Beirut, Lebanon (Enmaeya News) — The Ministry of Public Works and Transport, El Mina Municipality, and the Embassy of Norway in Lebanon, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, inaugurated the country’s first fully equipped wood-boat maintenance workshop in El Mina.
Supported by the North Lebanon Fisheries Syndicate and Cooperative Association, the solar-powered facility provides year-round local boat repair and maintenance services.
Officials said the workshop is expected to reduce costs, save time, and improve conditions for fishers and their families.
Fishing remains a vital source of livelihood along Lebanon’s northern coast, particularly in El Mina and Tripoli, where it supports more than 1,000 families.
Beyond the fishers themselves, the sector sustains jobs in processing, distribution, and sales, making it a cornerstone of the local economy.
However, the fishing sector continues to face significant challenges. Aging infrastructure, environmental pressures, and economic hardship have placed increasing strain on coastal communities that depend on the industry.
Lebanon produces only 8,000 tons of fish annually, while local demand reaches 30,000 tons, leaving a large gap filled by imports.
As part of the broader initiative, 152 elderly and vulnerable fishers also received essential fishing tools aimed at improving their safety and working conditions.
The new workshop is seen as a starting point for broader opportunities. It creates a foundation for larger development initiatives in El Mina and surrounding areas, with a focus on supporting livelihoods, providing sustainable jobs, and promoting dignified living conditions.
