Final Report: Litani River Basin Management Support Program

It is undertaken by IRG, in cooperation with LRA, and is funded by USAID. The program began in October 2009 and has four components: Building institutional capacity, Water monitoring, Irrigation management, and Risk management. Most water issues are due to improper water use behaviors by farmers, residents, factories, and others who pollute and waste water resources. Involving these groups in water management is essential to achieve lasting changes, as responsible and informed users better understand the consequences of their actions and can adopt better water use practices. Participatory processes are necessary for effective water management, as they involve residents, farmers, factories, central agencies, local authorities, and water user representatives in planning and decision-making. Initial meetings were held in about 20 municipalities in the upper Litani River Basin to explain the concept of water collaborative activities. Based on interest, follow-up meetings were held to form water committees with leading local residents in Ablah, Anjar, Baalbeck, Bar Elias, Kfarzabad, Joub Jenine, Marj, Qaraoun, and Zahle. The nine committees were trained in the design and planning of activities, and eight submitted actual action plans. Six of the plans were approved for LRBMS support, while two were rejected as dealing with domestic water supply and not water management. A budget was submitted by each Committee, with items being funded by the Municipality and LRBMS. The contribution of LRBMS was within the $3,000-5,000 range and specifically covered material support such as bags, gloves, boots, garbage bins, etc. LRBMS did not get involved in the planning and implementations, letting the local Committees lead the activity. After approval of their action plan, the six Committees of Anjar, Baalbeck, Joub Jenine, Kfarzabad, Marj, and Qaraoun proceeded to implement their activities, including river cleanup, tree planting, and water use efficiency. These collaborative activities are a way to raise awareness and concretely solve local water issues that governmental agencies would never have the resources to tackle effectively. The implementers grew confident in their capacity to mobilize and replicate in the future, as evidenced by the successful implementation of their action plans. The program's focus on building institutional capacity, water monitoring, irrigation management, and risk management has improved water management in the Litani River Basin. The program's success can be attributed to the involvement of local residents, farmers, and factories in the planning and decision-making process. The use of participatory processes has ensured that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are addressed, leading to more effective water management. The program's focus on building institutional capacity has also improved the ability of local authorities to manage water resources effectively. The LRMBS Program has demonstrated the effectiveness of collaborative activities in improving water management in the Litani River Basin. The program's success has paved the way for future initiatives that focus on building institutional capacity, water monitoring, irrigation management, and risk management. The program's impact will be felt for years to come, as the local communities continue to work together to improve water management in the region.