For the fourth time in a row, the European Plant Science Organization (EPSO) appointed Dr. Tanos G. Hage, Associate Professor at the Notre Dame University-Louaize (NDU) Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences (FNAS), as the National Coordinator of the international Fascination of Plants Day (FoPD). The FoPD consist of a set of over 1000 events held across the world every two years. Scientists and organizations from 51 countries around the globe stir up people’s enthusiasm for horticulture and forestry and highlight the importance of plants for sustainable production. Participants are taught about the role of plants in the creation of food and non-food products. Each country has a National Coordinator to organize the FoPD on a national level and collaborate with the other coordinators and their respective national network.
Dr. Hage organized a guided tour to explore the richness of plant diversity at the main campus of the NDU. Students were taught to identify the characteristics the native and cultivated trees, shrub, vines, annuals, and perennials on campus. Dr. Hage also coordinated activities with other Lebanese universities including AUB, USJ and BAU. A full list of the projects can be found here.
“My mission is to improve people’s quality of life by implementing sustainable practices through teaching, research and civil engagement,” said Dr. Hage. “I have learned to live in harmony with nature and this has shaped my life and career. Our country needs people that make a positive change, and this international event is an excellent way of generating interest in bringing about such change.”