQ 6((/ ZKLFK UDQ IURP WR RI )UHQFK HQYLURQPHQWDO MXULVSUXGHQFH WORLD BANK

AG: What does SEEL aim to do?

RA: 6((/ ZDV FUHDWHG LQ FRRSHUDWLRQ ZLWK WKH 0LQLVWU\ RI -XVWLFH :H SUHSDUHG WKH FRXUVH WKDW is now taught to judges. Secondly, we created a strategy to enable environmental enforcement.

To do this the judicial bodies had to know how to HQIRUFH WKH ODZ :H GHYHORSHG D WUDLQLQJ FRXUVH for judges.

AG: :HUH WKHUH LQWHUDFWLYH DVSHFWV" RA: :H GLG Ă&#x20AC;YH RU VL[ ZRUNVKRSV DURXQG WKH country, which were mainly about environmental law DQG SURVHFXWLRQ 0RVW RI WKHP IHDWXUHG FRQVXOWDQWV JLYLQJ SUHVHQWDWLRQV DQG H[SHUWV IURP YDULRXV Ă&#x20AC;HOGV

AG: What sort of feedback are you receiving?

RA: Many judges are intrigued by it, as itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new and their intellectual curiosity is engaged. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enabling AG: $W ZKRP LV 6((/ DLPHG" them to understand that environmental issues RA: 6LQFH LW¡V EHHQ WDXJKW SURVSHFWLYH LPSDFW DOO DVSHFWV RI ODZ DQG LW¡V D QHZ YLHZSRLQW RQ MXGJHV 7KH FRXUVH LV PDLQO\ DERXW WKH SULQFLSOHV things that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been dealing with for years. We of environmental law. The curriculum targeted the KDG LPSUHVVLYH WXUQRXWV IRU DOO RXU ZRUNVKRSV 7KH stage where lawyers are in training to become judges. Ministry of Justice is also very enthusiastic. ,Q DGGLWLRQ ZH UDQ ZRUNVKRSV DQG GLVVHPLQDWHG DOO the information and feedback that we gathered.

AG: :KDW DUH \RX KRSLQJ IRU LQ WKH IXWXUH" RA: SEEL 1 ended at the end of 2010 and there AG: What does the curriculum entail?

KDVQ¡W EHHQ D 6((/ \HW :H¡YH DSSOLHG IRU IXQGV EXW RK: 7KHUH DUH WZR SDUWV 7KH ILUVW LV IRFXVHG RQ so far havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t received any. When we get a chance we LQWHUQDWLRQDO HQYLURQPHQWDO ODZ LW LQWURGXFHV WKH ZLOO RUJDQL]H 6((/ DQG ZH ZLOO WDNH WKH SURFHVV WR D SULQFLSOHV RI SUHYHQWLRQ SUHFDXWLRQ WKH SROOXWHG GLIIHUHQW OHYHO )RU H[DPSOH ZH¡UH LQWHUHVWHG LQ SODFH SULQFLSOH DQG GHILQLWLRQV RI HQYLURQPHQWDO sending judges to France on a regular basis. The WHUPV 7KH VHFRQG SDUW UHIHUV WR /HEDQRQ :H 0LQLVWU\ RI -XVWLFH LV EHKLQG XV EXW WKH SUREOHP OLHV LQ covered the environment in sectors as defined by the securing funds.

BEYOND BORDERS

199

NUCLEAR QUESTION

In the danger zone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Despite the legacy of Chernobyl, Ukraine is moving ahead with nuclear power production.

Khmelnytskyi NPP , WWW.PANORAMIO.COM/SERGEY

Rivne NPP ď&#x161;ŽCď&#x161;Ż VICTOR KORNIYENKO

Words ALICE HLIDKOVA

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200

KH FLW\ RI 5LYQH LV DQ LPSRUWDQW WUDQVSRUWDWLRQ KXE WKDW FRQQHFWV Ukraineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s western frontier with the rest of the country. Beyond green stretches RI XUEDQ VSDFH DQG JROG ULEERQV RI domed churches, nuclear reactors are VLWXDWHG DW WKH FLW\ OLPLWV 5LYQH 1XFOHDU 3RZHU 3ODQW 5LYQH 133 LV ORFDWHG LQ .X]QHWVRYVN .KPHOQLWVN\ 1XFOHDU 3RZHU 3ODQW .K133 LV situated in the nearby town of Netisshyn. Both VWDWLRQV FRPPHUFLDOO\ SURGXFH D VLJQLILFDQW SRUWLRQ RI WKH UHJLRQ¡V HOHFWULFLW\ VXSSO\ DQG LQ VSLWH RI WKH FRXQWU\¡V ODUJHVW QXFOHDU GLVDVWHU LQ &KHUQRE\O LQ VLJQV RI VWDJQDWLRQ DUH QRW DSSDUHQW

