Who We Are

Our Identity

Mada is a non-partisan, non-sectarian Lebanese NGO which aims at reinforcing the relationship between local communities and their natural environment. Born in the highlands of Akkar and Hermel in 1999, Mada has been working through a Territorial Approach, constantly adapting to meet local needs.

Our History

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 in education, agriculture, rural development, and women empowerment.

Adapting to Change

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. The organization strives for the emergence of balanced communities, appreciative of diversity, open to the world, and respectful of human rights and social justice.