Dr. Sami Alawieh Receives the “Homat Al Hima Environment Hero Award – 2025” 🥇 As part of the strategic agreement signed between the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and the Litani River Authority (LRA), and following three years of positive and fruitful cooperation, both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding one of Lebanon’s most vital ecological corridors: the Litani River Hima zone. Their joint efforts continue to focus on rehabilitating and protecting key bird habitats and areas of high biodiversity value extending across the Central and Western Bekaa, from the Kfar Zabad–Anjar Hima complex to Saghbine and the wider network of Hima sites in the West Bekaa.

As part of the “Reviving the Upper Litani River and Qaraoun Lake” project funded by DIMFE, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has launched a new practical measure to improve waste management practices across the West Bekaa. In a significant step toward source-level pollution reduction, SPNL has distributed dedicated waste cooking oil collection barrels to ten municipalities: Saghbine, Kefraya, Joub Jannine, Ain Zebdeh, Kherbet Qanafar, Qaraoun, Mansoura, Lala, Aana, and Beb Mareh. This intervention supports local authorities in shifting toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable disposal methods.

Today, the Municipality of Kfarselwan hosted a vital training session for a group of Homat Al Hima, as part of a comprehensive capacity-building program focused on guiding skills and nature-based tourism. The training blends theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience to empower local guardians of nature with the tools they need to lead in sustainable tourism. Throughout the intensive session, participants showcased outstanding engagement, enthusiasm, and a deep commitment to personal and professional growth. The program goes beyond technical guiding—it aims to instill a robust understanding of sustainable tourism practices and the pivotal role that local communities play in preserving natural and cultural heritage.

HHIC Leads Major Planting Event on the Litani River Basin Under the DIMFE Project Under the DIMFE project, the Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC) of SPNL organized a large-scale planting event along the Litani River Basin in collaboration with the Litani River Authority (LRA), the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI), and Kon Fares organization. This landmark event is part of a long-term effort to rehabilitate the entire Litani River Basin and strengthen community-based environmental stewardship in the West Bekaa. The activity took place in the presence of the President of the Union of Lake Municipalities…

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) successfully hosted Assad Serhal, General Director of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and one of the region’s most influential conservation leaders, for a Brown Bag Lunch (BBL) on Tuesday, 2 December 2025. Organized in collaboration with the IUCN Regional Office for West Asia (ROWA), the event took place at IUCN Headquarters in Gland and was streamed for online participants via Microsoft Teams. Serhal’s presentation introduced colleagues to the Hima, an ancient Levantine system of community-based stewardship that SPNL has revived, expanded, and transformed into a global model for community-led conservation.

The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), in cooperation with the Municipality of Lala and the Hima Center, organized an awareness lecture at the Lala Official High School in West Beqaa, under the title: "The Role of the Student in Combating Poaching and Protecting Biodiversity." This initiative comes within the national efforts aimed at enhancing the awareness of students and youth about the increasing dangers of poaching, and their pivotal role in protecting wildlife and ecosystems in Lebanon. Around 50 male and female students, including a number of young hunters, participated in the lecture, alongside the teaching staff.

In a continued effort to protect one of Lebanon’s most vital ecological corridors, the Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC) of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held a high-level strategic meeting at the office of Minister Hassan Mrad in the West Bekaa. The gathering brought together representatives from the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI), the Litani River Authority (LRA), and Minister Mrad’s office, marking a significant step toward deepening inter-institutional cooperation for environmental education and Litani River Zone conservation. A Shared Vision for the Litani River Zone…

As part of its ongoing commitment to community-based conservation and resilience-building in the northern Bekaa, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held two key coordination meetings with local authorities this week. The SPNL team met with Mr. Salim Nasrallah, Mayor of Ras Baalbek, and Mr. Bachir Matar, Mayor of Qaa, to review project progress and discuss the next phase of activities. Reaffirming Partnership and Progress During both meetings, SPNL presented updates on the implementation of ongoing project components, highlighting advancements achieved in recent months.

Between 11 and 14 November, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) carried out an impactful series of awareness sessions as part of the Al Murunah Project, engaging 200 couples from the communities of Ras Baalbek, Qaa, Fekha, and Arsal. Over four days, SPNL’s team delivered a comprehensive program aimed at deepening community understanding of the Hima approach, the project’s core vision, and the transformative potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Connecting Communities to the Hima Approach Participants were introduced to the philosophy and practice of the Hima model—SPNL’s flagship community-based conservation approach rooted in stewardship, shared responsibility, and sustainable natural resource management.

