Short description of the best practice

Assisting the Government of Lebanon in its recovery efforts in the conflict-affected and high-poverty region of Baalbeck-Hermel through land management practices, namely flood risk reduction and improved access to irrigation water and networks to achieve crop diversification and improve productivity|

Location

Baalback-Hermel

If the location has well defined boundaries, specify its extension in hectares:

94000.0

Brief description of the natural environment within the specified location.

Semi-arid climate with low rainfall (200-300mmm) frequently occuring in intensive showers causing flooding of rivers and gullies. Dry, hot and long summers.|
friable
Mountainous region overlooking the plain

Prevailing socio-economic conditions of those living in the location and/or nearby

Low income
Private and public (including religious communities and government) with user rights through rent
Agriculture, livestock (range), divers rural jobs|

On the basis of which criteria and/or indicator(s) (not related to The Strategy) the proposed practice and corresponding technology has been considered as 'best'?

The problem of floods in the target region is severly affecting the livelihoods as it distroys the agricultural lands, the crops, the terraces and the infrastructures. The techniques utilized to control the flood through micro dams were found to be most efficient in such a situation.|

Main problems addressed by the best practice

Flash floods caused by heavy rains in May-June or in October - November causing severe erosion and substantial damages to agriculture and livelihood systems

Outline specific land degradation problems addressed by the best practice

Land degradation; land use management, including water; soil conservation|

Specify the objectives of the best practice

- Establishment and Implementation of a flood risk management plan over an area of 94 km2 in Aarsal and Fakhe region.
- Water harvesting in North Bekaa and installation of efficient irrigation networks.
- Crop diversification and improved land cover in North Bekaa.
- Improved public awareness on flood risks management and training of the target municipality on maintenenace of flood management structures.

Brief description of main activities, by objective

Construction of water harvesting reservoirs for irrigatiion
Provision of extension services
Establishement and construction of collection lakes, stone walls and contour bunds; reforestation and restoration of ranges; capacity building|
Empowerment of local communities
Alternative sources of income
Establishment of nurseries for seeds and seedlings
Crop diversification and increased farm productivity
Forestation and cultivation of forage crops in vulnerable areas

Short description and technical specifications of the technology

The project works in partnership with concerned stakeholders and in cooperation and in collaboration with other on-going projects to ensure proper management and to avoid duplication. The project is building upon the previous 18km2 executed by the GTZ and the MOA in the Qaa region. It covers a watershed of aproximately 100km2, which is half the area under risks of floods in the Bekaa. Check dams, contour bunds and stone walls are built. Lrge safety reservoirs (hafeers) are made for collection of flood water.
Restoration of vegetation cover, mainly with wild fruit trees (pistchios, pears and almonds); rehabilitation of ranges
Awareness raising and training sessions|

Name and address of the institution developing the technology

GTZ- (CoDeL Project) Beirut office/ MoA
UNDP
MoA|c/o CCD Focal Point
Ministry of Agriculture - Bir Hassan - Beirut - Lebanon

Was the technology developed in partnership?

Yes

List the partners:

GTZ - ACSAD - MoA

Specify the framework within which the technology was promoted

• National initiative – non-government-led
• International initiative
• Programme/project-based initiative

Was the participation of local stakeholders, including CSOs, fostered in the development of the technology?

Yes

List local stakeholders involved:

Local community groups/ local municipalities

For the stakeholders listed above, specify their role in the design, introduction, use and maintenance of the technology, if any.

The local stakeholders are in charge of the maintenance of the structures and the rehabilitated forests and rangelands. The techniques were developped based on traditional experience in building stone walls.

Was the population living in the location and/or nearby involved in the development of the technology?

Yes

By means of what?

• Consultation
• Participatory approaches

Describe on-site impacts (the major two impacts by category)

Production is improved through the improved irrigation structures
Livelihood systems are improved
The soils are maintained and protected; Floods no longer threaten the agricultural lands
Conservation and sustainable management of resources
Reforestation and protection of vegetation cover
Local capacities are built

Describe the major two off-site (i.e. not occurring in the location but in the surrounding areas) impacts

The surrounding regions are protected from floods and their effects
The rehabilitation of forests and rangelands contributes to the improvement of the forest and range services in all the region

Impact on biodiversity and climate change

Explain the reasons:

The retention of water and soils and the reforestation contribute to the mitigation of climate change
The reforestation and rehabilitation of ranges and vegetation cover with local species contributes to the protection of the biodiversity.
The control of floods reduces the risk of soil and land degradation

Has a cost-benefit analysis been carried out?

Has a cost-benefit analysis been carried out?

No

Was the technology disseminated/introduced to other locations?

Was the technology disseminated/introduced to other locations?

No

Can you identify the three main conditions that led to the success of the presented best practice/technology?

Highly motivated partners; replicable elsewhere
Local topography and climatic conditions; replicable elsewhere with some adaptation
Highly motivated farmers; replicable elsewhere

Replicability

In your opinion, the best practice/technology you have proposed can be replicated, although with some level of adaptation, elsewhere?

Yes

At which level?

• Local
• Sub-national
• Subregional

Related to human resources

No lessons learned yet

Related to financial aspects

No lessons learned yet

Related to technical aspects

No lessons learned yet