ABOUT BEIRUT

Beirut Today

Understanding our city to build
a better tomorrow

Beirut is a vibrant Mediterranean city with immense
potential. To plan for the future, we must first understand
where we stand today.

2M+

People in
Greater Beirut

19.8 km²

Municipal
Area

~20 km

Mediterranean
Coastline

0.8 m²

Green space per
resident (today)

6–8%

Urban green
cover

>90%

Built-up
Area

Beirut at a Glance

Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is the country’s economic, cultural and administrative center and one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean.

With a rich history and strategic location, Beirut has long been a hub for trade, education, culture and innovation.

Today, the city faces significant environmental, infrastructural and urban challenges that require collective action and bold solutions.

9,000+ People density
per km²
High Urban Heat Island
Effect
Limited Space for future
expansion
Map of Beirut

Key Facts

  • Capital of Lebanon
  • Major economic, financial & cultural center
  • One of the most important Mediterranean ports
  • Municipal area: 19.8 km²
  • Greater Beirut population: 2M+
  • Mediterranean coastline: ~20 km
  • Urban green space today: 0.8 m² per resident
  • WHO recommended green space: 9 m² per resident
  • Urban green cover: 6–8%
  • Built-up area: over 90%

Beirut has the potential to become a nature-positive, climate-resilient and regenerative Mediterranean city.

The Main Challenges

Limited Green Space

Severe shortage of accessible green space and urban vegetation. 0.8 m² per resident vs. 9 m² recommended by WHO.

Limited green space in Beirut

Climate Risks

Rising temperatures, urban heat island effect, sea level rise and extreme weather events.

Climate risks and heat over Beirut

Coastal Pressure

Pollution, erosion, and loss of biodiversity threaten our coastline and marine ecosystems.

Coastal pressure along Beirut waterfront

Mobility & Congestion

Traffic congestion, air pollution and limited public transport affect quality of life.

Traffic and mobility congestion in Beirut

Infrastructure Strain

Aging infrastructure and limited resources impact water, energy, waste and sanitation systems.

Infrastructure strain in Beirut

Unplanned Growth

Urban sprawl and uncoordinated development reduce resilience and increase vulnerability.

Unplanned urban growth in Beirut

How Beirut 2050 Creates Change

1

Collaborate

Build partnerships and unite stakeholders.

2

Plan and Advocate

Shape policies and advocate for smart solutions.

3

Knowledge and Data

Generate and share data to inform decisions.

4

Mobilize and Act

Turn ideas into action on the ground.

5

Engage and Empower

Inspire communities and empower citizens.

6

Monitor and Adapt

Track progress and adapt for lasting impact.

Beirut green coastline

Why It Matters

Understanding Beirut today helps us make informed decisions for a better, greener and more resilient future.

  • Better data leads to better planning
  • Stronger communities create stronger cities
  • Sustainable solutions ensure a thriving Beirut for future generations

Shaping the Beirut
we want by 2050.

Beirut 2050 is a long-term vision and collaborative platform led by IRE – Imprint for Regenerative Environment.

Developed through partnerships with public institutions, municipalities, professional associations, universities, civil society organizations, businesses, and citizens.

It aligns local priorities with the transformations shaping cities worldwide and connects planning, data, engagement, and practical initiatives.

Future vision of Beirut waterfront with green public spaces

From Long-Term Vision to Practical Action

Build Partnerships

We unite public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and citizens to co-create solutions and scale impact.

Generate Knowledge

We produce data-driven insights, scenarios, and tools that inform decisions and guide long-term planning.

Activate Projects

We turn ideas into projects—on the ground, at scale, and over time—to deliver measurable and lasting change.

A Balanced City Vision

1

Social Equity

A fair and inclusive city where everyone can thrive.

2

Economic Resilience

A diversified and innovative economy that creates opportunity and value.

3

Environmental Stewardship

A nature-positive city that protects and restores ecosystems.

4

Climate Resilience

A city prepared for climate impacts and committed to a low-carbon future.

5

Cultural Heritage

A city that celebrates and safeguards its rich heritage and identity.

6

Governance & Participation

Transparent governance and active citizen participation at every level.

From Grey City to Nature-Positive City

Beirut 2050 envisions a city-wide transformation that places nature at the heart of development. Through biodiversity conservation, climate action, social equity, cultural heritage preservation, and economic regeneration through investment in nature, we create a healthier, more just, and more prosperous Beirut for all.

Sustainable Development Goals logo

Sustainable
Development
Goals (SDGs)

Paris Agreement logo

Paris Climate
Agreement

Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity
Framework

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration logo

UN Decade on
Ecosystem
Restoration

IUCN
Vision 2045

Beirut 2050 and the Global Nature Agenda

Climate Resilience

Strengthen adaptation and reduce risk.

Nature-Based
Solutions

Work with nature for people and planet.

Sustainable Cities

Plan compact, green, and liveable cities.

Water Security

Protect and restore our water resources.

Biodiversity
Conservation

Safeguard habitats and species.

Regenerative
Blue Economy

Sustainable seas, jobs, and prosperity.

Community
Participation

Empower communities to lead change.

Latest News & Events

The news about recent activities for needed peoples claimed.

Our Partners

Strategic Partners

Institutional Partners

Academic Partner

Technical Partner

The future of Beirut needs
institutions, experts, communities, and citizens.

Join us in building a resilient, inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable Beirut by 2050. Partner with us, contribute your expertise, sponsor initiatives, or take part in citizen science to help turn our shared vision into reality.

Explore the full picture, join the movement,
and be part of Beirut’s transformation.

95 FF3, App Street Avenue
NSW 96209, Canada

Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

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