THE CRISIS IN LEBANON: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has expressed grave concern about the environmental impact of the situation in the Middle East.

Of particular concern is the oil spill which developed off the coast of Lebanon after Israeli bombers hit the Jiyyeh power station in mid July. The slick covers over 150 kilometres of the coastline along Lebanon's Mediterranean shore, and has reached Syria. It has been described by environmentalists as the worst environmental disaster in Lebanon's history.

The United Nations' response to the environmental crisis is being coordinated through the joint UNEP/OCHA Environmental Emergencies Section, based in Geneva. From Athens, the UNEP Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) is monitoring the situation closely, supported by the Malta-based Regional Marine Pollution Emergency Response Centre for the Mediterranean Sea (REMPEC). The UNEP Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA) is in regular contact with the Government of Lebanon and other concerned parties in the region. From London, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provides specific guidance and coordination, as it relates to the oil spill. For it's part, UNEP's Post-Conflict Branch will take part in the United Nations Development Group (UNDG) post-conflict needs assessment.