Dannieh is a region rich in resources but suffers deprivation that has intensified with the economic crisis that has affected Lebanon due to the pandemic. The challenges are many; Dannieh has a seasonal economy that depends on agriculture and tourism, and this is negatively affected during the wintertime. Dannieh is characterized by having a large number of young, educated people, but simultaneously has a high rate of unemployment among them. The Union of Dannieh Municipalities has relied on government subsidies (the Independent Municipal Fund), which stopped some time ago and has affected work opportunities in the Union.

A session was held by the Union, where it was agreed to establish the Crisis Cell, and approval was then obtained from the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities to proceed. The Crisis Cell has the autonomy to work on the ground and take necessary measures.

The Union invited young people to form a Crisis Cell aiming to assist people affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. They were divided, according to their specializations and preferences, into 15 different committees, led by a coordinator with several volunteers to perform the tasks assigned in a participatory approach. The Union has provided them with the necessary equipment, means of transportation, and methods of protection.

The initiative impacted almost the whole region, even villages that are not under the Union’s jurisdiction. The target group were marginalised people with limited or no income, including the elderly, women, and people with disabilities (60%), the temporarily affected families (30%), other marginalized groups (10%).

The Crisis Cell initiative started in response to the challenges of COVID-19. However, it has become a permanent initiative to implement the Union's work that relies on a participatory approach and the inclusion of young people in governance.  The aim is to implement projects and ensure accountability of those in power, under the vision of the 2030 Agenda. They can make changes in the policies and the strategies adopted to fit with their aspirations while serving the interests of their community.

The main funding of the initiative is provided by the Union of Dannieh Municipalities with support from some social actors in the region. Other types of support have been provided by civil society including doctors, nurses, media figures and young people. Food supplies were provided by donations from the community in the region.

The Union of Dannieh municipalities has collaborated with the 17 municipalities in the region and civil society. The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Interior and Municipalities and the Ministry of Public Health.

The initiative can be considered as having significant impact in terms of activities, people involved, and outcomes. Nothing similar has happened in the region before.

The main outcome of the initiative is to give young people the opportunity to play a role in their community and be responsible for themselves and others. The committees are now a part of the Union and participate in periodic meetings as well as in proposing development projects.

Moreover, the efficiency of the initiative has improved compared to the beginning of the crisis. It is now more credible and includes more people and cover larger areas. Locals and residents became more cooperative and aware.

The main challenge that has hindered progress is the lack of awareness of the citizenship around COVID-19. Additional time and effort was required to convince people to take safety precautions, wear masks, sanitize, and apply physical distancing. Moreover, the lockdown has affected people’s income and livelihood which has made it more difficult to enforce lockdown restrictions imposed by the government.

Financing was also a challenge for this initiative as the budget is limited and the need to provide for care for citizens in times of crisis increases.

This initiative had relied on technology. The use of shared folders and WhatsApp groups has helped facilitate communication between committees and with the citizenship. When necessary, traditional messaging is used, and members of the Cells have established connections and networks with local residents.

All information about the initiative is shared on the Union website and is accessible by anyone anywhere in the world.  A video that summarizes the experience has also been published on different online networks, which has made more people aware of the work that has been done. The president of the Union has also referenced the initiative in his speeches and at conferences held with local and international communities. Word of mouth remains the main way to disseminate information and young people have contributed to sharing information in their online social communities.

Shortlisted city in 2020 for Guangzhou International Award for Urban Innovation: http://www.guangzhouaward.org/a/1280.html?lang=en

Union of Dannieh Municipalities: http://www.dannieh.com/