Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the El Mina Municipality, and the Embassy of Norway in Lebanon, on Thursday inaugurated the first fully equipped wooden boat maintenance workshop in El Mina, North Lebanon.
The new solar-powered facility was developed with support from the North Lebanon Fisheries Syndicate and the local Cooperative Association. It is expected to directly benefit coastal families, especially in El Mina and Tripoli, where over 1,000 families depend on fishing as their main source of income.
The workshop allows fishers to repair their boats locally and affordably throughout the year, saving them both time and money.
As part of the initiative, 152 elderly and vulnerable fishers were provided with essential fishing gear to improve safety and working conditions.
Dr. Ahmad Tamer, acting general director at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, thanked the UNDP and the Norwegian government for their support. He emphasized that fishing remains a crucial source of income for many along Lebanon’s coast. Lebanon produces only 8,000 tons of fish per year, while the national demand reaches around 30,000 tons, he said.
Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad said she was proud to support environmentally friendly solutions that empower northern coastal communities.
UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Thair Shraideh called the project “a starting point for broader opportunities” and said it paves the way for further development in El Mina and nearby areas, focusing on better livelihoods and living conditions.
El Mina Mayor Abdallah Kabbara confirmed the launch of an action plan to run the workshop in line with safety and quality standards. The plan also includes training local staff and creating sustainable job opportunities.
The workshop builds on earlier projects supported by the UNDP, such as installing solar panels and an ice-making machine at the local fish market, which cut operating costs by 60 percent.
The solar-powered workshop marks a step forward for Lebanon’s coastal fishing industry, offering stronger infrastructure, financial relief, and a sustainable model for future community development.
