Shweir Environment

George Matar · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 5:39 am Post subject: What does this fire teach us

The Pictures told the whole story, extreme heart break to see it happening to our town, to our country. I was wondering if an electric storm started these simlutaneous and random fires all over the country. Unbelieveable.

The Shweirieh show a lot of resliency and togetherness to fight these fires and seeing our mayor Naim in the forefront is uplifing. Shwer will survive this fire much stronger. Preventing fires like this specialluy in Shweir could be easily done in the future if we started to plan for it now.

Give me a a bit of your time and read on: My Engineering mentality is jumping to the front and I can not help but suggest this as a vital water conservation project for our town that will improve our water resources. Among its benefits will be preventing future fires such as the one we are having.
The topography of our town and the engineering talent (world wide) will allow us to come out with a cost effective engineered solution that would put Shweir well ahead of the next forest.

So far, during the winter, we have been allowing our water resources to freely make its way to the sea. Yes I am talking about capturing Rain Water and snow run offs and I am not talking about Ain il Aboo and Ain il Tahta. This is Water that is going to help us keep our forest / shrubs moist during days of drought when the potential of forest fires is high.

Here is one solution
* A pump lift station on Nahr Bou Dawood,
* Couple of pumps, depending on how fast we want to fill the tanks the pumps will be (50-200 HP), this will be determined later
* A local Diesel Generator to provide power to the pumps
* Several storage tanks located at strategic location on the hills
* Piping to transfer the rain water from the valley to the tanks

This water could be used to help our exisitng trees grow healthier, will promote the growth of new trees, improve the town landscaping, and most of all help fighting fires when they occur. An upgrade system will include a sprinkler system that can be activated during drought months when pine straws and shrubs are dry (would light like gasoline) during September and october, until rainy season begins

The beauty of it all, we don't need drinking water quality to do this, thjis is our God given water we just want to use it more efficient, AND best of all it can be built in piece mill over several years. But when complete our town, from an irregation point of view will be self sufficient. We can concentrate on drinking water next.

I know the town is so busy right now fighting fires and assessing the damages, a huge taskby any standard, I wish I was there to help, but what I am proposing here is a potential project that Shweir.com in collaboration with the municipality and hopefully the Lebanese Government can successfully take on. Just think, if global warming is truly ahead of us Shweir can not afford not having a water conservation facility in place.

God bless our town, country, and our planet and may he/she help prevent such natural disasters, but it is our duty to also do our part whenever we can

Your thoughts
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Mukhtar

Hilda Maria · Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2007 12:15 pm Post subject: Capturing rain water

This is a great idea, George. I hope is doable for the community. I think something like that was done in olden times, without the pump, and in cisterns.
Hilda M.

Gabi · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 121

i agree george. its a great idea. i was thinking of something similar.

our people used to be great stonemasons, so im sure there are plenty of people with the skill and knowlege to build good looking, strong dams and cisterns (instead of ugly concrete things).

i'm not sure of the exact volume of water that flows down during the wet season and from the snow but you might be able to build some dams/storage cisterns and fill some of them up using brushless generators or some similar technology to power pumps instead of using diesel powered pumps.

This might be a more cost effective method in the long term of running such a scheme. It would of course mean locating such generators in a place where water is flowing down towards the cisterns rather than spilling out water that is already collected.

Another thought came to me regarding the prevention of fire like that.... have a total outdoor fire ban during the dry months, that includes use of fireworks. We have that here in Waitakere City and I cant recall the last time we had a major bush fire. We have a large sub-tropical rainforest right up to and in part of the city so you can imagine how bad that could be.

Samar Kiame · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 173 Location: Shweir

oul inshallah ya Mukhtar

michomoujaes · Joined: 03 Oct 2007 Posts: 3 Location: Lebanon

Alla ma3ak ya Mukhtar
I agree with you 100%, and we must do something good to our beloved village .
And from here ,from this date , I ask all who love Shweir to regain her history …. Her culture and nickname “3aroos El-Massayef”. To help us by suggestions ,now, for how to implement what you said.
And I’m here to receive anything can help.
For whom who don’t know me? I’m Michel Anis Moujaes who has the shop between “Saydeh” church and “Koo3 El-Neb3a”

George Matar · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 5:01 am Post subject:

Thanks for the positive feed back folks, I am hoping that we do not let this fall through the cracks, it is an idea that is way overdue.

There are many ways this idea can be implemented, one of the reasons I picked that particular solution is
1. The Horse shoe shape of our hill tend to naturally collect the rain and funnel it towards AIn al Hanoot via the little Nahr bou Dawood
2. The suggested tanks on the hill (high elevation) will allow to have gravity work to our advantages when we want to water the trees and shrubs, and will also provide the fire fighting brigade sufficient water surge that is near by.

Again, if you look at the topography you will be able to see that we are limited to only the water that falls on our town, so really big Dam can not be constructed in our area without really flooding the Town, That'll never happen. However Following the Idea of the Samaha SID and constructing another one down stream, say close to Mar Youhana, could provide Shwier with a small but beautiful man made lake that will serve as a pump lift station and the potential for a recreational haven around it to includeg resturants, a park, shops etc.. Now that would be a very smart and efficient way of addressing the water conservation issue along with attracting tourists and improving the Towns Income.

Can you visualize it.

But the bottom line Should be to agree on the water conservation issue first and then every thing else will fall in place.

Ahlan be Micho, welcome to your hometown web page, you just don't know how much I am so thrilled to know that there are people in Shweir that welcome and want to be involved and join in on new ideas that purely benefit our town. God Bless you, and please keep helping us (all of us) staying focused on what is important to all... Shweir, Dhour and Ain Sindyani
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Mukhtar

AJ · Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 9:27 am Post subject:

You're a genius in disguise ya Mukhtar! (disguised as an engineer

)

I suggest you meet with Baladieh officials next time you're in Shweir to discuss these plans with them. Who knows, maybe they'll put you as the project leader for this project?!
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AJ

Gabi · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 121

no dont wait until you go next time George. you were born and lived there so you know the area and topography well enough.

