Environment...
Preserving and Enhancing our Environment
To see Environment 2, click here: www.shweir.com/environment2.htm
Links about Environment: Up
to 2009
Mater Plan
Environment
Baladieh
BB Posts:
Industrial v. Environment
Recent posts @ Master Plan
April 1,
2009 - Latest update from Municipality - See notices to & from Ministries
Ministry
of Culture & Antiquities to preserve Shweir natural Beauty
Summary
meeting update about Shweir Zoning
Ministry of
Environment decree to Save Shweir
See
also Master Plan
Watch on YouTube the Industrial impact on Shweir School and
Environment:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvvKVO6l7JM&feature=player_embedded
georgeskifai — April
10, 2009 — Lebanon
- Matn - Dhour al Chweir - lbci report - Abdo Helo - Montage : Roula Rouhana -
09/04/2009
From:
Anwar Kenicer
Sent: Saturday, July 11, 2009 3:20 PM
To: Mayor Naiim Sawaya
Subject: FW: Shweir Master Plan - Cascading Lakes = Brighter Future
Dear Mayor Naiim,
... I need your help on something that is near and dear to our hearts. ... I very much would like to replace the information on home page about the industrial problems and replace them with positive solutions that are of great benefit to Shweir. This still relates to the Master Plan that we have been communicating about for over 2 years. ...
Reflecting back on many discussions over the years by several people who love Shweir and the work I did for 15 years while back in California, I sincerely believe that there is great potential for Shweir on many fronts. Primarily the building of successive lakes and the positive impact on Shweir.
This adds beauty, great views, reclaim water for irrigation, fight fires, invites a lot more tourists, establish park for picnics, fishing, promotes restaurants, hotels, shops, more sustainable jobs year round for Shweiries, health clubs and above all, that also enhances the value of the land overlooking these lakes or have a view or are in proximity of these lakes.
This will put Shweir on top of the list nationally and world wide and reclaim its past glory as Arouse al Masayef. Also, Doing this right, can make the land value appreciate or increase by 1000% to 2000%. Having learned so much about transformation of land in the process, I realize that building successive lakes is so achievable because Shweir is very similar topographically and better suited for successive lakes. Below are pixs of the project I worked on for over dozen years.
All these 20+ lakes
you see were built by one man (family member)... I took the first picture below
from a private plane.
All the rest of these pictures I took from different ground elevations.
For higher resolution pictures, go to bottom of this web page and click on the respective thumbnails: www.shweir.com/avg.htm
You will be amazed what this can do for Shweir’s future generations, your kids and grandkids and your legacy as a mayor
Of course, before anything happens, we need your Support / Green Light and requested data in order study and assess best feasibility for water conservation and wastewater treatment facility to consider doing 1, 2 or 3 cascading lakes.
In the meantime, I will continue to communicate with those resourceful persons and orgs that can be of great help for such vital and worthwhile projects that are of critical importance for Shweir’s transformation and future success. I will be glad to update you on my findings. In the meantime, please give this a priority so that we can under your leadership and guidance move forward. ...
Anwar
The rest of pictures + are at: www.shweir.com/avg.htm
From:
Matar, George
Sent: Wednesday, July 15, 2009 3:47 PM
Subject: RE: Shweir Master Plan - Cascading Lakes = Brighter Future
Dear Mayor Naim and the Council
I have read Anwar’s letter to you, we have been anxiously following the Area Master Plan for the past year with so much interest on how it will turn out to be. Anwar sent you some pictures of a project he worked on and an alternate plan. I believe it is more powerful if we send you a picture how it will apply to Shweir (see picture below). This plan has tremendous potential
Naim as you know the world is heading towards a climate change as we are seeing it every day where the temperatures are steadily going up, we are also seeing shortages in fuel which is pushing people to drive less and less or are looking very hard to find jobs closer to their homes. I know I am starting my message on negative issues but believe me, if we do not put this in front of us as we discuss our Area’s Master Plan we will, in the long run regret it. Shweir should be in a position to to take advantage and be in the best position to address all these shortcomings, and yes it can.
It has been a long long time since Shweir did something unprecedented and it is due time we do something that we can be very proud of for generations to come. Nothing pleases me more than to see you take that initiative. In our limited capacity we want to help as much as we can, because, like you, we love our Shweir and we want it to be unequivocally the best. As Such we are proposing for your consideration this conceptual Master plan that we humbly superimposed it on a satellite picture of our beloved area. This is an ambitious “Long Range” plan that will transform solve so many issues and concerns for centuries to come (See discussion below the picture).
In the nutshell here’s what this plan will accomplish
The following is a simple discussion of what the plan can do
The water
I took the liberty and checked the elevations along Nahr Bou Dawood path and
found out that it is perfect to erect 60-80 ft dam at strategic locations (the
lakes on the map can be as drawn or located in other areas Where land permits
it. The two big lakes when filled will provide over 500 million Gallons of
water. This might sound overwhelming but to give you an idea how much that is
here’s an estimate how much that is. Because of the shape of our area (7
hills) one inch of rain is about 7 million gallons of water
(Think how much the snow will be). I do not know the annual rain fall but
some one on the council should know that. I figure it will take us a couple of
years to fill both Lakes.
The plan is simple… Currently this water flows to the sea, Build dams and harness it in the winter. Once the lakes are full, this water, after it replenish our lakes, will make its way back to the sea in future years
This is good water that we can treat and use as drinking water, Irregation, Fire fighting, etc..in a strong strong way Shweir will control its water needs
The surrounding Land
The land where I have my house was estimated at $8,000 before the subdivision
was build. They added a detention pond (small lake) the price of the same piece
of land is now $90,000 (yes I have to pay taxes on that land). I would estimate
the same will happen in Shweir and land it will be selling like hot cakes
The View
These will be one of the largest lakes in Lebanon; they will transform our area
to a world class resort. The lakes will temper the climate making Shweir warmer
in the winter and cooler in the summer, which is perfect for resort areas. We
prefer investors from Shweir to take advantage of this and build hotels,
vacation homes, restaurants, gift shops entertainment establishment, health
clubs etc.. Investors from outside will also be drooling to join in.
Who wouldn’t want to live year round in Shweir
The Economy
It does not take a business wizard to tell you that if all of the above is done,
jobs will be plentiful and all those that want to work will have the
opportunity. These are jobs that are not limited to the summer months only, I
expect the winter will be quite busy too.
Existing Businesses
These businesses will flourish and expand to cater for the year round residents…
New ones will pop up to
The Environment
Just look at the picture, Healthier plants, healthier air, healthier living….
And we can achieve all this within the next 10 years or so I am so sure that
you and other members of the council will have so many questions, we do too, but
if this plan looks attractive enough to open a dialogue then by God lets do
that.
We are Shweir and we are the Trend Makers, If the will is there Nothing is impossible.
George E. Matar, P.E.
Principal Process Engineer
*************************************
The above 2 emails are draft recommendations on one segment of the overall Master Plan that is sadly lacking and is in urgent need to be studied and put into action. Granted that better demographics, limitation of resources or logistics may alter these conceptual designs. We hope this will serve as a visualization of what is possible, consider options and find creative ways where possible to transform some of these concepts or dreams into reality.
We support the Municipality to adopt a policy and their diligent efforts to monitor, control and/or close harmful existing heavy industries and disallow future proposed heavy industry.
We need to focus and attract LIGHT rather
than HEAVY Industry:
With light industry
like WINE Industry, Hotels, Restaurant, Recreation, Health Centers, Resort and Hospitality industry,
cottage industries (home grown businesses), these are ideal for Shweir, then
that is a Welcome breath of fresh air. Yes, with Shweiry engineering,
water pumps, we can transform Nahr Abu Dawoude valley into a beautiful area
with running water and cascading water falls that would rival al Bardowney.
Add to it Old Souk, Old Tahouneh, Old bridge, to highlight our history and
heritage, maintain and bring them to their old glory, add walkways, trails,
destination resort, health club... and you will have heaven on earth where
people from around the world would want to come visit and stay. That
is the kind of industry Shweir desperately needs.
Shweir residents and land owners would benefit far greater by taking the light industry described above that would get overwhelming support than the heavy industry that will be devastating to the town, its values and future. Those who are in the waste and wastewater industry have a saying that, pardon the expression, goes like this: "Your waste is our Gold". And rather than dump our raw wastewater at the gateway to our town and put up with its negative impact, we should take every step necessary not only to fix that problem but to treat and reclaim that water that will help greatly especially in the summer time for our lakes and irrigation and take the processed solid waste and sell it as fertilizer. The positive future economic impact to the town will be tremendous.
Let us take a proactive approach, set excellent examples of positive Change and Forward Thinking to make the best of our resources to conduct studies as per recommendations of experts from around the world, share their findings with the public, to reduce and hopefully eliminate as much of the heavy industry and to focus on light industry described above and take steps that would protect the environment, beautify and enhance future success of our treasured town.
The better prepared we are, the greater our chances are to get international support to help fix our Infrastructure even though such assistance is not a sure thing. We also need to be resourceful and consider alternatives to meet such challenges if such assistance were not available. We need to capitalize on and wisely manage our valuable resources.
Discussion on BB by Habeeb Nacol to SAVE the Old Oak Tree
< < At left, Habib Moujaes and Issam Sawaya talk
about the Church and the Sindyani tree... at right > > Group of Shweirys take refuge in the shade of Sindyani |
June 2009
April 1, 2009 - Latest update from Municipality - See notices to & from Ministries
Ministry of Culture & Antiquities to preserve Shweir natural Beauty
Ministry of Environment decree to Save Shweir
See more of Shweir's Natural Beauty - click here to see Photos by Samar & slide show
Imagine change zoning on land as beautiful as this to industrial?!
We, residents and emigrants alike, are Shweir; and its future is our future, she has put her trust in you, in us, to do the right thing. lets not fail her this time. Merry Christmas and here is a New Year Resolution for us to adopt: Keep Shweir and Ain Sindiani Beautiful, it has lost its crown (Burj) and its shoulders (Kasoof) lets make sure she's not going to lose its heart. - - - excerpts from our al Mukhtar bil Mahjar, George Matar
Lighting the
Darkness
As if the hand of God is pointing us towards the light for a brighter 2009
Photo
from Shweir towards Tallet Imad and Sunneen by Samar Kiame
Summary meeting update about Shweir Zoning
January 2008 - Our Heroes - Saviors of the Environment.
Red Cross and
Scouts Volunteers Replant Pine Trees -
Read Samar's Report &
See Slide Show
Their efforts will help counter the
destruction done to environment by industries like these below:
Please note the white discharge into the Abou
Dawoude river and Shweir High School building below at left of center !
Click on thumbnails Below to see larger aerial pictures of Dhour, Shweir, Ain Sindyani and Ain el Hanoot
Quick Reference:
Some readers asked to list some important links to articles: Here are some
requested:
Official Municipality Statements by Mayor Dr. Nabil Ghosn:
Ghosn Official Statement #1
Ghosn Official Statement #2
Ghosn Official Statement #3
September 2007 - Correction:
Recently I summarized on the BB what I understood to be the process for getting
the license for one of the industries in Ain el Hanoote stating in part that the
Ministry of Industries took precedence over the power of the Municipality.
I have been informed that my summary statements were incorrect and that the Ministry of Industry sends their recommendations to the Municipality which would have the local knowledge about these issues and that the Municipality has the power the approve or reject an application or license. All we can do is share information that we are provided to facilitate better communication and decisions. It would be helpful for the knowledgeable officials to share and educate the public about relevant laws and the rules so that everyone abide by them uniformly.
Following are a couple of documents that are relevant to this matter.
We have been informed that the above documents contradicts our summary below.
As we mentioned earlier, we welcome educational feedback and dialogue in order
to facilitate finding best solution for our town and to avoid future similar or
potential mistakes.
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Lebanon Hiking Trail
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More discussion on this topic on Shweir.com BB
June 2007
Petition about the plastic bag printing factory
and sad Environmental Condition in Ain Hanout
Any one cares to translate to English?
http://www.shweir.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=166
On a positive note,
Happy Spring 2006
Photo by Samar
******************
From: Shweir Municipality [mailto:shwair@idm.net.lb]
Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 3:18 AM
To: Anwar
Referring to our official statement sent to you on Friday , we promised to send you detailed documents that has been sent to messieurs Abou Saab , owners of the cement plant . there are 8 pages , please confirm receiving them , and we leave it up to your discrepency to translate them into English in case you find it necessary. Sincerely yours,
Dr. Nabil Ghosn
President of Shweir - Ain Sindyani Municipality
Below are copies of official Municipality documents regarding the cement
plant.
