22 Lebanese public and private schools participate in artistic and team building activities using Nature as venue

Beirut - March 28, 2011: Ibsar, Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures at the American University of Beirut launched today the "Nature Conversation" program, sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, to announce and discuss the objectives and methodologies with the participating schools. The press conference was held at AUB and was attended by the General Director of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Fadi Yarak, representatives from Ibsar, AUB, The Coca-Cola Foundation and the participating schools.

Nature Conversation is a two year program that will engage 22 public and private Lebanese schools and an estimated 2,160 students in conserving nature through educational and extra-curricular nature related activities. The project will develop civic engagement and experiential learning by integrating field, artistic and team building activities that help foster interaction and cooperation between students from different schools.

"Ibsar believes that schools can play an important role in conserving nature through nature related extra-curricular activities" said Dr. Najat Saliba, AUB-Ibsar director. "This project will attempt to highlight nature as a unifying theme and a venue for children from different backgrounds to work together and recognize that they are more similar in their needs than they think", she added.

Antoine Tayyar, Public Affairs and Communications Director of Coca-Cola Middle East stressed on The Coca-Cola Foundation mission to making a positive difference in the world, "For Coca-Cola, sustainability means making the right choices today, so that future generations will not have fewer choices tomorrow. Our company engages in community activities because it believes that corporations have a responsibility to the communities in their host countries."

With operations in more than 200 countries, Coca-Cola depends on sustainable communities by helping them find solutions to local needs, building capabilities and improving quality of life through programs, partners and people. Always striving to be an active partner to the Lebanese community, Coca-Cola launched many missions in Lebanon with the likes of the 'CedaRoots' project inaugurating the first cedar forest in South Lebanon or supporting the 'Go Green' initiative to raise awareness on a number of environmental issues.

"Nature Conversation" activities range from forest wall mural paintings, mosaic benches, rehabilitation of school playgrounds, reviving nature based traditions, crafts and stories, mouneh, photography, tree planting and care, and trail rehabilitation.

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About IBSAR
(Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures) is a research center that brings together a diverse research team of AUB academics committed to the conservation of biodiversity. IBSAR knows the importance of reaching out and partnering with communities for conservation. It therefore encourages people to work together, not only through research, workshops, lectures and other interactive and activities for all ages, but also by publishing informative books and brochures that raise awareness and support action for biodiversity.

About The Coca-Cola Company
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Along with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 12 other billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About The Coca Cola Foundation
Founded in 1984, the Foundation was established in the U.S. and grants are awarded throughout the year. The Foundation is committed to investing its time, expertise and resources to help develop and maintain vibrant, sustainable and local communities. At the Coca-Cola Foundation, these goals are met by partnering with organizations around the globe to support initiatives and programs that respond in a meaningful way to community needs and priorities.

For further information, please contact:
Antoine Tayyar
Public Affairs & Communications Director
The Coca-Cola Export Corporation
Middle East Business Unit
Office: +973 17 216614 
E-mail: antayyar@mena.ko.com

Rana Fawaz
Senior Account Executive
Memac Ogilvy Public Relations, Beirut
Office: +961 1 486065
E-mail: rana.fawaz@ogilvy.com

© Press Release 2011