7KH 8NUDLQLDQ JRYHUQPHQW UHPRYHG WKH EDQ LQ SXVKLQJ IRU QHZ HQHUJ\ LQLWLDWLYHV VXSSRUWHG E\ WKH (XURSHDQ 8QLRQ )RXU QXFOHDU SRZHU SODQWV RSHUDWH Ă&#x20AC;IWHHQ UHDFWRUV DQG WKH JRYHUQPHQW LV DGYRFDWLQJ WKH construction of KhNPPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third and fourth reactors on old foundations, causing nation-wide concern. Ivanova fears that the corroded structures will unsafely store melted fuel in the case of an accident. Meanwhile UHJLRQDO K\GURORJLVWV H[SUHVV FRQFHUQV RYHU ZDWHU VFDUFLW\ ZKLFK PLJKW SUHYHQW ODUJH YROXPHV RI ZDWHU from cooling the reactors. Ivanova is concerned about WKH ZDWHU WHPSHUDWXUH LQ WKH FRROLQJ SRRO WKLUWHHQ degrees higher than that of Goryn, but notes that the KhNPP management said that it was safe.

A local journalist raises questions 5LYQH ERUQ MRXUQDOLVW .DWHU\QD ,YDQRYD KDV KHU VXVSLFLRQV DERXW WKH WZR YLOODLQV SRNLQJ WKHLU QRVHV DW KHU KRPHWRZQ¡V TXDUWHU RI D PLOOLRQ UHVLGHQWV 5LYQH 133 RQH RI WKH ROGHVW LQ WKH 8NUDLQH DQG WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WR XVH SUHVVXUL]HG ZDWHU UHDFWRUV EHJDQ RSHUDWLRQ LQ ² WKH \HDU LQ ZKLFK ,YDQRYD ZDV ERUQ ² EULHĂ \ FHDVLQJ RSHUDWLRQV LQ WKH V DV D UHVXOW RI WKH 0RUDWRULXP IRU &RQVWUXFWLRQ RI 1HZ 133V EHIRUH UHVXPLQJ DFWLYLWLHV LQ ,WV VWDWH RI WKH DUW UHDFWRUV WZR 99(5 DQG WZR 99(5 WLSWRH RYHU ZKDW DSSHDU WR EH KHDOWK\ IDXQD DQG Ă RUD .K133¡V WZR UHDFWRUV VLW RQ VKDYHG ODZQ DQG Ă RZHU EHGV RQ WKH HGJH RI WKH *RU\Q 5LYHU ´.KPHOQLWVN\ ZDV SODQQHG DQG GHVLJQHG WR KDYH IRXU EXW DIWHU &KHUQRE\O WKH JRYHUQPHQW EDQQHG construction of all nuclear objects,â&#x20AC;? she says.

The general consensus among engineers and researchers LV WKDW ZKHQ SRZHU SODQWV RSHUDWH SURSHUO\ WKH\ DUH VDIH for the environment. However, with the state managing SURGXFWLRQ RI QXFOHDU IXHO PLQLQJ DQG UHĂ&#x20AC;QLQJ RI XUDQLXP DQG ZDVWH UHFRUGV DUH NHSW FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQWLDO ´, EHOLHYH WKDW QR SURSHU UHVHDUFK DERXW WKH LQĂ XHQFH RI QXFOHDU SRZHU SODQWV RQ WKH HFRV\VWHP DQG WKH SHRSOH OLYLQJ FORVH WR WKH SODQWV KDV HYHU EHHQ GRQH LQ Ukraine,â&#x20AC;? Ivanova says, noting that undisclosed records KLQGHUV SXEOLF NQRZOHGJH RI SDUWLFOHV ZLWK UDGLRDFWLYH SURSHUWLHV

HORIZONS

Nuclear power is expensive and dangerous 7KH \RXQJ MRXUQDOLVW DUJXHV WKDW SURGXFWLRQ LV QRW RQO\ KDUPIXO IRU WKH HQYLURQPHQW EXW DOVR YHU\ H[SHQVLYH Because radioactive materials are invisible and their

