USAID DAWERR Y1 Annual Report

The activity began on August 1, 2020, and will conclude on July 31, 2025. The primary objective of DAWERR is to build the capacity and commitment of municipalities to provide improved solid waste management (SWM) services. To achieve this objective, DAWERR implemented four tasks. Task 1.1 involved selecting target municipalities for the year 1 pilots, with a focus on municipalities with high waste generation rates and inadequate SWM infrastructure. Task 1.2 entailed implementing the proposed pilots in selected municipalities, which included the development of integrated SWM plans and the establishment of MSWM committees. Task 1.3 aimed to facilitate the replication of the pilots in additional municipalities, while Task 1.4 focused on working with select unions/clusters of municipalities to develop and implement integrated SWM solutions. In addition to building municipal capacity, DAWERR also aimed to empower communities to sort at the source and participate actively in various stages of the recycling value chains (RVCs). Task 2.1 involved engaging communities in SWM planning to build confidence and buy-in, while Task 2.2 entailed designing and implementing behavior change communication (BCC) campaigns to promote source separation and recycling. Task 2.3 focused on disseminating SWM best practices and information on the activity's progress. DAWERR also aimed to develop successful business models that create green economic opportunities and generate net incomes along the value chains. Task 3.1 provided incentives and made a business case for source separation and recycling, while Task 3.2 developed a digital clearinghouse market for source-separated recyclables. Task 3.3 enabled and grew innovation, sustainability, and access to green finance and investments. During the first year, DAWERR implemented several emergency response interventions, including immediate and medium-term interventions. The activity also engaged in cross-cutting activities, such as coordination with other projects and activities, environmental compliance, science, technology, innovation, and partnerships, institutional capacity building, and gender consideration. DAWERR established a local presence in Lebanon, with a team of staff members working on the ground to implement the activity's objectives. The activity also engaged in various procurement and contracting activities, including the awarding of grants under contracts. Monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) were critical components of the DAWERR activity, with a focus on tracking progress towards the activity's objectives and identifying lessons learned. The activity also documented several success stories, including the implementation of integrated SWM plans, the establishment of MSWM committees, and the promotion of source separation and recycling. Overall, the DAWERR activity made significant progress in its first year, with a focus on building municipal capacity, empowering communities, and developing successful business models. The activity's achievements and lessons learned will inform its future implementation and contribute to the development of more effective waste management practices in Lebanon.