The seal and logo for the Syrian Environment Association is used on all their promotional and informational materials.[1][1]
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Organization data
Location Damascus, Syria
Site web.archive.org/web/20190109053740/sea-sy.org/
Green hosting No

Created in August of 2001 and centered in Damascus, the Syrian Environment Association is a citizen group that works with the government to create public awareness about natural resource issues, preserve cultural heritage and develop a national strategy for the protection of natural resources.[2] The SEA focuses its efforts on raising awareness through action, education and government collaboration. It works within its organization using current scientific data to advocate for and create its own campaigns to improve all aspects of the environment.

Projects[edit | edit source]

The SEC has created literature, hosted events and built spaces to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Their work includes scientific research, creating environmental education spaces, garden projects, river restorations, active learning workshops for children and fundraising events.

One of the first projects the SEC worked on was a sustainable garden in the capital city of Damascus.[2]They have now improved natural spaces all over the city. There have been cleanup efforts for local streams and parks for both adults and children. The SEC has also been working with public schools to encourage environmental awareness in the curriculum.

Nature Guide[edit | edit source]

One of the SEC's major projects is a scientific guide to the flora and fauna of Syria's nature preserves. The guide, which detailed eight of the country's 20 reserves, was finished in 2010. It contains 1,000 pages of information, including 400 pages of pictures, meant as an educational tool for Syrians to learn about the natural resources of their country. Most Syrians must learn about their environment through books and accounts as most of the country's protected natural areas are closed to the public in order to preserve them in pristine condition. The SEC focused on those available for exploration in the guide but is still advocating for expanded access to the reserves in hopes that the public may have better first-hand experience with the resources it is working to protect. Though only 1 percent of the country is protected, Syria is a country rich in biodiversity.[3] It is home to about 3,700 known plant species with an estimated 400 that are yet to be discovered. Just for comparison, England is home to only 1,800 known plant species.[2][4]

Educational Center[edit | edit source]

The SEC has established a center for environmental awareness and water studies in the Old City neighborhood of Damascus. It was built to act as a hub for environmental activities in the state and also serve as a training center for new scientists and volunteers.[3].[5] Lack of potable water is a major issue in Syria as the largely desert nation has a low water supply and is often subject to drought. The center boasts a digital and print library, working greenhouse, laboratory, training area, auditorium and kids center. It is a showcase for alternative energy in the region featuring exhibits on solar and wind energy as well.

Contact[edit | edit source]

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Contact details

Address: Hamrawi St. Old Damascus, Po. Box. 26022, Damascus, Syria Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 15:00 Sunday: 09:00 - 15:00 Phone: +963 112261314 Email: volunteers.sea@gmail.com - Volunteers Email: sea-sy@scs-net.org - Headquarters Website: http://web.archive.org/web/20190109053740/http://www.sea-sy.org/[4][6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Facebook - Syrian Environment Association
  2. 2.0 2.1 Arabic News - The Syrian Environment Association
  3. Syria Today - Defending Diversity
  4. Syria Today - Defending Diversity
  5. Green Prophet - Syrian Environment Association Advances The Country's Eco-Deeds
  6. Facebook - Syrian Environment Association
FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Keywords natural resources, public awareness, education
SDG SDG11 Sustainable cities and communities
Authors Frank Cardenas
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Translations Ukrainian
Related 1 subpages, 3 pages link here
Impact 526 page views
Created March 31, 2012 by Frank Cardenas
Modified February 23, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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