In a heartening follow-up to their 2023 reforestation initiative, Coral once more gave its support to the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI), reaffirming its dedication to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility in the runup to Earth Day. On April 20, 2024, they ventured to Baskinta in Mount Sannine, where they planted scores of Cedrus Libani (cedar) seedlings. This event saw the participation of approximately 50 individuals, including Coral employees and members of their families, all eager to contribute to Lebanon’s green future.
LRI has been heavily engaged in reforestation and management efforts in Lebanon since 2016, having already planted over 1.5 million across nearly 5,000 hectares. Coral’s collaboration with LRI, which began with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in 2023, highlights their joint commitment to national reforestation efforts. Coral first embarked on this journey on November 5, 2023, with the planting of cedar seedlings in the picturesque Ehmej Reserve. This ongoing partnership emphasizes the importance of expanding Lebanon’s forests, promoting carbon sequestration and enhancing biodiversity.
These efforts are integral to Coral’s long-term strategic objective of achieving carbon neutrality in alignment with the United Nations Global SDG Ambitions benchmark to limit Global Warming.
Oscar Yamin, CEO of Coral, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing partnership with LRI, stating: “Our collaboration with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative symbolizes Coral’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship. Planting cedar seedlings in Baskinta goes beyond trees; it’s about nurturing Lebanon’s natural heritage and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.”
Community Engagement and Education
Beyond the act of planting trees, these reforestation initiatives prioritize community involvement and education. During the recent event in Baskinta, the LRI team provided essential guidance, equipping participants with the knowledge and techniques necessary for successful tree planting and maintenance.
Dr. Maya Nehme, Director of LRI, expressed her gratitude to Coral by saying: “This is a priority area for us, as this mountain overlooks all of Beirut. We offer our thanks to Coral for its commitment to reopening this Green Corridor, an effort that the company began in 2023. We also offer our gratitude to everyone present, young and old, for your invaluable efforts. It is our hope that Coral will continue its reforestation efforts for many years to come.”
Coral’s ESG Commitment
Coral’s involvement in reforestation aligns with its broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives. The company’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its partnership with LRI, setting a positive example for the industry. Through these initiatives aimed at fostering community bonds and environmental stewardship, Coral showcases the monumental impact that private sector entities can have on environmental conservation and community engagement.
Wassim Naddi, head of HSE at Coral, said: “We’re committed to maintaining an eco-friendly environment and adhering to our HSE policy and our excellence rules. While we do so, the safety of our people is imperative, which necessitates adhering to several safety measures, including remaining cautious and vigilant while we accomplish our mission.”
Paving the Way for a Greener Future
Coral’s ongoing collaboration with LRI exemplifies the importance of collective action in building sustainable, resilient landscapes. As the world faces the escalating threat of climate change, initiatives like these promise a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future for all. Coral remains committed to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ESG values, paving the way for positive change in Lebanon’s ecosystem.
By continuing their reforestation efforts, Coral and LRI demonstrate that when corporations and communities unite for a common cause, the impact can be truly transformative. Together, they sow the seeds for a healthier, more vibrant Lebanon, one tree at a time.