************************
Resolutions #s 1 thru 5 are below, click on each to enlarge
We received a link about
pictures posted on another site that is not associated with Shweir.com.
The anonymous writer has the following comments below:
The pictures that you will
see, however shocking and dismaying, reflect what was done to the environment in
Shweir. Why? Because those pictures are taken in the winter time where trees
have no leaves. If the same pictures were taken in the spring season, you will
see the trees covered with a film of white powder and that sheet of powder
covers vast area. Before we go far .Please observe:
1- How close the school (to the left) is to the factories.
2- See how beautiful ALKHONSHARAH looks from this side and how ugly EIN ALHANOOT
has become as a consequence.
3- See one house under construction behind the batching plant.
4- Other six houses within a close range are not shown in the pictures.
http://www.shweir.zoomshare.com
*********************************
Samar Kiame Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 84 Location: Shweir |
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To read more and/or respond to the above, click here: More discussion on this topic on Shweir.com BB
The transformation
of a "Blooming Tree" |
to a "Dead Tree"
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Same location - March 2006: Breaking new grounds in Ain el
Hanout ...
We received many communications expressing concerns about a large... what???
More pictures...
And the latest
picture March 6, 2006
Some people think that this new construction is the future home
of a plastic factory, others think it is for a paint and thinner factory.
Yet others claim that this is for a rich person who is building a big Villa.
Please, before this gets out of hand and people rush to possibly
wrong conclusions,
accusations and misjudgments, we urge you to instead, please give the courtesy
and the
benefit of the doubt for the Municipality to educate us and provide official
explanation.
We highly recommend
for those who wish to communicate with us or on the BB to
PLEASE use good, positive, diplomatic and respectful approach. We had to
set aside or totally disregard some inappropriate language and accusatory
communications. We offer our apologies to those that we did not print
their submitted messages the way they were written. I do not mind if some
people want to release their frustration in writing.
Please remember, it is always better to build bridges rather than burn them.
Below I will share with you some of the more printable posts and an overview of the questions, requests, statements and the more realistic "wish list" that Shweir people want:
************************
March 2006 - Waste water continue to overflow into
open fields...
The smell is getting worse in that area.
Any update about resolving the wastewater blockage & treatment and the
smell problem
due to sewer and discharges of byproducts from Khinshara that is affecting Ain
el Hanout.
Also about Sahlat Laila in Dhour,
Waste Water, Solid Waste & Industrial Pollution in 2004 & 2005
Pollution scenes from the last couple of years...??? That is sad, a very sad sight.
Black discharge is from byproducts of molasses plant in Khinshara. This attracts bugs and causes bad smell. What can be done to remedy problems caused by discharge from another town? |
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We hope that the above pollution has been corrected. However, allowing new industrial plants can magnify the problem.
Below are some pictures about the waste water line overflowing about 200 meters before it reaches the holding tanks - Note the force of the waste pushing past a large and heavy cement cover. Correction could be as easy as releasing the possible blockage.
Below are more from different time periods. It is sad the effect.
note that the saturation has killed trees and continued saturation can cause
land slides and soil instability.
Note, this old tree was standing |
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We prefer to write nice and positive things about Shweir. Unfortunately, when things like this are sent to us by caring people, we would become hypocrites and do Shweir a disservice if we do not acknowledge and face problems so that we can solve them. How can any on us fix or correct something if we are in denial that a problem exists. For those who do not want such information to come out in the open, it would be like putting their heads in the sand and pretend there is no problem. The danger is that by doing so, the problems would escalate and the cost to fix them later would be far greater.
Suffice it to say that several people said that they and/or their elders cried after seeing the sad state that the town is in now.
The success... or failure... of any community depends on the quality of its infra-structure or basic needs public works... such as: Master Plan, Zoning, Water, Waste Water, Power (electric, fuel, generators), Roads, Schools, Environment, Health, Freedom, Job opportunities, Recreational Facilities, Art, Culture, Security, etc.
Before anyone rushes to judgment and be quick to point fingers, please be mindful that these problems did not happen overnight. These bear the scars of a civil war, lack of a funds, lack of awareness, division among our people or lack of unity, lack of or twisted rules, hidden rules or lack of disclosure, poor or lack of judgment, outmoded customs and rules that have been more damaging than helpful, etc. History have showed us that rushing to judgment and pointing fingers usually lead to conflict.
Granted that many of you are going to say: but all towns suffered during the war and had similar bad rules, yet they are thriving now. So why is Shweir is falling further behind??? Perhaps we need a fresh approach.
Many of you are aware of the story in the bible where a group of people were about to stone a woman for her sins. Christ told them: "Whoever is without a sin to cast the first stone". No one threw that first stone.
What if we take that lesson, as simple as it is, and apply it in a positive way
to help solve our problems?
Some of you may wonder: "Are you crazy? It is not that simple".
Well, if a fresh approach can lead to better results, are you willing to try it?
Are you brave enough to take that finger that you are about to point at someone
else and point it at...
... yes, - - - - point it at... ourselves? That means,
I, me, us, we... NOT you, you, you accusations.
Right there, this can help diffuse potential conflict and transform it to cooperation.
Yes, what if WE ask ourselves questions like: How can we succeed when...:
* Polluting plants are allowed to open and operate in or around Shweir.
* More questionable projects that could harm Shweir are being allowed to be built.
* Many of our Springs that made Shweir famous decades ago are now polluted and non drinkable.
* Residents now pay to have water delivered to them by tanker truck every couple of weeks for their every day needs.
* Waste water system that was recently built is not working and waste water is backing and overflowing onto adjacent land before it reaches the holding tanks.
So why WE remained so silent for so long?
Why WE avoid identifying and discussing major problems?
Do WE want to continue in the same old broken down system or do WE want to get a
fresh and dynamic start?
What can WE do as a community to not only correct problems AND also look for a
brighter future?
Once WE begin to understand these basic yet critical issues, WE realize that with good and respectful communication we can achieve a brighter future for this community.
Following is a sample of comments, questions and communications we received of what Shweiries would like leadership and Municipality to PLEASE DO:
1. Make available to the public all rules and guidelines so that the
public can abide by them.
2. Provide full report disclosure to the public surrounding each of the
controversies listed above - provide specifics.
3. What effort has been made to clear the sewer blockage and to fix the
waste water system? When will it be fixed?
4. Are the existing industrial plants in compliance now? If not,
what needs to be done so they will be in compliance?
5. How are the industrial plants monitored and by whom? Who keeps the
data? Is data available for inspection?
6. Describe the anatomy or requirements of obtaining permits especially
for major industrial operation.
7. Are there studies made about the impact of industrial pollution to the
health and wellbeing of residents?
8. Are there studies made about the impact of industrial pollution on
wildlife, plant life and infrastructure?
9. What happens when or if any industrial operation is in violation of
their license?
10. Does Municipality welcome and encourage independent consultants to
review questionable data?
11. Is there a short and long term (2-5 years and 10-15-20 years Master
Plan in effect? If not, does Municipality intend to create one? If
so, what is the time table for first draft? Do you need expert help or
even books?
Above all, they/WE urge the Municipality to make these controversies major
priority and take bold measures fix them.
Many Shweiries including architects, land planners and engineers are prepared to
volunteer their time even during their vacation to help the Municipality on
these challenging issues. Let US take the opportunity and utilize these
resources offered for the greater good.
**************************
A copy of communications about important Shweir issues:
-----Original
Message-----
From: Anwar Kenicer [mailto:Anwar2 at shweir. com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 6:05 AM
To: Municipality; Baladieh
Subject: FW: FW: Important message about Shweir future
Dear Dr. Ghosn,
As the webmaster for Shweir.com, I have received many communications about the Ain el Hanout pollution, industrial buildings and problems. I ignored some because they were accusatory and invited conflict. By now, perhaps you may have seen the email discussing same topic. If not, a copy is below.
This one is presentable and they are appealing to the Municipality in a respectful way for important information about correcting the problems there and to ameliorate situation before another industrial plant is built without much notice. At least that is what is being stated.
We do not know much of the facts. We welcome your responding to the specific details and questions and to sharing relevant information so that the leadership and the people would be more united especially in these trying times for Shweir and its people.
The reason that I am taking time to write this is because I have received lots of complaints about these issues. I do not know what else to do but share at least the civil or presentable data with you. I will spare you the others. I wrote a toned down version on the web. People were getting upset with me because I chose not to publish whatever they sent. I wanted to avoid or at least minimize potential problems.
Considering the foregoing, do you think it would be prudent for the Municipality to give order to stop or at least delay the construction of the new industrial plant, (unless it is a villa), before they pour cement foundations and scar the landscape. If such delay gives the people of Shweir and especially residents living nearby the courtesy to respond to their concerns, give proper and adequate notice, provide the requested information and hear their comments and feedback. Perhaps the information, specification, procedures and studies that the Municipality has already done about the new construction would put people's minds at ease, once they become aware of facts. And if that is the case, the construction can continue and everyone will be happy, hopefully.
I have copied some people on the spur of the moment whom I believe can be helpful in their divergent expertise. I welcome Dr. Ghosn's and your comments on these important issues. I do not want to overstep my boundaries and wish to avoid a potential conflict if proper disclosure is not observed.
Many of us are prepared to help or know others who can volunteer at no cost in order to help in the evaluation, studies, data and monitoring of the industrial factories and hopefully come up with a short and long term master plan to help solve these problems and make Shweir flourish.
Working together, we can take big challenges and transform them into successes.
I need and respect your opinions. What do you all think?
Best regards,
Anwar
Below is copy of one communication:
*************************************
To everyone who cares about better future for Shweir,
Please look on information on www.shweir.com click on Ain hanooot picture and look on environment web page.
We talked with expert. He said that pollution can make people that are near the factories ill and if they use bad material like asbestos. It will cause cancer. Maybe not now but in future. Like the people who lived near the Chekka factory, now many have cancer.
There is Shweir school 200 meters from cement factory. The students, teachers and neighbors feel sick from the bad pollution and bad air. Who wants to poison the students with bad air. But the factory is getting bigger.
Also another big factory for paint or plastic starting to destroy beautiful land. There was no notice about this new factory. No one know what kind of pollution the new factory will make.
Also there is more pollute from stone cutting and bad sewer pipes. Also from molasses factory in Khinshara.
We beg the Municipality to stop or delay new factory before they put cement foundation and make bigger distructions in areas that Dr. Ghosn said was zoned for villas. Do anybody know what kind of pollution the new factory will make? We also beg Municipality give explanation about this new factory getting licese without notice to people and to answer the questions that were asked on BB and on the environment web page.
We pray that the Municipality has done all the proper studies and will provide all information that protects to calm people. Until that happens, they and we need to do the rights thing.
Who want to close their eyes and take a chance that the heavy pollution in Ain el Hanout can poison the students and give them cancer?
Time is critical. Municipality need to order planned factory to stop work before they put cement foundation and make big scars in grounds.
To contact the Municipality, send to these two emails: ; or Shwair at idm.net.lb If you want to send a copy to Shweir.com, send to these two emails: anwar2 at shweir.com or read or post on Bullittin Baord:
We beg all who care and love Shweir to please read the information and forward this email to all people who care about Shweir and its future.
Please Write in your own words and Forward to those who care aobut Shweir.
Thank you.
-----Original Message-----
From: Habib Moujaes [mailto:hmoujaes at destination. com.lb]
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 11:46 PM
To: 'Anwar2'; 'Municipality'; 'Baladieh'
Dear Anwar
Thank you for your concern and effort in maintaining this forum in a civilized form.
I want to address the New "Paint and Plastic" Factory issue.
3 Years Ago we (The Previous Municipality Board) studied and approved a small light industrial Zone in the area of Ain Al Hanout, where the old farms and a couple of existing factories (Aluminium framing and Munitions), This zone did not extend to the school area nor to the contested Central Cement Mixer station. And a second one at the outskirts of Ain Sindiany.
A Plastic Bag Manufacturer (Including Plastic Bag Printing Presses) applied for a License to move his factory from Beirut to Shweir (Thus bringing with it 40 to 50 job opportunities to our town). Dr. Ghosen (Previous and current Mayor) Formed a committee (Myself and Imad Jerdak Board Counsels at the time) to investigate the current operation of the Plastic Bag and printing
We visited their premises and spent few hours with the owner checking the operation to insure that no polluting elements existed in his operation. We then reported our findings to the City counsel and Mayor and the counsel voted to approved the permit.
