Dear friend

This letter is to invite you to join me in the fight I have begun against marine pollution. Bahr Loubnan is an association formed in Lebanon in December 2002 following a report on the dramatic consequences of the pollution of our Earth, and deep reflection on our environment.

My purpose, in becoming President of Bahr Loubnan, has been to take up my responsibilities in the lasting struggle for a better environment. As a native of Sidon, a coastal city, I saw with my own eyes how the Mediterranean shines with the reflected fire of a splendid sun.

 I remember when I was at school, when lessons ended we would run to swim in the great blue sea; it was our biggest entertainment. In those days we had no idea how lucky we were to live in a country like Lebanon where, thanks to the moderate climate, we could swim for nine months of the year, even all year round for the bravest amongst us.

My family had a relatively modest income, and my parents lacked the means to send me on holiday abroad. But just as for many Lebanese, the fact of living in a coastal city allowed us to have the most beautiful holidays in the world without leaving home. We were too young in those days to understand how harmful man could be to this sea which we cherish, and which is ours. Today I look at the sea and…

I am distressed to see that our children can no longer enjoy it fully.

I am distressed to see that our shores are unhealthy.

I am distressed to learn that some of our marine species are disappearing.

I am distressed to know that we have not been able to safeguard our marine heritage.

But it is never too late, and that is why since my appointment to the office of President of the Council of Ministers, one of the first actions I have undertaken is the decision to establish waste water treatment plants. I promise you that this project will be extended to the whole country in a very short time .

I know that this is only a beginning and there are many causes of pollution that must be eradicated.

That is why, through Bahr Loubnan and in collaboration with other relevant associations as well as the governments of Lebanon and other friendly countries, we must quickly find ways of putting an end to pollution, and we must set up an infrastructure that is capable of preserving our sea and our coast in the framework of a long-term action.

This is not a battle for one man or for one association, it is a battle for an entire people aware of the vital urgency today of safeguarding the environment in which we live and in which our children must live.

I am certain that together we will be able to achieve this and that one day, thanks to this fight, we will be able to say proudly to our children and grandchildren: “I helped to ensure respect for our environment, respect for our land, and respect for our sea.”

Respecting our environment is above all respecting our right to life!

Rafik Hariri