Makassed, in partnership with UN-Habitat, is leading the Beryt Project, which focuses on “Supporting Community Mobilization and Outreach for the Reconstruction of Housing Units Affected by the Port of Beirut Explosion.” This initiative is part of the larger Beirut Housing Rehabilitation and Cultural and Creative Industries Recovery program (Beryt), carried out in the districts of Ashrafieh, Rmeil, Medawar, and Saifi. The primary goal of this project is to address the legal, environmental, and social needs of tenants and stakeholders in 60 heritage buildings severely impacted by the Beirut Port Explosion, with a particular emphasis on recovering 31 selected buildings.
Project Budget and Funding: The total budget for the main program is US $10.23 Million, with US $8.28 Million allocated for Beirut Housing Rehabilitation and US $1.95 Million for the Cultural and Creative Industries Recovery. The project is funded by LFF (Lebanon Finance Facility), Canada, Denmark, France, Norway, the European Union, and the United Nations, and is administered by the World Bank. Makassed’s share of the funding for the period from 24/08/2022 to 30/06/2024 was US $148,727, with an extension through 31/03/2025, increasing the budget to US $185,783.
Key Achievements and Activities:
- 100 buildings and 136 households were successfully mapped to assess their needs.
- 203 stakeholder meetings were organized, involving crucial parties such as UN-Habitat, Legalis Law Firm, building owners, and tenants to discuss recovery needs and legal matters.
- 29 Environmental, Impact, and Social Assessments (EISA) were conducted to inform the recovery strategy.
- 100 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were carried out to gather insights from local stakeholders.
- 8 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) meetings facilitated coordination and technical discussions with various stakeholders, including the Governor of Beirut, Mayor of Beirut Municipality, World Bank, UNESCO, Lebanese Army, and the Directorate General of Antiquities in Lebanon.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Adherence: The project strictly adheres to the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) policy to ensure the safety and dignity of all participants and stakeholders. Makassed has made significant strides in enhancing its visibility through active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, international organizations like UN-Habitat, and World Bank, as well as NGOs and CSOs.
Inclusive Recovery and Heritage Building Restoration: The Beryt Project’s multi-faceted approach ensures that the needs of all affected parties are addressed, fostering a more inclusive recovery process. By involving local entities and key stakeholders, the project builds trust and demonstrates a strong commitment to the restoration of heritage buildings and the well-being of the community. This collaboration between Makassed and UN-Habitat is pivotal in rebuilding Beirut’s historical areas, supporting tenants, and promoting sustainable urban recovery post-crisis.
