Environment and Sustainable Development Unit

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The Environment and Sustainable Development Unit (ESDU) is a research and development unit at the American University of Beirut dedicated to the resilience of food systems. For over 25 years, ESDU has linked academic research with field-based action to strengthen rural livelihoods across Lebanon and the region.
ESDU does so by generating applied research, testing evidence-based approaches in real-world contexts, and translating knowledge into scalable practices and policies through close engagement with communities, institutions, and stakeholders.
Guided by the principle of “Keepers of the Land,” ESDU serves as the outreach and applied research arm of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, contributing to long-term institutional, territorial, and food system resilience.

100,000

Strengthed
Livelihoods

12,000

Empowered
Women

12

International
Awards

170+

Publications

Projects

Community Development Projects

Research Projects

Community Centered, Global Player

The Urban Oasis

The Urban Oasis, initially serving as AUB's animal house, is now ESDU's newest engagement center. It was renovated by ESDU into an engagement center through the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation.

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Resources Ambassadors
- ESDU - AUB
- Laws must be updated to help municipalities regulate the solid waste management sector while ensuring sustainability and mitigating its negative impacts on public health, the environment, and the economy. A law on cost recovery from solid waste management must be passed.

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American University of Beirut

ESDU does so by generating applied research, testing evidence-based approaches in real-world contexts, and translating knowledge into scalable practices and policies through close engagement with communities, institutions, and stakeholders.

Guided by the principle of “Keepers of the Land,” ESDU serves as the outreach and applied research arm of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, contributing to long-term institutiona​l, territorial, and food system resilience.​​​​

Projects

Community Centered, Global Player

​The Urban Oasis

Contact Us

Privacy Statement

Copyright and Disclaimer

Title IX, Non-Discrimination, and Anti-Discriminatory Harassment

Guided by the principle of “Keepers of the Land,” ESDU serves as the outreach and applied research arm of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, contributing to long-term institutional, territorial, and food system resilience.

The Urban Oasis