The Art Workshops continue to develop the agricultural green spaces project at the Patriarchs’ Garden in Al-Diman. The Order of Malta – Lebanon supports the initiative.
The project brings together the Patriarchal Association of Qannoubine for Mission and Heritage and the Antonine Sisters’ community at the site.
During the first phase, the teams will plant more than 7,000 medicinal and aromatic seedlings. These include lavender, rosemary, Damask rose, hyssop, and cassia.
They will also plant pomegranate, sumac, and carob trees. In addition, the project will provide new irrigation systems.
The plants will supply raw materials for the artisanal workshop once the project fully equips it. The workshop will also use them to produce essential oils through distillation.
The partners have also prepared a plan to market the oils, powders, soap, and other handmade products.
Moreover, the cooperation agreement aims to extend the project’s benefits to farming families in Al-Diman and nearby villages.
The project will provide farmers with medicinal and aromatic seedlings. Later, the artisanal workshop will distill their crops. This step will help increase production and create more economic opportunities.
The initiative will also offer training courses for rural women. These courses will help them build skills in agricultural production and manufacturing.
Meanwhile, farmers will receive technical training on how to grow alternative crops and improve their agricultural practices.
Through this cooperation, the three partners aim to create a sustainable development project. They seek to improve local livelihoods and help residents remain connected to their land.
At the same time, the initiative supports the area’s environmental, cultural, and tourism value.
The project also includes the construction of a water reservoir. It will collect excess winter water and use it to irrigate the new crops and other agricultural areas.
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