People

Nadim Farajalla

Associate Professor and University Chief Sustainability Officer

Contact Information

Office: Orme-Gray room 201
Extension: 3009
Email: nadim.farajalla@lau.edu.lb

Research interests

climate change resilience and vulnerability; sustainability across sectors; interaction of water and the environment

Selected publications

Books and Chapters in Books

  1. Farajalla, N.S. Dib, E. Macharis, O. and E. Kaston, 2021. “Security and environment in the Middle East”, in Handbook of Security and the Environment, (eds. Swain, A., Öjendal, J. and A. Jägerskog), ISBN:9781789900651, DOI:https://doi.org/10.4337/9781789900668
  2. Hoff, H., Alrahaife, S.A., El Hajj, R., Lohr, K., Mengoub, F.E., Farajalla, N., Fritzsche, K., Jobbins, G., Özerol, G., Schultz, R., and A. Ulrich.,  2020., “A Nexus Approach for the MENA Region—From Concept to Knowledge to Action” in Lawford, R. G., Mohtar, R., Engel-Cox, J. A., eds. Achieving Water-Energy-Food Nexus Sustainability: a Science and Data Need or a Need for Integrated Public Policy?. Lausanne: Frontiers Media SA. doi: 10.3389/978-2-88966-105-3
  3. Youssef, S.A. Bashour, I.I., Abou Jawdeh, Y.A., Farran, M.T. and N.S. Farajalla, 2020, “Uptake of Gentamicin, Oxytetracycline, and Tylosin by Lettuce and Radish Plants”, in M. Z. Hashmi (ed.), Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Emerging Contaminants and Associated Treatment Technologies, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40422-2_9, Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
  4. El Gemayel, L., Bashour, I.I., Abou Jawdeh, Y.A., Farran, M.T. and N.S. Farajalla, 2020, “Effect of Antibiotics on Plant Growth in a Water Culture”, in M. Z. Hashmi (ed.), Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes, Emerging Contaminants and Associated Treatment Technologies, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-40422-2_9, Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2020
  5. Farajalla, N.S., 2019, “Pressing Issues and Faith-based organizations”, in The Symbolism of Water in Religion edited by W. van Saane, Proceedings of an interreligious conference on water and religion, March, 2018 Haigazian University, Beirut Lebanon
  6. Farajalla, N.S., El Amine, Y. and A. Shabban. 2018. “An Assessment of the Sustainability of Water Resources in the Litani River Basin” in The Litani River, Lebanon: An Assessment and Current Challenges (A. Shaban and M. Hamze editors). Springer International Publisher. Vol. 85. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-76300-2.
  7. Trovato, G.M., Farajalla, N.S. and O. Truglio. 2016. “Gentrification versus Territorialisation: The Peri-Urban Agriculture Area In Beirut” in Balanced Urban Development: Options and Strategies for Liveable Cities, Editors: Basant Maheshwari, Vijay P. Singh, Bhadranie Thoradeniya, ISBN: 978-3-319-28110-0 (Print) 978-3-319-28112-4 (Online)
  8. Farajalla, N.S. Mhanna, M, and J. Jadam, 2014. “Integrated Development of Wadi Systems in Lebanon” in Water Scarcity, Security and Democracy: a Mediterranean Mosaic (de Chatel, Holst-Warhaft and Steenhius eds.). Published by Global Water Partnership Mediterranean, Cornell University and the Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. Ithaca NY, USA. ISBN 978-1-4951-1550-9. [Primary Author]
  9. Farajalla, N.S. 2013. “Future of Water Supply and Demand in the Gulf States,” in Water and Food Security in the Arabian Gulf, Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research
  10. Farajalla, N.S. 2009. “Water Resources and Conflict in Lebanon” in Losing Paradise: The Water Crisis in the Mediterranean (Holst-Warhaft and Steenhius eds.) Ashgate Publishing Ltd., Surrey, UK. ISBN 978-0-7546-7573-0
  11. Elya, C., Farajalla, N.S., Darwish M.R., and F.W. Sleiman, 2009. Economic Impact of War on the Agricultural Sector – Case of 2006 War in Lebanon.  D.M. Verlag Publishers
  12. Farajalla, N.S., and J. El-Khoury, 2005. Integrated Water Resources Management Training-of-Trainers Training Manual, UNEP-IETC Osaka, Japan.
  13. Nimah, M. and N. S. Farajalla (editors), 2004, Proceedings of the Symposium on challenges facing water resources management in arid and Semi-arid regions. American University of Beirut. 7-9 October 2004. (CD Publication)
  14. Vieux, BE, Farajalla, N.S., and N. Gaur. 1996. Integrated GIS and distributed storm water runoff modeling: in GIS and Environmental Modeling: Progress and Research Issues (MF Goodchild, LT Steyaert, and BO Parks, eds.), GIS World, Inc.: 199-205.

