TİKA Implemented “Za’atar Production Project” in Lebanon

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) implemented the “Za’atar Production Project” on land owned by the Directorate of Foundations in Tripoli, the second largest city in Lebanon.

Aiming to diversify agricultural production, increase its added value and increase employment in Lebanon, TİKA implemented the “Za’atar Production Project” on 17 decares of land belonging to the Directorate of Foundations of the Tripoli Mufti’s Office.This project involves supplying, planting, irrigating and maintaining seedlings, as well as covering infrastructure development activities for cultivating mostly za’atar Oregano, thyme, sumac and strawberries.

The Republic of Türkiye’s Ambassador to Beirut, Ali Barış Ulusoy; Mayor of Tripoli, Riad Yamak; the Mufti of Tripoli, Sheikh Mohammad Tarek Imam; the President of the Chamber of Commerce in Tripoli, Toufic Dabboussi; officials from TİKA’s Beirut Office and many other guests attended the opening ceremony of the project.

During his speech, Ambassador Ulusoy stated that he strongly believes that the “Za’atar Production Project” will set an example for businesses in the region, support the increase in agricultural income and employment in the region and also contribute to the development of relations between Lebanon and Türkiye.

It has been planned that the income acquired from the sales of the raw or processed plants, which are to be harvested, will be used for charity work and the development of sustainable agricultural activities by the Directorate of Foundations, and that the necessary workforce will be sourced from villages in the region. Thus, this project will also contribute to regional employment.

As part of the project, TİKA implemented the supply of saplings, installation of drip irrigation system, water pool and electrical systems, as well as providing workforce support, installing containers for workers and materials, and supplying supporting materials and equipment related to agricultural production.