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Development of a National Potable Water Quality Control Programme in Lebanon: Challenges for Sustainability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2005

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Extract

Lebanon is a relatively small developing country with an area of about 10,400 km2 and a population estimated at 4.005 million people, with an annual population growth rate of 1.7% (United Nations Development Programme, 2001). Lack of statistical data is one of the major limitations when attempting to study both demographic profile and infrastructure services in Lebanon. One important and known demographic characteristic, however, is the high rate of urbanization. The urban population constitutes more than 80% of the total population. Population agglomeration in coastal regions has led to the shifting of agricultural land into dwelling cities and a growing demand for infrastructure that exceeds the provisions of basic environmental services, such as the provision of safe water and adequate sanitation (United Nations Development Programme, 2001). After 17 years of civil strife, a myriad of environmental problems has emerged, which range from water contamination and air pollution to soil degradation and haphazard dumping of wastes.

Type
Brief Report
Copyright
© 2002 National Association of Environmental Professionals

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