Start putting together a basic plan, add in any ideas others have that would be suitable, say maybe a 3 stage plan. And then email it over to the officials for consideration. With the internet there is no need to wait until you are on site.

can you clarify for me roughly where nahr dawood is? I know where the stone bridge is in el ghwab and what i assume to be sewage tanks further down.

Elie BouKheir · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Houston , Texas

Ya Mukhtar: This is a wonderfull and potentially a very uniting idea for our town, and reflects the spirit that we all need, you are singing to my ears. If we cannot realize by now that Lebanon is blessed with it's climate to be the most fertile land in the world with ideal topography where water by gravity flows in the valleys will be a shame not utilizing our most important commodity.

Does'nt history tell us that our ancestors used what ever method was available to them raising wheat crops to feed the entire roman empire at one time just from the bikaah valley. I got so excited copule of days ago when I heard on the news about Sid Shahrour that it will supply drinking water to Kesserwan and Almaten areas.

Can you imagine now a days with solar and wind turbine energy that we can transport water hundreds of feet elevations? Water can bring enough wealth to our country and will by far exeed oil production benefits, this alone can bring Lebanon to become an economically self sustained country. Let us just hope that our politicians can realize that all this country need is a peaceful environment where the people can at least practice their normal way of living to be innovative and be able to think productive.

I do suggest that we dedicate a web corner on our web site called innovations or ideas or may be a Tech corner, so we can direct our energy sharing good ideas for better things to happen eventually, because I do hate that brilliant ideas as such might go to waste. Constructive ideas always promote team work and will bring success, I can't imagine that such an idea will not bring a healthy and a common goal for all, thank you Mukhtar for bringing it up.

After we allocate the idea web corner, we will start discussing the methodologies to impliment them, feasibility studies, business plans, engineering documents etc.. what ever report can be put together to support the idea for initiating either government or private funding through Shweir Foundation organization.

I am positive that our Mayor Naeem Sawaya will be supportive of this and will do what ever he can to see it happen, it will be ideal if he works towards this goal, and there will be many others to come.

Regards,

EAB

Nabil E. Matar · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 266

Ahlan Ahla Be Elie, We haven't heard from you in a long time.
Going back to The Mukhtar subject of capturing Rain Water and snow, We could also proceed with the waste water plant This will give us additional source by purifying, recycling and store its water. This project has many benefits, it will not only provide the town additional water but also will clean the environment.
Guys There are many ideas for fighting fire but the most important thing is how we prevent fires. I am not here to give you lesson of how the fire occur but just to make a point. Three sources should have for the fire to occur. Oxygen, ignition and fuel if you eliminate one of them, fire will never occur. I remember when we were little kids and during this time of the year my mother used to send us to N'ashesh (pick up pine straws) to use as a fuel to make (Rib al Banadora and Awirma) Tomato paste. we did not know then that by picking the straws we were eliminating one source of the fire formula. Another way of eliminating the fuel source is please stop throwing garbage in our forests. As for the Ignition source I hope people will stop the habit of throwing their burning cigarettes every where. My point in brief that little house keeping does not cost money and it will prevent or at least minimize fires.

George Matar · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 6:42 am Post subject:

Love the House cleaning portion of Nabil's post. There are people that make a profession out of collecting Pine straws, weeds, dead branches and convert them to mulch, or compos and use them in flower beds. A high school project could adopt this and raise money for the school and at the same time learn about the benefits of recycling

Yes the Daiaa's infrastructure needs require the implmentation of so many ideas but what I really need out of this post / subject is total focus on one Idea that we collectively can pursue and carry through... We suceed.. we'll move to another.

Gabi, Nahr Bou Dawood starts where the Sid Resturant dam is. It is not a Nahr by any means but during rainy days it has a healthy flow that I think with minimum capital we can capture and retain the rain. There is a year around constant feed top it from the surrounding spring like Ain Aboo, Ain Tahta, Ain Sindiani etc.. These are small stream in the summers and they all can be caputred and used for irregation possibly on daily bases in the summer.

I see this project as a first step followed by potable and waste water projects. But for now, let us concentrate on ONE
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Mukhtar

George Matar · Posted: Fri Oct 05, 2007 7:03 am Post subject:

I just got this email, seems dj read our BB and wants to be proactive in promoting the idea. I just love it.

I am not familier with the type of pumps he is suggesting , I emailed him for more information. Elie / Nabil are you familier with this type of pump?

Here is the email
From: dj
Posted: Thu Oct 04, 2007 10:16 pm
Subject: What does this fire teach us
http://www.animatedsoftware.com/pumpglos/ram_pump.htm

Would a water Ram pump be effective????
dj
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Mukhtar

Elie BouKheir · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Houston , Texas

Hello Nabil, DJ and Abu Makhoul Al Mukhtar,

I know it has been a long time Nabil, and will always look forward to share views when time permits. hopefully we can start planning to get some where, I am positive that Shweir has many talented engineers with few drops of contribution, the bucket will be full before you know it. Our town despirately needs all the help it can.

This is the first time I hear about the Ram pump, but it does seem very interesting as it works on Air compression and valve off/on actuation, it is very impressive that it can pump 1000 ft of head, I do think that it will be a function of the incoming pressure to create such an output. this means that we will need to have piping for down stream and upstream as well, while the conventional pump can lifth the water from the water dam directly, otherwise the pressure might not build up as reauired, but still sounds like it is a good option. I will research it further with the manufacturers for a performance curves of flow vs head and it's efficiency.

I do also think that filtration and water treatment can give us the ability to use the existing piping for water distribution, as Nabil mentioned also waste water treatment plant will go hand in hand with the process.

I suggest that we transfer this discussion to the Innovations & Ideas. section of the website, before we go too far with this discussion, may be we attract more experts to join in.

Regards,

Elie BouKheir (PE)

Nabil E. Matar · Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 266

George,
I am not trying to cause distraction to your idea, I think it is a great idea and it needed to be pursued. I mentioned the waste water plant because this project had been started several years ago and for some reason it has not been completed. As for the ram pump you mentioned I am not familiar with such design, It does though upper to me that it is a low capacity pump and as Elie mentioned it need piping for down stream and upstream as well. I believe a vertical or horizontal conventional centrifugal pump with electric motor or diesel engine might serve the purpose better. Any way, the idea of running piping from a dam at Sid Abou Dawood to the tanks might not be practical and it could be very expensive not to mentioned if the land owners will allow you to run these pipes in their properties. I think maybe The civil defense vacuum trucks could be used to fill these tanks from the dam during winter. This could be more achievable and might be more practical.

