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Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Anjar Kfar Zabad

By SPNL
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Location:

Eastern Bekaa, at foot of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, in the municipalities of Anjar and Kfar Zabad. Total area: 326 ha

 IBA Criteria met: A1

Explanation:

At least fifteen breeding pairs of Syrian Serins (Serinus syriacus) were present at the site in spring 2005, plus Lebanon’s second only record of Bearded Tit. Number of species observed: 69

Hima Anjar - Kfar Zabad

Habitat:

Freshwater wetland, Agriculture / cultivation, Woodland / forest

Other wildlife interest:

Common Otter (Lutra lutra), Wild Cat (Felis sylvestris), reptiles and amphibians.

kfar_zabad,_hima_entrance[1] (2)

Threats:

Hunting, disturbance of birds, water abstraction, diversion of water/canalization, irrigation, agricultural intensification, grazing.

Spring flowers blossom next to marshland and Anti-Lebanon Mountain at Kfar Zabad Globally Important Birding Area in Bekka Valley region of Lebanon Monday April 28, 2008. In 2005, the Kfar Zabad wetlands earned Hima status through the collaboration of local municipality officials and landowners with SPNL and other organizations engaged in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.
Spring flowers blossom next to marshland and Anti-Lebanon Mountain at Kfar Zabad Globally Important Birding Area in Bekka Valley region of Lebanon Monday April 28, 2008. In 2005, the Kfar Zabad wetlands earned Hima status through the collaboration of local municipality officials and landowners with SPNL and other organizations engaged in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism.

 Current conservation measures & future plans:

Declaration of Hima at Kfar Zabad, including hunting ban, access restriction, habitat creation / restoration. Current-declaration of Hima at Anjar from the mountain slopes along the riverside. Future – Extension of Hima conservation approach to the entire site.

Al Hima Magazine 5th Issue

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This edition of Al Hima magazine weaves together inspiring stories of nature conservation and community resilience, highlighting how Lebanon is being stitched back to life—one Hima at a time. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continues its mission to preserve the country’s natural heritage by empowering local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union, which has achieved three national firsts: Lebanon’s first natural park (Upper Matn), first geological park (Shouf-Jezzine), and first endowment Hima (Btekhnay).

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The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage. As the national partner of BirdLife International, SPNL embraces the Hima approach, a community-based conservation model that harmonizes nature, people, and culture. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, we empower communities to protect vital ecosystems and species while ensuring livelihoods and well-being. Join us in our mission to preserve Lebanon's unique environment for future generations. Visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more and support our initiatives. Together, we can make a difference.

Horsh Kayfoun, Luc Hoffmann Hima Center،, Itani, Kayfoun, Mount Lebanon