I am no longer a member of the counsel so I cannot add anything more other than I was a supporter of having light industry move to our area (Regulated and under constant surveillance by the municipality).
Habib Khalil Moujaes
-----Original Message-----
From: A G Kenicer [mailto:Kenicer at comcast. net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 2:04 AM
To: 'Habib Moujaes'; 'Anwar2'; Municipality
Subject: RE: FW: Important message about Shweir future
Thank you Habib very much for your informative explanation.
Apparently, when people are not informed about something, they/we assume the worst. That is not only a Shweiry trait. It is an international human nature. Like many others, I admit that I have fallen in the same trap in the past and sometimes for good reason.
If or when announcements are made about an issue, it neutralizes the situation. Not knowing or without that knowledge, we have a healthy and amazing imagination. : )
So, it is always a good idea to have some basic information about important issues readily available before creative imaginations run wild.
There is a big difference between paint manufacturing and printing. Making Paint is usually toxic and a cause for concern. Printing is far less toxic except when they clean ink with other chemicals that are possibly toxic. I am not familiar of the extent of pollution with regards to manufacturing plastic bags, smell and resulting discards on the environment.
I trust that there would be strict guidelines to their license about how and where they discard their byproducts. Like they should not overload the trash area with their stuff or dump printing or cleaning fluids nearby. It sounds much better already especially where there will be strict monitoring of any potentially polluting entity.
Hope we can have similar successes with the other issues mentioned.
Again it would be very helpful to give status reports on the waste water system, water supply, cement, stone cutting, cleaning up the river, molasses pollution from Khinshara plus new and creative concepts that are being worked on that the public would enjoy and welcome knowing about.
I will be happy to post these reports on the web and it would be easier for Municipality staff so that they do not have to respond about the same questions to so many people and will have more time to do creative and dynamic things.
It helps for people to know the terms and restrictions of each of the major permits are. Also it would be helpful to print a copy of the zoning map. The more information we can provide or publish, the smoother the operation would be.
I understand that Dr. Ghosn and the council will meet soon to discuss the issues raised and give their official response.
Thanks again for your prompt and informative explanation about the new factory.
Best regards,
Anwar
From: Samar kiame [mailto:kiamesamar at hotmail. com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 5:29 AM
Dear all,
I would like to say thank you to Anwar for his concern about this issue for the best of the town.
And thank you to Habib Moujaes for presenting clarifications on this real project, we appreciate that.
As a neighbor of this new future industry, I would like to present the concerns of my family and the people who are close to it and ask for your assurance;
We have a long experience with the Lebanese government in leaving industries irresponsible for their contamination of environment and human health,
To all of you addressing this problem none of you are living here, it is me and my parents and uncles and cousins who will be a victim of any accident or negligence of any residue may be through from this industry.
People have the right to a scientific independent study of the impact of this industry. I would like the municipality to assure if this industry emits gazes that laws enforce the use of antipollution systems like filters.
The municipality should assure a law that makes the industry responsible of cleaning and compensating the area if a problem accurse.
Many questions have been raised because of the fact that this project has been kept secret until the work started.
I would have confidence if this industry was built by a person like Habib Moujaes because we know that he truly has concerns for the wellbeing of the community, but I wish to know who will be the owner of the new industry.
Why would this industry want to move, removing 40 to 50 jobs from Beirut to Shweir and spread the cost of relocating?
I am with you that this may give chances to people to work, We all know that machines replace humans these days, will these 40 or 50 jobs promised, be all year round? Or do these numbers include the construction of the industry?
Will the people of Shweir be the ones who work for this industry? Or will the people chosen, work for lower salaries?
Will traffic increases with this industry?
Why did they choose to build on a land that was all natural and good for culture when in the same area other locations of abandoned old farms (now zoned for industry) could have been reused sparing this field? Was it possible to leave the landscape nice to the eye?
Shweir as all of you know is attractive for its beautiful environment. I hear complains from people about the transformation of this part of Shweir, where they like the pleasure of walking morning and evening and breathing the nice fresh air and enjoying the calmness of this area.
Should we take in consideration first of all the environment in the choices that we make for developing other kind of investment? Sincerely,
Samar
From: Matar, Nabil [mailto:Nabil.Matar
at valero. com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 7:01 AM
Subject: RE: FW: Important message about Shweir future
I liked what Anwar, Habeeb and of course Samar's comments on this issue. I am not against bringing small industries that provide jobs to our town. I live and work in an area that is surrounded by petrochemical plants so I am used to the pluses and the minuses. My concern is not the plant it self but how the wastes will be handled. For example I know that plants like that required lots of cooling water which could get contaminated, I also know that plants like that produces wastes that need to be disposed safely and what about the smell. We brag about the pine trees smell in our town. Are we going to replace that with paper mils smell in the future? I hope that our officials will do the right thing to keep our town clean and beautiful
From: Matar, George E (S &
B) [mailto:George.Matar at bp. com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 9:00 AM
Subject: RE: FW: Important message about Shweir future
Lets have the plans and process diagrams for this facility, I’ll be willing to audit it and maybe come out with at least some recommendation on environment issue
George
From: Jamil Bou-Saab, P.E. [mailto:jbousaab at
terraengineering. com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 9:16 AM
I will be more than happy to help George on this issue. I second Nabil and Samar concerns. I could have my staff evaluate all the environmental issues and comments on the findings if we could obtain the plans of the plant process.
We should all be concern. Jobs are important to our community but clean environment is more important.
Ready to help.
Jamil
Bou-Saab, P.E. VP
TERRA ENGINEERING, LTD.
Chicago, IL 60610 Peoria, IL 61606
*************************
From: Samih Baaklini [mailto:sabaaklini
at sbcglobal. net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 8:44 AM
Subject: RE: FW: Important message about Shweir future
Jamil, Good to hear from you and I am glad we are taking this issue seriously. we can not have our kids breath asbestos while they are sitting in their classrooms. Cancer rates are the highest in SHEKA because of the asbestos plant they have there and we do not want this in Shweir. Another issue we should tackle is to declassify AIN-HANOUT from an industrial zone to a recreational, educational or parks zone we can figure out a way of attracting businesses to Dhour while maintaining a clean environment.
Anwar thank you for addressing this issue. Nabil we all share your dreams.
Samih
From: Matar, Nabil [
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 8:11 AM
Jamil, Nice to here from you and Habib . I know and I
am full confidence that Shweir have many people who have the talent and
experience to tackle such issues. I wish for our officials to have the wisdom to
utilize these individuals.
I am not trying to be selfish here, but as a mechanical engineer who deals with machinery I spent half my life in petrochemical plants, I saw the good the bad and the ugly.
on June I decided to give up this type of work and retire. My future plan is to spend six month of a year in god's country which we call Dhour Shweir. All these years I have been dreaming for that moment where every day I will have the chance to walk all over these magnificent hills and smell the aroma of our Snouber. So I plead our officials to take the necessary steps to assure the residents, the mughtaribeen and I that Dhour Shweir will always be the place for people who seeks clean environment.
Finally please don't deprive me and others from that dream and I second what Jamil said "Jobs are important to our community but clean environment is more important".
From: Anwar
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2006 12:46 PM
This is such a healthy and positive dialogue.
We had the opportunity to get valuable and varied perspectives.
Habib, your overview and background about the new factory was very helpful.
Samar, as a resident who is directly affected by the existing and potential problems, your input is important. You stated facts and summarized the concerns of your neighbors, and possibly the majority of the town, in a mature, respectful and progressive manner.
Thanks to all for your positive responses and valuable comments. Also thanks for volunteering your expert knowledge to help, that is a fantastic positive sign in the right direction.
We sincerely hope, better yet, trust that the Shweir leadership will welcome and encourage this momentum.
Unless any of you have an objection, I feel that this dialogue is worthy to be shared by all of those who care about Shweir and would be available for them on the web. We do not want to leave anyone out.
This is a good example of how good communication is transforming what could be a potential conflict about the new factory to cooperative and positive dialogue.
Yes, we still have challenges to resolve the sewer lines and its treatment, and the other pollution issue.
We look forward to the day that when these are resolved, we can work on more rewarding things like enhancing the natural beauty, building lakes and reservoirs with reclaimed water and planting flowers and reviving the old souk.
I respect your privacy and emails, as such, I will delete emails and present only basic content.
Anwar
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Author | Topic: Official Statement for Ain El Hanout Region | ||
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Ghosn Official Statement #1 Ghosn Official Statement #2 Ghosn Official Statement #3 Start of Overpeace series
Author | Topic: Is it a villa or is it a plant? | ||
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The following is a sample communication about Ain el Hanoot from the Bulletin
Board, BB, to read more or post
Click here:
http://www.shweir.com/cgi-bin/bboard/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=001731#000028
Author | Topic: EIN ALHANOOT misery | ||
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Author | Topic: www.shweir.zoomshare.com Explains it all. | ||
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Author | Topic: Environment website | ||
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message from Michael Sawaya:
Part of our yearly commitment towards our town is to plant some pine trees
during the winter season. I am looking forward for this day wr we can have
as much participation from our usual troopers and Friends to join us in this
Effort. We will assign the location based on the need of trees in that area.
I will be visiting Lebanon from Jan 20 to 27 hoping we can meet and organize
this planting day. Please convey the message and tell as much friends as
possible. Thanks
PS: Fady wo Nabil please contact makhzoumi and Ministry of Agriculture for
Trees.
See picture attached & link
http://www.shweir.com/environment.htm
Michael Sawaya / Documentum Business Analyst ISSD(IT)/ e-Doc Division 8748017
Pine Trees in Matn in Danger
The Following is a copy of An Nahar online, at the following
web page
Thanks to Mike Sawaya for alerting us to this important article
http://www.annaharonline.com/htd/BEA040522-1.HTM
"النهار" السبت 22 أيار 2004
أحراج الصنوبر في المتن الأعلى
تتعرَّض لهجمة جديدة من الاعتداءات
قرنايل - "النهار":
مرة جديدة تشهد احراج الصنوبر في المتن الاعلى اعتداءات فاضحة قد تؤدي الى زيادة خطر التصحر في منطقة تعتبر عنوانا للسياحة والاصطياف في لبنان. وفي هذا السياق، نظمت "جمعية طبيعة بلا حدود" امس، جولة ميدانية في منطقة مطل القمر الصنوبرية في قرنايل - المتن الاعلى، بغية الاطلال على الاعتداءات التي تطول الاحراج، لمصلحة مشروع سكني لا يستوفي الشروط القانونية الموضوعة من التنظيم المدني، وخصوصا لجهة الاستثناءات التي اعطيت الى القيمين على المشروع التي من شأنها ان تغير معالم المنطقة، وجاء تحرك الجمعية بعد ان سمحت وزارة الزراعة وفي شكل مخالف للقانون بقطع عشرات الاشجار لمصلحة انشاء طرق يحتاجها المشروع في سياق تأمين البنى التحتية الاساسية، لا سيما وانه يقوم على ارض مساحتها تتعدى الاربعين الف متر مربع.
الاحمدية
بعد الجولة، تحدث رئيس الجمعية المهندس محمود الاحمدية، فقال: "نحن في اجمل غابة صنوبرية موجودة في المتن الاعلى ولبنان، لا سيما في قرنايل المطلة على وادي لامرتين والتي تظللها احراج الصنوبر، وقد تفقدنا الموقع الذي انطلق فيه مشروع عمراني فوق ارض تتعدى مساحتها الاربعين الف متر مربع ضمن منطقة حرجية تعرف باسم "مطل القمر"، تغطيها اشجار الصنوبر التي هي رئة المتن والعاصمة والمناطق المجاورة. وهذا المشروع السكني الذي واجهه ابناء البلدة في خلال اعتصام نفذوه قبل نحو عام على امتداد هذه المساحة، يعني الفتك باكبر عدد من اشجار الصنوبر التي يفوق عمر الشجرة الواحدة المئة سنة ويتجاوز عمر احداها المئة وخمسين سنة".
