Beirut, 14 December 2012

The Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED) has launched the documentary “That They May Have Life,” which discusses ecological footprint and survival options in Arab countries, as part of a series of environmental awareness documentaries that AFED produces.

The seven minute film summarizes the findings of the “Survival Options: Ecological Footprint of Arab Countries” report through an open discussion with college students from different Arab countries. It was filmed on the campus of the American University of Beirut (AUB).

The documentary clarifies that compared to the figures of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the ecological footprint is the best way to measure growth in Arab countries. Measured by the increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) over the last 50 years, Arab countries have performed well, with average GDP per capita quadrupling in this. But while this has often resulted in higher standards of living, it has not always translated into a better quality of life nor has it enhanced the chances of sustainable living.

It is clear that the youth are concerned about the future. Inside or outside the classroom, they hold discussions on their right to resources and survival options, wondering about different topics. These include future planning, revolutions, wars, food security, wastage, unity of Arab countries, among other issues that concern them.

As a conclusion, the documentary presents some significant survival options for the Arab region, most notably: regional cooperation, resource efficiency, and balanced consumption.

“That They May Have Life” is AFED’s fifth documentary after “Testimony of an Old Man” in 2008, “Wet and Dry” in 2009, “The Last Drop” in 2010, and “Green Change” in 2011. All the videos can be found on AFED’s Youtube channel.

go to http://www.afedonline.org/en/inner.aspx?contentID=882#
for the link to the video.

http://www.afedonline.org/en/inner.aspx?contentID=882#