Starbucks planted trees in 40,000 square meters in Lebanon this month, raising the area it reforested in this country in five years to 140,000 square meters. The ongoing project was undertaken with volunteers from the Green Leadership Academy under the supervision of the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation.
Starbucks' GLA environmental leaders were first in the field, supported by many other eco-driven students from different universities around Lebanon as they worked hand in hand with Starbucks partners to plant the trees.
This year's activity which was carried out over two days brings the total number of trees planted by volunteers and Starbucks partners across the country to 7,000. One thousand pine trees were planted in Ashash, north of Zgharta on March 9, and the same number of pines, oaks and carobs were planted in Ramlieh and Btater in Aley on March 16.
Starbucks' Regional Communications & CSR Manager for MENA, Rana Shaheen, said: "Remaining dedicated to environmental matters in Lebanon, we hope to continue increasing the area of reforestation each year to ensure green space for the future generations." She added that Starbucks was "very proud to partner with the AFDC for the fifth year running as they are a dynamic environmental association that achieves important steps towards environmental sustainability in Lebanon."
Karine Zoghby, AFDC'S programmes officer, stressed the importance of the strategic partnership between AFDC and Starbucks in increasing environmental awareness among the youth, particularly through the pioneering Green Leadership Academy.
Starbuck's commitment to the development of Lebanon through social and environmental initiatives is in line with their distinctive brand principles. They seek to participate in issues of public concern within the communities in which they operate, focusing particularly on volunteer programmes and awareness campaigns relating to humanitarian and environmental issues.
