As part of its commitment to advancing environmental research in Lebanon, the Department of Agriculture at the Issam Fares Faculty of Technology at the University of Balamand (UOB) has successfully completed the first two studies under the “Eye in the Sky” program, which utilizes multispectral drones for environmental monitoring and research.

The first final-year project, titled “Use of Multispectral Drones for Post-Fire Assessment and Monitoring of Forest Vegetation Regeneration: The Case of Jouret el-Shaair, Qobayat,” was conducted by students Dina Zebiane and Khaled Taleb. The second project, titled “Use of Multispectral Drones for the Detection of Water and Physiological Stress in Cedar Forests: The Case of the Tannourine Cedar Nature Reserve,” was completed by students Hala Jarkas and Osman Taleb.

Both projects were supervised by Dr. Roula Aad. The jury included Professor Nabil Nemer from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK), a recognized expert in biodiversity and nature reserves.

This achievement highlights continued collaboration between UOB and USEK, aimed at advancing academic research and developing innovative solutions to climate change challenges. It also reflects three years of joint efforts between partners from different institutions working toward a shared goal of supporting environmental research in Lebanon.

Dr. Rodrigue Balaa, Director of the Agricultural Value Chain Development Center and Chairperson of the department of Agriculture, stated: “The "Eye in the Sky" program is another innovation worthy of the excellence promoted by the university of Balamand. These studies are the fruit of a three year effort to be the first to bring this technology to Lebanon and I am glad to say that with the help of our team of dedicated researchers, this is only the beginning.”

UOB remains committed to promoting applied research that contributes to environmental monitoring and sustainable development in Lebanon.