Rivne NPP ď&#x161;ŽCď&#x161;Ż OLEXANDR SHUYENKO

effects are long-term â&#x20AC;&#x201C; cancerous tumors can take XS WR \HDUV WR VXUIDFH ² PHDVXULQJ GDPDJH LV WLPH consuming and therefore, costly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Occasionally state DJHQFLHV UHSRUW WKDW WKH\ GLDJQRVHG IDUPHUV¡ FRZV ZLWK leukemia and forbade selling the milk, or they found out WKDW PLON ZDV FRQWDPLQDWHG ZLWK UDGLRDFWLYH LVRWRSHV VXFK DV &HVLXP Âľ VKH UHPDUNV DGGLQJ WKDW EHUULHV and mushrooms are also checked for contamination, DQG LWV SLFNHUV DUH UHTXLUHG WR WHVW WKHLU SURGXFWV LQ market laboratories before sale.

8QGHU 8NUDLQLDQ ODZ 133 RSHUDWRUV DUH UHTXLUHG WR collect data regarding the technical, economical, and HQYLURQPHQWDO ULVNV RI QXFOHDU HQHUJ\ WKDW LV SURGXFHG at their facilities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do so regularly,â&#x20AC;? says ,YDQRYD ,Q WKH SDVW GHFDGH .K133 KDV JDWKHUHG GDWD IURP 1HWLVK\Q 6ODYXWD DQG 3RORQQH WR SURYH WKDW WKH DGGLWLRQDO FRQVWUXFWLRQ RI WZR UHDFWRUV SRVHV QR ULVN WR SXEOLF KHDOWK &RPSDQ\ UHSUHVHQWDWLYHV FRQWDFWHG oncologists from each town to test for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, and other illnesses in children and adults.

In Netishyn, they found two cancer cases for each one thousand children tested and two hundred and eighty FDVHV IRU HYHU\ WHQ WKRXVDQG DGXOWV WHVWHG LQ Nearly a decade later, they found eight cases in children and four hundred forty four cases in adults. Tumor TXDQWLW\ LQ 1HWLVK\Q DORQH TXDGUXSOHG LQ FKLOGUHQ DQG nearly doubled in adults. Lower rates were recorded in Slavuta and Polonne, and in all three cities, doctors

were unable to determine the cause. They also failed WR OLQN WKH LQFUHDVH LQ UDGLRDFWLYH H[SRVXUH WR .K133 DQG SRVVLEO\ WR &KHUQRE\O A nuclear watchdog 5LYQH EDVHG QRQ SURĂ&#x20AC;W RUJDQL]DWLRQ (FRFOXE DLPV WR SURWHFW WKH HQYLURQPHQW WKURXJK PHDQV RI HQHUJ\ HIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQF\ FRQVHUYDWLRQ DQG SXEOLF RXWUHDFK 7KH QXFOHDU ZDWFKGRJ RUJDQL]HV FDPSDLJQV WR LQIRUP FLWL]HQV DQG YDULRXV SXEOLF DQG SULYDWH LQVWLWXWLRQV about nuclear issues throughout the country, including WKH XQFKHFNHG VSUHDG RI UDGLRDFWLYH SDUWLFOHV DFURVV (XURSH ´:H DUH ZRUNLQJ PRVWO\ DJDLQVW WKH H[LVWLQJ QXFOHDU SRZHU SODQWV DQG RWKHU QXFOHDU IDFLOLWLHV Âľ VD\V &KDLUPDQ $QGUL\ 0DUW\Q\XN ZKR KHOSHG ,YDQRYD RUJDQL]H Ă&#x20AC;HOG WULSV WR XUDQLXP PLQLQJ VLWHV Nuclear energy is a controversial issue in Ukraine 1XFOHDU HQHUJ\ UHPDLQV DW WKH FRUH RI SXEOLF SROLF\ in the Ukraine. Every year, throughout the country VFLHQWLVWV HQYLURQPHQWDOLVWV KHDGV RI QRQ SURILW RUJDQL]DWLRQV DQG RWKHU H[SHUWV FRQJUHJDWH DW forums to discuss the extent of nuclear energy EHQHILW DQG LQGXVWU\ FRYHU XS ´$V IRU WKH UHG WDSH WKH VLWXDWLRQ LV QRW WKH VDPH DV FRPSDUHG WR 6RYLHW times, but still the goverment is not eager to talk about these issues,â&#x20AC;? says Ivanova, crediting fellow journalists for building an environmental conscience in Ukraine, so citizens are more aware of the ZLGHVSUHDG XVH RI QXFOHDU HQHUJ\ WKDW FRQWLQXHV WR SUROLIHUDWH LQ WKHLU EDFN\DUGV BEYOND BORDERS