Although this project can bring many benefits to our town but we need to realize that it cannot be achieved over night. I think we need to come out with fire preventing ideas A.S.A.P to stop these incidents from re-occurring other wise at this rate of fires Dhour Shweir and Lebanon won't have pine trees left to be burned

Elie BouKheir · Joined: 04 Oct 2007 Posts: 4 Location: Houston , Texas

Hi Guys,
The immediate solution to have water available for fire fighting is to have a mobile truck just like Nabil mentioned, however the simplest idea would be to have a lifting pump that runs on 24 Volt DC off the Truck batteries for loading and off loading water. The fire fighting Helicopters in Oregon, Australia the fight fires in heavily wooded areas use this particular pump.

I would like to see also the long term water utilization plan as mentioned to become the towns issue and worked on by our town board members headed by the Mayor, may be this is our chance to start working together for a worth while idea, and may be the good timing will be after the elections.

Again ideas, dreams and visions will become realities with perseverence.

Elie BouKheir (PE)

AJ · Posted: 02 Sep 2008 11:13 am Post subject: Lebanon Hiking Trail

Guys, check this out!

How many were aware of this?

http://www.lebanontrail.org/
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AJ

Webmaster · Site Admin Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 150

Excellent website. Thannks Abu Jihad,

We have been trying to organize some hiking trails with maps and points of interest for past few years now without much success. Unfortunately that did not happen.

Also, as part of promoting Shweir, a committee such as Chamber of Commerce should be formed to promote the businesses and natural attractions and to faciliitate joining and networking with worthy organizations like this Lebanon Trails and showcase Shweir Beauty.

Webmaster · Site Admin Joined: 21 Jan 2007 Posts: 57

Often, many of us, and especially people from regions like the Mediterranean, tend to write in generalities with a bit of drama and at times tend to stretch facts to get people's attention about an important issue. Even though they may have an excellent cause, the over dramatization sometimes backfire and casts doubt about the real and key issues. This seems to be the case here.

Sadly, there is much credibility to Overpeace's concern about the environmental impact on our town and its future. These concerns are shared by residents and even some council members. I know that our new Mayor, Naeem Sawaya, seems to be making great efforts to address these issues.

Nabil and I had a good discussion w Dr. Ghosn. AS best as I can summarize, He explained that some of the licensing of these factories were obtained from the Ministry of Industry which in some ways override the Municipality.

When some citizens expressed concerns and protested to the Ministry that these factories appear to be in violation of their licenses, officials at the Ministry sent some questionable messages that further muddied the water about the meaning or interpretation of some vague wording in documents that is being now used to allow factories to exceed capacity. Also at stake appears to be personal liability exposure to those who dare to challenge such officials and even personal exposure to council members.

As you can surmize, the brief summary above, if I understood it correctly, further clouds the issues... which makes me appreciate the reasons forOverPeace's annonymity. It would be very difficult for anyone to express themselves openly in the town on such important issues without being ostracized. I hope OverPeace and other concerened persons will continue to post factual information without the overdramatization.

There are some discussions about moving the stone and cement plants to a more isolated area to preserve the beauty of Ain el Hanoot of an upper scale residential area and the Gateway or Entrance to Shweir.

I invite Municipality to comment on this issue, correct my summary where appropriate and keep us updated on this important issue that affects the towns future.

Samar Kiame · Joined: 24 Jan 2007 Posts: 84 Location: Shweir

I had the chance to talk with the owner of the new plant, and we discussed what was written on our BB about his plant, and I asked him what they are building here;
he said: "we manufacture plastic – plastic bags and also we print on them"
And he showed me some of the licenses of the plant…

The owner who seemed to be a very nice person, openly asked me to visit his plant in Beirut and make sure that everything is secure and that he already welcomed people from Shweir whom he claimed that were satisfied that there is no harm to the community…

Reflecting back one year ago when this subject came up and when we discussed it in our BB, we received official statement from the municipality assuring everyone that this plant was only for printing and not to manufacture plastics here:

Author Topic: Official Statement for Ain El Hanout Region
municipality
Member
Member # 136

posted 03-10-2006 03:04 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Anwar,
1- I received your email-dated march 8, and had a full attention to all its contents, while thanking you for your efforts and concerns about Shweir and Ain EL Hanout especially.
(…)

6- Going back to the printing on plastic bags plant. There is nothing of polluting affairs as it was mentioned by those who are raising this question.

This is situated in a light industrial zone in another area of Ain El Hanout. During the year 2002 a plastic bag printing press applied for a license, I formed a committee of two board councils composed of Engineer Habib Moujaes (Mechanical Engineer from the USA) and Engineer Imad Jerdak ( Water Engineer) to investigate the current plastic bag printing factory in Beirut and to be sure that it does not contaminate or pollute the area , the report was that its only a printing press and it has no pollution at all. That is why the Council Board Of The Municipality accepted their application and now it is in the process of being executed, they are going to employ around 150 employees of which the owner agreed to employ half of them at least from shweir. Keep in mind that this light industrial zone contains some old farms as well as an Aluminium Framing plant and all this region does not approach at all the Official Secondary School situated in ain El Hanout.

7- The municipal council is meeting this evening at 6 p.m. o' clock to discuss the cement industrial plant and I have prepared a full documentation for this case composed of eight pages to be distributed to the Municipality Council Members (15) so that you will be a connoisseur in this affair we will immediately scan them and email them to you so that you will be able to give copies to any person who is curious to know the details and satisfy the curiosity of others by asking you to translate them into english.

8-I do appreciate receiving any new inquisitions or concerns of any of the Shweirieh around the world to be put as tangible questions polite showing that a person Is seeking knowledge and not trying to accuse the municipality only with the purpose of criticizing.

9- Wishing you the best for Shweir.com to keep up with a high standard of respect to each other.