In the heart of the Bekaa, where the memory of the recent forest fire in Hima Anjar remains vivid, teachers and students came together for a transformative learning experience under the PROZHUM project funded by AFD. This SNOW session—designed to immerse learners in nature through sensory and hands-on activities—became more than an educational program: it evolved into a moment of reflection on responsibility, awareness, and the collective role communities play in protecting Lebanon’s vulnerable ecosystems. Learning After Loss Only weeks earlier, a forest fire swept through parts of Hima Anjar, leaving behind both physical damage and a renewed sense of urgency.

At the invitation of the Relief Scouts leadership – Mar Semaan Unit in Yahshoush, a special awareness session was held by the Anti-Poaching Unit to promote biodiversity conservation and responsible hunting practices. The event focused on the critical role of responsible hunters and scouts in combatting illegal hunting, as well as the unique behaviors of birds and their importance in preserving natural ecosystems. The goal was to spread a culture of environmental responsibility and encourage all segments of society to take part in protecting nature. 🎯 Following the session, the participating scouts received hands-on training in…

In a new milestone for regional environmental cooperation, Assaad Serhal, Director of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and a leading advocate of the Hima community-based conservation model, spearheaded a high-level visit to Amman aimed at deepening ties between Lebanon and Jordan in eco-tourism, heritage protection, and sustainable development. Serhal was accompanied by Fadi Ghanem, Chair of the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and President of Ghadi Association, along with H.E. Dr. Taher Al-Shakhshir, former Jordanian Minister of Environment.

استجابةً لشكاوى موثقة تقدم بها صيادون مستدامون في منطقة الشمال، نفّذ الفريق اللبناني – الدولي المشترك في وحدة مكافحة الصيد الجائر، بالتنسيق مع قيادة الدرك وبالتعاون الميداني مع مفرزة استقصاء الشمال، مهمة ميدانية لمكافحة الصيد الليلي في منطقتي بينو والعبدة. ويأتي هذا التحرك في وقت يشهد فيه لبنان انتشارًا واسعًا لممارسات الصيد الليلي غير المشروع، خصوصًا خلال موسم هجرة الطيور. ففي عطلات نهاية الأسبوع، تتجمع مجموعات من الرجال في أنحاء مختلفة من البلاد لاصطياد الطيور تحت جنح الظلام، مستخدمين كشافات ضخمة، وأشعة ليزر، وأجهزة مناداة إلكترونية صاخبة، في ما يعتبره البعض نشاطًا ترفيهيًا واجتماعيًا رغم آثاره المدمرة على الحياة البرية.

In response to documented complaints submitted by sustainable hunters in North Lebanon, the joint Lebanese–international operations team of the Anti-Poaching Unit, in coordination with the Gendarmerie Command and in close collaboration with the North Investigations Unit, carried out a targeted operation against illegal night hunting in the areas of Bino and Abdeh. Night hunting has become a deeply rooted illegal practice in Lebanon, especially during bird migration season. On weekends, gangs of men gather in remote areas across the country to shoot birds under the cover of darkness.

The Anti-Poaching Unit, in collaboration with the Municipality of Qaraoun and the Homat Al Hima International Center, organized an environmental awareness session at Qaraoun Public High School in West Bekaa. The session brought together 190 students and several teachers, focusing on the importance of preserving biodiversity to safeguard our future, as well as the urgent need to combat illegal and unsustainable hunting practices that negatively affect the food chain and ecological balance. The session also highlighted the field operations of the Anti-Poaching Unit, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between responsible, environmentally conscious hunters and conservation actors to reduce indiscriminate killing and protect wildlife.

Today, the Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in collaboration with the Municipality of Kefraya, organized an engaging SNOW (School With No Walls) educational session at Kefraya Public School. The session brought together around 50 students for an interactive awareness program focused on the importance of water resources and the need to use them in a sustainable way. SNOW, one of SPNL’s flagship environmental education programs, aims to take learning beyond the classroom by connecting students directly with nature and helping them understand the ecological systems that sustain their communities.