201

GREEN ENERGY

The green imperative

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Words CHADI M. NASSAR

202

HORIZONS

T

KH 8 6 (QYLURQPHQWDO 3URWHFWLRQ $JHQF\ KDV UHSRUWHG WKDW WKH PDMRULW\ RI HQHUJ\ LQ WKH 8 6 $ FRPHV IURP WUDGLWLRQDO energy sources, such as coal, oil, and gas.

However, green energy is also available.

Green energy is energy that comes from sources that do not require the burning of any kind RI IXHOV 6RPH H[DPSOHV RI VXFK JUHHQ HQHUJ\ LQFOXGH VRODU ZLQG DQG ZDWHU SRZHUHG HQHUJ\ JHQHUDWLQJ technology.

Global Energy Sources %ULWLVK 3HWUROHXP RU %3 SXEOLVKHV D ZHOO UHVSHFWHG statistical review of world energy. In its latest issue of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the use of oil and other traditional sources has been closing IRU WKH SDVW \HDUV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH VDPH %3 UHSRUW Traditional energy and greenhouse gases 7UDGLWLRQDO VRXUFHV RI HQHUJ\ DUH LPSOLFDWHG LQ WKH SURGXFWLRQ RI JUHHQKRXVH JDVHV DQG RWKHU SROOXWDQWV 7KH ELJJHVW SUREOHP DULVHV IURP WKH HPLVVLRQ RI FDUERQ dioxide, the gas that is considered to be the major FRQWULEXWRU WR JUHHQKRXVH JDVHV $FFRUGLQJ WR WKH HGLWLRQ RI WKH &22 (PLVVLRQV IURP )XHO &RPEXVWLRQ +LJKOLJKWV UHYLHZ SXEOLVKHG E\ WKH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO (QHUJ\ $JHQF\ ,($ WKH PDMRU FDUERQ GLR[LGH HPLVVLRQV ZHUH SURGXFHG IURP FRDO SHUFHQW SHU \HDU JOREDOO\ 2WKHU WUDGLWLRQDO VRXUFHV VXFK DV RLO DQG QDWXUDO JDVHV DFFRXQW IRU SHUFHQW DQG SHUFHQW UHVSHFWLYHO\ DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH VDPH SXEOLFDWLRQ Green energy yields almost no emissions *UHHQ VRXUFHV RI HQHUJ\ GR QRW SURGXFH DQ\ HPLVVLRQV IRU WKH PRVW SDUW 6RXUFHV WKDW DUH SDUW RI WKH DWPRVSKHUH and natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daily routine, such as solar, wind, and JHRWKHUPDO VRXUFHV GR QRW SURGXFH DQ\ HPLVVLRQV DW DOO %LRPDVV D JUHHQ VRXUFH GHULYHG IURP SODQWV SURGXFHV nitrogen oxides, small amounts of sulfur dioxide, and negligible amounts of carbon dioxide that do not exceed the Earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s normal carbon cycle. Thus, essentially, green sources are non-emission based sources of energy.

The choice is clear ,W LV FOHDU IURP WKH UHSRUW E\ %ULWLVK 3HWUROHXP WKDW WKH use of traditional sources of energy needs to be PLQLPL]HG LI WKH QHJDWLYH LPSDFW RQ WKH HQYLURQPHQW LV to be decreased. However, the use of traditional sources LV IDU IURP GLVDSSHDULQJ 7KH JOREDO FRPPXQLW\ VKRXOG ZRUN WRZDUGV SURPRWLQJ WKH XVH RI JUHHQ HQHUJ\ VRXUFHV if we are to avoid a global crisis. Green sources of energy offer cleaner energy and some do not emit any JUHHQKRXVH JDVHV RU RWKHU SROOXWDQWV DW DOO BEYOND BORDERS

203

GREEN CULTURE

Drama in the streets â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The BIM project seeks to make local theatre productions accessible to everybody

Words JODY JAFFE

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he BIM Project was established in XQGHU WKH XPEUHOOD RI WKH 81(6&2 :RUOG %RRN &DSLWDO &LW\ Festival. It mission is to make the theatre accessible to the Lebanese by SUHVHQWLQJ SOD\V IRU IUHH LQ VLWH VSHFLILF locations throughout the country.

