The global objective of this programme is to reduce discharges of waste thrown in the sea, prevent additional harming to the environment and mitigate the economic damage to activities such as tourism and fisheries.

The specific objective is to provide financial and technical support to projects that contribute in preserving the biodiversity of Lebanese coastal zones, while indirectly enhancing sustainable income generating activities” and tackling marine litter in Lebanon, with a special focus on single-use plastic products and micro plastics, potential threat to both the environment and human health.

This call for proposals is divided into 3 lots. Under each of the lot, subtopics have been identified as follows:

Lot I: Tackling land-based sources of pollution

• Supporting existing operators recycling municipal (organic, paper, aluminium, glass, cardboard) and electronic / electrical wastes.
• Implementing comprehensive source separation schemes for household, commercial or industrial wastes (only the municipalities outside the Governorate of Beirut – Mount Lebanon are eligible).
• Encouraging innovative measures to recycle, re-use or upcycle plastics, rubber, fishing related waste, cigarette filters and cigar tips; sanitary litter.
• Supporting initiatives to limit the use of single use plastics and promoting eco-friendly alternatives.
• Conduct regular clean-up efforts on coastal lands, in watersheds and in waterways.
• Supporting initiatives to collect wastes in areas frequented by fishermen and tourists and in remote areas.

Lot II: Tackling sea-based source of pollution

• Removing marine debris, including ghost fishing nets, from shorelines and seabed.
• Developing and promoting use of technologies and methods to effectively locate and remove marine debris accumulation.
• Developing and strengthen implementation of waste minimisation and proper waste storage at port reception facilities.
• Develop and promote use of fishing gear modifications or alternative technologies to reduce the loss of fishing gear and/or its impact.

Lot III: Tackling socio-economic impacts

•  Improving livelihoods of fishermen and sea salt producers (must include an expected result aiming at reducing of their environmental footprint).
• Close collaboration between primary stakeholders (municipalities, marine protected areas, fishermen, divers, restaurants, beach resorts, etc.) is encouraged.

Size of Grants is divided into:

– Large grants: between 20,000 and 60,000 Euros, with an initial planned duration not exceeding 9 months, and submission of application through written application form.

– Small grants: between 1,000 and 19,999 Euros, with an initial planned duration not exceeding 6 months, and submission of proposals through oral presentations (pitching sessions).