As part of the MedArtSal project, Fair Trade Lebanon (FTL) in partnership with the Association of the Development of Rural capacities (ADR) and in cooperation with the MedArtSal consortium, and the collaboration of the Instituto Cervantes and Beirut Digital District, proudly announces the second and final event of the MedArtSal project. This remarkable activation will take place in Lebanon from June 7th to June 9th, 2023. The first two days of the fair will take place at the Beirut Digital District, on the 7th and 8th of June 2023.
Building upon the success of its predecessor in Tunis, this 2nd fair serves as a platform to celebrate and promote sustainable business models in artisanal Salinas of the Mediterranean region while safeguarding their rich traditions and biodiversity. Over 20 salt producers and stakeholders from Spain, Italy, Tunisia, and Lebanon, where the MedArtSal project is operating, will exhibit and showcase their artisanal products. In addition to the salt producers' exposition, the fair will feature public workshops, seminars, and plenary sessions, free of charge and open to the public upon registration.
The fair will start with grand inauguration ceremonies on June 7th at the Beirut Digital District, with the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Mr. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism in Lebanon. Notable speakers, industry leaders, and experts will deliver welcome remarks and keynote speeches, highlighting the significance of the event and the accomplishments of the MedArtSal project. Keynote speeches from representatives of ENI CBC MED, the European Union, and the Ministry of Tourism will complement the program.
The objective of the fair is to promote the artisanal salt production in the Mediterranean and create opportunities for B2B meetings and networking between operators in the sector and potential client/partners attending the event both in person and virtually. The launch of the e-commerce platform dedicated to artisanal salt producers and the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the MedArtSal Salinas network will also be included in the program.
On Friday, June 9th, the third day of the fair, participants will have the option to join an exciting field visit to explore the beauty of the ancient city: Anfeh. During this day, visitors, including Lebanon's Ministers of Environment and Tourism, MedArtSal delegates and Salinas, and various media representatives, will immerse themselves in the captivating atmosphere as they visit the historical salt ponds, discover the
intriguing exhibits at the salt museum, and stroll along the enchanting "la route du sel." The adventure will also include a delicious meal at Salacia Beach and Salinas.
"We are excited to host the MEDARTSAL 2nd INTERNATIONAL SALT FAIR and showcase the achievements of the MedArtSal project," said Samir Abdelmalak, the President of Fair Trade Lebanon. "This event not only highlights the importance of preserving artisanal Salinas but also provides a platform for promoting sustainable tourism and innovative products. We invite salt producers, tour operators, guest house owners, active community members, sustainability enthusiasts, and archaeologists to attend the fair and join the MedArtSal network."
MedArtSal 2nd International Salt Fair will be the closing event of MedArtSal project, funded by the European Union under ENI CBC MED Programme , in partnership with the University Consortium for Industrial and Managerial Economics (Italy), Fair Trade Lebanon (Lebanon), the Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (Lebanon), the International Union for Conservation of Nature Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation (Spain), the Mediterranean Sea and Coast Foundation (Italy), the Saida Society (Tunisia), the University of Cádiz (Spain), and the Tuniso-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Tunisia), aims to preserve the Mediterranean artisanal Salinas, assure production continuity, as well as stimulate the local economy and territorial cohesion.
About MedArtSal
MedArtSal - Sustainable Management of Artisanal Salt Mines of the Mediterranean - is funded by the European Union through the ENI CBC Med program. The total project budget is € 3.2 million and the EU contribution is € 2.00. € 9 million (90%). MedArtSal is a 3-year project that aims to promote the sustainable development of artisanal salt pans, providing specific support on economic, environmental and governance issues related to salt production. By addressing common challenges in 4 Mediterranean regions (Italy, Spain, Lebanon and Tunisia), the project aims to promote the development of a sustainable and adaptable management model that encourages the territorial valorization of artisanal salt pans. The project is led by CUEIM - University Consortium for Industrial and Business Economics (Italy) and has the support of partners such as Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (Lebanon), Fair Trade Lebanon (Lebanon), IUCN Centre for Mediterranean Cooperation, MEDSEA Foundation (Italy), Saida Society (Tunisia), the University of Cádiz (Spain) and the Tunisian-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, CTICI (Tunisia). Website: http://www.enicbcmed.eu/home
About Fair Trade Lebanon
Fair Trade Lebanon is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting fair and ethical trade practices that guarantee fair remuneration and decent income to small producers and cooperatives. Founded in 2006, Fair Trade Lebanon is member of the World Fair Trade Organization, a global community of social enterprises spread across 76 countries that fully practice Fair Trade and put people and planet first in everything they do. Through various initiatives and projects, including most importantly the MedArtSal project, Fair Trade Lebanon aims to create sustainable opportunities and improve the livelihoods of marginalized communities and local producers. Website: https://www.fairtradelebanon.org/