Each year, BIM brings together international and /HEDQHVH WKHDWHU DFWRUV ZKR SHUIRUP IRU IUHH LQ SXEOLF VSDFHV WKURXJKRXW /HEDQRQ ,W FUHDWHV SOD\V WKDW are rooted in the history, culture, and literature of Lebanon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;BIMâ&#x20AC;? is an acronym for â&#x20AC;&#x153;Books in Motion,â&#x20AC;?

WKH QDPH RI WKH ILUVW SURMHFW LQ ZKLFK /HEDQHVH ERRNV ZHUH PDGH LQWR SOD\V 7KH %,0 3URMHFW XVHV IUHH SURGXFWLRQV DQG FROODERUDWLRQ ZLWK DFWRUV IURP around the world to bridge divisions between local JURXSV LQ WKLV FRXQWU\ DV ZHOO DV WR EULGJH ERXQGDULHV between Lebanon and the international community.

BIM 1: Plays in the streets ,Q WKH VXPPHU RI WKH %,0 3URMHFW ODXQFKHG WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW IUHH WUDYHOLQJ WKHDWUH IHVWLYDO LQ /HEDQRQ ,W SHUIRUPHG LQ SXEOLF VWUHHWV LQ WHQ ORFDWLRQV LQ /HEDQRQ 7KH SOD\V ZHUH DGDSWHG IURP WKH ERRNV What is the Color of the Sea?

by Nadine Touma and The Shoes of Tanburi by Fatima 6KHUUHIIHGLQH 7KH SOD\V ZHUH SHUIRUPHG LQ 7\UH %LQW -XEHLO .RED\DW $OH\ $PLRXQ -H]]LQH +HUPHO 'RZQWRZQ %HLUXLW &RUQLFKH %HLUXW DQG %LVKDUUL 7KH SOD\V ZHUH directed by Lucien Bourjeily.

BIM 2: Plays in hospitals ,Q WKH ZLQWHU RI WKH %,0 WURXSH WRXUHG KRVSLWDOV DQG KHDOWK FHQWHUV LQ /HEDQRQ 7KH SOD\V 204

HORIZONS

ZHUH DGDSWHG IURP WKH ERRNV What is the Color of the Sea? by Nadine Touma and The Shoes of Tanburi by Fatima Sherreffedine. The venues included Bahman +RVSLWDO LQ WKH VRXWKHUQ VXEXUEV RI %HLUXW 6W *HRUJH +RVSLWDO %HLUXW +{WHO 'LHX +RVSLWDO %HLUXW -HLWDZL +RVSLWDO %HLUXW 6W -XGH¡V &DQFHU &HQWHU %HLUXW WKH $PHULFDQ 8QLYHUVLW\ RI %HLUXW 0HGLFDO &HQWHU %HLUXW +DPPRXG +RVSLWDO 6LGRQ 1DEDWL\HK *HQHUDO +RVSLWDO 1DEDWL\HK &KURQLF &DUH &HQWHU +D]PLHK +DULUL +RVSLWDO %LU +DVVDQ 1LQL +RVSLWDO 7ULSROL DQG WKH 6DIDGL )RXQGDWLRQ 7ULSROL 7KH SOD\V ZHUH GLUHFWHG E\ Lucien Bourjeily.

BIM 3: Plays in train stations ,Q WKH VXPPHU RI %,0 SUHVHQWHG D SOD\ LQ DEDQGRQHG WUDLQ VWDWLRQV WKURXJKRXW /HEDQRQ 7KH SOD\ ZDV HQWLWOHG What Time Is the Train Coming? It was written and directed

by Lucien Bourjeily.

