Welcoming Remarks by Ms. Mona K. Hider
Deputy Resident Representative
United Nations Development Programme
Integrated Waste Management for the Olive Oil Pressing Industries in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan
3rd Regional Steering Committee Meeting – Amman, Jordan
27 August 2007
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great pleasure and honor for me to address you today on behalf of UNDP at this Third Regional Steering Committee Meeting for the project “Integrated Waste Management for the Olive Oil Pressing Industries in Lebanon, Syria and Jordan”.
The importance of olives and olive oil is evident in several aspects. Apart from the fact that the olive branch is a universal symbol for peace, the Olive Tree has religious significance given the mention it received in the holy books of the Bible and the Qur’an. It also has historical significance, with Jordan being home to olive trees that are over 2000 year old and olive oil presses dating back to the Roman Empire. Scientific studies do show the nutritional value of the olive oil due to its positive contribution to the well known healthy diet of the Mediterranean basin. The olive industry has an important economic value, as it is a major agricultural contributor to the national economy of Jordan. The past years’ trends indicate that this sector can grow further and have great export potential.
Our project aims to introduce integrated management of waste resulting from olive oil industries, in order to ensure that this highly beneficial product does not pose threats to the environment, and does not pollute the same land that has been home to olive trees for over the past two millennia.
To date, the project has already accomplished significant results starting with the mapping and identifying characteristics of olive oil pressing industries in the three countries, to introducing cleaner production options for the industry, conducting training, and reviewing regulations.
The regional dimension of this project gave a chance for Lebanon, Syria and Jordan to exchange experiences and collaborate in identifying solutions. I wish here to highlight that the cooperation and support from the Regional Euro Mediterranean Programme for the Environment’s Regional Management and Support Unit have been most helpful, and we look forward to cooperating with the Regional Activity Centre for Cleaner Production.
As we are in the final year of project implementation, and the pressure mounts for the submission of deliverables, I would like to extend to the project teams in each of the three countries UNDP’s best wishes for success, and to emphasize the need to ensure the sustainability of the project achievements.
In closing, allow me to express UNDP’s appreciation to the national Steering Committee members, project staff, consultants and all participating partners for their contribution and commitment to the implementation of this project. We are confident that the project will achieve its planned results and will pave the way not only for the implementation of other projects related to cleaner production in the participating countries , but also for the possible replication of this project in other countries in the region. I wish you a fruitful meeting.
Thank you.