SHAAMS-Social Acceleration -State of the art in Lebanon- Presented by Krystel Khalil Berytech

Objective Evaluate social perception towards solar energy Address societal agents and promote a cultural and behavioral change towards this subject Plan targeted initiatives for social acceleration Stimulate stakeholders to approach solar energy solutions increasing both their capacity to learn and to influence the development of the sector Promote public participation and access to information on solar Question Improve cross-sector “active awareness” initiatives and enforce informational initiatives Generate a more receptive environment for the implementation and use of solar energy solutions

A survey study addressed target audience, involved in promoting and practicing topics in science and environmental fields including: Science and environment faculties of major universities in Lebanon, responsible of educating young generation about the environment though academic courses, experimental laboratories Public and private organizations having environmental initiatives and activities Consultants, architects and contractors Research institutions

Major conclusions reflecting social perception towards solar energy: Majority consider that the actual percentage of renewable energy of the total production is less than 10% When speaking of solar energy, majority refer to solar thermal Respondents consider that the lack of renewable energy in Lebanon is mostly due to the lack of political will from the decision makers Majority think that the production of renewable energy is more expensive than the average Majority are willing to participate in public hearings and roundtables on energy issues and collaborate with NGOs around related activities

SWOT HELPFUL HARMFUL INTERNAL ORIGIN o Project is in line with an environmental priority in Lebanon o Support of academic institutions and media interest o Good awareness and willingness to collaborate o Lack of information about solar energy o Perception refers to high cost of renewable energy raw material EXTERNAL ORIGIN o Many environmental activities and initiatives o Academic institutions and NGOs are dynamic in this field o New initiatives to support solar energy o People are willing to collaborate with organizations for awareness campaign and activities o Lack of political will of decision makers o Climate change threat is not taken seriously into consideration o Political instability

Recommendations Academic institutions and organizations are major players for the promotion of solar energy and environmental initiatives thus they can have important role in supporting SHAAMS initiative SHAAMS awareness campaign should highlight all aspects of solar energy and related impact to the general audience A support strategy is to focus on business sector and raise awareness through CSR and social programs. To support SHAAMS campaign, a cooperation with media sector and NGOs is necessary by supporting targeted activities such as conferences, public hearings, social media, articles and publications, thus, mobilizing key actors… Build synergy with existing environmental initiatives to maximize impact Promote SHAAMS platforms to be a reference for raising questions, and posting information

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Don’t hesitate to share with us: Activities and initiatives related to renewable & solar energy Programs encouraging innovation in solar energy Awareness events Interest & questions in a specific research topic Thank you.