U.S. Ambassador visits USAID-Supported fishermen cooperative

U.S. Ambassador Lisa A. Johnson toured Friday the Berbara Fishermen Cooperative to view the newly renovated facility, which is now a vibrant destination that drives economic opportunity for the local community.

With support from the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Berbara Fishermen Cooperative recently upgraded their infrastructure with a pre-built kiosk and restroom (accessible to People with Disabilities – PWDs); bolstered their operations with a new wastewater treatment unit and kitchen equipment; and built local fishermen's’ expertise in food safety, operations, and management, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut said.

The embassy said women from the Berbara community were trained in various business areas, food safety, hygiene, and hospitality practices to ensure top-notch service for the fishery’s clients. A customized seafood menu was also developed to attract visitors to the port.

During her visit, Ambassador Johnson met with local fishermen who shared how upgrades to the fishery have provided a venue where they can sell or serve their catch. She also heard from leadership at the Municipality of Berbara and the Fishermen Cooperative about the port, which is a key destination on the Lebanese coast given its proximity to major cities, and how the United States can partner with them to boost domestic tourism and strengthen economic security.

"The support provided by USAID to the Berbara fishermen cooperative is a testament to our commitment to create jobs and enhance the livelihoods of communities across Lebanon," shared Ambassador Johnson. "By investing in essential infrastructure, training, and resources, we are supporting not just the revitalization of the Berbara port, but also growth and sustainability in the region."

"USAID assistance to the Berbara fishermen cooperative is one component of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing the Maritime Economic Hub of the Jbeil Cluster," the U.S. embassy said. USAID’s Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods (PSL) activity, implemented by Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF), supported three fishery cooperatives in Berbara, Amchit, and Jbeil to improve their services, increase their revenues, and improve the livelihoods of tens of fishermen and their families.

"Since 2021, the United States, through USAID’s $20 million PSL activity, has been working to improve the livelihoods of more than 80,000 residents in communities across Lebanon, and created or sustained 2,500 jobs in agriculture, agro-forestry, tourism, and light industry," the embassy added.