Story Pitch
1) Ignorance, Cruelty, and Poison Threaten Lebanon’s Marine Life and Kill Globally Endangered Species
Lebanon’s sea harbors about 1790 species, representing almost 2.7 percent of the world’s marine species. Another case of a dead dolphin discovered on the Lebanese coast triggered attention to the continuous crimes threatening biodiversity in this area. The case is believed to be the fifth. The Lebanese-based Animals Pride and Freedom group (APAF) reported that local fishermen are killing the endangered animals using poison because “they are disturbed by their presence,” as they eat the fish they catch in their nets. A variety of factors affect the coastline of Lebanon, including oil spills, sewage spills, medical waste… But the main issue to focus on in this case is the ignorance of fishermen and the absence of strict measures taken by the competent authorities. Also, the report will relate to international numbers of similar crimes and lost members of endangered species.
Interviews:
- Minister of the Environment Mohammad Machnouk (for questions about the measures the ministry is taking, its actions, rules, regulations…)
- Soraya Zattar Mouawad, Initial Founder and President of APAF (the group of Lebanese and international animal lovers who rescue lost or abandoned pets and offer them a second chance at life)
- The Head of the Association of Fishermen Hanna Al Shawwah (for questions about the extent to which fishermen are aware about biodiversity and endangered species, if they’re given sets of rules to abide by, who punishes them…)
Locations:
LS and MS of coastal areas were fishermen practice fishing/MLS of fishermen/Previous sites at which such crimes were committed/MCU or CU of harmed animals that were either injured or killed/MCU of the 3 interviewed persons/Vox Pop about the issue.
2) The Journey of the Small-Sized Lebanon in the Guinness World Record Book
Yesterday it was the largest spicy fish plate. But it is not Lebanon’s first. Lebanon has entered the Guinness World Record Book in different fields and for several times. Despite the fact that — sarcastically — this country has attained a worldwide record in missing opportunities of elections, development, consensus… its youth have carried its name high. From the largest flag ever (2010), to the largest hotel suite (2008), the largest Kibbeh plate (2009)… Also, two siblings running the biggest number of marathons in each continent (2016), a 9 year old boy recognizing 84 different flags in less than a minute (2013), longest drifting (2016)… And many other accomplishments that listed Lebanon in a worldwide book. What are the benefits of such accomplishments? How have they affected Lebanon’s tourism, economy, image, culture…? To what extent do ministries or NGOs encourage such activities? And a series of questions to reflect the meaning and importance of such events both nationally and internationally.
Interviews:
- Minister of Tourism Michel Faraon
- Some of previous record breakers (Mazen Mroueih and Mustapha Mroueih, Abdo Feghali, Lucas Matta)
- Minister of Culture Rony Oreiji
Locations:
Archives of photos or videos about these events, from oldest to newest/People participating/Pages from the Guinness Book mentioning the records/MCU of the interviewed persons/International responses to or mentions of the records/Vox pop about the records and their meaning to the citizens and country.
