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Bioremediation of War Contamination
اضغط هنا للغة العربية War leaves behind a toxic legacy that damages farmlands and orchards, contaminates soil and water sources, and harms communities for generations. Explosives, heavy metals, white phosphorus, and other chemicals such as dioxins can linger in the soil and water, posing long-term threats to health, food security, and farmers’ livelihoods. This training will provide local activists with an introduction to community-based bioremediation strategies that can help rehabilitate agricultural land affected by the Israeli war, through collaboration with plants, fungi, and microorganisms. The training will include 8 sessions over 7 weeks (from June 6 to July 18) and will combine theoretical and hands-on learning. Participants are expected to commit to the full training program. The training will take place in the Metn caza (exact location to be confirmed). However, if you are interested in the course but cannot travel to Metn, you are still encouraged to register and indicate the region that would suit you best. |
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Learning Outcomes
The course is facilitated by a team of local agricultural engineers and agroecologists who have been trained by bioremediation expert Leila Darwish and have also been part of the Bioremediation Coalition Lebanon, an informal knowledge-sharing working group established in October 2024.
After the training, participants will have the opportunity to join remote mentoring sessions with international experts on specific topics (e.g. biochar, microscopy, etc.).
- Understanding different bioremediation strategies (phytoremediation, microbial remediation, and mycoremediation) to help clean contaminated agricultural land
- Learning the basics of producing agricultural inputs that support bioremediation and improve soil health (thermal composting, vermicomposting, and biochar)
- Building a taskforce with complementary skills to support future grassroots and community-based bioremediation efforts to help restore farmers’ livelihoods in areas affected by the Israeli war on Lebanon
The course is facilitated by a team of local agricultural engineers and agroecologists who have been trained by bioremediation expert Leila Darwish and have also been part of the Bioremediation Coalition Lebanon, an informal knowledge-sharing working group established in October 2024.
After the training, participants will have the opportunity to join remote mentoring sessions with international experts on specific topics (e.g. biochar, microscopy, etc.).
Who Should Participate?
This course is open to local activists, NGO members, students or researchers, active in the field of agroecology, ecology, and food sovereignty. Participants should have basic knowledge or experience in agroecology, agriculture, microbiology, soil science, or any related field. They should be able to attend the whole training program, be open to sharing their own experience, and be willing to apply what they learn in future land restoration projects.
This course is open to local activists, NGO members, students or researchers, active in the field of agroecology, ecology, and food sovereignty. Participants should have basic knowledge or experience in agroecology, agriculture, microbiology, soil science, or any related field. They should be able to attend the whole training program, be open to sharing their own experience, and be willing to apply what they learn in future land restoration projects.
Training Program
Session 1: Introduction to bioremediation
- Lebanon Context: War impacts and contaminants
- Introduction to bioremediation
- Knowledge exchange and participant mapping
Session 2: Phytoremediation
- Definition
- Plants and their capacity
- Crop safety and risk
- Types of phytoremediation
- Steps for phytoremediation
- Soil, pH, and climatic factors
- Plant candidates for chemical breakdown and heavy metal extraction
- Main applications
- Case studies
Sessions 3-4: Thermal compost production
- Sourcing materials
- C/N ratio & compost pile setup
- Managing the pile
- Soil Food Web basics
- Applying thermal compost for soil remediation
Session 5: Microbial remediation and mycoremediation
- Introduction to microbial remediation & mycoremediation
- Role of bacteria and fungi
- Impact of contaminants on soil life
- Soil amendments for remediation and restoration
Session 6: Vermicompost production
- Life cycle of the earthworm
- The characteristics of the vermicast
- Setting up a vermicompost system
- Soil microbiome
- Humic acids
- Application of vermicompost for chemical breakdown
Session 7: Compost derivatives and biochar making
- Compost derivatives (e.g. compost tea)
- Forest humus & indigenous microorganisms
