Sir Norman Foster, Hon. FIGP (Institute of Green Professionals) of Foster + Partners is planning the development of a 2,046 square mile area known as the Green Mountain along Libya's 136 mile-long Mediterranean coastline. This is the world’s first regional-scale conservation and sustainable development (SD) project.

According to the World Wildlife Fund this area is "one of the 10 last paradises of the Mediterranean" with outstanding natural beauty and bio-diversity and as a"coastal region has the potential to become one of the world’s most desirable tourist destinations." According to Seif al-Islam Gadhafi (son of Libyan Leader Muammar Gaddafi), the plan is to build a complete and sustainable social, cultural, economic and environmental system in which the needs of the present allow for the needs of future generations" --sounds quite like the definition of SD from the Brundtland Report.

According to Foster + Partners"the emphasis is on sustainable infrastructure, including renewable power generation, waste management and recycling facilities, and closed-loop water systems, with the goal of moving towards carbon neutrality on a regional scale. A further challenge is to establish sustainable industries, including fishing, organic agriculture and manufacturing based on new technologies."

Given the global economy, potential archeological issues, and low oil prices (Lybia's economy is dependent upon oil for about 95 percent of export earnings and 25 percent of its GDP), the project's current timeline is unknown - when we hear from Stefan Behling, a Senior Partner at Foster + Partners and a specialist in ecology, sustainability and energy conservation working on this project, you will be updated.  Given the complexity and enormity of this project it will produce valuable lessons for all sustainable development professionals. 

Take a look at some of the buildings by Sir. Norman Foster.