President of Shweir – Ain Sindyani Municipality
Dr. Nabil Ghosn

There seemed to be some contradiction and we would appreciate some clarification about such constructions

Author	Topic: Development of the Ghwab!!!
Waleed Moujaes Member	posted 11-02-2001 03:33 PM I was just chatting with our friend George Samaha in Shweir. Our topic was the environment and how we can improve our ghwab. I am sure he discussed this idea with George M, Anwar, Mike, Nabil AK,... Since nobody opened this subject, and we have been discussing some ideas to make money for the last few days, I feel it is the time to open it: "Development of the Ghwab". The idea is simple, and it depends on the following: 1- Cleaning the Ghwab from all the andool, dead trees and haysh. Those could be crushed and pressed to be used in chimneys. 2- Cut the low oak branches and make charcoal which could be sold. 3- Harvest the pine nuts and sell them (after giving the owners a percentage). 4- Plant various kinds of plants, flowers. Distribute seeds of za3tar, as3een, lawanda,... and any other kind which attract bees. Having lots of bees will help the few existing orchards of apples, cherries,... to produce more fruits. 5- We'll have a great national park with a small investment. 6- We'll protect our ghwab from fires, diseases,... we'll have healthy plants. 7- It will be a good source of income. 8- The ghwab, as you may know or have heard, was full of water springs. Those could be dug again. There are lots of small valleys, and a dam, for example could be built in Ain Al Hanoot). It could be used to store water, and then pump it up to Burj Dahdooh for usage in the dry season of Sep, Oct and Nov. Obstacles that I think about: 1- Someone in the baladieh counsil should be pro-active and, at least, read thsi article and adopt it. 2- 99% is private land. Solution: The baladieh is the one who should take the initiative, and be involved legally to have the owner's approval. Whoever is not in Shweir anymore will never ask, and whoever is there, shouldn't have a problem since we will clean their lands, and they will have some pine nuts (if pine trees still exist in their lands). 3- A small investment to buy 2-3 machines for crushing the wood, hiring some labor, hiring a manager. 4- Media campain to explain the advantages. In few years, the baladieh should lobby the government to buy all this land and transform it into a national park. Some of you might think I am crazy, or dreaming. I agree, but honestly, and with open hearts, IS IT IMPOSSIBLE???? I personally, don't think so!!! Waleed IP: Logged
Webmaster Administrator	posted 11-03-2001 02:45 PM Waleed, These are great ideas and you are right that in order for such worthwhile ideas to be implemented, we need the support and initiative of of our local municipality and a cohesive plan to keep such plan as an ongoing project... I would like to add the following suggestion to your list... To add flowers in strategic areas along roads and alleyways and footpaths in Dhour, Shweir and Ain Al Sindyani something hardy that survives the winter snow like regular and trailing geraniums and seasonal or annuals to add color... that way, people can see them, enjoy them and note that there is a fresh look or a transformation taking place... Along that effort, picking up of discarded rubbish by the roadways and pathways would be tremendous boost to the beautification and improvemetn of our environment... Again, the key is our municipality... As George mentioned in earlier communications, the community would have volunteers such as Keshafeh and SSSR and students to "adopt" some projects and we can have competition on who can make the best impact... What a wonderful and uplifting feeling that would give to our town the psyche of its people... Anwar IP: Logged
Michael Member	posted 11-04-2001 06:36 AM Aboul Wil, Man ur definetly not crazy, a person who thinks like u is a Visionar. Al Ghuwab is the lungs of Dhour Shweir & that fire during 1986 war killed the most beautiful forest. By the way the pine seeds from AlGhwab are famous for its size and taste. Its a pitty no one care anymore. I reckon that 70% of the pines we planted have successfuly lived, lets continue with this aim and replant the ghwab over and over,... We spoke alot about conserving the land and call it protected like others in Lebanon; well u know hw our shwiereh think the moment u bring an issue like this up, it another WTC. Good luck pal in ur trip to lebanon and lets plan the campign together IP: Logged
Nabil E. Matar Member	posted 11-08-2001 05:38 PM Every once in a while a good topic in The BB that benefit our home town goes unnoticed. This is one of them. Thank you Walid for bringing a subject like that. My friend, you are not crazy nor you are dreaming. In my book you are a great Shweiry with vision and NO YOUR VISION IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE. All great thing in the worlds started with vision and your vision is very much achievable. All what's needed is guys/girls like you working together as a team to make what is impossible possible. Sho Ya Shabab, furjona bra3itcon. No body has any thing to say about this subject. Ghassan, Elias Habib, Hilda, Hana, Victoria, George, James, Lama, Isis, Klee, Gari and all the young Shweirieh back home including you Elusive and Andre where are you, say some thing people IP: Logged
elusive Member	posted 11-08-2001 08:35 PM Yes! Whenever a tree is planted in any area in Lebanon, it makes the country a more enjoyable place to live. I remember the days when I would drive from Beirut to Bikfaya daily and enjoy the beautiful scenery; but I was shocked when I went back 17 yrs. later to see what man has done to destroy all that beauty! Now since I am not sure where Ghwab is (I may have an idea), although I am certain that I've left some footprints there, it is always a great idea to re-plant. Those pine trees are something to behold. Perhaps this area could also be made a protected area, along the line of Horj Ehden, if feasible. Whatever you do, Shweiriyeh, don't let your beautiful village get cluttered with lots of concrete dwellings like what happened between Bikfaya and Zalqa, or Jounie where the once beautiful forest has virtually lost ground to haphazardly built houses! Thanx Nabil for reviving this topic and encouraging people to write, Shweiris and non-Shweiris alike. Beautifying any village in Lebanon should not only be of interest to its regular inhabitants, but also to any Lebanese. After all, we are all in the same boat. IP: Logged
Ghassan Zghaib Member	posted 11-08-2001 09:17 PM Guys, great ideas can only come from great minds and spirits. I don't know what to add but if I was back in town and had a position of Mayor, School director, teacher, baladieh member, anyone I would organize a yearly campaign to plant trees. I'm sure this has been discussed in the BB, but the way I see it is we have to get the youth at schools and outside schools to participate. It should become a yearly event like the Emmigrants festival. The schools can organize a weekend camping in the place were trees could be planted, so can the SSNP and Scouts. The baladieh should work harder to get the attention of the government (buy the trees and have baladieh workers help plant them). The government should work harder on protecting the trees (strange but i really feel like I'm crazy now ). When Marie was born, we received a coupon from an organization which allowed us to get a tree and plant it in the backyard. We got another tree when Caroline was born. These trees were donated by the municipality and an organization managed by volunteers took on charge the rest of the work. The person behind this idea is a LEBANESE WOMAN. If we're able to do such great things in here and elsewhere, I don't see why we couldn't do it back in Lebanon? Amazing how I was able to write so much words and not once the word DIAPER was mentioned. IP: Logged