اضاف: "في هذا السياق، ثمة سؤال بديهي يطرح: على اي اساس او تبعا لاي معايير سمح بانشاء هذا المشروع؟ وفي ما خص التنظيم المدني اعتقد انه لا يمكن ان يعطي ترخيصا للبناء في منطقة لا يمكن البناء فوقها من دون قطع اشجار، ونعلم انه عام 1996 تم تنظيم دورة لتأهيل عدد اضافي من مأموري الاحراج، ليكون عددهم 200 عنصر بدلا من ،96 والامر الاول المطلوب من مأموري الاحراج هؤلاء، مراقبة ما يحصل على الارض، خصوصا ان الثروة الحرجية تخضع لقانون الغابات الصادر عام ،1949 ولقانون حماية الغابات رقم 558 الصادر في 1/8/،1996 وبموجب هذا القانون تمّ انشاء مصلحة حماية الغابات التابعة لوزارة الزراعة، وتضمن القانون 8 بنود تحدد كل السبل الآيلة الى حماية الغابات والاحراج، بما في ذلك حماية المياه والتربة، والقانون يلحظ منع اقامة المخيمات، وقطع الاشجار، وتناول الطعام في الاحراج، واضرام النار وتغيير المعالم، وهنا نسأل أين نحن من هذه البنود؟ ثمة عقوبات واضحة وقاطعة وصريحة، اذ ان كل مخالفة تراوح عقوبتها من مليون ليرة الى عشرة ملايين، والسجن من شهر الى ستة اشهر، وفي حال قطع الاشجار تراوح العقوبة من ثلاثة اشهر سجن الى ثلاث سنوات، وغرامة 250 الف ليرة تدفع عن كل كيلوغرام من الاشجار المقطوعة، وفي حال التكرار تتضاعف العقوبة ثلاث مرات".
وتابع الاحمدية: "نطلق من قرنايل صرخة الى المعنيين كافة والى وزارتي الزراعة والبيئة، والتنظيم المدني، ونناشدهم التشدّد في تطبيق هذه القوانين وان لا تظل حبرا على ورق، وان لا يكون ثمة "ابناء ست وابناء جارية" بالنسبة الى القانون، اذ ان المفترض ان يكون الجميع سواسية في هذا المجال، وبالنسبة الى هذا المشروع نتمنى ان يلحظ المسؤولون كل ما يجري على الارض، وكانت لدينا الجرأة ودخلنا الى المشروع والتقينا المهندسين هناك، واكدوا انهم لحظوا اقامة محطتين لتكرير للمياه المبتذلة، وتعهدوا غرس خمس نصوب بدلا من كل شجرة صنوبر، لكن متى ستزرع هذه الاغراس؟ علما ان كل شجرة صنوبر تحتاج الى مئة سنة! هذا السؤال نضعه برسم القيمين على كل هذه المسائل في هذا البلد".
وختم: "ننوّه بوعي ابناء هذه البلدة الذين سبق ونظموا اعتصاما وحركة احتجاج على هذا المشروع بالذات لانه استثني من التصنيف الاخير الذي اعده التنظيم المدني حيال الاستثمار بمعدل 10 و20 في المئة، فيما نسب الاستثمار في هذا المشروع تصل الى 40 في المئة، وقيل لنا ان الاستثناء صدر بموجب مرسوم من مجلس الوزراء الذي نناشده ونناشد المسؤولين كافة العمل سريعا على مواجهة الواقع القائم، لمصلحة المحافظة على معالم هذه البلدة والمنطقة التي يعتبر الصنوبر فيها ثروة سياحية ومناخية".
*************************
Environment Hospitality is Legendary for Lebanese
People. We open our homes and hearts to our Guests Rumor has it that our “Special Guests”, the Syrian army, are cutting trees and desecrating the environment, possibly some that took hundreds of years to grow. To quote from our source: “… they are cutting trees in "Sahlet layla" and we can't stop them.… the problem is, that they bring the diesel from Syria … [but they sell it instead of using it to make extra money] …and the army stay without diesel so they are cutting the trees…” We sincerely hope we are wrong. However, IF this is correct, we appeal to all higher authorities to correct this problem. How this is resolved would help classify themselves more so as “Guests” or “Occupiers”. We would like to think that the Syrian Leadership would take appropriate and timely measures and hope to get a positive response from them. |
*************************
Tree planting campaign in 2003
and another scheduled for 2004
-----Original Message-----
From: mike Sawaya [michael.sawaya @ aramco.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2004 6:27 AM
I'm excited to visit Lebanon for 10 days... from tomorrow I will be enjoying
the stay with my parents and friends.
Although as I mentioned we have another planting campaign;
I know you like to hear this so that's why I'm telling u, inshallah next year
you will join us.
I have attached some pictures, I hope you can capture them and
Maybe they will post them on the Shweir.com website.
Yalla Salam2at
Mike
Webmaster's note: Mike, please write a report about the event below and identify as many of the people in the pixs. thanks.
Hi Anwar,
During my short vacation back home I participated in one of the success events that occurred in Shweir - Harf Al Dier- it was called Environment Day on the 14 of July, Sunday. Arranged by a Group of Ladies from Dhour, Leila Nasser Kameis & some other from Dikwaneh Municipality & of course our Scouts, Lebanese Army, Def2a Al Madaneh & some other citizens.
The goal of this event was to clean the bushes besides the road from Antoun Saadeh Home to Harf Al Dier.
Another goal was to promote a team of Environmental scouts to monitor the forest from any treat of fire & promote awareness; the idea was launched by Dikwaneh Municipality with other Municipalities in Maten Area.
The Campaign was good but like other environmental issues it didn’t attract the attention of enough people & the impact on our Shweireh was minimal to the extent that no one even thanked the participants during Eid Al Mougtaribeen.
Well on my Behalf & the Environment club in Shweir we thank all the contributors to this Event & hope for more events in the future.
Thanks
Mike
NB : Some attached pictures taken during this Campaign.
Hello Mike,
Author | Topic: Development of the Ghwab!!! |
Waleed
Moujaes Member |
posted
11-02-2001 03:33 PM
I was just chatting with our friend George Samaha in Shweir. Our topic was the environment and how we can improve our ghwab. I am sure he discussed this idea with George M, Anwar, Mike, Nabil AK,... Since nobody opened this subject, and we have been discussing some ideas to make money for the last few days, I feel it is the time to open it: "Development of the Ghwab". The idea is simple, and it depends on the following: 1- Cleaning the Ghwab from all the andool, dead trees and haysh. Those
could be crushed and pressed to be used in chimneys.
1- Someone in the baladieh counsil should be pro-active and, at least,
read thsi article and adopt it. 3- A small investment to buy 2-3 machines for crushing the wood, hiring some labor, hiring a manager. 4- Media campain to explain the advantages. In few years, the baladieh should lobby the government to buy all this land and transform it into a national park. Some of you might think I am crazy, or dreaming. I agree, but honestly, and with open hearts, IS IT IMPOSSIBLE???? I personally, don't think so!!!
IP: Logged |
Webmaster Administrator |
posted
11-03-2001 02:45 PM
Waleed, These are great ideas and you are right that in order for such worthwhile ideas to be implemented, we need the support and initiative of of our local municipality and a cohesive plan to keep such plan as an ongoing project... I would like to add the following suggestion to your list... To add flowers in strategic areas along roads and alleyways and footpaths in Dhour, Shweir and Ain Al Sindyani something hardy that survives the winter snow like regular and trailing geraniums and seasonal or annuals to add color... that way, people can see them, enjoy them and note that there is a fresh look or a transformation taking place... Along that effort, picking up of discarded rubbish by the roadways and pathways would be tremendous boost to the beautification and improvemetn of our environment... Again, the key is our municipality... Anwar IP: Logged |
Michael Member |
posted
11-04-2001 06:36 AM
Aboul Wil, Man ur definetly not crazy, a person who thinks like u is a Visionar. Al Ghuwab is the lungs of Dhour Shweir & that fire during 1986 war killed the most beautiful forest. By the way the pine seeds from AlGhwab are famous for its size and taste. Its a pitty no one care anymore. I reckon that 70% of the pines we planted have successfuly lived, lets continue with this aim and replant the ghwab over and over,... We spoke alot about conserving the land and call it protected like others in Lebanon; well u know hw our shwiereh think the moment u bring an issue like this up, it another WTC. Good luck pal in ur trip to lebanon and lets plan the campign together IP: Logged |
Nabil E.
Matar Member |
posted
11-08-2001 05:38 PM
Every once in a while a good topic in The BB that benefit our home town goes unnoticed. This is one of them. Thank you Walid for bringing a subject like that. My friend, you are not crazy nor you are dreaming. In my book you are a great Shweiry with vision and NO YOUR VISION IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE. All great thing in the worlds started with vision and your vision is very much achievable. All what's needed is guys/girls like you working together as a team to make what is impossible possible. Sho Ya Shabab, furjona bra3itcon. No body has any thing to say about this subject. Ghassan, Elias Habib, Hilda, Hana, Victoria, George, James, Lama, Isis, Klee, Gari and all the young Shweirieh back home including you Elusive and Andre where are you, say some thing people IP: Logged |
elusive Member |
posted
11-08-2001 08:35 PM
Yes! Whenever a tree is planted in any area in Lebanon, it makes the country a more enjoyable place to live. I remember the days when I would drive from Beirut to Bikfaya daily and enjoy the beautiful scenery; but I was shocked when I went back 17 yrs. later to see what man has done to destroy all that beauty! Now since I am not sure where Ghwab is (I may have an idea), although I am certain that I've left some footprints there, it is always a great idea to re-plant. Those pine trees are something to behold. Perhaps this area could also be made a protected area, along the line of Horj Ehden, if feasible. Whatever you do, Shweiriyeh, don't let your beautiful village get cluttered with lots of concrete dwellings like what happened between Bikfaya and Zalqa, or Jounie where the once beautiful forest has virtually lost ground to haphazardly built houses! Thanx Nabil for reviving this topic and encouraging people to write, Shweiris and non-Shweiris alike. Beautifying any village in Lebanon should not only be of interest to its regular inhabitants, but also to any Lebanese. After all, we are all in the same boat. IP: Logged |
Ghassan
Zghaib Member |
posted
11-08-2001 09:17 PM
Guys, great ideas can only come from great minds and spirits. I don't know what to add but if I was back in town and had a position
of Mayor, School director, teacher, baladieh member, anyone I would
organize a yearly campaign to plant trees. I'm sure this has been
discussed in the BB, but the way I see it is we have to get the youth at
schools and outside schools to participate. It should become a yearly
event like the Emmigrants festival. The schools can organize a weekend
camping in the place were trees could be planted, so can the SSNP and
Scouts. The baladieh should work harder to get the attention of the
government (buy the trees and have baladieh workers help plant them). The
government should work harder on protecting the trees (strange but i
really feel like I'm crazy now
). Amazing how I was able to write so much words and not once the word DIAPER was mentioned. IP: Logged |
Michael Member |
posted
11-09-2001 01:38 AM
My favorite subject Ya sheikh ghassan intersting to know that a lebanese woman is after that donation but wt a pitty the benefit is not for our country although indirectly the idea is smart and I would very much be glad if you could enrich us with more info concerning the proceedures like what kind of trees, who plants them after distribution, does the municipality takes care and checks them from time to time ?????? pls can u contact that lebanese lady ? Talking about concrete, well its our people who have concrete minds for they can't forsee the future of our country, look whats happening in Ein Assis ??? & in Bikfaya, wo elissar... Building all over. We once had a meeting with former minister of economy in Dhour Sameer Makidsi who lives close to Ain Assis , nice villa. He quotes saying Dhour Shweir's Assest is in its environment,,, ya shweireh lets intellect our people to invest in thier LANDS for what the use of winning the whole world and loosing our own lands... " Gosh I can't get a grip without being philosophical " Mike IP: Logged |
Nabil E.