Refereed Articles

  1. Gharios, G., Farajalla, N.S., and R. El Hajj. 2021, “Challenges of post-war policy reforms in Lebanon’s water sector – lessons learned”. Water Supply 2021; ws2021130.doi: https://doi.org/10.2166/ws.2021.130
  2. Gharious, G. and N.S. Farajalla, 2020,” Connecting Various Investments Plans to Address New Challenges in the Current Water Management Structure of Lebanon”, Water Utility Journal, European Water Resources Association, E.W. Publications, Athens 24: 49-61, 2020. © 2020 E.W. Publications http://ewra.net/wuj/pdf/WUJ_2020_24_05.pdf
  3. Zgheib, L., Karam, N., and N.S. Farajalla, 2020, SDGs and Water Management in the MENA region: A comparative analysis of Jordan, Lebanon and Tunisia, Orient, Volume – I, 2020.
  4. Hoff H, Alrahaife SA, El Hajj R, Lohr K, Mengoub FE, Farajalla N.S., Fritzsche K, Jobbins G, Özerol G, Schultz R and Ulrich A, 2019, A Nexus Approach for the MENA Region—From Concept to Knowledge to Action. Front. Environ. Sci. 7:48. doi: 10.3389/fenvs.2019.00048
  5. Position Paper on Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Editors: C. Carmona-Moreno, C. Dondeynaz, M. Biedler, EUR 29509 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-76-00159-1, doi:10.2760/31812, JRC114177
  6. El Amine, Y., Abdallah, C., El Hajj, R. and N.S. Farajalla, 2018, Solid waste management in the MENA region: A comparative analysis of Lebanon, Jordan, and Tunisia, Orient, Volume 59 - IV: 33 - 48.
  7. Assaf, E. and Farajalla, N.S., 2017. Deriving a Planting Medium from Solid Waste Compost and Excavation and Demolition Rubble, Journal of Solid Waste Management and Technology, Vol. 43, Issue 4
  8. Sisco L, Monzer S, Farajalla N, Bashour I, Saoud I.P, 2017, Roof top gardens as a means to use recycled waste and A/C condensate and reduce temperature variation in buildings, Building and Environment, doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2017.02.025.
  9. Farajalla, N.S., 2017, Sustainable water management in the Near and Middle East, Orient, Volume 58: 11 - 17.
  10. Saoud, I. P., Farajalla, N.S., Daou, Y. and A. Garza de Yta 2016. Socioeconomics of Rainbow Trout Aquaculture along the Assi (Orontes) River in Hermel, Lebanon. World Aquaculture 47 (2): 39-45.
  11. Farajalla, N.S., Daou, Y. and I.P. Saoud. 2014. Environmental Impact of Trout Aquaculture on the Lebanon Portion of the Assi River. World Aquaculture. December 2014 - [Primary Author]
  12. Haddad, E. A., Farajalla, N.S., Camargo, M. Lopes, R. and F. Vieira. 2014. “Climate Change in Lebanon: Higher-order Regional Impacts from Agriculture,” REGION, Vol. 1 No. 1
  13. Abdul-Rahman, S., Saoud, I. P. Owaied, M. K., Holail, H., Farajalla, N.S. Haidar, M. and J Ghanawi, 2011, “Improving Water Use Efficiency in Semi-Arid Regions through Integrated Aquaculture/Agriculture”. Journal of Applied Aquaculture 23:212-230.
  14. Barbour, E. K., Sabra, A. H., Shaib, H. A., Berckley, A. M., Farajalla, N S., Zurayk, R. A., and Z. G. Kassaify, 2009. “Polychlorinated Biphenyl Levels and its Correlation to Size of Marine Organisms Harvested from a War-Induced Oil Spill Zone of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.” Mediterranean Marine Science Journal. 10(2); 19-28.
  15. Barbour, E. K., Sabra, A. H., Shaib, H. A.,  Berckley, A. M., Farajalla, N S., Zurayk, R. A., and Z. G. Kassaify, 2008. “Baseline data of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Correlation to Size of Marine Organisms Harvested from a War-Induced Oil Spill Zone of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea“, Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 56, Issue 4, April 2008, Pages 770-777
  16. Darwish, M.R., Farajalla, N.S., and R. Masri, 2008. “Inter-temporal Economic Impact of the July 2006 War on Lebanon’s Agricultural Sector.” Disasters - The Journal of Disasters Studies, Policy and Management.  Blackwell Publishing.
  17. Farajalla, N.S., and J. El-Khoury, 2007. “Impact of the July 2006 Conflict on the water quality at the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve – a Ramsar site in Lebanon.” Wetlands, Vol. 27, No. 4 December 2007, pp. 1160 – 1164
  18. Farajalla, N.S., Khoury, R. Saliba, S. and G. Chammas. 2007. “Educational, Institutional and Governmental Barriers to Protecting Water Resources from Inappropriate Agricultural Practices in Lebanon.” Land Use and Water Resources Research 7: 3.1–3.7.
  19. Nimah, M.N., Moukarzel, S.N., Darwish, R.M., Farajalla, N., and Bashour, I. (2006) “Water Productivity a basic tool for sustainable Irrigation”, Transactions of Wessex Institute of Technology - Ecology and the Environment Vol 96, 127-136
  20. Haddad, J.N., Nimah, M.N., and N.S. Farajalla, 2006.  Modeling Rainfall Using the Maximum Likelihood Method in the First Order of Autoregressive Processes, Environmetrics, 18:101-105, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
  21. Farajalla, N.S. and Vieux, B.E., 1995. “Capturing the Essential Spatial Variability in Distributed Hydrologic Modeling: Infiltration Parameters”, International Journal of Hydrologic Processes, Vol. 9 pp. 55 – 68.
  22. Farajalla, N.S. and Vieux, B.E., 1994. “Uncertainty in Infiltration Estimation due to Parameter Errors”, Eos, Transactions, American Geophysical Union, Vol. 75, No. 16, April 19, 1994. 1994 Spring meeting of the American Geophysical Union, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
  23. Vieux, B.E. and Farajalla, N.S., 1994. “Capturing the Essential Spatial Variability in Distributed Hydrologic Modeling: Hydraulic Roughness Coefficient”, International Journal of Hydrologic Processes, Vol. 8. pp. 221-236.

