DAWWERA, short for (Designing Alternatives for Water, Waste, and Energy in Rural Areas,) signifies a concerted effort to address pressing concerns. The agricultural sector in Lebanon, strained by political turmoil, economic crises, and a tragic explosion, faces the need for resilient solutions. DAWWERA's approach aims to strengthen rural communities while adhering to circular economy principles.

Central to DAWWERA is the Quintuple Helix Approach, a collaborative model involving universities, industries, government entities, environmental stakeholders, and society. This partnership encourages innovative solutions that align water, waste, energy, and food systems toward enhanced efficiency and reduced waste.

The recent highlight of the initiative was the culmination of the DAWWERA municipal competition held on July 26^th 2023. Working towards sustainable development, the Med4Waste Project, organized by the project’s partner in Lebanon, the Environment and Sustainable Development Unit at the American University of Beirut (ESDU AUB,) launched the Med4Waste x DAWWERA initiative last March 2022, a significant step towards advancing the circular economy in Lebanon. This initiative addresses complex challenges in rural areas, focusing on water, waste, energy, and food systems. Municipalities of Akkar Al Atika, Moukhtara, and Qaraoun participated, showcasing strategies for circular economy integration, resource optimization, community engagement, and quantifiable outcomes. While Qaraoun took the lead, exemplifying the potential of interconnected strategies in shaping Lebanon's future.

Beyond the competition, the event launched the awareness campaign under the Med4Waste project in the Beirut governorate, underscoring both the project and the initiative's commitment to fostering environmentally conscious practices.

As the DAWWERA initiative gathers momentum, it reflects a collaborative approach to address Lebanon's challenges in a practical and sustainable manner. By emphasising pragmatic strategies rooted in circular economy principles, this initiative exemplifies a collective effort toward a greener future for the nation.