Matar Member |
posted
11-09-2001 07:08 AM
Elusive and Ghassan, thanks for responding fast to my massage. Now how about the rest of guys/girls. IP: Logged |
George
Matar Administrator |
posted
11-09-2001 09:04 AM
The Ghwab Ya Elusive is that sloped land you see when you stand at the inpiration point and you look towards Ain Sindiyani and you sight moves to the right towards Dhour Shweir. It is the inspiration behind the inspiration Point. This is a dear subject to all of our hearts and if we loose the Ghwab we basically loose the Image we are trying so Hard to revive. By all means we need to make it our top priority. However all that we are doing right now is nothing more than echo until somebody with authority begin to join our dialogue. I thought by now, and after our trip to Shweir that the baladieh will establish some kind og contact with us, but unfortunately...we are at Zero communication, when will this end ya Mayor? Or shall I say start?. Anyway, just to plant trees in the Ghwab is not enough, we need a better plan and I think I have one. I discussed it with Anwar last August, I believe this will be a focal point for Shweir and will additionally bring in LOT$$ of Revenues too. I started a series of visionary articles on rebuilding Shweir (on the Mukhtar's corner)which I stopped after the Sept. 11 tragedy. The Development of Ghwab was going to be Part IV. I shall get back to the series and make the Ghwab as the next Part. And yes it will be open for discussions. I honestly believe timing is everything on this, so here is My dilemma, I just want to know if I propose the Idea will Elusive or Andre join in with us or could they pass the idea to their villages!?! Of coarse I can do this by email to a selective few... Your thoughts on this. IP: Logged |
andre
aquilar Member |
posted
11-09-2001 03:09 PM
O.K. Messrs Matar, here is what I think : Mr Moujaes' post "Development of El-Ghwab" is wonderful. It would be helpful if the obstacles could be addressed first,provided these can be resolved, then when and how the Ghwab can be cleand up and beautified will become an easy task. I will take the obstacles in the order that Mr Moujaes has tabulated them : 1- From my experience, the only way to get an 'official body' to act is if you take action ahead of it, as, when they see that things are starting to move they will jump on the band wagon and will try their utmost to help,probably for the credit it might beget, and that is fine, this happens worldwide..! after all we want to eat the pinenuts not kill the Natour..! 2- The 99% private ownership is by far the biggest hurdle..But it can
be tackled, if a legal way could be found to allay the owners fears that
once the Ghwab are "horticulturally developed" the governement
will not, at a later date, slap a National Reserve title on it( with a
very small price tag) thus rendering it completely usless for the owners
or their issue, as has happend (I am told)in Hursh Ihden. A serious and efficient coordinator is essential. 4- A media campaign is a must, but who should this campaign be beamed
at? I ask becuase I do not know..What I am trying to say is : do you
envisage this to be a 'local' effort with Mugtaribeen, or a 'national'
effort ? |
elusive Member |
posted
11-09-2001 04:25 PM
Yes mukhtar, the Ghwab turned ou to be where I imagined it to be, but did not know its name. Thanks for the enlightnment. I just read Andre's reply; he seems to know what he's talking about,
with plenty of good ideas. However, I believe that the development of
Ghwab, should be a local undertaking rather than governmental (too much
bureaucracy!). I concur with Andre that perhaps a few real wealthy
Shweiris could underwrite most of the tab, as well as donations from other
Shweiris, locals and immigrants. Perhaps a nature center could also be
included in the development, similar to what we see here in the US. |
andre
aquilar Member |
posted
11-09-2001 05:17 PM
Mr Elusive, The idea is not to build on cleared land, which is why it would be helpfull if we could get the owners to pledge (legally) not to build for a period of time, as hopefully by then a solution might be offered. As you quite rightly said, Ain-el-Assis is a case in point, the children of Shweir are going to inherit this ghastly mess,therefore both Ghwab and the Ain are intimately connected, that is why one has to make sure not to repeat the Ain fiasco in the Ghwab. It is said that hindsight always has 20/20 vision, now that we can see, it is crucial that we do not duplicate. IP: Logged |
Waleed
Moujaes Member |
posted
11-09-2001 08:05 PM
Andre, thanks for your complements!!! This is my duty. I was always an environmental activist, and will always be. I have a question if you don't mind. I am curious to know who are you,
and how you're related to Shweir. You did not introduce yourself on the
GB. From your name, you don't seem Lebanese, maybe from your mother's
side!!! I am sure we all would appreciate your answers. You for sure, is a
valuable supporter for The Shweir Environment Group, and obviously the
environment in Lebanon. |
Klee Member |
posted
11-10-2001 06:08 AM
Why about a 'SHWEIR ENVIRONMENTAL GIFT FUND' as part of the Shweir Foundation? It would have 'tax-deductable gift recipient' status for those in America, and maybe internationally. Set a price per tree, US$5 or US$10. Print nice colored picture certificates (like the photos of the villege from the web-site, or tree/valley scenes) with a space where the name or details can be typed or inscribed in beautiful Arabic and English. Set a minimum for a tree certificate, say two trees. Set a minimum number of trees for special, more elaborate certificates for a 'grove', or a 'garden'. Hanging in my study for over ten years is a large framed certificate inscribed: 'A garden of 100 trees has been planted in memory of the Abotomey families 1887-1987 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of their arrival in Australia from Mount Lebanon, by their great-granddaughter Klee....."Their descendants are as numerous as the stars" '. This garden of trees is part of the extensive forests planted around Jerusalem and throughout the Galilee that draw rain to the Middle East. We have other tree certificates to record special occasions such as marriage (the Golden Book of Marriage), and received as gifts of honour, for example, tree certificates to honour the birth of a child. In all cases, these donations plant trees, build dams, and rejuvenate land with desert-watering and planting. We have visited some of the areas, travelling through forests and dry-land planting projects. This is a normal way of life for my family. If Shweir needs a fund to restore and develop the environment, an environmental gift fund would be the way to go. IP: Logged |
Michael Member |
posted
11-10-2001 12:04 PM
Wisely said Andre & the best part is “the only way to get an 'official body' to act is if you take action ahead of it “. This is the essence of our problem in Lebanon, we wait for the Government, Municipality, FORIGNERS or even a Messiah to come and do our job,,,, .Walid & Nabil Bou Kheir know very well how the Environmental group started and the peak of its giving was freely initiated by shweirieh shabaab. We planted Al-Ghuwab around 2000 trees, we did it once & we can do it again, check the pictures in the Environment section http://www.shweir.com/environment.htm at the bottom of the page were we are all gathered Scouts, Isaaf, friends from Beirut, SSNP’s you name it they all came to help. I won’t say this whole campaign was easy for it took a lot of time to prepare and coordinate with all the groups in shweir + passing by each grocery store asking for a simple donation like a shovel or a Maawal or even a Mankoushi for the guys. By the way I am a true believer that if theres a will there’s a way & what the guys Nabil, Elie, George and Anwar did this summer is a solid proof that the shwerieh blood is genuine & active. Dr. Klee hats are high
, I love the idea; lets open a box for shweir environment donation, like
$2 or $5 what ever for a pine tree or a californian tree Anwar brought
with him and each new born shweireh abroad will have his tree planted back
home & WILL be obliged to visit every summer to check his property. Li Shweir |
james Member |
posted
11-10-2001 03:06 PM
Why don’t we start a donation to buy the needed trees? As a member of this bb I would be more than happy to do that. Someone from Dhour can make a study on how many trees are needed to reforest the Gwab and the cost of each tree. This way we have an idea of what is needed and how much we can afford to donate for this noble cause. There is nothing better than the smell of pine trees as you arrive in Dhour. I have been away almost thirty years and I still remember that smell like I remember my Teta Affifi’s manaeesh she used to make and bake at the local bakery every Sunday morning. |
elusive Member |
posted
11-10-2001 04:02 PM
Ah Ya James! With your brand new E320 Mercedes, perhaps you can buy a whole horch!
|
andre
aquilar Member |
posted
11-11-2001 12:30 PM
Mr Moujaes, You asked how I was related to Shweir, this I will tell you : A few months ago while having lunch with a far cousin (Shweiriyeh I must add) she asked me, with a glint in her eye, whether I had heard of shweir.com. That evening I logged on, and surfed it with lukewarm interest. I went back every now and then simply because I recognized some of the names, nothing special, just curiosity. It dawned on me after a while that there IS something special about this website. Now, Mr Moujaes, let me ask you this : How many villagers in Lebanon, do you know, have gone to the lengths and trouble the organizers of this website,(and contributors), have gone to,in an effort to create something meaningful with which to help their village ? A thankless task, one must admit, but they still did it. How many people do you know, have "shaken" their backsides and actually worked to produce collectively, something significant to aid the needy, the invalid, the schools, etc, always rushing to thank others but never themselves ? How many individuals or groups, do you know, who made it their aim to highlight, with pride, the achievements of others but never their own ? How many people do you know, who, day-in-day-out take the time to brainstorm, and continuously encourage one another to find ways to improve, in a small way perhaps, the environment and therefore try to give quality-life to their village ? It is said that curiosity killed the cat(!!) well in my case it created
much interest. As to your other inquiry, I ask you humbly to let me retain my space, it is not to puzzle or to intrigue..it is just me. |
elusive Member |
posted
11-11-2001 01:12 PM
Andre Aguilar: Is this your real name or just your pen name? No reason for asking,
just curious (I've been there, hence my curiosity)! I recently discovered (to my surprise) that my real name is on this website, but obviously no one was able to put 2+2 together! And here I've been 'wrongly' (?) labeled as being "elusive"! [This message has been edited by elusive (edited 11-11-2001).] IP: Logged |
George
Matar Administrator |
posted
11-12-2001 08:55 AM
Andre, On behalf of all of us behind the seen... THANK YOU. And Elusive, or should I say Uncle "B" yes somebody did put 2+2 together but Out of respect we are expecting you to introduce yourself. Complimenting James is also a give away. In regards to Miss Lebanon, you know now that you didn't have to send us the information via a beautiful and talented Shweiry. Am I on the right track???? I just Heard Another plane went down in New York!!!!!!!! I must check that, will get back to this subject later IP: Logged |
Nabil E.
Matar Member |
posted
11-12-2001 09:48 AM
Thank you all for your responds to my request to participate in this topic especially Elusive and Andre. My friends your input to this subject is great, that doesn’t mean that the input of James Klee and the others was less impressive. Now we got all these great ideas. Next step will be is how we can put them in to action. Therefore my friends, I suggest that the environment Champion Mike Sawaya take these ideas, brain storm them with his volunteer group (Nabil bou Khayer, George Samaha, etc.) maybe utilizing other Shweirieh expert in this field and come out with an achievable plan that we all participate in it. One more, I used My brother Najib and I used to work in the Green Plan (Al mushroo3 Al Ukhdar) To my knowledge The president of the plan Mr. Samir Abou Joudi’s mother is from Shweir, I wonder how much he and the Green Plan can help in this project. God blesses you all and thanks IP: Logged |
elusive Member |
posted
11-12-2001 10:58 AM
Not bad, Ya Mukhtar. Your math was not too bad for an engineer. But, my guess is that the 2+2 math took a lot longer than solving the problem of Lebanon's economy by the Italian experts! Now, I am intrigued. Did you figure this out after I mentioned that my full name was somewhere on the website or before? Anyway, I had no idea that one of my own would innocently give me away. The irony of all this, is that she never figured me out (provided she had been perusing the bb)!!! However, it took Jimmy, with all his 'smartness', many hints to finally figure me out! James hasn't killed me yet for "exposing" his taste for expensive cars, but am sure I'll be hearing from him soon. As for introducing myself, I am trying to figure out a way to make a smooth transition from being "elusive" to being "me". It was fun while it lasted. |
George
Matar Administrator |
posted
11-12-2001 12:03 PM
I Guess you all heard about the plane crashing by now, all indication point towards a mechanical Failure. No Mr. B, it was few weeks ago, right after Habib asked you whether
your wife first name intials starterd with. Then I asked you if you first
name name started with the letter B, and you thought it was unfair. The
Fact is this.....I read every alpha or numerical character that is entered
on this webpage. Andre, I love the way you took the bull by the horn and immediately started to tackle the issues. Please consider youself among family here. We really are on a good track with the environmental issue, as you all have know by now that George Samaha and Nabil Abi Kheir are up to their elbow with Red wood trees and germinating thousands of red wood seeds, Nabil is also bringing 300 new Snawbar trees to the village. Now come the task of finding homes for all these. The Ghwab is one great possibility, and issues that were brought by you all most likely should be addressed. Converting The Ghwab to a Park should be more than a dream (Would somebody in Shweir Inform the Baladieh and have them at least read and possibly join us on this subject). I see more than reforestation of Ghawb, a well planned park with trails and picnic areas, like Anwar suggested last year,and a small complex that is built in Harmony with the Ghwab could bring great revenues to the village. I'll share my crazy Idea with you Possibly this afternoon IP: Logged |
Ghassan
Zghaib Member |
posted
11-12-2001 12:13 PM
Sorry guys (especially Mickael) to be late in my reply, after all you know by now that the weekend is the time I work most (and weekend were the time when someone should rest ). There's nothing special in what I mentioned earlier except that the idea is to make of every special occasion A SPECIAL excuse to go out and plant a tree. Here, the municipality only gives away donates one tree for every newborn in the year. They call it (Un arbre, une Vie = One Tree, One Life). It doesn't do any follow up. You just take it and plant it in your backyard (I got one for every daughter and it's kind of special to know that every girl has a tree named after her). We can use the same idea back in town, Some of the special events I
have in mind: |
Webmaster Administrator |
posted
11-12-2001 01:10 PM
The discussion of this topic has been a very intriguing one... it started with Waleed Moujaes discussing Environment with George Samaha. We got some great feedback from around the globe and evolved to unraveling the mystery of "Elusive"'s identity... sort of... Elusive, if you may recall many moons ago, I asked if your wife's name started with a choice of three letters which you confirmed and George followed up with asking if your first name started with a "B"... so we knew all along who you were, but as George said, out of courtesy we kept that secret, we gave you space to unveil your identity when you were ready... You mentioned that your objective for using a pseudonym was to see if
others close to you recognized who you are... It is ironic to note that at
one point you did not recognize the postings of someone that you knew very
well when you asked "...who is that James anyway?" You found out
about James by clicking on the "?" next to the date of his post,
followed some links... and what a surprise... Pesonally I do not mind pseudonyms so long as writers do not abuse the
priviledge or do not adhere to the Mission Statement. Although politics
and religion were discussed in other Elusive postings/debates, albeit
pushing the limit, they were more on an educational level rather than
promoting one over the other... Now where were we... back to the main topic "Environment" ...