Working Papers and Articles

  1. Macharis, O. and N.S. Farajalla. 2020. “The Middle East’s Threat Multiplier” Project Syndicate, Published on June 17, 2020 found on: https://www.project-syndicate.org/onpoint/climate-change-compounds-middle-east-crises-olivia-macharis-and-nadim-farajalla-2020-06?barrier=accesspaylog
  2. Macharis, O. and N.S. Farajalla. 2020. “COVID-19 Is Clarifying the Climate Challenge” Project Syndicate, Published on May 11, 2020 found on: https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/covid19-lessons-for-climate-change-by-olivia-macharis-and-nadim-farajalla-2020-05
  3. Farajalla, N.S., Chnais, E., and R. El Hajj. 2016. “Working Paper #36: Water, Energy, Food Nexus: An Outlook on Public Institutions in the Arab World”, Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut
  4. Farajalla, N.S., Haydamous, P., and R. El Hajj. 2016. “Working Paper #35: Water, Energy, Food Nexus: An Outlook on Public Institutions in Lebanon” ”, Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut
  5. Farajalla, N.S., Haddad, E., Camargo, M, Lopes, R. and F. Vieira. 2013. “Working Paper #23: Climate Change in Lebanon: Higher-order Regional Impacts from Agriculture” Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut

Reports

  1. UNESCWA, 2023. Trends and Impacts in Conflict Settings No. 7: Climate, peace and security in the Arab region, https://www.unescwa.org/publications/trends-impacts-conflict-settings-7-arab-region - one of 20 contributors to this flagship report
  2. Farajalla, N.S.; Abi Ammar, R.; Nassar, L.; Abou Dagher, M.; Kharma, E.; Machmouchi, F.; Hachem Majdalani, C.; Yazbek, C.; Zaarour, N.; Maadat, A.; Belhaj Fraj, M.; Fragaszy, S.; Ruckstuhl, S. 2022. Drought, fragility, and human migration analysis: synthesis report of case studies in Lebanon and Jordan. Project report prepared by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for the Bureau for the Middle East of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Washington, DC, USA: USAID; Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 43p. doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2023.213
  3. Farajalla, N.S., Abou Dagher, M., Abi Ammar, R., Kharma, E., Majdalani, C., Mashmoushi, F., Yazbek, C., and N. Zaarour, 2022, Chapter 6 – Accelerating a Green Transition, in “Arab Human Development Report: Expanding Opportunities for an Inclusive and Resilient Recovery in the Post-Covid Era”, RBAS UNDP, 2022., ISBN: 9789210019293
  4. El Amine, Y., Farajalla, N.S., Chehadeh, A. and R. El Hajj, 2019. “Water Security Assessment of the North Lebanon Water Establishment” A report prepared for the USAID-funded Lebanon Water Project.
  5. El Amine, Y., Farajalla, N.S., Chehadeh, A. and R. El Hajj, 2019. “Water Security Assessment of the Beirut and Mount Lebanon Water Establishment” A report prepared for the USAID-funded Lebanon Water Project.
  6. El Amine, Y., Farajalla, N.S., Chehadeh, A. and R. El Hajj, 2018. “Water Security Assessment of the Bekaa Water Establishment and the Litani River Authority” A report prepared for the USAID-funded Lebanon Water Project.
  7. El Amine, Y., Farajalla, N.S., Chehadeh, A. and R. El Hajj, 2018. “Water Security Assessment of the South Lebanon Water Establishment” A report prepared for the USAID-funded Lebanon Water Project.
  8. Contributor to Position Paper on Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2019, Carmona-Morena, C., Dondeynaz, C., and M. Biedler Editors, EUR29509 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2018, ISBN 978-92-76-00159-1, doi:10.2760/31812, JRC114177
  9. Farajalla, N.S., Badran, A., El Baba J., Choueiri, Y. El Hajj, R., Fawaz, M., and A. Chalak. 2017. The Role of Informal Systems in Urban Sustainability and Resilience - A Review. Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut. Accessed on April 16, 2018 at: http://website.aub.edu.lb/ifi/publications/Documents/research_reports/20170706_informal_systems.pdf [Primary Author]
