Since its inception in 1985, arcenciel’s mission in Lebanon has been to promote diversity, integration and development through 5 core programs: Agriculture & Environment, Mobility & Health, Responsible Tourism, Youth Empowerment, and Social Support.

We are a Lebanese based non-profit NGO, which supports Lebanon’s most underprivileged and marginalized communities, regardless of religion, political affiliation or nationality.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are locally produced bio-pesticides are environmentally friendly, sustainable and a cost-effective alternative to chemical pesticides?

WHAT IS THE INNOVATION?

arcenciel’s agricultural program, in cooperation with the faculty of Sciences within St. Joseph’s University, have succeeded in developing Lebanon’s first bio-pesticide. arcenciel’s bio-pesticide contains crystal proteins of the local strain of bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis which targets larva belonging to the family of Lepidoptera sp. The lepidoptera, in high numbers, wreak havoc on a wide range of crops such as grapes, olives, tomatoes, apples and pine trees and are a growing threat to the Lebanese eco-system, threatening Cedars.

The product works by triggering crystals toxicity under specific pH conditions and enzymes activity within the insect’s intestine, blocking its digestive system receptors leading to cellular death. This process makes this product safe to humans, microorganisms, animals or other non-targeted and beneficial insects.

WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND THE INNOVATION?

EU standards and organic certifications requires the farmer to abstain from using chemicals for crops to a certain extent; however due to tainted natural resources, climate change and rise in pests and diseases, farmers find themselves having to use an increasing amount of chemical amendments.

While organic alternatives exist and are sometimes available, they are currently not a feasible option due to their costly nature, short shelf-life and inconsistent effectiveness.  As such, arcenciel and USJ worked hand in hand to create an affordable, effective and safe solution to all these issues.

WHO IS BENEFITTING?

Switching from chemical to organic pesticides helps protect the environment, biodiversity, the farmers and local communities. In addition, the bio-pesticide acts as a revenue generating amendment, as it allows farmers to protect their crops while remaining eligible for export to foreign countries.