Resilience in Local Governance - Lebanon

Reslog Lebanon aims to strengthen the capacity of Local Governments by increasing resilience in accordance with the principles of peacefulness, co-habitation and inclusiveness. The project collaborates with Local Government actors; municipalities and Unions of Municipalities and their communities, and in Lebanon more specifically Unions of Municipalities (UoMs) and municipalities in Akkar governorate.

Over the past years, Lebanon has faced a series of profound challenges that have significantly impacted its political, economic, and social landscape. The country has been marked by economic hardship, political instability, and humanitarian crises, posing significant challenges to its recovery and future stability. Over 80% of Lebanon’s population lives below the poverty line, according to the United Nations.

Three Pillars of Focus

In an overall context characterized by political uncertainty, unprecedented economic meltdown and deterioration of basic services, the Reslog project in Lebanon focus on three pillars:

1. Empowering local authorities to provide services reflecting local needs
2. Fostering positive interaction between refugee and host community through Active Citizenship
3. Expanding livelihood opportunities for refugee and host communities through a Local Economic Development approach centered on green growth and circular economy, with a special focus on women.

Key Activites and Interventions

The project supports local authorities by enhancing the capacity in service delivery and local economic development as well as in providing an enabling environment for the local community, including refugees, to become active citizens. Involving the local communities in matters that concern them improve local decision making and accountability and enable local authorities in becoming more resilient in handling local crisis. In Lebanon, this is done through a range of activities, including Municipal digital transformation and data-driven analysis and planning; Municipal Training Programme; Community Centre establishment; First Responder Team and Crisis Management Unit establishment; as well as Local Economic Development with special focus on Upcycling and Local Eco-Tourism.

Active Citizenship and Local Authorities

Meet members of our inclusive community groups and hear about their experiences in engaging in local development initiatives together with the municipalities.

Empowering Local Authorities for Resilient, Area-Based Development

Listen to our partners at Fnaydek municipality and the Union of Municipalities in Jurd Al Qayteh talk about the partnership with SALAR International.

Local Governance as a Catalyst for Green Growth

Listen to participants talk about their involvement in the project to increase opportunities for a green growth-based livelihood.

Key Achievements so far

Key achievements of the project include the introduction of digitized municipal systems and GIS tools for socio-economic data collection, which have improved local authorities' ability to assess community needs and respond effectively. These advancements have also strengthened trust and engagement with local citizens. The increased preparedness measures have helped communities address crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, forest fires, cholera outbreaks, and the recent internally displaced persons (IDP) crisis. Additionally, Reslog has bridged social divides, fostered inclusivity and challenged gender norms. The project has empowered young women to participate in public life and strengthened Syrian refugees' presence in the community, demonstrating how active citizenship can reduce social tensions and foster integration.

Success stories from Reslog in Lebanon Pdf, 37 MB.

Ellen Ahlqvist
Project Manager, Lebanon
ellen.ahlqvist@skr.se