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Research and production: Monica Basbous, Nadine Bekdache, Tala Alaeddine, Abir Saksouk
Design: Imad Kaafarani
Editing: Hashem Hashem
Report localisation: Sassine Kouzli

Due to the presence of cement factories and quarries on their lands, the residents of Chekka and the district of Koura have suffered multifaceted injustices for over half a century. It is therefore important to discuss viable alternatives that challenge the prevailing argument in favor of the cement sector’s role in local economic development and its significance in the national economy. In pursuit of this goal, we conducted field research in Chekka and Koura and held participatory discussions with residents, activists, and experts. To involve more people, encourage interaction, and push the issue to the national level, we partnered with the Order of Architects and Engineers in Beirut and the North and the Koura Municipalities Federation to launch the International Ideas Competition “Beyond Cement” in September 2019. The competition aimed at questioning the dominant patterns in development and land use, and gathering alternative and integrated solutions to the environmental, local economic, and urbanization problems in Chekka and the surrounding (Tawk) towns.

Monica Basbous

 
 
 

Imad Kaafarani

Designer

Imad is an illustrator with a Bachelor in Graphic Design and Visual Communication from the Lebanese University. He thrives on making art in a variety of different forms including illustration, typography, animation, video and music.

 
Construction Land Management and Planning Natural Resources Badbhoun Batroun District Chekka El Koura District Heri Lebanon North Lebanon Governorate