%,0 3OD\V LQ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ SRUWV 7KH %,0 SURMHFW LV FXUUHQWO\ SUHSDULQJ %,0 which is scheduled for the summer of 2012. It will EH SHUIRUPHG LQ ILVKLQJ SRUWV WKURXJKRXW /HEDQRQ 'HQLVH 0DURQH\ IURP 1HZ <RUN &LW\ KDV EHHQ DZDUGHG E\ WKH $QGUHZ : 0HOORQ )RXQGDWLRQ WR GHYHORS DQ HQYLURQPHQWDO SOD\ ZLWK Luicien Bourjeily and other Lebanese artists. Teresa Eyring, executive director of the Theatre &RPPXQLFDWLRQV *URXS WKH QDWLRQDO RUJDQL]DWLRQ IRU WKH $PHULFDQ WKHDWUH ZKLFK LV EDVHG LQ 1HZ <RUN &LW\ VDLG ´:H DUH LQVSLUHG E\ WKHVH WDOHQWHG forward-thinking artists, who are taking an active role within the international theatre community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; FROODERUDWLQJ H[SHULHQFLQJ QHZ DHVWKHWLFV DQG OHDUQLQJ QHZ SUDFWLFHV ² LQ RUGHU WR EHWWHU FRQQHFW and engage with their local communities back home.â&#x20AC;?

BEYOND BORDERS

205

GREEN REFLEXES

WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR THE POSITION OF MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT?

CHAHINE FAYAD I would choose a woman to run this ministry because Lebanon needs a feminine and motherly touch to protect nature and biodiversity and stop the environmental bleeding.

CAROLINE HAJJAR MOUFARREJ My favorite candidate for the position of minister of the environment in Lebanon is Mr. Neemat Frem, president and CEO of INDEVCO Group, a Lebanese-owned and based manufacturing group. Mr. Frem holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in electrical engineering from AUB. His personal and corporate philosophy of "commitment to the community," his dynamic and ethical path, his “look beyond” attitude, and his knowledge of the needs and problems of the environment in Lebanon make him, in my opinion, the right man for this mission

206

HORIZONS

IF YOU WERE MINISTER OF THE ENVIRONMENT, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

ROGER BEJJANI Well before “Green” became a trend and the politically correct thing to advocate, I went from concerned in the 1970s to alarmed in the 1980s and 1990s to outraged today with regard to the disastrous management of the originally beautiful resources of our ancient Mediterranean country.

person be the Minister of the Environment? Perhaps.

However, we all know that the quality and the vision of such a minister are not enough. It is imperative that an environmental master comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of Lebanon and the Lebanese be adopted as a priority by the government.

As a runner who fortunately has had the opportunity to run in the most beautiful and well preserved countrysides in the US, Europe, and Turkey, I have been tempted to turn my back on the environmental disaster that Lebanon has turned out to be and to settle somewhere where I can feel pride in being an earthman. In the future, all earthmen will have to address together the real issues of the future: water supply and management, increasing life expectancy and retirement financing, affordable renewable energies, fighting disease, and preservation of the environment.

Lebanese are entitled to dream of a Lebanon that offers: 1. Sidewalks where they can walk safely 2. Bicycle alleys where they can bike safely as a mean of commuting 3. A clean and developed public transportation system 4. Strict traffic and environmental law enforcement 5. Financial incentive programs addressing waste management at the level of the family 6. Clean energy production 7. National parks under strict rangers’ protection

Trying to make a difference in Lebanon I believe that my life will be more interesting in a country where nearly everything has to be rethought and ultimately re-engineered. So I decided to try to make a difference in Lebanon. Practically this decision so far has been translated into tons of daily frustrations.

And until now, my thoughts on how to turn the tide environmentally in Lebanon have been restricted to my family and friends. The farthest that I have gone in trying to create awareness was the Cedar Green Marathon that my club organized in 2011.

This country needs a dreamer What Lebanon needs is a tireless dreamer armed with a clear vision, driven by courage, and who does not know the meaning of discouragement. Should this

This will require a clear financing program that is based mainly on a fat tax on gasoline and a higher tax on cars.

Let us dream that in an ideal world in 2020, Lebanese fathers will buy their sons and daughters bicycles rather than cars at age 18! This will translate into a substantial decrease in carbon dioxide emissions, a marked decrease in traffic accidents, a sense of equality among Lebanese youth, and a healthier younger generation.

Shall I wake up one day and taste the pleasure of going through life in a clean, green, walkable, rail-linked Lebanon? Yes, I will. Or at least I still dream that I will.