Thanks Waleed for starting the topic... and to all who shared many good
ideas about it... It is amazing that between the time I read the last
elusive post and had a chance to write this two more entries were
posted... Andre, welcome aboard and thanks for the kind words... with the caliber of talent we are continually adding to the shweir.com family, there is no question that we will achieve or even bypass many worthy goals. Anwar |
-----Original Message-----
From: Nabil ABI KHEIR [mailto:Nabikeir@exotica.com.lb]
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 4:57 AM
To: Matar, George
Yes sir..
Our mukhtar bilmahjar is planning to visit the moon.....
Hello George..ya3teek al 3efyeh...
Just to let u know that we are to get about 200-300 pine trees from the ministry
of agriculture so that our campaign will be soon...I will let you know when,
plus some pictures...
Yours truly, Nabil Abi Kheir
-----Original
Message-----
From: Matar, George [mailto:gematar@sbinfra.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 7:32 AM
To: 'Nabil ABI KHEIR'; 'A. G. Kenicer'
Hello Nabil
The Moon? Well not yet, we are planning to add it to our 2003 Agenda,
3layk kheir Nabil, you just don't know how much we appreciate you keeping us
informed this is how great things are achieved.
It was such a delight meeting with you and all
the Shabeebeh this summer, I tell you with time we will so many great things for
out Village. Thank you so much Nabil
George
Author | Topic: Environment-Shweir ( FYI ) |
Michael Member |
posted
10-30-2001 12:51 AM
I recieved this email from Nabil : From: "nabil Abi kheir" Dear Miko.
How is everything and you??? I am trying to bring about 300 pine trees from the ministry ...hope it
soon...
__________________________________________
Its the time of the year wr we have to prepare for planting our trees,
although a shy follow up from my side but hv to admit the guys did a good
job till now,... Unfortunately I cn't make it this christmas to lebanon, I
had in mind to Campaign this year in inviting Christina Sawaya and she
helping out promoting the idea of preserving our environment,....
Any suggestions from our shweireh, in Preparing for this year planting
campaign ??? L'Tahya shweir Mike |
George
Matar Administrator |
posted
10-30-2001 06:40 AM
Hello Mike It has been a long time since we heard from you on this BB, welcome
back. Some suggestions Mike. I really would recommend getting the graduating
class of the high school and Rahbat to join effort and start a tradition.
Think of it as a senior project. The students will: See a program like this will be carried every year and will give these folks a place they can be proud of and visit as they get older. Not to mention the benefit it will give Shweir over the years. Bringing Miss Sawaya to the planting day is a great Idea (add her name to the list of students). Maybe every year we’ll bring somebody prominent to attend… Snow ball effect. I see a lot of potential in this. This is really good Mike IP: Logged |
Nabil E.
Matar Member |
posted
10-30-2001 07:55 AM
Dear Mike, I am so glad that you are using the BB to deliver your massage. I send you, Issam Sawaya, Tony Sawaya and the Shabab email last week, unfortunately the email to you returned. I don’t know if I have your right address and I lost Nabil’s email address. Any way, we are glad to hear from you big buddy. As for the trees, I know that you were the staring wheel for this project and I know how much you are disappointed that you want be able to make it to Shweir this year to join George, Nabil (Smiyeh) and the Shabab in there great efforts. The idea of Letting Miss Lebanon getting involve in this effort is great. My suggestion is to also let the boys and girls scout get involve in this effort and send many pictures to the web site that shows areas before planting and after. Also pictures showing the progress of areas that you already did plant. Also I suggest that al shabab should try to survey the town and find protected areas where we can grow the red wood trees like school yards, Cemeteries, parks (if any) etc. Keep up the good work and god bless. One additional note to every body: |
An article about planting of Cedar trees posted by Dr. Klee on 02-27-2001 05:18 AM
On the topic of Cedar planting, I just found an interesting item
on the internet about a 'Cedar Tree Project' at http://www.namnews.org/cedtree.htm
which says (from Brooklyn, New York, USA): "The National Apostolate of
Maronites (NAM) in cooperation with the International Committee for the
Safeguarding of the Cedar of Lebanon, is sponsoring a grove of 500 Cedar Trees
in the Arz al Rab area near Becharre, Lebanon....Each tree sponsored will be
commemorated by an inscribed plaque (leaf-shaped) to be mounted on the 'Tree of
Life' which stands at the entrance to the Cedar Grove. All participating donors
will receive a Certificate of Appreciation noting their donation and their
commemorative inscription for the leaf-plaque on the Tree of Life". Each
cedar planted is a minimum donation of US$75. When this forest matures in
hundreds of years it will be enormous.
Author | Topic: Making the mountain green |
Klee Member |
posted
02-17-2001 05:09 AM
It's great to see the photos of the new trees planted in Shweir; and even a new cedar tree! What a beautiful place. The stone villas and buildings look picturesque and as strong as the rock. The land is green and the people look happy. Thankyou for showing us in pictures. May your trees grow tall and strong. |
Thank you Dr. Klee for your research and insights. These give us great ideas about our upcoming tree planting projects.
A Peek
behind the scenes... copies of cyberspace discussions...
-----Original Message----- From: Matar, George [mailto:gematar@sbinfra.com] Mike Anwar already put that picture on the site, He just updated the page, lot of beautiful stuff you are going to love it. He also have the update on the computers with pictures. Waiting for your next input to the BB. The next project.....Environmental??????? I was thinking last night of something we can do in day that will have a good impact, and here's what I came up with. There is a very high probability that Anwar & I will go to Dhour this year, if we do we are planning on bringing some Red Wood and other 8" long baby trees to plant. My feeling is the appropriate place for them would be in Protective areas and most likely in the valley. Here's what I am proposing, plant these trees at 6- 8 meters apart on the circumference (all around) of the cemeteries in Shweir, Ain Sindiani and Harf Murad (HM might have plenty of trees already). I think that will make the cemeteries more tranquil looking and provide a beautiful view from all directions when these trees are 5-10 years old. Additionally, lets say, like Anwar suggested at one time, charge $$ for people to donate these trees for a departed love one. Each tree will have a 4x6 plaque with that person(s) name. We all have loved ones buried there and we love for their memory to linger through the ages. Any proceeds from this could be used to maintain the trees, add flower beds, add bathrooms next to cemeteries (so people quit fertilizing the concrete pads) or finance another project. If you like that idea, let us have somebody measure / pace the cemeteries. We can start the drive around June. We also need to know if there will be any laws or regulation that we need to abide by from both sides of the Atlantic. It would be great and beneficial to have the Baladieh involved in this too, they would have to provide the up keep. I don't know if the churches do that. Of course if the High school Seniors do this instead it would be even bigger. Your thoughts for a penny.George
-----Original Message----- Guys, Y2atikon alf A2fya. I love the pic's :-)) Aboul Gearge, our Int'll Mukhtar any thing that brings beauty and prosperity to my town & its people count me in. Shipping those Red Wood Trees is my only concern, I think we have to ask the US govt for approval & permission before any step. I guess choosing the cemeteries is the safest place to plant them, cause deforestation is spreading too fast. Just for ur info, I will be leaving to Lebanon next week on Wed the 28, only for 10 day. If you need anything from Dhour guys pls don't hesitate to ask. Mike
From George Matar: Estimate How many trees we need regardless. I am still waiting for the rest to respond. It will take the rest of the week to get their input......But do you really like the idea Mike, I need to know if I am off track or something... Another thing you can do is talk to the Baladieh and soften them up, we all need each other. Are you going to help them set up the internet?? Other than that, and speaking for those on the west side of the Atlantic.....We envy you and Habib. Have fun, and you did promise at one time picture of the first planted trees so we can track their progress. Give my very best to the Real Mukhtaar, tell him I appreciate him letting me use the title. Happy Easter, is it time yet? George
-----Original Message----- Hi guys, Most probably, the agriculture clearances problem would be in Beirut. It is not because Lebanon is more protected - the opposite is true. However, the customs people tend sometimes to be smart and to force the law!!! Those people won't have any knowledge in agriculture. So, if somebody from Lebanon can help us with a small piece of paper, it would be very helpful. Anwar, the danger from the freezing temperatures in the air is mainly on the roots. So, if you can cover or insulate them inside the golf bags, it would be great. George's idea about planting them near the cemeteries is good. However, I guess those trees grow very big ( I haven't seen them yet), and their roots will be big enough to damage the walls of the tombs ( b3eed men hawn), so it would force whoever has around them to cut it. This will be, at least, 20-30 years from now, but we are planting them for the new generations to come, not for us!!! We can try to find few spots there, but not more. In addition to finding some spots between the houses in Shweir, I suggest to plant few groups of 4-5 trees in the "Ghwab" near the "sa'iya"- the small stream of water. By this, they would have sufficient water, the temperatures in the summer are relatively lower, and a safe environment away from the people. In few years, everybody would be surprised with them. Most of you haven't been to the ghwab in decades, so we will go this time!!! As for the pine trees, I suggest "Tallet Emad". Mike, we have planted a lot in the last few years at the "Mtull". Tallet Emad has suffered a lot during the war, and it needs our help. Further, cars can easily reach. Arranging a full day for the environment during "Eid Al Mughtaribine" will be a very good idea. In addition to talking to the Baladieh, let's talk directly to the "shabeb", scouts, music, football club,... Those are our absolute primary hope!!! I don't know if Habib and Mike can do something here. Rgds./Waleed
-----Original Message----- Hello, In order to best respond to George's & Mike Communications, I copied and pasted some of the emails so that most info are at one place. First of all, George's ideas sound great to me and would love to get things in motion to achieve as much of that as possible subject to some logistics. Yes, I will make best effort to go to Lebanon this summer. In %'s, there is over a 70% chance. I intend to bring California Giant Redwood Trees with me. Mike brought a good point about agricultural clearances. The tree supplier will provide us with the necessary docs. It should be no problem exiting USA. Concern would be entering Lebanon or via transit like in London, Paris or Frankfurt. Most likely it would be Paris and my brother who works for United Airlines can lend a hand there. A few years ago, I brought two dozens of these trees to Morocco to commemorate King Hassan II 25th anniversary of his golf pro am tournament. All the trees survived the trip. I stuffed the tubes in our golf bags. when we attended the event the following year, I learned that they lost about 20 % of the trees they planted. Provided we succeed in getting them to Lebanon, we may expect to lose 10-30 % within the first 2 years. This can be due to very cold temperatures in the cargo hold of the plane, to mishandling or care issues (over water or not enough water or nutrients) roots freezing during heavy snow. I intend to bring about two dozen of the 6" - 8" ones and a lot more of the smaller test tube saplings. We will plant a handful for ceremonial purposes and present the others to people who would care for them by keeping them inside their home in a small suitable container next to a window until they grow to about 15" to 20" where by the roots would be established and strong enough to withstand snow and freezing temps. We can have a competition on who's tree grows the best one year later. We can still do the plantings with additional types of trees. One idea would be to bring as many varieties of the pine, cedar, maple etc. and plant them in strategic locations and give description about each type. We need to tap the knowledge of possibly Waleed Khayrallah. I think he has an advanced degree (PhD) in horticulture. Lets make a list of the top goals we want to achieve. Fine tune the guidelines. Get volunteers or appoint most suitable candidates. Lets get bimonthly reports and updates. And lets see how much we can achieve.Yesterday, I listed the results of the Shweir.com New Years resolutions on the new BB. We can consider some of those goals as well. As al Mukhtaar may say, Let's Rock & Roll Anwar
-----Original Message----- Hi Guys, I don't write very often because of schedule constraints you all know how it is, however I am truly enjoying your enthusiam about our town, usually all agrigultural items are import tax exempt in Lebanon, Sample trees are transported by planes on a regular basis, they do put them in plastic bags. I just thought of bringing an environmental important issue besides our trees,that can be a vital issue and will take a significant step in the right direction, knowing that currently our people are suffering from the water quality, hepititas is in existance, I truly think the water has some thing to do with it if not all. First I suggest that we communicate our efforts with the legal staff of
