Mada Association

Born in the highlands of Akkar and Hermel in 1999, Mada is a local non-governmental organization that works through a Territorial Approach, constantly adapting to meet local needs. Mada was amongst the first organizations to work in Akkar. To inform programming and raise national awareness regarding Akkar's vulnerability, natural assets and cultural heritage, the team conducted various studies and socio-economic assessments.

With the goal of reinforcing the relationship between communities and the environment, the early years were focused on working towards the establishment of a Natural Park in the Akkar-Hermel-Donnieh area. Common development and nature conservation goals were set with local authorities and communities, based on which Mada implemented various projects (education, agriculture, rural development, women empowerment). In 2011, the refugee crisis shifted priorities and Mada adjusted to the new context, while retaining its identity as a development agency.

Although the Natural Park became a longer-term ambition, Mada continued to work on elaborating the legal framework for Parks. Today, Mada continues to act as a local development agency, exploring new approaches and sectors of development in the deteriorating socio-economic context.