BEYOND BORDERS

207

ECO CARS

CNG VEHICLES: Fuel of the future Words ALEX GREY

T

KH HQYLURQPHQWDO LPSDFW RI &2 2 emissions from vehicles has been well documented. Such emissions remain a serious environmental concern LQ /HEDQRQ &RPSUHVVHG QDWXUDO JDV *1* RIIHUV D VROXWLRQ D ORZ SROOXWLQJ UHDGLO\ DYDLODEOH VRXUFH RI SRZHU &1* SRZHUHG YHKLFOHV ZLOO QRW RQO\ UHGXFH emissions, but will offer long-term savings IRU GULYHUV %H\RQG VSRNH WR (GJDUG &KHKDE DVVLVWDQW WR WKH 81'3·V 5HVLGHQW 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH DERXW WKH SRWHQWLDO IRU &1* YHKLFOHV LQ /HEDQRQ Alex Grey: :KDW DUH WKH EHQHILWV RI &1*" Edgard Chehab: 7KH EHQHILW RI &1* LQ WHUPV of the mechanics of the car is that there is significantly less wear on the engine, so the life RI WKH YHKLFOH ZLOO LQFUHDVH 0RVW LPSRUWDQWO\ &1* LV PXFK OHVV SROOXWLQJ WKDQ DQ\ RWKHU IRVVLO fuel.

AG: :KDW DUH WKH FRVW LPSOLFDWLRQV IRU FRQYHUVLRQ IURP VWDQGDUG IXHO WR &1*" EC: ,I LW·V EHLQJ GRQH WR WKH KLJKHVW VSHFLILFDWLRQV LW ZLOO FRVW DURXQG SHU FDU EXW WKH FRVW savings are substantial. The best idea would be to EX\ D &1* FDU GLUHFWO\ IURP WKH PDQXIDFWXUHU AG: +RZ FDQ SHRSOH SXUFKDVH D &1* FDU" EC: There are cars designed by the manufacturer ZLWK &1* LQ PLQG RQHV WKDW FDQ EH ERXJKW GLUHFWO\ IURP WKH FRPSDQ\ 7KH VDIHW\ ULVNV ZLWK UHJDUG WR WKLV W\SH RI YHKLFOH DUH PLQLPDO $GGLWLRQDOO\ \RX FDQ FRQYHUW VWDQGDUG YHKLFOHV WR UXQ RQ &1* 7KH ULVN LV PXFK KLJKHU LQ WKLV case. In Lebanon there are so many ways of cheating the system that you would have to be very careful indeed.

AG: From where would the gas be sourced?

EC: The government is saying that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going WR H[SORUH RXU JDV UHVRXUFHV DQG WKDW WKH\·UH YHU\ SURPLVLQJ 2XU QHLJKERUV DUH DOUHDG\ ZRUNLQJ RQ WKHLU RIIVKRUH JDV UHVHUYHV , H[SHFW ZRUN WR VWDUW toward the end of the year. If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing

208

HORIZONS

found offshore, then we can bring in liquefied natural gas from other sources.

AG: How can Lebanon facilitate the introduction RI &1* YHKLFOHV" EC: We have to be very careful in identifying the LPSDFW DQG ULVNV RI XVLQJ &1* 7KH JDV LV XQGHU YHU\ KLJK SUHVVXUH &1* LV EHLQJ XVHG LQ ,UDQ DQG WKHLU UHVHDUFKHUV VD\ WKDW \RX QHHG D PHWHU VHSDUDWLRQ IURP UHVLGHQWLDO EXLOGLQJV DURXQG HDFK &1* VWDWLRQ )RU D UHJXODU VHUYLFH VWDWLRQ LW·V PHWHUV :KHUH FDQ ZH UHILOO WKH FDU" $W SUHVHQW VHUYLFH VWDWLRQV DUHQ·W SURSHUO\ HTXLSSHG to install and manage underground gas cylinders. ,Q DGGLWLRQ HYHQ WKRXJK &1* LV OHVV H[SHQVLYH overall, you need to refuel more frequently than with normal fuel sources. So, that means that \RX·OO QHHG PRUH VHUYLFH VWDWLRQV DOO ZLWK PHWHUV RI VHSDUDWLRQ AG: So what are the answers?

EC: We need to create a strategic environmental DFWLRQ SODQ WR DQVZHU DOO RI WKH TXHVWLRQV :H can assess all the service stations in Lebanon.

We can also look at reinforcing the cylinders to UHGXFH WKLV PHWHU VDIHW\ ]RQH :H QHHG D SURSHU VWXG\ WR JLYH XV WKH DQVZHUV