the Baladieh today, that are currently in charge of the municipality
responsibilities. So I suggest the following: If you guys agree on this, may be we can start having some good inputs and interaction with our Baladieh. What do you think Guys? Elie BouKheir
-----Original Message----- Dear Elie, Moukhtar, and the rest, This exchange of ideas is really great.. I whish more people would chip in.. I like the Idea of trees allot, Unfortunately most Ghwab are privately owned and one cannot rely on the cooperation of the owners to maintain these trees. (out of being abroad mostly..) I suggest planting these trees along side the secondary and farm roads. Even ask people in town to plant them around their homes, this way these trees have a better chance of surviving. As for the water supply idea.. The water supply to Dhour comes from three sources: 1: Nibeh Al Asal from Sannin These three sources also supply the neighboring towns. They are government owned and operated. A new feed line was connected from Bikfaya to Dhour (Upward) to supply our tank on the Bourj (George's hideout) during the off season. (this is fed from Jeiita or Beirut's water supply) Even with these sources, we still are in need for a couple of thousand cubic meters per day. Our options are somewhat limited, The baladieh can operate a water-works but it cannot collect money for it. Privately, one cannot establish a water company, and to tap into the existing water network is next to impossible. However a new plan for a New reservoir on the Bourj (four times the size of the existing one) is to be implemented soon which will give the area double the flow rate it was getting. This plan was to be implemented last year, unfortunately the mayor sent a letter requesting this project to be cancelled... This created some confusion which led to the delayed in the start of the project until next summer. ... Conclusion: I believe we should hold off on this project until the tank is erected and will see what the situation is then.. Sorry for the long version but I though some data needed to be shared... Habib
From: George Matar Wow, I am really impressed by all the idea exchanges we are having here. I'll echo all of your responses, it actually is great....But you guys hold your horses a little bit, one step at a time, and make that a small step at a time. We have successfully completed a small project, my feeling is to stay with projects of the same magnitude. This is where the idea of the trees around the cemeteries came about, small and tunnel zoned idea. We really need to draw a firm line between what we can and can not do, a line that we should not even attempt to cross. As much as I love what Elie is proposing, I see that it is a job for the city of Dhour, the Matn, and the Ministries of natural resources and Utilities. That would be a very hard, if not impossible, for us to get into it. For one thing I would not want us to propose a project that we can not control. I can not see us controlling such an effort, sorry. In regards to water shortage and if the proposal, as Habib mentioned, does not go through, it will be up to the people living in the Dhour Shweir to come up with the right solution. Whether it is by digging wells (beir) to collect rain water or building sewage / water recycling plants to use the water for irrigation. We should limit our involvement to recommendations / suggestions only. There are many ideas that can be explored. I still think that the Idea of beautifying the cemeteries is a good and achievable one. In Answering Waleed's concerns, the tree type proposed is not as important as the actual planting of any type of trees. Maple trees are a good selection, So is Aspen (hawr) both of these trees are panoramic in the spring through the fall. The Red Woods are pretty trees, and I doubt they will have much of an impact on the tombs for the next 2-5 centuries. Surely we are smart enough not plant them or any other kind so close to the graves. Mikes Idea of building a nursery is good, but then again it should be a town's project, we can help by collecting funds to, lets say, initially stock it up, or supplying it with trees etc...like the Red wood trees. In Short let us stay with small and strategic projects that will get everybody's support. We can not go wrong that way. George Matar
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The following photos and captions were sent by Mike Sawaya
Shweir Youngsters learn about the Environment...
Thank You Mike Sawaya and a great big Hello and Marhaba to all the young ones.
It will be wonderful to identify and list the names of all
these beautiful Shweirieh... any volunteers?
Please do not forget to name the parents. Thank you in advance.
I've taken
these pictures during the month of December 2001,
while planting some pine trees in Al-Mtull area.
Thanks
to the people who participated in this planting day:
Pic
1 - Habib Halabi, Henry Bou Saab, Moi, Amal my sister, Nijad my cousin &
Sweaty our supporter of the day.
Pic 2-
Nabil Abi Kheir, Tony Sawaya, Nijad Sawaya.
Pic 3-
A typical villa in Shweir. (You
call this great architecture or what ?)
Pic 4-
Deir Mar Elais.
Pic 5- Why
should we reforest our town ??
Pic 6-
Mount Sannin wearing its white coat.
Pic 7-
Nijad and I in action with the earth.
Pic 8-
Habib Halabi thanks in a million for coming.
Pic 9- Our
international Cedar Tree ( 2 years old ).
Pic10-
More planting
Pic
11 Shweir children's learning to plant a tree.
Pic12-
Henry Bou Saab thanks for joining.
1. | 2. | 3. | 4. |
5. | 6. | 7. | 8. |
9. | 10. | 11. | 12. |
Thank you Mike Sawaya
an e-mail from Mike sent on Feb 21-01 titled " A Suggestion"
Dear Int'll Mukhtar,
I agree with Habib Moujaes that it always start with a small idea and it grows to be a success, that's the part I am concerned of the implementation.
Anwar mentioned the Trees last year, I adore the idea specially these one of a kind trees. They will suite & beautify our town. I am willing to mobilize the Scout, and all clubs even friendly environmental clubs I know in AUB to assist. Keeping Dhour Green is the way, former ministry of economy Dr.Samier Maqdisy lives in Dhour & once mentioned that Dhours economical benefit Comes from keeping its lands green, this way more people will come and invest and enjoy its good environment.
Ideas I have planned for reforesting Dhour Shweir.:
1- Forming a Nursery of pine, Cedar
trees etc. ( 1000 trees as a start )
2- These trees will be planted as seeds and given a title, named by each shweiry
donators from all around the world. ( They will be taken care by a part time
supporter)
3- When the time comes they will all be planted in lands of the
donators.
4- The opening of such a nursery could be this Summer2001.
5- Promote the idea of securing and protecting the Ghawab from urbanization and
Cement invasion.
6- Set a yearly agenda of planting at least 100 Trees.
7- Work conjunctionally with the Baladiah & all other organizations in our
town, creating the awareness and love of Land.
8- Keeping our shweireh attached to their town & land by providing an
alternative income (Such as planting Fruit full trees which will also generate
industrial revenue.
9- Promote Environmental issue in our BB, educating, sharing, discussing
useful ideas via our Shwiereh Student.
10-Let it be part of our yearly tradition to innovate an idea that will list us
in the world Genius Book of Record. ( Ex- prepare in Eid Al Moghtaribien the
biggest artificial Tree or largest Taboula plate ever).
These are some ideas that will enhance our vision for a better Shweir, Aboul Greage u have the blessing of my dad, U are indeed a genuine Shweiry and the Dynamo of our Int'll shweirieh.
Mike Sawaya
************************************
A message titled "Making the Mountain Green" posted on the New Bulletin Board on Feb 17 by Dr. Klee:
It's great to see the photos of the new trees planted in Shweir; and even a new cedar tree! What a beautiful place. The stone villas and buildings look picturesque and as strong as the rock. The land is green and the people look happy. Thank you for showing us in pictures. May your trees grow tall and strong.
Submitted by our al Mukhtaar bil Mahjar: This dramatic photo is a reminder
to protect our environment or it could go up in smoke in no time.
I don't know the accuracy of the information but the picture is
incredible. This awesome picture was taken in Bitteroot National Forest in
Montana on August 6, 2000. The photographer, John McColgan, is a fire behavior
analyst from Fairbanks, Alaska. He took the picture with a digital camera.
Because he was working at the time he took the picture he cannot profit from it;
however, the picture is a once-in-a-lifetime shot and should be
shared.
Webmaster & Al Mukhtaar
getting some giant environmental inspiration
at the base of Giant Sequoia Redwood tree near San Francisco, California
(Several people could fit inside its
hallowed trunk)
Posted by Waleed Moujaes on August 20, 2000 at 05:06:05:
Everybody spoke a lot about this subject, and it seems that this page is the
most important and attractive to most of the Shweiriyieh abroad. You saw our
pictures, making our plans, planting, awards,... but you haven't seen what is
happening in Shweir. I don't want to scare anybody, but this is the reality.
Blocks of cement growing high, trees more than 50-60 years
( even more than 100) old being cut without mercy, nice "natural
parks" being destroyed for selfishly short sighted projects. For example,
Ain Al Assis, which is (ACTUALLY WAS) the lungs of Shweir and Shweiriyieh and a
place for a nice walk in the morning or the afternoon, is transformed literally
into
blocks of cement, and hills of garbage... This was 3 years ago. I am going to
visit next week, and I am really worried of what I would see this time.
Where is Shweir heading, unfortunately towards an environmental catastrophe if the municipality did not take a serious action and put an end for such an imbalance. Although a lot of people, young guys and girls are working hard, they need the support of who is in power ( people who make or break).
The main problems could be summed up in 2 points:
1- Lack of education.
2- The absence of true and responsible management.
There are certain steps which could be taken to solve the first point, but time is running out very fast. Our only hope now is a strong "BALADIYIEH" who must understand that what our dear Shweir is, is because of its enviroment and geographical location. It is very important for us to plant as many trees as we can. We have planted thousands of trees, but it is very simple for a truck to destroy hundreds of young trees planted by our young brothers and sisters over a period of several years, in a matter of half an hour.
I don't know how can we convince our municipality to put some limits on building and inforce them on the ground.
It is our duty to keep pushing harder and harder.
Waleed Moujaes
Posted by Mike Sawaya on August 20, 2000 at 13:09:11:
Walid Thanxs for that Clarification.
What walid indicated is the bitter true, our lungs hv been attacked by a
deadly virus,a disease that lives among our families and friends, its lack of
Awareness.
Our team 3 year's ago came up with a plan to immplement the Zoning, meaning each
area in Dhour Shweir will be divided according to a defined category of
construction A(for 3 store building)& etc B C D.
The project went to the Municipality and they actually started to work on it from the ministry directly. But our short scoped shweieh fought against that plan, even Michel al Murr and Assad Herdan got involved to stop the plan & last attempt to save our divine trees.
I'm sorry to mention names, the future of our children & town is more important than some avaricious individuals.
I agree with Walid, lets put our hand together and fight back to save the last pine tree by securing our town from irrational buildings and prepare for planting campaigns & involve all our shweireh to plant a tree with their bare hands and feel the sweat & joy of giving rather than always wanting.
By the way, Walid was one of the founders and most fervant member of Shweir
Bia2.
Well done Aboul Wil.
Mike
Posted by George E. Matar on August 24, 2000 at 08:44:34:
The two reports by Waleed Moujaes & Mike Sawaya do reflect a sad reality
in Shweir. Shweir, has no businesses that generate new revenues (new money)
other than attracting summer rentals. This is 3-4 months of new income due to
what the Misayfeen and diehard Shweirieh returning to spend their summers in our
Shweir.
To the locals, more housing, is a potential for more money. Can we blame them
for building? Well, No! Unfortunately, construction is done on the expense of
defacing the land. The Shweirieh home owners should never forget what made our
Dhour Shweir so special. They have got to realize that: Their commitment to the
“Summer Occupants” is really not the two, and three bed rooms housing, but
the view they see when they open the windows.
The Misayfeen and Mughtaribeen, return to Shweir to forget the 9 month of being confined within their offices, having their vision shocked by high rise building, traffic, zmameer, chaos, and their day to day complex life. They come to Shweir to be closer to nature, and for a short two weeks to 3 month live a simpler and more meaningful life. If we can not provide this to them, they will go somewhere else.
Mike & Waleed, are quite right in their analysis of the situation, or, they might be like the rest of us romantic fools that want to see Shweir like we remember it, beautiful. But, what is great about what these two guys, and their likes, is that they are visionaries, they saw an alarming situation and started doing something about it. My friends whether you know it or not, you have started to educate the rest of us Shweirieh on the importance of the environment and keeping our Shweir beautiful. So don’t let an ignorant truck driver killing few trees dampen you enthusiasm, your efforts is setting the stage for keeping our beloved town exactly how we want it, BEAUTIFUL. Just remember, the truck driver you mentioned might not know what he’s doing…….But his offspring will know.
