Civil society and Lebanon's oil and gas sector. (c2019)

Abstract

With the increased emphasis among experts in the field of extractive industries on the role of civil society in the oil and gas sector of Lebanon and with the emergence of a specialized Lebanese civil society, this thesis assesses the role that is being played by civil society in the oil and gas sector of Lebanon. Moreover, the literature review shows the absence of research on the effectiveness of this role. Thus, this thesis aims to find out if civil society is being effective in its role and if it is in compliance with international standards and best practices. In order to achieve this objective, three main areas of assessment are studied. These are the available capabilities within civil society working on Lebanon‟s petroleum sector, the readiness and track record of Lebanese authorities to include civil society in the sector, and the international standards and best practices of civil society in extractive industries. This thesis concludes that civil society is playing its role in compliance with international standards and best practices. However, this role is not being effective in all areas of its involvement. It is being effective mainly in raising awareness, monitoring the work of the authorities, and advocating among others. Yet, it shows minimal effectiveness in participating in decision-making. This is due to the minimal will of politicians to include civil society in decision-making and from the limited initiatives made by the authorities to apply a participatory approach in the sector, which is not compliant with international standards and best practices. It is also due to the internal challenges existing within the national specialized civil society itself.