Association for Community & Environment - ACE جمعية المجتمع والبيئة

08/05/2026

On the occasion of Earth Day, ACE participated in the roundtable titled “Geographies of Belonging” held on April 24 at DUBAL's interior space. The session brought together artists, researchers, academics, and artisans to reflect on our relationship with land in times of change.

Representing ACE, Dr. Soumaya Ayadi, geologist and president of the association, delivered an intervention entitled "Geology as a Ground for Human Culture". She highlighted how geology shapes human identity. In Lebanon, identity is not defined only by its people and civilizations, but also by its mountains, plains, rivers, springs, and diverse landscapes, all closely linked to geology.

Dr. Soumaya also noted that the relationship between humans and rocks dates back to early Homo sapiens, from caves as shelters to stone tools and the discovery of fire. Geology continues to play a key role in understanding human evolution, with rocks preserving our shared history.

29/04/2026

Dr. Soumaya Ayadi, president of ACE, was honored to join a distinguished Lebanese environmental delegation welcomed by His Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi at Bkerké.

The meeting brought together leaders from the IUCN network, academia, environmental organizations, and media representatives to reaffirm that environmental stewardship is both a moral and national responsibility. His Beatitude blessed the launch of the HimaEcoMedia platform, “The Voice of Nature and Humanity,” and emphasized the church’s support for initiatives that protect creation and strengthen local communities.

From protecting biodiversity to empowering communities, ACE remains committed to building a sustainable future for Lebanon.

Ghadi News

24/04/2026

ACE organized an awareness session under the EU-funded BioConnect project at Collège des Frères Mont La Salle on March 24, 2026.

Dr. Michel Sawan, a bird expert, delivered an engaging presentation on the different bird species found in Lebanon, as well as the threats posed by climate change and human activities on bird populations. He also emphasized the importance of bird conservation.

The session went beyond theory and encouraged active participation. Students took part in an interactive crossword game designed to reinforce their understanding in a fun and engaging way. They also had the opportunity to watch Dr. Sawan release a previously injured Steppe Buzzard, a powerful moment that brought their learning to life.



Collège des Frères Mont La Salle

25/03/2026

يتطلب تحقيق الأهداف العالمية للتنوع البيولوجي رؤية شاملاً للمشاهد الطبيعية. ومن خلال مشروع BioConnect، يتم تنفيذ نماذج حفاظ متنوعة لتعزيز الروابط بين الإنسان، التراث، والطبيعة.

Achieving global biodiversity targets requires a comprehensive landscape restoration approach. Through the BioConnect Project, diverse conservation models are being implemented to reinforce the links between people, culture, and nature.


European Union in Lebanon
Association for Community & Environment - ACE جمعية المجتمع والبيئة
Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon
Association for the Development of Rural capacities

23/03/2026

The Association for Community and Environment - ACE is proud to celebrate the achievements of two outstanding students, Ms. Pamela Ghosn and Ms. Oriana Rached, on the successful completion of their master’s theses.

On 13 January 2026, Pamela Ghosn completed her Master 2 in Agricultural Engineering – Forestry at the Lebanese University, Faculty of Agronomy (ULFA). Her thesis, entitled “Conservation and Enhancement Measures for Trails within a Sustainable Development Framework", contributes to the growing body of research conducted under the BioConnect project and reflects ACE’s commitment to advancing sustainable environmental practices. Her work was supervised by Prof. Georges Hassoun and Dr. Soumaya Ayadi, President of ACE.

On 12 February 2026, Oriana Rached successfully completed her Master 2 in Agricultural Engineering – Environment and Natural Resources (Option: General Environment) at the ULFA. Her thesis, “Effect of Overexploitation of Hydrogeological Resources on Biodiversity: Case Study of Ammiq Wetland", was carried out within the framework of the BioConnect and Ammiq 2030 projects. Her research addresses critical challenges in water resource management and biodiversity conservation. Oriana’s work was supervised by Prof. Nadine Nassif and Dr. Soumaya Ayadi.

The ACE team warmly congratulates Pamela and Oriana for their dedication, hard work, and valuable contributions to environmental sustainability. We wish them continued success and look forward to their future impact in the field.

21/02/2026

The Association for Community and Environment - ACE organized a regional webinar entitled “Geoparks and Potential Initiatives in the Arab Region: Experiences, Challenges, and Future Perspectives” within the framework of the EU-funded BioConnect project. The webinar was held on 16 February 2026 under the umbrella of UNESCO Beirut and in collaboration with ALECSO.
The event gathered more than 140 participants from 18 countries, with active interventions from 11 Geopark initiatives in Arab countries.
Dr. Soumaya Ayadi Maasri, president of ACE, highlighted the strategic role of geoparks in linking geoheritage conservation with sustainable local development.
Dr. Nazar Hassan, representing UNESCO, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting geopark initiatives in the Arab region.
From ALECSO, Prof. Dr. Mohammad Sanad Abu-Darwish and Mr. Amin Dahmani emphasized the importance of strengthening Arab coordination and institutional support.
The webinar featured the experience of M’Goun Geopark (Morocco) and presentations of emerging initiatives, including Shouf–Jezzine Geopark (Lebanon), Sulaimayiah and Bradost Geoparks (Iraq), Adan Geopark (Yemen), Tata Geopark (Morocco), Al Jabal Al Akhdar Geopark (Libya), El Kef Geopark (Tunisia), Fayoum Geopark (Egypt), and Hoggar & Tassili n’Ajjer (Algeria).
This event represents an important step towards building a collaborative “Arab Geopark Network” that promotes geoheritage protection, education, sustainable development and community engagement and welfare.

31/12/2025

Dear friends, colleagues and partners,
We end a challenging year, and we welcome a new year with hope and aspirations.
Our best wishes for more opportunities, happiness, and success.
ACE Team🤍💚

06/11/2025

ACE, represented by Dr. Soumaya Ayadi, proudly participated in the IUCN Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Ayadi presented the vision for the Shouf-Jezzine Geopark, emphasizing Lebanon’s exceptional geological heritage and biodiversity and showcasing the country’s potential for conservation and sustainable development. A productive engagement followed.
ACE appreciates being part of the Lebanese delegation to the Congress, a great scientific event for knowledge and networking. Thank you IUCN.

20/10/2025

Exclusive Interview with ACE's founder and scientific advisor, Mr. Raji Maasri: Managing Land, Resources & Waste

Send a message to learn more

05/10/2025

ورشة عمل حول المسارات السياحية في الشوف وجزين ضمن مشروع BioConnect المموّل من الاتحاد الأوروبي