Research and Studies
Scientific study on bioaccumulation of microplastics and heavy metals in marine fish, and create a fishing calendar to protect threatened species and guide sustainable catches.
Nassim Al Baher
Protecting Our Sea. Strengthening Our Communities.
Launching:
May 2025
Ending:
April 2028
Region:
Lebanon’s Northern Coast (Okaibe to Abdeh)
Funding Partner:
Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
Main Expertise:
Related Areas of Expertise:
Research & Studies, Livelihoods & Food Security, Agroecology & Environmental Action, Business Support & Market Access
Number of Beneficiaries:
More than 900
Project Partners:
National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanese Developers, Tabitha for Relief and Development
Nassim Al Baher – Advancing Coastal Resilience in Lebanon
Nassim Al Baher is a three-year initiative funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) led by Fair Trade Lebanon, and in partnership with Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Lebanese Developers, and Tabitha. It aims to protect Lebanon’s northern coastal ecosystems while strengthening the livelihoods of fishing communities from Okaibe to Abdeh. The project promotes sustainable fishing, reduces plastic pollution, and supports responsible coastal tourism. By training fishermen, empowering women and youth, and raising public awareness, Nassim Al Baher works to build a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future for Lebanon’s coastline.
Beneficiaries Impact
50
Fishers
cooperatives supported.
1500
Fishers
trained to adopt sustainable practices.
500
Fishers
trained on building fishing cages.
140
Fishers
supported to diversify their income.
650
Fishers
to increase their income by producing and using fish and shrimp cages.
520
Women and Youth
to access job opportunities.
2000
Students and stakeholders
to explore and learn about marine biodiversity.
5000
Residents
to be sensitized to the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Project Overview
Nassim Al Baher is a three-year initiative funded by l’Agence Française de Développement (AFD) led by Fair Trade Lebanon, and in partnership with the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), Lebanese Developers, and Tabitha for Relief and Development. It aims to protect Lebanon’s northern coastal ecosystems while strengthening the livelihoods of fishing communities from Okaibe to Abdeh. The project promotes sustainable fishing, reduces plastic pollution, supports the recycling of fishing nets, and encourages responsible coastal tourism.
By supporting fishing cooperatives, training fishers, empowering women and youth, and raising public awareness, Nassim Al Baher works to build a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable future for Lebanon’s coastline.
Key Components
Awareness Raising
Organize campaigns, local events, scientific visits to engage communities and students on marine biodiversity, raise awareness on plastic pollution, and its impact on marine life.
Income Generation
Support new livelihood opportunities through culinary tourism and artisanal crafts.
Coastal Tourism
Develop 2 sustainable tourism circuits and train local guides to operate them.
Exposure and Market Access
Organize local fairs to connect fishermen, women, and youth with wider markets.
Recycling Fishing Nets
Collect and recycle old nylon nets into reusable materials under a circular economy model.
Capacity Building
Train fishing cooperatives on sustainable fishing, climate adaptation, and improved market negotiation.
Equipment Provision
Support fishing cooperatives to strengthen their capacity and services to members.
Resources & Insights
The Underwater Laboratory No One Mapped. Until the Fishers Did
Discover how fishers’ ecological knowledge is helping document Lebanon’s underwater ecosystems and support marine conservation through the Nassim Al Baher project.
From pollution to possibility: Building a sustainable Mediterranean together
From pollution to possibility: Discover how the Nassim Al Baher project is helping protect the Mediterranean while supporting people, nature, and a more sustainable blue economy.
From coast to community: How the blue economy is powering hope
Discover how the Nassim Al Baher project is advancing the Blue Economy by protecting marine ecosystems, and fostering a more sustainable Mediterranean.
Project News
Multimedia
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nassim Al Baher project?
Nassim Al Baher is a three-year initiative by Fair Trade Lebanon, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and in partnership with Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Lebanese Developers, and Tabitha. It aims to preserve marine ecosystems and promote sustainable practices for a sustainable and resilient economic development in Lebanon.
Who benefits from this project?
The project mainly supports fishing cooperatives, fishermen, women, and youth along Lebanon’s northern coast, from Okaibe to Abdeh. More than 900 individuals are expected to benefit directly, with a broader positive impact on the surrounding coastal communities.
What are the main components of the project?
The project focuses on the following: research and studies, capacity building, equipment provision, awareness raising, income generation, tourism and sustainability, and exposure and market access.
Why does the project matter?
Environmental degradation, overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate threats are eroding marine ecosystems and jeopardizing the livelihoods of fishing communities. Fishing communities are growing more vulnerable, struggling with declining fish stocks, reduced incomes and limited opportunities. The project tackles these challenges by promoting sustainable fishing, responsible tourism, and waste reduction, while creating new income opportunities for coastal communities.
How does Nassim Al Baher enhance coastal resilience to climate change?
The project provides fishermen with eco-friendly equipment and promotes sustainable fishing practices. It emphasizes awareness-raising, capacity building, and the adoption of sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term preservation of marine ecosystems along Lebanon’s northern coast.
What are the long-term benefits expected from the project?
Long-term benefits include protecting marine and coastal ecosystems against natural threats and climate change, boosting economic stability for fishermen and coastal communities, as well as inspiring local coastal population to take action against pollution. The project also opens new income opportunities for women and youth in the North of Lebanon, nurturing a resilient and thriving community.
How will the project ensure its sustainability after it ends?
Sustainability is fostered by engaging local communities, raising awareness, capacity building, and the adoption of sustainable practices to safeguard marine ecosystems and disseminate responsible tourism. Local coastal communities will be trained to manage and protect their resources, ensuring that the benefits endure long after the project’s completion.
Can I visit the tourism circuits?
This project will collaborate with local stakeholders to co-create sustainable tourism routes that highlight cultural and natural heritage while protecting coastal and marine ecosystems. Once finalized and tested, the circuits will be guided by trained youth and promoted through dedicated campaigns. You can then experience responsible tourism activities that benefit local communities and the environment.
Can I get involved?
We welcome your interest in getting involved. Whether you’d like to support awareness activities, collaborate on sustainable initiatives, or simply learn more, you can reach out to us at j.nakhle@fairtradelebanon.org. We’d be happy to hear from you!
