Arab Society
L&E is actively engaging with Arab society to enhance environmental work by mapping needs, supporting local organizations, and nurturing grassroots initiatives. Key activities include establishing and maintaining environmental committees in Arab municipalities and promoting diversity through the Arab Society Forum and the 'Migvan' Program, which provides targeted training and mentorship to increase Arab representation and inclusion in the environmental movement.
Diversity and Inclusion
L&E established a forum, particularly for the Arab society employees within the environmental movement. This forum aims to empower current Arab employees through tailored training, peer learning, and networking opportunities. Currently, the forum consists of 19 members, and we are committed to increasing this number in the future.
In May 2024, L&E launched the "Migvan" Program to address the underrepresentation of Arab citizens in the environmental movement by fostering a more diverse and inclusive civil society. The program offers workshops and mentorship for organizations employing Arab workers, including mentorship for senior managers and teams, customized diversity and inclusion workshops and a shared day workshop. The program is managed by Ms. Nidaa Abu Aleijia, Arab Community Coordinator at Life and Environment, and mentorship and organizational guidance is provided by Aisha Mughrabi, an experienced organizational consultant with expertise in diversity and inclusion.
Outreach and Empowerment of the Arab Society
L&E actively maps and supports environmental initiatives within Arab society, promoting diversity and collaboration to enhance their professionalism and advance their agenda through effective networking. We closely work with Arab civil society groups and communities in contact with L&E. These efforts focus on developing and nurturing grassroots initiatives by identifying local leaders who can potentially drive environmental activism.
In 2021, L&E has initiated an avenue of action in collaboration with Lawyers for Good Governance and Citizens for the Environment (CFE), who located and trained representatives to join environmental committees in Arab local authorities. L&E collaborated with LGG and CFE and carried out a two-year intervention plan to ensure that Arab local municipalities convene their Environmental Protection Committees (EPCs) regularly, enable meaningful participation of public representatives, and maintain adequate standards of transparency regarding their work. Collaborating closely with Arab environmental NGOs our initiative began with four out of 84 local Arab authorities. By the end of the project, an impressive 98% of committees had been established, with 94% of representatives duly appointed. While we have succeeded greatly with this initiative, it is a continuous effort as the EPCs need to be reestablished with each new term.
