<p>Scope: EU-funded program enhancing solid waste management capacities for 500 municipalities across 12 districts (Caza) in Lebanon. Comprehensive technical assistance: baseline reports characterizing existing practices (extensive interviews with municipalities, facility operators, local communities), Waste Management Master Plans for 12 districts, training center establishment (OMSAR) for municipal capacity building, awareness campaigns, economic model for municipalities to calculate costs and cost recovery, draft tender and contract documents for municipal services categories, studies on new recycling technologies for implementation, environmental audits for all operational facilities within study area.<br>Challenge: Address deteriorated waste management infrastructure overstressed by additional waste load from Syrian refugees displaced since conflict began - essentially doubling waste generation in some municipalities without corresponding infrastructure investment. Build capacity across 500 municipalities with widely varying technical capabilities and resources. Create standardized approaches (master plans, economic models, tender documents) flexible enough to serve diverse municipal contexts. Overcome limited municipal financial resources and technical expertise. Navigate politically fragmented landscape of 500 separate municipal authorities across 12 districts.<br>Approach: Baseline reports characterized existing solid waste management practices across all regions - extensive interview process with municipalities, facility operators, and local communities established comprehensive understanding of current conditions and constraints. Waste Management Master Plans developed for all 12 districts providing strategic frameworks adaptable to local conditions. Assisted OMSAR in establishing training center to build municipal capacity on waste management issues - creating sustainable knowledge transfer mechanism beyond project duration. Comprehensive awareness campaigns engaged communities in waste management improvements. Economic model developed enabling municipalities to calculate costs and cost recovery for waste management plans - critical tool for financially constrained local governments. Draft tender and contract documents prepared for various service categories municipalities require - standardizing procurement while allowing local adaptation. Studies on new recycling technologies identified implementation opportunities within study area - introducing advanced approaches appropriate for Lebanese context. Environmental audits conducted for all operational facilities documenting compliance status and improvement needs.<br>Status: Completed</p>