  10. Choueiter, D. and N.S. Farajalla, 2016. National guidelines for greenhouse rainwater harvesting systems in the agriculture sector. MoE/UNDP. Beirut, Lebanon.
  11. Farajalla, N.S., Kerkezian, S. Farhat, Z., El Hajj, R. and M. Matta. 2015. “The Way Forward to Safeguard Water in Lebanon, National Water Integrity Risk Assessment” Submitted to Stockholm International Water Institute as part of a project financed by Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut [Primary Author]
  12. Farajalla, N.S., Abou Haidar, Ch., Chnais, E. and N. Modad, 2013. “Impact of Population Growth and Climate Change in Lebanon on Water Scarcity, Agricultural Output and Food Security” Submitted to FHI360 as part of larger study involving American University in Cairo and Columbia University and funded by the USAID (grant number 4345-03-FOG-2013-01). [Primary Author]
  13. Makhzoumi, J., Sabbagh, S., Farajalla, N.S., and L. Jabri. 2012. “Saida Urban Sustainable Development Strategy: Strategic Diagnostic Report” for the Mediterranean Network for the Promotion of Sustainable Development Strategies, The Saida Municipality, ENPI-CBCMED, and the EU.
  14. Farajalla, N.S., 2012. “Regional Issues and Risk Assessment of Coastal Aquifers in the Mediterranean – the Case of Lebanon.” Submitted to the UNESCO-IHP as part of the “Management of Coastal Aquifer and Groundwater” of the GEF funded UNEP/MAP “Strategic Partnership for the Mediterranean Sea Large Marine Ecosystem” (213INT2003) project. [Primary Author]
  15. Farajalla, N.S., 2011. ”Water Resources and the Challenges Facing Lebanon,” in B’Here – Annual Review Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon Arab Communications Consult March 2011[Primary Author]
  16. Farajalla, N.S., and Ph. Brown. 2010. “Rainwater Harvesting Cluster Development Plan” a report prepared and submitted to USAID. [Primary Author]
  17. Farajalla, N.S., Dagher, L., Marktanner, M. And Ph. Zgheib, 2010 “The National Economic, Environment and Development Studies (NEEDS) for Climate Change Project – Lebanon” a report prepared and submitted to the UNFCCC and the Ministry of Environment  - [Corresponding Author] published on:
  18. Farajalla, N.S. 2008 “Effect of Climate Change on Biodiversity in Lebanon” a report prepared for the British Council in Beirut, IndyACT and SPNL. - [Primary Author]
  19. Farajalla, N.S. 2007. “War and Water Resources” in Lebanon Rapid Environmental Assessment for Greening Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform – 2006. Edited by R. Khoury, UNDP - [Primary Author]
  20. Farajalla, N.S. 2007. “War and the Soil Medium” in Lebanon Rapid Environmental Assessment for Greening Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform – 2006. Edited by R. Khoury, UNDP - [Primary Author]
  21. Farajalla, N.S., and J. El-Khoury, 2006. “Management of Water Quality in Lebanese Wetlands: Aammiq Wetland and Tyre Coast Nature Reserve” a report submitted to the UNDP and the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, MedWetCoast Project - [Primary Author]
  22. Farajalla, N.S. 2005. “National Environmental Action Plan for the Water Sector in Lebanon” a report submitted to the Lebanese Ministry of Environment and EU’s EuropeAid  [Primary Author]
  23. Farajalla, N.S., and M. Mhanna, 2005. “Integrated Development of Wadi Resources in Lebanon” a report submitted to UNESCO [Primary Author]
  24. Farajalla, N.S., and J. El-Jadam, 2005. “SEA Application in the Wastewater Sector in Lebanon” a report submitted the Lebanese Ministry of Environment and the UNDP. - [Primary Author]
  25. Khoury R., Kotob M., Farajalla N. S. and N.S. Kawar, 2005. “National Inventory on Persistent Organic Pollutants: Pesticides in Lebanon – 2004” a report submitted to the Lebanese Ministry of Environment. [Primary Author]
  26. Farajalla, N.S., and R. Khoury, 2004. “Mitigating the Impacts of Agrochemicals on Water Resources in Lebanon” a report submitted to the Lebanese Ministry of Environment. - [Primary Author]​