Michael Member	posted 11-09-2001 01:38 AM My favorite subject Ya sheikh ghassan intersting to know that a lebanese woman is after that donation but wt a pitty the benefit is not for our country although indirectly the idea is smart and I would very much be glad if you could enrich us with more info concerning the proceedures like what kind of trees, who plants them after distribution, does the municipality takes care and checks them from time to time ?????? pls can u contact that lebanese lady ? Talking about concrete, well its our people who have concrete minds for they can't forsee the future of our country, look whats happening in Ein Assis ??? & in Bikfaya, wo elissar... Building all over. We once had a meeting with former minister of economy in Dhour Sameer Makidsi who lives close to Ain Assis , nice villa. He quotes saying Dhour Shweir's Assest is in its environment,,, ya shweireh lets intellect our people to invest in thier LANDS for what the use of winning the whole world and loosing our own lands... " Gosh I can't get a grip without being philosophical " Mike IP: Logged
Nabil E. Matar Member	posted 11-09-2001 07:08 AM Elusive and Ghassan, thanks for responding fast to my massage. Now how about the rest of guys/girls. IP: Logged
George Matar Administrator	posted 11-09-2001 09:04 AM The Ghwab Ya Elusive is that sloped land you see when you stand at the inpiration point and you look towards Ain Sindiyani and you sight moves to the right towards Dhour Shweir. It is the inspiration behind the inspiration Point. This is a dear subject to all of our hearts and if we loose the Ghwab we basically loose the Image we are trying so Hard to revive. By all means we need to make it our top priority. However all that we are doing right now is nothing more than echo until somebody with authority begin to join our dialogue. I thought by now, and after our trip to Shweir that the baladieh will establish some kind og contact with us, but unfortunately...we are at Zero communication, when will this end ya Mayor? Or shall I say start?. Anyway, just to plant trees in the Ghwab is not enough, we need a better plan and I think I have one. I discussed it with Anwar last August, I believe this will be a focal point for Shweir and will additionally bring in LOT$$ of Revenues too. I started a series of visionary articles on rebuilding Shweir (on the Mukhtar's corner)which I stopped after the Sept. 11 tragedy. The Development of Ghwab was going to be Part IV. I shall get back to the series and make the Ghwab as the next Part. And yes it will be open for discussions. I honestly believe timing is everything on this, so here is My dilemma, I just want to know if I propose the Idea will Elusive or Andre join in with us or could they pass the idea to their villages!?! Of coarse I can do this by email to a selective few... Your thoughts on this. IP: Logged
andre aquilar Member	posted 11-09-2001 03:09 PM O.K. Messrs Matar, here is what I think : Mr Moujaes' post "Development of El-Ghwab" is wonderful. It would be helpful if the obstacles could be addressed first,provided these can be resolved, then when and how the Ghwab can be cleand up and beautified will become an easy task. I will take the obstacles in the order that Mr Moujaes has tabulated them : 1- From my experience, the only way to get an 'official body' to act is if you take action ahead of it, as, when they see that things are starting to move they will jump on the band wagon and will try their utmost to help,probably for the credit it might beget, and that is fine, this happens worldwide..! after all we want to eat the pinenuts not kill the Natour..! 2- The 99% private ownership is by far the biggest hurdle..But it can be tackled, if a legal way could be found to allay the owners fears that once the Ghwab are "horticulturally developed" the governement will not, at a later date, slap a National Reserve title on it( with a very small price tag) thus rendering it completely usless for the owners or their issue, as has happend (I am told)in Hursh Ihden. This I presume could be tackled by the Municipality in the form of irrevocable certificates(?) to the owners stating that if they concent to the clearing and grubbing,then they would be guaranteed that no injunction of any sort will be exercised on their plots without their tacit approval. I am sure that a good Shwiery lawyer will volunteer to look at this aspect in a more professional manner. The owners, on their part will also pledge that no building activity will take place on the cleared lands for a minimum period of three to five years. (to be negotiated). A small commitee of local residents can be created to approach the owners to explain all this and to show them,honestly,that if the Ghwab are beautified then there is a serious chance their real estate value might be enhanced,the commitee will also take into account what aprehensions, or grievances they might have, and try to come back to them with convincing arguments...this normally might get a positive response. When this is done and work is on its way, then perhaps the governement could be approached, with the concent of the owners, to slap a Compulsary Purchase Order with the Right Price that will not be too unfair to the owners. Or, get a wealthy individual to buy it outright, and call the Reserve after him...!!! it has been done before... the Yafet Library, etc. We can in parallel employ the good offices of our Maten politicians, who on numerous occasions have encouraged us to come to them with our problems and our dreams ???!! 3- The initial investment will not be that small,but it will not be huge either, and there are many ways to attract donations. Beside the donations that will be given by individuals like you and me, (You will receive my donation without any disclosure on my part...lol !!), Businesses, at home and abroad could be approached to sponsor this project on the premise, for example, that a big board will be placed at the entrance of the Ghwab highlighting the names of those businesses that made contributions provided that these contributions are not less than X dollars, where X is not too prohibitive to swallow..! We can call trees after the names of the children of the individual donators by nailing plaques with their names on the trees,that will make it fun for both children and parents. A serious and efficient coordinator is essential. 4- A media campaign is a must, but who should this campaign be beamed at? I ask becuase I do not know..What I am trying to say is : do you envisage this to be a 'local' effort with Mugtaribeen, or a 'national' effort ? If a local effort then the campaign will not be too costly,i.e. meetings at the Municipality, introducing the idea in the sunday sermons,on this website, together with posters showing the Ghwab as it is now, And as you invisage it would look like, i.e. a " Now and Future" poster etc, also talking to the Newspapers during the cleaning period to come,take pictures, interview the scouts and other volunteers as they are working, ...newspapers love action and they will bend over backwards to publish a story like that. If on the other hand you envisage a national effort then I do not know...?? I am sure the thoughts mentioned above could be absolute bunkum, so let us have more thoughts. As to what to do in/with the Ghwab I have other thoughts that are similar and compatible with the ideas posted.. but for fear of being to lengthy I will post them at a later date. In any event,I genuinely think that this idea is neither crazy nor farfetched, it is exiting, vigorous and with a little bit of goodwill and effort it could just work. My compliments Mr Moujaes. IP: Logged
