As part of the ongoing Reducing Marine Litter in the Mediterranean through Waste Wise Cities Lebanon (REMAL) project, UN-Habitat organised a series of specialised trainings on Lebanon’s Public Procurement Law for representatives from 13 coastal Unions of Municipalities (UoMs). The sessions aimed to strengthen local capacities in project procurement for the implementation of solid waste management and marine litter prevention initiatives.

The full-day trainings brought together municipal representatives from across Lebanon’s coastline — from Tyre in the south to Akkar in the north — for an in-depth overview of public procurement procedures. Sessions covered key aspects such as infrastructure and service-related procurement, legal compliance with the national procurement law, and best practices for transparent and efficient management.

“These trainings ensure that our municipal partners are well-equipped to implement REMAL’s pilot projects in a way that is legally sound and sustainable,” said Georges Abi Sleiman, UN-Habitat REMAL Project Lead. “Strong procurement practices are essential for successful project outcomes and lasting impact in marine litter reduction.”

The pilot projects under REMAL, to be implemented in the 13 targeted UoMs, focus on practical solutions to enhance waste collection, treatment, and recycling — particularly addressing sources of plastic waste that contribute to marine pollution. These local interventions form a key pillar of REMAL’s broader strategy, which also includes the establishment of an Online Waste Observatory, development of Local Operational Master Plans (LOMPs), and formulation of national policy recommendations.

With Lebanon’s coastal cities playing a pivotal role in the country’s economy and environmental well-being, empowering local authorities through capacity-building is vital to creating cleaner, more resilient communities. Through initiatives such as these trainings, the REMAL project underscores the importance of collaboration between national institutions and international partners in advancing a more sustainable and waste-wise future for Lebanon.