Lebanon is facing a severe shortage of public spaces, leaving its residents desperate for open areas to relax and breathe. The economic crisis in the country, coupled with political corruption and growing inequality, has led to the closure or privatization of many public spaces, leaving only limited options for those who can afford to pay.
In the impoverished neighborhood of Karantina, near Beirut’s blast-destroyed port, children have resorted to climbing utility poles and jumping over spiked iron fences to access a closed park. This situation is not unique to Karantina, as many public gardens and parks across Lebanon are often closed or require permits to enter.
The lack of public space has forced residents to find makeshift solutions. In Karantina, children have converted a parking lot into a playground. However, these improvised spaces often have a short lifespan, as owners may decide to develop the land, leaving children without a place to play.
Lebanon’s coastline has also been affected, with an estimated 80 percent of the land, which is supposed to be in the public domain, illegally privatized by beach clubs and resorts. This has threatened public beaches like Abou Ali in northern Lebanon, where construction workers attempted to take over the area. Locals and activists mobilized to save the beach, and their efforts led to officials intervening to stop the construction.
The struggle for public spaces is not just about access but also about who is allowed to use them. Prejudice often fuels debates over who should be allowed in parks, pools, and other public areas. In one instance, footage of Syrian children swimming in a downtown Beirut reflecting pool led to racist invective against Syrian refugees and prompted city officials to drain the pool.
These ongoing struggles between the public and powerful private interests will play a significant role in determining Lebanon’s future. Public spaces are essential for people to gather and interact, fostering a cohesive society. However, without adequate investment and a commitment to providing public services, Lebanon’s public spaces will continue to be scarce and inaccessible for many.
How has the closure and privatization of public spaces in Lebanon affected the well-being and quality of life for its residents?
Lebanon Faces Severe Shortage of Public Spaces; Residents Desperate for Open Areas to Relax and Breathe
Lebanon is in the midst of a crisis as it grapples with a severe shortage of public spaces, leaving its residents yearning for places to unwind and find solace. The country’s economic turmoil, coupled with rampant political corruption and growing inequality, has resulted in the closure or privatization of numerous public spaces. This has effectively limited the options for those who can afford to pay.
In the impoverished neighborhood of Karantina, located near Beirut’s blast-ravaged port, children have resorted to scaling utility poles and leaping over spiked iron fences in order to gain access to a closed park. Unfortunately, this predicament is not exclusive to Karantina – public gardens and parks across Lebanon frequently find themselves shuttered or restricted by permits.
As a result of the scarcity of public spaces, residents have been compelled to find makeshift solutions. In Karantina, children have ingeniously transformed a parking lot into a makeshift playground. However, these improvised areas often have a limited lifespan, as landowners may later decide to develop the land, leaving children without a place to play.
Lebanon’s coastline has also fallen prey to this phenomenon, with an alarming 80 percent of land, which should be designated for public use, being illegally privatized by beach clubs and resorts. This has put public beaches like Abou Ali in northern Lebanon at risk, as construction workers attempted to seize control of the area. Thankfully, locals and activists rallied together to save the beach and their concerted efforts led to the intervention of officials, who halted the construction.
The battle for public spaces extends beyond mere accessibility – it also delves into the issue of who is entitled to utilize these spaces. Prejudice often serves as the catalyst for debates over who should be given access to parks, pools, and other public areas. In a troubling incident, footage of Syrian children swimming in a reflecting pool in downtown Beirut fueled racist invective against Syrian refugees, prompting city officials to drain the pool altogether.
The ongoing struggle between the public and powerful private interests will undoubtedly shape the future of Lebanon. Public spaces are crucial for fostering community cohesion, as they provide the platform for people to come together and interact. However, without adequate investment and a commitment to delivering public services, Lebanon’s public spaces will continue to be scarce and out of reach for many.