elusive Member	posted 11-09-2001 04:25 PM Yes mukhtar, the Ghwab turned ou to be where I imagined it to be, but did not know its name. Thanks for the enlightnment. I just read Andre's reply; he seems to know what he's talking about, with plenty of good ideas. However, I believe that the development of Ghwab, should be a local undertaking rather than governmental (too much bureaucracy!). I concur with Andre that perhaps a few real wealthy Shweiris could underwrite most of the tab, as well as donations from other Shweiris, locals and immigrants. Perhaps a nature center could also be included in the development, similar to what we see here in the US. As for building on cleared lands, I don't think it would be a good idea. This parcel of land should be strictly a nature reserve. Any construction of homes should be around the perimeter. Just one word about Ain el Assis, which I saw last summer and left me dumbfounded upon seeing two monstrous-looking buildings (or is it one?) almost choking the Ain!!! Perhaps the Baladieh can buy them out and destroy them? Is it feasible? IP: Logged
andre aquilar Member	posted 11-09-2001 05:17 PM Mr Elusive, The idea is not to build on cleared land, which is why it would be helpfull if we could get the owners to pledge (legally) not to build for a period of time, as hopefully by then a solution might be offered. As you quite rightly said, Ain-el-Assis is a case in point, the children of Shweir are going to inherit this ghastly mess,therefore both Ghwab and the Ain are intimately connected, that is why one has to make sure not to repeat the Ain fiasco in the Ghwab. It is said that hindsight always has 20/20 vision, now that we can see, it is crucial that we do not duplicate. IP: Logged
Waleed Moujaes Member	posted 11-09-2001 08:05 PM Andre, thanks for your complements!!! This is my duty. I was always an environmental activist, and will always be. I have a question if you don't mind. I am curious to know who are you, and how you're related to Shweir. You did not introduce yourself on the GB. From your name, you don't seem Lebanese, maybe from your mother's side!!! I am sure we all would appreciate your answers. You for sure, is a valuable supporter for The Shweir Environment Group, and obviously the environment in Lebanon. Waleed IP: Logged
Klee Member	posted 11-10-2001 06:08 AM Why about a 'SHWEIR ENVIRONMENTAL GIFT FUND' as part of the Shweir Foundation? It would have 'tax-deductable gift recipient' status for those in America, and maybe internationally. Set a price per tree, US$5 or US$10. Print nice colored picture certificates (like the photos of the villege from the web-site, or tree/valley scenes) with a space where the name or details can be typed or inscribed in beautiful Arabic and English. Set a minimum for a tree certificate, say two trees. Set a minimum number of trees for special, more elaborate certificates for a 'grove', or a 'garden'. Hanging in my study for over ten years is a large framed certificate inscribed: 'A garden of 100 trees has been planted in memory of the Abotomey families 1887-1987 on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of their arrival in Australia from Mount Lebanon, by their great-granddaughter Klee....."Their descendants are as numerous as the stars" '. This garden of trees is part of the extensive forests planted around Jerusalem and throughout the Galilee that draw rain to the Middle East. We have other tree certificates to record special occasions such as marriage (the Golden Book of Marriage), and received as gifts of honour, for example, tree certificates to honour the birth of a child. In all cases, these donations plant trees, build dams, and rejuvenate land with desert-watering and planting. We have visited some of the areas, travelling through forests and dry-land planting projects. This is a normal way of life for my family. If Shweir needs a fund to restore and develop the environment, an environmental gift fund would be the way to go. IP: Logged
Michael Member	posted 11-10-2001 12:04 PM Wisely said Andre & the best part is “the only way to get an 'official body' to act is if you take action ahead of it “. This is the essence of our problem in Lebanon, we wait for the Government, Municipality, FORIGNERS or even a Messiah to come and do our job,,,, .Walid & Nabil Bou Kheir know very well how the Environmental group started and the peak of its giving was freely initiated by shweirieh shabaab. We planted Al-Ghuwab around 2000 trees, we did it once & we can do it again, check the pictures in the Environment section http://www.shweir.com/environment.htm at the bottom of the page were we are all gathered Scouts, Isaaf, friends from Beirut, SSNP’s you name it they all came to help. I won’t say this whole campaign was easy for it took a lot of time to prepare and coordinate with all the groups in shweir + passing by each grocery store asking for a simple donation like a shovel or a Maawal or even a Mankoushi for the guys. By the way I am a true believer that if theres a will there’s a way & what the guys Nabil, Elie, George and Anwar did this summer is a solid proof that the shwerieh blood is genuine & active. Dr. Klee hats are high , I love the idea; lets open a box for shweir environment donation, like $2 or $5 what ever for a pine tree or a californian tree Anwar brought with him and each new born shweireh abroad will have his tree planted back home & WILL be obliged to visit every summer to check his property. Anwar I guess the procedure is not complicated cause we can post all the new born in year 2001-2002 on the website, get their name and donation for next year “ Shweir New Born Tree Campaign”. Wouldn’t it be a good idea, we are even encouraging reproduction among shweirieh. Li Shweir Mike IP: Logged
james Member	posted 11-10-2001 03:06 PM Why don’t we start a donation to buy the needed trees? As a member of this bb I would be more than happy to do that. Someone from Dhour can make a study on how many trees are needed to reforest the Gwab and the cost of each tree. This way we have an idea of what is needed and how much we can afford to donate for this noble cause. There is nothing better than the smell of pine trees as you arrive in Dhour. I have been away almost thirty years and I still remember that smell like I remember my Teta Affifi’s manaeesh she used to make and bake at the local bakery every Sunday morning.
elusive Member	posted 11-10-2001 04:02 PM Ah Ya James! With your brand new E320 Mercedes, perhaps you can buy a whole horch!
andre aquilar Member	posted 11-11-2001 12:30 PM Mr Moujaes, You asked how I was related to Shweir, this I will tell you : A few months ago while having lunch with a far cousin (Shweiriyeh I must add) she asked me, with a glint in her eye, whether I had heard of shweir.com. That evening I logged on, and surfed it with lukewarm interest. I went back every now and then simply because I recognized some of the names, nothing special, just curiosity. It dawned on me after a while that there IS something special about this website. Now, Mr Moujaes, let me ask you this : How many villagers in Lebanon, do you know, have gone to the lengths and trouble the organizers of this website,(and contributors), have gone to,in an effort to create something meaningful with which to help their village ? A thankless task, one must admit, but they still did it. How many people do you know, have "shaken" their backsides and actually worked to produce collectively, something significant to aid the needy, the invalid, the schools, etc, always rushing to thank others but never themselves ? How many individuals or groups, do you know, who made it their aim to highlight, with pride, the achievements of others but never their own ? How many people do you know, who, day-in-day-out take the time to brainstorm, and continuously encourage one another to find ways to improve, in a small way perhaps, the environment and therefore try to give quality-life to their village ? It is said that curiosity killed the cat(!!) well in my case it created much interest. I am not normally given to flattery and praise, what I said is neither of either, it is merely an observation on my part. As to your other inquiry, I ask you humbly to let me retain my space, it is not to puzzle or to intrigue..it is just me.