Policy Briefs

  1. El Amine, Y., Farajalla, N.S., Chehadeh, A. and Y. Acaf, 2018. “Water (In)security in the Bekaa: Introducing an Integrative Lens to the Lebanese Water Sector” Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut
  2. El-Kareh, J., El Hajj, R. Farajalla, N.S., and A. Chehadeh,, 2018 “Water Conflict in the Bekaa: Assessing Predisposition and Contributing Factors”, Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut
  3. El-Hajj, R., Farajalla, N., Terpstra, T. and Jägerskog. A. 2018. “Enhancing regional cooperation in the Middle East and North Africa through the Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus”, Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut
  4. El-Hajj, R., Farajalla, N., Terpstra, T. and Jägerskog. A. 2017. ‘Middle East and North Africa: A Case for Regional Cooperation Water-Energy-Food Security Nexus’, Planetary Security Initiative 2 (3), The Hague, Netherlands
  5. El Hajj, R. and N.S. Farajalla. 2016. “Nexus Governance and the Role of Institutions” Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut
  6. N.S. Farajalla. 2008, “Researchers, Civil Society and Government Must Combine Forces to Offset Climate Change’s Expected Impact on Multiple Sectors in the Arab World” Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut

IFI Op-Eds

  1. Farajalla, N.S., and R El Hajj 2019. “Where is the Environment in the Midst of the Uprising?” Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut, October 2019
  2. Farajalla, N.S., 2019. “Lebanon’s Water Resources are Polluted Who’s to Blame? What can be Done?” Climate Change and Environment Program, Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs, American University of Beirut, February 2019

Professional Memberships

  • A member of the inaugural group founding the Accelerator for Systemic Risk Assessment (ASRA) network. A global network of transdisciplinary experts and thought-leaders who are radically rethinking risk in order to improve policy and decision-making to the benefit of nature and humanity through catalyzing the development of practical tools decision-makers need to effectively cope with and navigate polycrisis.
  • Member of the Managing Committee for Blue Peace Initiative, a regional organization supported by the Swiss Government whose aim is to promote water cooperation within borders, and among sectors and generations to foster peace, stability and sustainable development - https://bluepeaceme.org/en/about-us ; https://bluepeaceme.org/en/meet-the-community
  • Founding member of the Lebanon Chapter of the International Association for Energy Economics (IAEE)
  • Member of the Lebanese delegation to the United Nation’s Convention on Climate Change - conference of the parties (COP) in 2009, 2011, 2013,2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
  • Member of the Lebanese Ministry of Environment’s Climate Change Coordination Unit.
  • Founding member of AWARENET (Arab Water Resources Network)
  • Member of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and founding member of its Lebanon Chapter
  • Member and Lebanon representative of the international committee tasked with the “Assessment of Risk and Uncertainty Related to Coastal Aquifer Management in the Mediterranean,” Organized by UNESCO – IHP, GEF – UNEP

Academic degrees

  • Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering, University of Oklahoma, USA, 1995
  • M.S. in Environmental Engineering, University of Oklahoma, USA, 1992
  • M.S. in Irrigation Science, Utah State University, USA, 1989
  • B.S. in General Agriculture, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, 1985