On a calm morning in the heart of Shmlan, nature prepared to welcome a special group of young visitors. As part of the “Schools Without Walls – SNOW” program, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) organized a field visit to the Shmlan Social Institution, with the aim of integrating children with special needs into environmental and educational activities. The Land Tortoise, a Little Ambassador of Nature In the courtyard, students gathered around a land tortoise that became their gentle guide into the world of wildlife. They learned about its role in maintaining ecological balance, how it disperses plant seeds as it moves, and how it contributes to soil health.

Lebanon’s longest river seemed to flow with a renewed sense of possibility. The Litani River Authority (LRA), led by Director General Dr. Sami Alawieh, convened a landmark meeting with UNESCO and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Their shared mission: to chart the course for nominating the Lower Litani River Basin as an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is not just another environmental project, it represents a turning point in how Lebanon views, values, and protects its natural heritage. A River With a Story to Tell…

On November 1, 2025, the Hima Anjar Wetland came alive with the spirit of volunteerism and environmental stewardship as more than 40 young members of the Homat Al Hima network joined forces for a large-scale cleanup campaign organized by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). The initiative aimed to restore the beauty of the Hima, safeguard its fragile ecosystem, and raise awareness about the importance of keeping natural habitats free from pollution. Armed with gloves, bags, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, the youth volunteers collected large amounts of waste that had accumulated around the wetland — a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and a key part of Lebanon’s natural heritage.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) warmly commends the editorial written by journalist Hussein Al-Mousawi in the latest issue of National Geographic Arabia (November 2025), which covered the IUCN World Conservation Congress held recently in Abu Dhabi. In his editorial, Al-Mousawi reflected on the UAE’s remarkable achievements in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation and made special reference to the Arab Hima system as an inspiring example of community-based natural resource management. SPNL’s General Director Assad Serhal expressed his deep appreciation for the editorial, stating: “Even the mere mention of the word…

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) proudly commends the Al Matn Organisation for Environmental and Sustainable Development (MESD) for organizing an exceptional environmental and cultural event that brought together members of the diplomatic community to experience the beauty and spirit of the Hima model in Al Matn. Over the weekend, a distinguished group of ambassadors and friends of nature enjoyed a guided hike through Hima Ras Al Matn, a community-managed conservation area that stands as a model of coexistence between people and nature. The distinguished guests included H.E.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is sounding the alarm after the tragic discovery of a critically injured Lesser Spotted Eagle during an anti-poaching patrol north of Beirut last week. The juvenile eagle, unable to fly, was rushed to a veterinary clinic where X-rays revealed shotgun pellets lodged in its body and an old fracture in its right wing. Due to the severity of its injuries, the bird had to be euthanised. This heartbreaking case is far from isolated. During this autumn’s migration season alone, SPNL teams — in collaboration with…

As part of the “Reviving the Upper Litani River and Qaraoun Lake” project, funded by DIMFE, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held a coordination meeting with municipalities that have declared Himas within the project area — Lala, Qaraoun, Saghbine, Kefraya, Mansoura, Kherbet Qanafar, and Ain Zebdeh — alongside Ammiq municipality. The meeting provided a crucial platform to reaffirm the Hima concept as a community-based model for managing natural resources sustainably, while also introducing participating municipalities to SPNL’s environmental programs designed to support their local sustainability goals.

Today, HHIC Manager Wassim El Khatib carried out a joint field patrol with Litani River Authority (LRA) representative Mohamad Bou Kamal and Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) representative Majed Khashan, to assess and follow up on the establishment of the new River Hima, which was proposed and supported by the LRA. The visit aimed to evaluate the ecological conditions of the river basin and to discuss the most effective types of native plants and trees that could be planted along the riverbanks. These plantings will play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing the soil, filtering pollutants, and improving water quality — all of which are vital steps toward reviving the river’s natural ecosystem and ensuring its sustainability.

In a major coordinated effort, the joint operations team of the Anti-Poaching Unit , in close cooperation and coordination with the Bekaa Intelligence Division of the Internal Security Forces, carried out a series of specialized field missions over the past days. These missions, supported by wide information exchange and meticulous planning, resulted in the removal of approximately 7,975 meters of mass-killing nets used for illegal bird hunting across multiple areas of Northern Bekaa, including Al-Qaa, Mashari‘ Al-Qaa, Arsal, Jbouleh, Al-Jdeideh, and Masa. During the operations, a large number of birds trapped in the nets were freed, while hundreds of dead birds were documented as victims of this form of mass poaching.