elusive Member	posted 11-11-2001 01:12 PM Andre Aguilar: Is this your real name or just your pen name? No reason for asking, just curious (I've been there, hence my curiosity)! I agree with you; this is a great site, as well as entertaining, if I might add. I recently discovered (to my surprise) that my real name is on this website, but obviously no one was able to put 2+2 together! And here I've been 'wrongly' (?) labeled as being "elusive"! [This message has been edited by elusive (edited 11-11-2001).] IP: Logged
George Matar Administrator	posted 11-12-2001 08:55 AM Andre, On behalf of all of us behind the seen... THANK YOU. And Elusive, or should I say Uncle "B" yes somebody did put 2+2 together but Out of respect we are expecting you to introduce yourself. Complimenting James is also a give away. In regards to Miss Lebanon, you know now that you didn't have to send us the information via a beautiful and talented Shweiry. Am I on the right track???? I just Heard Another plane went down in New York!!!!!!!! I must check that, will get back to this subject later IP: Logged
Nabil E. Matar Member	posted 11-12-2001 09:48 AM Thank you all for your responds to my request to participate in this topic especially Elusive and Andre. My friends your input to this subject is great, that doesn’t mean that the input of James Klee and the others was less impressive. Now we got all these great ideas. Next step will be is how we can put them in to action. Therefore my friends, I suggest that the environment Champion Mike Sawaya take these ideas, brain storm them with his volunteer group (Nabil bou Khayer, George Samaha, etc.) maybe utilizing other Shweirieh expert in this field and come out with an achievable plan that we all participate in it. One more, I used My brother Najib and I used to work in the Green Plan (Al mushroo3 Al Ukhdar) To my knowledge The president of the plan Mr. Samir Abou Joudi’s mother is from Shweir, I wonder how much he and the Green Plan can help in this project. God blesses you all and thanks IP: Logged
elusive Member	posted 11-12-2001 10:58 AM Not bad, Ya Mukhtar. Your math was not too bad for an engineer. But, my guess is that the 2+2 math took a lot longer than solving the problem of Lebanon's economy by the Italian experts! Now, I am intrigued. Did you figure this out after I mentioned that my full name was somewhere on the website or before? Anyway, I had no idea that one of my own would innocently give me away. The irony of all this, is that she never figured me out (provided she had been perusing the bb)!!! However, it took Jimmy, with all his 'smartness', many hints to finally figure me out! James hasn't killed me yet for "exposing" his taste for expensive cars, but am sure I'll be hearing from him soon. As for introducing myself, I am trying to figure out a way to make a smooth transition from being "elusive" to being "me". It was fun while it lasted.
George Matar Administrator	posted 11-12-2001 12:03 PM I Guess you all heard about the plane crashing by now, all indication point towards a mechanical Failure. No Mr. B, it was few weeks ago, right after Habib asked you whether your wife first name intials starterd with. Then I asked you if you first name name started with the letter B, and you thought it was unfair. The Fact is this.....I read every alpha or numerical character that is entered on this webpage. Your forwarded email and request at the time was honorable (although, I don't know why you didn't do it yourself)and indicated good intentions. Go Ahead and Make a splash and announce youself to everybody, I am sure the admiration will not dissipate. But this subject is for another BB. Andre, I love the way you took the bull by the horn and immediately started to tackle the issues. Please consider youself among family here. We really are on a good track with the environmental issue, as you all have know by now that George Samaha and Nabil Abi Kheir are up to their elbow with Red wood trees and germinating thousands of red wood seeds, Nabil is also bringing 300 new Snawbar trees to the village. Now come the task of finding homes for all these. The Ghwab is one great possibility, and issues that were brought by you all most likely should be addressed. Converting The Ghwab to a Park should be more than a dream (Would somebody in Shweir Inform the Baladieh and have them at least read and possibly join us on this subject). I see more than reforestation of Ghawb, a well planned park with trails and picnic areas, like Anwar suggested last year,and a small complex that is built in Harmony with the Ghwab could bring great revenues to the village. I'll share my crazy Idea with you Possibly this afternoon IP: Logged
Ghassan Zghaib Member	posted 11-12-2001 12:13 PM Sorry guys (especially Mickael) to be late in my reply, after all you know by now that the weekend is the time I work most (and weekend were the time when someone should rest ). There's nothing special in what I mentioned earlier except that the idea is to make of every special occasion A SPECIAL excuse to go out and plant a tree. Here, the municipality only gives away donates one tree for every newborn in the year. They call it (Un arbre, une Vie = One Tree, One Life). It doesn't do any follow up. You just take it and plant it in your backyard (I got one for every daughter and it's kind of special to know that every girl has a tree named after her). We can use the same idea back in town, Some of the special events I have in mind: 1. New borns 2. graduations 3. Marriages 4. any other special or dear event. IP: Logged
Webmaster Administrator	posted 11-12-2001 01:10 PM The discussion of this topic has been a very intriguing one... it started with Waleed Moujaes discussing Environment with George Samaha. We got some great feedback from around the globe and evolved to unraveling the mystery of "Elusive"'s identity... sort of... Elusive, if you may recall many moons ago, I asked if your wife's name started with a choice of three letters which you confirmed and George followed up with asking if your first name started with a "B"... so we knew all along who you were, but as George said, out of courtesy we kept that secret, we gave you space to unveil your identity when you were ready... You mentioned that your objective for using a pseudonym was to see if others close to you recognized who you are... It is ironic to note that at one point you did not recognize the postings of someone that you knew very well when you asked "...who is that James anyway?" You found out about James by clicking on the "?" next to the date of his post, followed some links... and what a surprise... Elusive/Andre thank you for enriching our BB with your in depth high caliber discussions and intrigue... the Shweir.com courtesy still stands for you to officially unveil your self when you are ready... I think enough hints have been dropped for those who know you to add 2+2 if they are reading the BB... On the other hand, those who do not know you are very curious and perhaps are on the edge of their seats to find out your identity. Pesonally I do not mind pseudonyms so long as writers do not abuse the priviledge or do not adhere to the Mission Statement. Although politics and religion were discussed in other Elusive postings/debates, albeit pushing the limit, they were more on an educational level rather than promoting one over the other... overall, it has been a positive, educational, and suspenseful experience... Now where were we... back to the main topic "Environment" ... Thanks Waleed for starting the topic... and to all who shared many good ideas about it... It is amazing that between the time I read the last elusive post and had a chance to write this two more entries were posted... Great feedback... Andre, welcome aboard and thanks for the kind words... with the caliber of talent we are continually adding to the shweir.com family, there is no question that we will achieve or even bypass many worthy goals. Anwar

