Grassroots Environmental Activism in Lebanon: David Vs Goliath

Abstract

This brief was published following the third roundtable of AUB-NCC's 2023 series, titled “Navigating Climate Change and Environmental Activism in the MENA Region: Challenges and Opportunities.” This brief explores Lebanon's October 2019 uprising and the Save Bisri Campaign, where environmental degradation and corruption sparked widespread protests. It highlights the challenges of Lebanon's grassroots activism, which often focuses on opposing specific threats rather than fostering a unified, long-term vision. Despite their successes in mobilizing communities, these movements remain fragmented, limiting their impact on lasting change. The discussion calls for a more cohesive approach to environmental activism in Lebanon, aiming for broader civil society engagement.