If we collectively agree on how we want our Shweir to look 20, 30 50, 100 years from now, then we don’t need Mr. M. Mur or the Government to impose restrictions and limitations on how we should or shouldn’t build our homes. Now that I said that, the hardship of selling the “collective” idea to the rest is where the battle will be. Remember, education is a slow process, we’re on our way. So Hang on.
But until then I pray that when we Build we will build responsibly so that our home, our neighbor's home, and the environment are in harmony, because that's all we got, it will be a darn shame to lose it.
George
Posted by Hilda on August 24, 2000 at 13:01:18:
In Reply to: Shweir in a Catch 22 posted by George E. Matar on August 24, 2000 at 08:44:34:
I cannot agree more with George. I wish as people plan and build their homes, they are concerned about the outside landscapping and appeal. The town as a whole needs to be concerned about its natural beauty. Some of the trees were destroyed by the war, as I understand, and that kind of reforestation can be adrressed as a voluntary community effort. Adhering to a certain building code surely helps.
Hilda
Posted by Anwar on August 29, 2000 at 20:46:40:
I find the recent articles on this Shweir Bulletin Board about the Environment by Waleed, Mike, George and Hilda to have very important messages that express concern about the future and well being of Dhour El Shweir. An acquaintance from the Middle East once told me that he first heard about Shweir from doctors who prescribed to patients with respiratory and asthma conditions to go to Shweir, Lebanon because of its clean fresh air and its beauty. It sounds like that reputation is being tarnished. That saddens many of those Shweirieh who care.
It is in the best interest of the Shweirieh to preserve and enhance Shweir’s beauty, environment, its crisp refreshing water and its fresh air. To do otherwise would be like… as they say in America… to shoot ourselves in the foot. If we transform the main and prominent land into a “cement jungle”, Shweir would lose its charm and appeal. Less and less people would care to visit it or consider coming back. Everyone loses.
Don’t get me wrong. Just as much as I am pro environment, I am pro development. The best and most rewarding kind of development is one that enhances rather than detracts from the environment. After all, when you build your property, you will become part of and live within that very same Environment. There is a big difference between Sensible development and irresponsible one. There has to be a balance and harmony between good, progressive and worthwhile development and the environment.
Long term goals or master plan for the next 5, 10 and 20 years are vital to ensure a positive outlook for Dhour El Shweir. This will include proper and enforceable land zoning, most beneficial utilization of the land, development, the environment and all other factors that are impacted like water, waste water, garbage collection, electricity, parks, children playgrounds, open space, senior citizen’s centers, schools, libraries, recreation facilities etc.
With proper planning, good communication and higher awareness, Shweirieh can build their properties and enhance the environment at the same time. Granted, there will be some reasonable compromises, and some give and take.
Can the Shweirieh, the property owners, the politicians, the environmentalists and the decision makers work together in the best interest of Shweir?
We would like to hear from those who are in key positions who can enlighten us on this subject.
Anwar
Posted by Hilda on August 31, 2000 at 18:28:09:
In Reply to: Shweir Environment posted by Anwar on August 29, 2000 at 20:46:40:
I think Anwar captured eloquently all the concerns that were expressed on this web site with regards to the environment in Shweir. Anwar had set the tone for very reasonable objectives that if all believe in, and strive for, can be accomplished.
Hilda
Above is a vantage view point photo from Mike Sawaya's balcony.
The following is a thumbnail of an Arabic brochure on Environmental issues provided during Eid Al Mughtaribeen, 1996. Click on it to enlarge it. >>> |
The following are some emails regarding the Shweir Environment: This is unedited and it was not intended for the web pages. However, there are a lot of important information discussed behind the scene, we thought that you may wish to eavesdrop. (please pardon the typos)
From: Mike Sawaya
To: The Team at Shweir.com in response to earlier emails posted below this
one.
Hi Shweireih,,
I'm glad we by this sharing discussion among us, I'm also surprised to see the level of anticipation towards this vital issue.
I figure u are all well knowledgeable to the needs and threats our beautiful town is facing. I am going to try and answer some of George and Hildas questions...
The pilot project of Shweirs environment started 5 yrs ago as I've previously mentioned , it was handled by very sentient and dedicated university graduates, my experience in this field will say that instead of bringing any X environmentalist to study our needs will be a waste of Time and resources, we should keep our team involved, Nabil Abou Kheir is an AUB Agriculture Graduate and Works with Exotic the largest gardening company in Lebanon and he is involved.
Walid Nasser works with the Environment Ministry, Simon Dergham is an electrical engineer and into this battle, Mirna Moujaes, AUB graduate, Rania Touma Sawaya a AUB Nutritionist worked in the team, Neameh Moujaes AUB Agri ,we hv about 30 caliber in the team and ready for any action, Pls let us involve our towns graduates in this project & its people too.
I also agree with Hilda that Adel Samaha and Najib mattar should get into this bandwagon BUT with the collaboration of our team The main reason out of this is to Save time and researches that has already been implemented. We hv gone into lots of projects like Planting The Ghwab, George the reason why u see lots of dead trees was because during the 1986 war a Lighting Parachute fell in the forest and burned everything, the fire lasted for 3 days, every shweireh got involved in putting the fire out But wts the use if we don't replant that beautiful area, It has always been known that the pine seeds of AlGhwab is the best in Lebanon.
We got involve as u can see in the picture about 40 people they even came from other areas and University,, The Shweireh Scout and Red cross was also involve we planted almost 1000 Pine trees 50 Cedar Lebanese trees and we are proud to say that 80 % of these trees hv succeeded till NOW.
We also Planted the Protestant School in Ain Asis, the Area of arzal al Zaim also got burned 4 years ago ws successfully replanted. We hv also been keen to preserving wt we have accomplished by maintaining and protecting our small trees form Shepard's Goats and from Unexpected fires not to mention the Hunters who are Blinded from Up and Down.
To answer the other questions , when do we plant? Definitely not in the Summer Nor in Eid al Mughtaribien, for several reason, First the best season is winter month of Nov and Dec, but in planting seeds in the Ground directly March is the best time. As to my experience any tree that can survive our 1250 Meter high and the freezing degree in winter can cope but the Question is do we need to introduce other breeds to our environment, ? well why not, I planted 20 , 2 meters Kina on both sides of the Seha and I think those trees are well off and useful too.
But I will stress on 3 kinds of trees Pine and cedar & Oak definitely. (for a Reason I will explain later.)
Why we plant during these Month is because a Tree removed from the bag to be planted directly in the ground will need allot of water , this way we are giving a good chance say at least 4 to 5 months of rain and snow, so the roots will be able to attach to the earth, and the lack of water resource in the summer. George I'm afraid u are right our trees are weak, why ? well I still recall 2 years ago a virus attacked our Area I think its because of the Pollution and second the dry season and no snow and rain like before, lots of insects and disease showed up, I ws the first to recognize this because I like to hv long hicks in the near forest close to my house and I realized a pine tree out of no ware turns into naked in less than a month, so I gathered the whole team and we researched on this by taking some samples to the Lab of AUB. ALNahar newspaper came and interview me for the same reason well the bottom line is that during that year all of Lebanon faced that treat, Hamdillah I hv'nt seen any of our dead pine trees.
Wt should we do NOW ? two things, keep the good Job on our site by creating awareness to the beauty of our Town, Trees, Old housing , Nature, ..... People.
Second start a fund raising campaign, For A) Having our own Tree Nursery. B) Preparing for a Yearly Planting Campaign wr we should support financially by getting every shweiray involved. C) To Maintain our beautiful Old tree we should need proper preservative for them D) Create a dedicated team of environmentalist.
Lastly I want to deeply Thank u Anwar , George and Hilda for ur Care and anticipation Pls lets make this our pilot project and I am still 200% devoted to this cause.
I am sure we can all succeed together.
Wt we should do is .
1) Study ways of building fund raising for this specific topic. There are
100 ways of doing that.
2) Get more shweireh from arround the world to know more and share with
us.
3) Hv a team who will work independently on this project, I know u guys can't do
everything. Open for more discussion.
by the way I hv with me a environmental flyer we distributed during 1996 eid al mougtaribien I will scan and send on Saturday.
Mike
The beauty within us is reflected from our environment.
-----Original Message-----
From: A. G. Kenicer [mailto:kenicer@att.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2000 9:11 PM
To: Mike Sawaya; gematar@sbec.com; HTSHURBAJI@aol.com
Subject: RE: Conservation - Agriculturists -
Hilda,
This sounds good to pool our resources. I am going to copy Mike Sawaya on
this since he may have lots of data that we are unaware of right now. I recall
noticing in one of the photos that Mike provided us about the tree plantings
they were working with a map. Chances are that they may have soil tests
and other studies made.
Mike,
See how things are moving in a positive direction now? Below, I copied and
pasted some excerpts of emails that are relevant to the subject. Thanks for your
initiative.
Would you like to co-ordinate these ideas and resources? One more thing... George Matar noticed that the magnificent Oak tree in Saideh's yard looks weak, sad and lonely... has anyone made any evaluation about its condition... whether it is lacking nutrients, irrigation... If it is sick, we need to figure out ways to save it.
Anwar
-----Original Message-----
From: Hilda
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2000 8:11 AM
To: gematar@sbec.com; Kenicer@att.net
George and Anwar,
The two people that I can think of to address the issue of deforestation in
shweir are Adel Anis Samaha a young agriculturalist from dhour who will
undoubtedly be willing to offer his expertise, and of course Najeeb Matar, your
brother George...In actuality combining the talents of the both would be good
and beneficial to shweir in drawing a plan to reforest the shweir. Of course
they 've got to work within a set budget and if there is not one then we'll have
to come up with one. Adel knowing the prices there may be good at setting the
budget for the plan... All that will be needed then is to have volunteers
to implement the project...
Hilda
The following are copy(s) of posting(s) from the Shweir Bulletin Board:
Posted by Hilda on August 10, 2000 at 07:59:21:
Acting on a big tip from the web master and viewing the pictures of the shweirie volunteers planting trees and trying desperately to repair the damages of deforestation, I feel that shweir needs an agriculture person who knows the native trees, soil, climate etc. to help in the effort to bring back the bueaty the pine trees bestowed on shweir. Mike Sawaya has been spear heading this effort,I wish an agriculturalist would offer the volunteers a blue print to follow in their effort, and then we will have to consider ways to fund this project... Just a thought.
Hilda Touma Sawaya, Tennessee, USA
What every Shweiry and visitor remembers most about Shweir?
They remember its natural beauty, its refreshingly crisp cool spring water, its fresh clean air, the sound of the gentle wind passing through the pine needles and the many artistic chiseled stone buildings in the old section of town, just to name a few.
Unfortunately, during the war, Shweir, like many other places experienced setbacks due to the bombings and ensuing fires. Another set back was caused by the lack of architectural guidelines, controls and enforcement. Both of these items resulted in loosing many of our trees and in some areas a mismatch of building design which lacked uniformity.
It is refreshing to learn that our younger generation saw the danger and pitfalls of continuing in such direction. They took proactive measures to turn things around. They mobilized, volunteered their time and donated resources to plant thousands of trees and continue their efforts to heighten awareness to preserve, enhance and protect Shweir's natural beauty and its environment.
We salute this group of Shweiry and thank Mike Sawaya for bringing this information to us, for providing us with the photos you will see below and for his leadership towards this very important role. We would like to recognize all those who participated and/or supported this effort. We invite you to send to us any articles, names of individuals and more photos regarding this subject.
Saving, enhancing and preserving Shweir Environment is of critical importance to all Shweirieh. We, at Shweir.com will dedicate as many web pages necessary towards that goal. Mike Sawaya have suggested to establish a special environment forum. We are giving this serious consideration. Your input and participation is always welcome and will be greatly appreciated.
Photos courtesy of Mike Sawaya in Saudi
Arabia
Tree Planting & the Environmental Vehicle Award
40 volunteers march to plant trees in Gwaab
Trophy for the Winning Environmental Car at Eid Al
Mughtaribeen 1998
we need captions to identify people who appear in these photos.
Click on any photo to enlarge it. Click on "Back Arrow to return to this page.
Meeting to review plans for tree planting |
Environment Car in Eid Al Mughtaribeen |
Al Arzal |
Planting thousands of trees in Al Gwaab |
Same winning Environmental car 1998 |
Snow in Dec 1999. This is a color photo |