Author	Topic: Environment-Shweir ( FYI )
Michael Member	posted 10-30-2001 12:51 AM I recieved this email from Nabil : From: "nabil Abi kheir" To: msawaya44@hotmail.com Subject: Tahiyaat Date: Mon, 29 Oct 2001 10:33:37 +0000 Dear Miko. How is everything and you??? About the trees ,me and George Samaha have planted the Sequoia (red giant trees)and some of the seads.)one bed).. I am trying to bring about 300 pine trees from the ministry ...hope it soon... __________________________________________ Its the time of the year wr we have to prepare for planting our trees, although a shy follow up from my side but hv to admit the guys did a good job till now,... Unfortunately I cn't make it this christmas to lebanon, I had in mind to Campaign this year in inviting Christina Sawaya and she helping out promoting the idea of preserving our environment,.... Any suggestions from our shweireh, in Preparing for this year planting campaign ??? L'Tahya shweir Mike
George Matar Administrator	posted 10-30-2001 06:40 AM Hello Mike It has been a long time since we heard from you on this BB, welcome back. Yes Indeed George & Nabil are doing a great job, also by keeping us informed. I received a similar message from them. Some suggestions Mike. I really would recommend getting the graduating class of the high school and Rahbat to join effort and start a tradition. Think of it as a senior project. The students will: * Investigate to find a proper location * Get clearance or permission from the owner * Schedule the activities * Properly Mass plant the Area, Nabil can provide guidelines on distances / rows between trees. * Design a small ceremonial and elegant plaque with the Year and Names of all participants: something along the lines of : A Gift to Shweir from The Graduating Class of 2002 Individals Name / School See a program like this will be carried every year and will give these folks a place they can be proud of and visit as they get older. Not to mention the benefit it will give Shweir over the years. Bringing Miss Sawaya to the planting day is a great Idea (add her name to the list of students). Maybe every year we’ll bring somebody prominent to attend… Snow ball effect. I see a lot of potential in this. This is really good Mike IP: Logged
Nabil E. Matar Member	posted 10-30-2001 07:55 AM Dear Mike, I am so glad that you are using the BB to deliver your massage. I send you, Issam Sawaya, Tony Sawaya and the Shabab email last week, unfortunately the email to you returned. I don’t know if I have your right address and I lost Nabil’s email address. Any way, we are glad to hear from you big buddy. As for the trees, I know that you were the staring wheel for this project and I know how much you are disappointed that you want be able to make it to Shweir this year to join George, Nabil (Smiyeh) and the Shabab in there great efforts. The idea of Letting Miss Lebanon getting involve in this effort is great. My suggestion is to also let the boys and girls scout get involve in this effort and send many pictures to the web site that shows areas before planting and after. Also pictures showing the progress of areas that you already did plant. Also I suggest that al shabab should try to survey the town and find protected areas where we can grow the red wood trees like school yards, Cemeteries, parks (if any) etc. Keep up the good work and god bless. One additional note to every body: Anwar, George with the help of the Shabab back home done a wonderful job during the past Eid Al Mughtaribeen which as you all could see reflected in the picture taking by Anwar. I know it is still early for the next Eid, but we need your help to provide the Shweir.com family with ideas / suggestion of things we could present during the next festivity

Author	Topic: Making the mountain green
Klee Member	posted 02-17-2001 05:09 AM It's great to see the photos of the new trees planted in Shweir; and even a new cedar tree! What a beautiful place. The stone villas and buildings look picturesque and as strong as the rock. The land is green and the people look happy. Thankyou for showing us in pictures. May your trees grow tall and strong.

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			Black discharge is from byproducts of molasses plant in Khinshara. This attracts bugs and causes bad smell. What can be done to remedy problems caused by discharge from another town?

		Note, this old tree was standing Because of waste water saturation, it died and fell.

Shweir Environment

Copies of postings from Shweir Bulletin Board Re: Shweir Environment