In 2024, Difaf has already achieved a 10-year milestone, navigating catastrophes and pushing for hope in a new Lebanon under a clear motto: assess, design, and restore. Beyond its involvement in large-scale consortium projects across the Mediterranean, Difaf is now consulted at the national level; providing assistance to the EU on all environmental projects funded in Lebanon for the agriculture, water /wastewater, solid waste, and energy sectors in Lebanon.

The true value of the enterprise lies in its dual identity as a social and technical agency, always tailoring projects from the ground-up. “We adopt bottom up approach in designing sustainable solutions, and not purely top-down as commonly practiced. Therefore we focus on decentralized build up of net positive impact on local levels and natural systems,” Hawwa stated. 

The company’s services range from field assessments, feasibility studies, and the delivery of complete turnkey solutions targeting sectors with the largest environmental impact.

Many of its recent projects exemplify these principles. One such initiative is a collaboration between Difaf SAL and the Municipality of the coastal city of Sidon (Lebanon). “The idea is to take water from the Awali River, which has a certain level of pollution, treat it using nature-based low-operational cost systems, and store it in public ponds for irrigating the public parc. These natural treatment systems are functional and aesthetically inviting, encouraging people not only to use the area and enjoy the space, but also learn about advanced techniques that are truly green and sustainable” Hawwa explained. Through this process, the water is eventually returned to the river delta cleaner, as it empties into the coastal Mediterranean Sea. 

Difaf’s extensive experience includes collaboration with municipalities, local authorities, central governments, international NGOs, and private sector entities. The company offers a broad range of technical and qualitative services, including environmental mapping, sampling, analysis, modelling, monitoring, and designing environmental Greentech, such as biogas, small hydropower and wastewater treatment solution development. 

In 2018, Difaf partnered with the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture in Zahleh, where it was commissioned to assess, sample, and analyse wastewater from small-scale dairy industries. Difaf recommended treatment technologies tailored to the specific needs of these industries in the Bekaa region.  

Another example of technical services provided is their expertise in the AQUACYLE project (ENI CBC Med) where difaf was called out to having produced the best design among partner pilots the project, others being in Spain and Tunis (photo below)

Now, Difaf is channeling this experience into an R&D project, with promising example of innovation is a project in partnership with the European Bank on Research and Development to develop Difaf’s first green-tech product for irrigation. “It’s a polymer made from natural materials that can be placed in soil to absorb water during irrigation and then release it slowly,” Hawwa explained. Preliminary results highlight the product’s incredible potential, showing at least 20% reduction in water and energy requirements for irrigation. 

Within a year, Hawwa expects to have a clearer picture of the hydrogel’s scalability. For now, he expresses excitement about how the product, made entirely from organic waste, could support reforestation and aid areas experiencing water stress. 

By combining innovation with a commitment to sustainability, Difaf delivers solutions that address both immediate challenges and long-term goals. It mainly focuses on solutions that are economically, socially, and technically feasible by providing tailored designs, appropriate solution selection, flawless project implementation with adequate supervision, and transparent monitoring and evaluation of key performance indicators. 

“We believe that human and natural systems are fundamentally interlinked. Therefore, complementary with its technical edge, Difaf also has a discerning eye on policy, and is ready to employ participatory methods for engaging various actors to reach a balance between bottom-up and top-down developmental goals,” Hawwa noted. 

After 10 years of operations, reflecting on lessons learned is essential. A key takeaway is the importance of creating tangible value for people on the ground.

What’s next? The future looks promising for Difaf, but concrete steps are essential to sustain its growth. “I’d like to grow further in the Mediterranean region, the Levant, and maybe Southern Europe—Italy, Spain, Greece, and beyond.” The Netherlands also holds a special place in this journey, as it was at Wageningen University where Hussam anchored his vision of sustainability in development, a guiding principle for Difaf.

Moving forward, he highlighted the importance of enhancing Difaf’s visibility through stronger communication and outreach strategies to attract new partners and clients.  

“After everything we have been through, after the hardhships of Lebanon the past couple of year, however, we believed we are more resilient having survived it all and as Lebanon stabilizes, we are ready to reach out for more regional presence and international collaboration”.

Difaf has already been involved in international consortiums like PRIMA, ENI CBC MED, and Next Med programs that promote collaborations across the Mediterranean. As part of this vision, the team is preparing to apply for the Interreg fund and warmly invites potential collaborators to connect with them. For inquiries or partnership opportunities, reach out at inflow@difaf.org or hussam.h@difaf.org. Together, we can create meaningful environmental and social impact. 

For more information, you can check out their website: www.difaf.org and follow them on FB and Linkedin.

Photos credits: Courtesy of Difaf