In a country that was once the green capital of the Middle East, but is now suffering from diminishing green areas, especially in the big cities, a group of environmentalists have decided to take matters into their own hands engaging local communities in a nation-wide green initiative aiming at instilling environmental awareness in the hearts and minds of the Lebanese. The result: "Lawwen Balconak" (Color your Balcony), an initiative by non-governmental organization "Lawwena Akhdar".
For the second consecutive year, "Lawwena Akhdar" are inviting Lebanese people across the country to participate in the "Lawwen Balconak" Facebook competition for the chance of winning prizes worth USD 1,000. The rules are simple; contestants are asked to plant and landscape their balconies, take photos of their mini-gardens then send them to the project curators who will deliberate and post the best photos on the "Lawwen Balconak" Facebook page. The 3 photos with the highest number of votes will win.
"We all agree that concrete has taken over vast amounts of green areas in many parts of Lebanon and with no green strategy by the government, it is our role to advocate for green spaces and educate the public on their right to have access to those, even in the middle of the cities", said Nadim Saab, Co-Founder of "Lawwena Akhdar". "What we have been focusing on, since we launched "Lawwen Balconak" in 2013, is the communities' role in maintaining greenery in their cities in the most basic ways, such as decorating their balconies and main entrances with flowers and other kinds of greenery", he continued.
"Lawwen Balconak" Facebook competition is taking place between May 20 and July 31. Throughout the entire period, "Lawwena Akhdar" curators will be publishing at least 3 posts per day of beautifully adorned balconies aiming at inspiring people and encouraging them to decorate their own balconies and participate in the competition.
Send your photos to: [email protected]
Visit Lawwena Akhdar Facebook page: facebook.com/lawwenaakhdar
