Under the framework of MED4EBM project, the Lebanese partner, Tyre Coast Nature Reserve (TCNR) organized its first data entry workshop and training on Ecosystem Based Integrated Coastal Zone Management Decision Support System “EB ICZM DSS” software. The workshop was conducted in presence in Tyre, Lebanon, in collaboration with the Project Lead Beneficiary (UNDP Jordan Country Office) and the Italian partner “Amici Della Terra Onlus”. The workshop enabled TCNR team to monitor the agricultural practices' effect on Ras El Ain water, the fishing activities on marine biodiversity, and the touristic activities on the nesting of 2 endangered sea turtle species in Tyre, among others.

The workshop took place during the period March 15^th–20^th 2022 and was attended by 10 participants. The national team consisted of the Project Manager/EBM Expert Nahed Msayleb, the GIS Expert Hasan Srour, a volunteer Database Expert Samah Termos, the Communication Officer Assaad El Dor, and volunteer Communication Specialist Hussein Al Ali. The training was delivered by the MED4EBM Project Technical Expert Edoardo Scepi (AdT). The LB representatives were the Project Coordinator Mohammad Badran and the Project Technical Assistant Suzan Haddad

The training covered several topics of databases and data processing using data acquired by TCNR team and external national experts. Advanced data sorting and SQL software queries were used to prepare data for entry into the EB ICZM DSS. The team dealt with a variety of data types that were already available and worked on a framework for dealing with data that will be collected in the future. The data management tool was used to upload data into the EB ICZM DSS, where the relevant computations were completed, and the results were graphically displayed. Evaluation of water quality in the lower sub catchment of Ras El Ain springs, under the agricultural land use (TDS, EC, pH, Nitrate, Nitrite, etc.) and TCNR's stakeholders from the touristic sectors (hotels, restaurants and Airbnb’s) were among the data handled.

Through this mentoring “training by doing” TCNR project team got acquainted to using the database and applying data to the Ecosystem Based Integrated Coastal Zone Management Decision Support System.