Born in the highlands of Akkar and Hermel in 1999,
Mada is a local non-governmental organization
that works through a Territorial Approach,
constantly adapting to meet local needs.
Mada was amongst the first organizations to work
in Akkar. To inform programming and raise national
awareness regarding Akkar’s vulnerability, natural
assets and cultural heritage, the team conducted
various studies and socio-economic assessments.
With the goal of reinforcing the relationship between
communities and the environment, the early years
were focused on working towards the establishment
of a Natural Park in the Akkar-Hermel-Donnieh area.
Common development and nature conservation goals
were set with local authorities and communities, based
on which Mada implemented various projects (education,
agriculture, rural development, women empowerment).
In 2011, the refugee crisis shifted priorities and Mada
adjusted to the new context, while retaining its identity
as a development agency. Although the Natural Park
became a longer-term ambition, Mada continued to
work on elaborating the legal framework for Parks.
Today, Mada continues to act as a local development
agency, exploring new approaches and sectors of
development in the deteriorating socio-economic context.