The University of Balamand (UOB), in close collaboration with the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), has launched an innovative Citizen-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) to engage local communities in monitoring Lebanon’s native and invasive marine biodiversity. This initiative is part of the EU-funded project “Conducting an Evidence-Based Non-State Actors Campaign on Marine Protected Areas Network.”
The report, jointly developed by the Marine and Coastal Resources Program (MCR) at the Institute of the Environment (IOE) – UOB and LEF, outlines a practical and inclusive strategy that empowers citizens—divers, fisherfolk, and sea enthusiasts—to act as frontline observers in the conservation of Lebanon’s marine ecosystems. The program aims to expand ecological monitoring beyond traditional scientific circles, making data collection more widespread, dynamic, and community-rooted.
The CBMS features a digital platform—through either a mobile application or social media interface—where users can submit sightings of marine species. Submissions go through a structured validation process involving a Sorting and Validation Team (SVT) and scientific experts. The verified data not only contribute to public knowledge but also support policy-makers in designing informed marine protection strategies.
The Lebanese Environment Forum, as the national umbrella of over 60 environmental NGOs, has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the program reflects local realities and reaches diverse communities across Lebanon. LEF’s involvement guarantees that citizen participation is grounded in environmental education, civic engagement, and sustainable development principles.
Key features of the program include:
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A streamlined reporting system accessible to non-specialists;
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Access to biodiversity identification guides and educational content;
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A public database of validated observations to support research and policy;
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A comparison of using social media platforms versus dedicated apps for citizen engagement.
The initiative contributes directly to Lebanon’s national biodiversity goals and aligns with its international environmental commitments. It exemplifies how partnerships between academic institutions and civil society can create scalable, participatory solutions for ecological challenges.
The full report is available at http://www.lbeforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Citizen-Based-Monitoring-System-MCR-IOE-UOB-12-12-2024.pdf
Read the report
Citizen-Based-Monitoring-System-MCR-IOE-UOB-12-12-2024
