By Raghida Haddad Editor-in-chief of Al Hima magazine
The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.
SPNL published two issues of its biannual Al-Hima magazine in 2024, despite the hostilities that devastated Lebanon. This resilience is emblematic of the Lebanese people, who never lose hope nor retreat in despair, even in the darkest circumstances. Similarly, SPNL remained committed to its mission, aiding displaced citizens while continuing its environmental and development initiatives. The crisis will eventually pass, but the land remains a refuge and lifeline for its people. With a dedicated multidisciplinary team and strong partnerships at local, regional, and international levels, SPNL continues to pioneer conservation efforts and support local communities.
Issue #3: Hima Trails for Peace Connecting Protected Areas
The third issue of Al-Hima magazine, published in May 2024, focused on the Hima Trails for Peace initiative, which connects 33 Himas (protected areas) established by SPNL in collaboration with municipalities and local communities. These trails, reviving ancient routes, promote local tourism while showcasing the natural, cultural, and historical richness of each region.
The issue also highlighted the BioConnect project, which aims to manage environmentally significant sites and establish new protected areas in southern Lebanon. Supported by the European Union, this initiative links protected areas and strengthens conservation efforts. SPNL’s role in this project focuses on seven Hima sites: Kherbet Qanafar and Ain Zebdeh in West Bekaa, Hammana and Ras Al Matn in Mount Lebanon, Qoleileh and Mansouri on the southern coast, and Ebel Es Saqi near Marjeyoun in the south.
Another key feature in this issue covered SPNL’s partnership with the European Union to protect endangered Egyptian vultures along their migration route between Europe and Africa. A compelling story detailed the rescue of five wounded vultures from poachers, their rehabilitation, and eventual transfer to the Prague Zoo for a captive breeding program.
Al-Hima continues to tell inspiring stories of local and global conservation efforts that protect nature while improving community livelihoods. Since 2004, SPNL has been reviving the Hima approach—protected areas where communities coexist sustainably with their environment. The newly established Homat Al Hima International (HHI), with offices in several countries, aims to export this model globally. The issue featured an article on the consulting services provided by HHI’s network of experts and another on the Endangered Voices international advertising campaign, in collaboration with Leo Burnett, urging global brands to contribute to species conservation.
Other topics in this issue included: Hima and social innovation from a civilizational perspective, the discovery of the world’s oldest mosquito in Lebanese amber, Mongolia: The Land of Blue Skies, exploring Kazakhstan with Vostok, Oman’s Trails, the Hima market, the annual Hima forum, and Lebanon’s first natural park project—the Beirut River Valley – Upper Matn—based on the successful Hima model.
In his editorial, Reserves and Himas Are the Lungs of Lebanon, Asaad Serhal, SPNL Director General and HHI founder and chairman, reflected on SPNL’s 40-year history in establishing nature reserves in Lebanon, collaborating with environmentalists, authorities, and international organizations. Since the 1990s, SPNL has focused on reviving the Hima system. Serhal concluded, “We have great hopes for a better future for wildlife, nature, and people in Lebanon, thanks to the dedication of custodians in environmental NGOs, reserves, Himas, and natural parks, and their connection through the Hima Trails program and the BioConnect project.”
Issue #4: Bird Conservation and Responsible Hunting Areas
The fourth issue of Al-Hima, published in October 2024, coincided with the autumn migration, emphasizing the protection of migratory birds and the establishment of responsible hunting areas. Lebanon lies on one of the world’s most critical bird migration routes, with millions of birds passing through the country each spring and fall between Europe, West Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Many of these species are endangered or in significant decline.
In his editorial, SPNL Director General Asaad Serhal stated, “An estimated 2.6 million birds are illegally shot over Lebanon every year, according to documentation by SPNL and BirdLife International. Both organizations have worked tirelessly for four decades to mitigate and prevent the destruction of bird populations and habitats in Lebanon and the Middle East.”
Serhal added, “More recently, SPNL has been promoting the concept of responsible hunting areas. SPNL has established 33 Himas (protected areas) across Lebanon, covering more than 6% of the country’s territory, representing its most important bird and biodiversity sites. Responsible hunting areas could significantly contribute to Lebanon’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30×30 target, protecting 30% of its land.”
In a special commentary, Sami Dimassi, UNEP’s Representative and Regional Director for West Asia, emphasized that “Lebanon has become a major hotspot for illegal bird killing, ranking as the fourth most dangerous country in the Mediterranean for bird populations.”
This issue was published in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), an international organization specializing in anti-poaching operations and investigations. CABS combats wild bird trafficking and provides expert advice to customs and regulatory bodies. The magazine featured success stories from CABS’ operations in Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy, France, Spain, and beyond.
Additionally, the issue showcased Hima Anjar, an exemplary model of cultural heritage conservation integrated with nature protection. Based on the Hima concept—a traditional Arab system of community-managed conservation—Hima Anjar adopts intercultural and interreligious approaches to environmental stewardship.
Other topics in this issue included: Important bird and biodiversity areas in Lebanon, the Rare Bird Club, the establishment of marine protected areas, habitat degradation in West Asia, wildlife crimes, reviving Anfeh’s fishing legacy, Shimlan: The Hima Village, the UN-HABITAT project restoring Beirut River, Mediterranean sea turtle conservation, the return of the monk seal, Saudi reserves combating climate change, Hima vs. Nature Reserves, conquering Europe’s highest peak, and Souk Al Hima.
For archived issues of Al-Hima magazine, visit:
www.spnl.org/category/al-hima-magazine/
