Development

Development for People and Nature Association (DPNA) is an independent grassroots-led NGO based in Lebanon which promotes sustainable development of people and place. DPNA was established in 2003 (Register Nr; 153/A.D. 7/10/2003) and currently has 14 full- and part-time staff members as well as 500 volunteers to help support our vision and mission. Since its establishment, DPNA has undertaken many challenges to make positive things happen within our communities. For example, during the 2006-07 conflict that ravaged Lebanon DPNA were at the forefront of intervention efforts to respond to urgent emergency needs. Working with other aid agencies such as the Catholic Relief Services, Said Foundation, Mennonite Central Committee, Save the Children and Secours Populaire Francais, DPNA were able to distribute over $3 million of frontline intervention direct aid to those suffering from the devastation effects of war. This salient experience gave DPNA strong relations at the community level with at least 140 villages in southern and eastern Lebanon. Having established our integrity we were able to build on these relationships and we have since developed many projects focused on improving the quality of life of those who live in this region. During this time we have also increased our practical knowledge of business development, the needs of the emerging NGO sector and actively promoted interactive partnership projects between civil-society support providers. These projects include youth leadership, active citizenship, vocational training and conflict resolution. Over the last few years DPNA has developed internal and external capacity to encompass local and global partnerships and established an effective, efficient and professional organization.