The MedArtSal project continued its support for the artisanal salinas in the Mediterranean basin: two additional proposals that help reaching the MedArtSal project’s objectives by increasing the salinas sustainability and translate operationally the principles of innovation and environmental conservation, were selected by the national and international evaluation commissions of the project.

The funds allocated by the ENI CBC MED project were awarded to Georges Najjar Salinas, with the proposal titled "Blanc Sel" and to Kamel Anjoul with the proposal "Salacia - cultural eco-tourism with entertainment". Each Salinas will receive an amount of 20,000 euros for the implementation of their proposal between January and September 2022.

The two new awarded salinas in Lebanon are artisanal salinas located in Anfeh village in North Lebanon.

Georges Najjar will use the financing in order to enhance the salinas sustainability by increasing the quantity of salt produced through rehabilitation of abandoned part of the salinas. The project has been considered relevant by both evaluation committees (national and international) since it revives the artisanal salt production and help in ensuring its sustainability.

"This project is a great opportunity for our artisanal salina, we are looking forward to making our aims and goals feasible with the financial and management assistance provided by this grant", commented Georges Najjar.

In Salacia salinas owned by Kamel Anjoul, the fund will be used in the implementation of a various activities that will lead to the sustainability of the salinas such as rehabilitation and activation of abandoned salt ponds, Installation of the wind wheel for the salinas to pump water (Forming Water pond (Pool) to pump the water to the salt-pan area). Beside, the proposal will work to increase the cultural tourism engagement through visits for general public to learn about salt production process. The project is considered relevant to MedArtSal Project by almost all the members of the evaluation committees since it proposes a diversification of activities and covering different elements of sustainability identified by the project.

“With the support of MedArtSal project, we will be able to revive our old precious and traditional Salinas, preserving the beauty and characteristics of the splendid nature in our land, while attracting the tourists to enjoy the Mediterranean sea salt and its benefit" commented Kamel Anjoul from Salacia salinas.

"This second call for subgrants in the framework of MedArtSal project aimed to support additional Lebanese salinas that did not have the chance to apply in the 1st Call. The salinas owners will be able to recover their abandoned artisanal salinas and diversify their activities in order to improve their business sustainability”, explained Hiba Fawaz, project manager for Association for the Development of Rural capacities (ADR), Lebanese partner of MedArtSal project.