Lehfed Side Road Plantation - Crowning Event

The Lehfed Side Roads Plantation Project represents a practical example of how local partnerships can contribute to environmental restoration and sustainable rural development. Funded by the Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development (MIF) and implemented in close collaboration with the Municipality of Lehfed, the initiative forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s National Strategy to Plant Roadside Corridors across Lebanon, which seeks to expand green cover, improve ecosystem connectivity, and enhance the environmental quality of public spaces throughout the country.

Designed to strengthen local climate resilience and improve the visual and ecological character of the village, the project began with a comprehensive field assessment carried out jointly by MIF and municipal representatives. The assessment identified approximately one kilometer of roadside, distributed along three main roads and three internal roads, as technically suitable for plantation activities. Particular attention was given to road safety considerations, visibility requirements, infrastructure constraints, and property boundaries to ensure that the intervention would generate long-term environmental benefits without affecting mobility or adjacent land uses.

Based on these findings, the project involved the plantation of one hundred walnut and olive trees, two species deeply rooted in Lebanon’s agricultural heritage and particularly well adapted to local climatic conditions. Beyond their cultural significance, these trees were selected for their capacity to regulate microclimates, provide shade, reduce soil erosion, improve air quality, and contribute to biodiversity enhancement. Over time, they are expected to enrich the village’s landscape, reinforce its rural identity, and create a greener and more pleasant environment for residents and visitors alike.

Implementation followed a structured and technically supervised process to maximize the survival and healthy establishment of the trees. Activities included the validation of plantation sites, the procurement of high-quality saplings from accredited local nurseries, excavation and soil preparation works, tree plantation, and early-stage monitoring and follow-up. To ensure the sustainability of the intervention, the Municipality of Lehfed committed to carrying out regular maintenance activities, including irrigation, pruning, and basic care during the critical establishment period.

The Lehfed Side Roads Plantation Project reflects MIF’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship, landscape enhancement, and community-centered development. At the same time, it contributes to the Ministry of Agriculture’s national vision of creating greener roadsides and expanding Lebanon’s rural green infrastructure. More importantly, the initiative demonstrates how evidence-based planning, strategic environmental investments, and effective collaboration between public institutions, municipalities, and development organizations can generate lasting benefits for local communities while advancing national sustainability objectives.