- Setting up a biochar stove
Session 8: Soil testing, safety and designing community projects
- Site assessment and soil survey
- Precaution and safety for bioremediators
- Roadmap for post-war community bioremediation projects
Session 1: Introduction to bioremediation
- Lebanon Context: War impacts and contaminants
- Introduction to bioremediation
- Knowledge exchange and participant mapping
Session 2: Phytoremediation
- Definition
- Plants and their capacity
- Crop safety and risk
- Types of phytoremediation
- Steps for phytoremediation
- Soil, pH, and climatic factors
- Plant candidates for chemical breakdown and heavy metal extraction
- Main applications
- Case studies
Sessions 3-4: Thermal compost production
- Sourcing materials
- C/N ratio & compost pile setup
- Managing the pile
- Soil Food Web basics
- Applying thermal compost for soil remediation
Session 5: Microbial remediation and mycoremediation
- Introduction to microbial remediation & mycoremediation
- Role of bacteria and fungi
- Impact of contaminants on soil life
- Soil amendments for remediation and restoration
Session 6: Vermicompost production
- Life cycle of the earthworm
- The characteristics of the vermicast
- Setting up a vermicompost system
- Soil microbiome
- Humic acids
- Application of vermicompost for chemical breakdown
Session 7: Compost derivatives and biochar making
- Compost derivatives (e.g. compost tea)
- Forest humus & indigenous microorganisms
- Setting up a biochar stove
Session 8: Soil testing, safety and designing community projects
- Site assessment and soil survey
- Precaution and safety for bioremediators
- Roadmap for post-war community bioremediation projects
Dates and Location
The training sessions will take place in person every Saturday morning between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon in the Metn region between June 6 to July 18, 2026. In addition to Saturdays, session 4 (Thermal compost) will take place on a Sunday to allow for the pile turning after the pile is set up on Saturday.
The training sessions will take place in person every Saturday morning between 10:00 am and 12:00 noon in the Metn region between June 6 to July 18, 2026. In addition to Saturdays, session 4 (Thermal compost) will take place on a Sunday to allow for the pile turning after the pile is set up on Saturday.
- Session 1: Saturday, June 6
- Session 2: Saturday, June 13
- Sessions 3-4: Saturday, June 20, & Sunday, June 21
- Session 5: Saturday, June 27
- Session 6: Saturday, July 4
- Session 7: Saturday, July 11
- Session 8: Saturday, July 18
Training Team
Ghassan Al Salman
Ghassan is agroecologist, agriculture engineer and environmental specialist. He has been working towards just and sustainable farming systems in Lebanon since 2014. His work involves research, training, design, production and marketing. (Bs Agriculture; Ms Environmental Sciences ). |
Wael Yammine
Wael is an agricultural engineer specializing in soil ecology, composting, and agroecology. He is an active member of the SOILS Permaculture Association Lebanon, where he contributes to training programs and field-based work on soil regeneration, compost systems, and ecological land management, supporting farmers and communities in transitioning toward low-input, circular, and resilient farming systems. Alongside his work in SOILS, he is also involved in broader sustainability initiatives, including circular economy projects and insect-based systems for food and soil regeneration. |
Nour Nahouli
Nour Nahouli is an agricultural engineer focused on thermal compost and organic waste valorization. She manages Al Safir Farms in Lebanon, where she is working on shifting toward regenerative farming using compost-based soil systems. Her work centers on transforming organic waste through thermal composting into stable soil amendments rich in beneficial microorganisms that support soil biology and plant health. She also leads educational workshops to promote composting and regenerative agriculture practices. |
How to Apply?
In order to apply, please fill in this form by Wednesday May 27th, 2026. The training team will select between 15 to 20 participants, based on their background and ability to commit to the whole training. We might get back to you with additional questions or request an interview. Selected participants will be informed by Saturday May 30th, 2026.
For more information: 71-513 404 / [email protected]
In order to apply, please fill in this form by Wednesday May 27th, 2026. The training team will select between 15 to 20 participants, based on their background and ability to commit to the whole training. We might get back to you with additional questions or request an interview. Selected participants will be informed by Saturday May 30th, 2026.
For more information: 71-513 404 / [email protected]
