HIMAS: A TOOL FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

By Bassima Khatib , Head of Nature Conservation Department

The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), BirdLife International’s partner in Lebanon, has a long-standing commitment to scientific research—primarily on avifauna and biodiversity—alongside education, awareness, advocacy, networking, and community development.

One of BirdLife International’s flagship programs is the Important Bird Areas (IBA) initiative, which SPNL implements through rigorous field research to identify IBAs and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Lebanon, following internationally recognized criteria. In collaboration with A Rocha Lebanon, SPNL has identified 16 IBAs across the country, encompassing diverse habitats, ecosystems, and cultural landscapes. The latest addition to Lebanon’s IBA network is Rachaya, recently designated by BirdLife International.

Reviving the Hima Approach

Since its establishment in 1986, SPNL has actively promoted the establishment of protected areas in Lebanon. In collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, it played a key role in initiating the country’s first nature reserves. However, after two decades of experience working with government-managed reserves, SPNL shifted its focus towards reviving the Hima approach—a community-based conservation model that has existed in the Arab world for over 1,500 years. This approach has proven highly effective in the conservation of key biodiversity areas.

Hima: A Community-Centered Conservation Model

SPNL integrates conservation with rural development by promoting the Hima model, which prioritizes:

• Community participation in decision-making
• Sustainable resource use
• Poverty alleviation through alternative income-generating opportunities

Since 2004, SPNL has officially re-established 32 Himas across Lebanon in partnership with local municipalities. These Himas are distributed across various ecological zones, including:

• Southern Lebanon: Ebel es-Saqi, Arnoun, Qoleileh, Mansouri
• Bekaa Valley: Anjar, Kfar Zabad, West Baalbeck, Ain Zebdeh, Khirbet Anafar, Qaroun, Aitanit, Rashaya, Ain Horshe
• Akkar and Upper Hermel: Maabour Alabiad, Andket, Menjez, Charbein
• Mount Lebanon: Tarshish, Aakoura, Kayfoun, Chemlan, Kfar Matta, Ras El Maten, Hammana, Baysour, Obeidieh, Jdeidet Chouf, Baakleen
• Keserwan: Anfeh
• Jezzine: Roum, Qaytouli

Himas and Global Biodiversity Goals

Himas currently cover approximately 6% of Lebanon, making a significant contribution to the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) 30×30 goal—which aims to protect 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.

SPNL seamlessly blends traditional Hima principles with modern conservation science, utilizing:

• Ecological site identification
• Stakeholder engagement analysis
• Participatory planning with local communities

This holistic approach ensures that Hima projects address both ecological and socio-economic concerns. Activities include:

• Scientific research (social and ecological)
• Situational analysis
• Management planning for Hima sites
• Poverty alleviation initiatives
• Eco-friendly job creation (ecotourism, homestays, local crafts, guiding, and organic farming)

Empowering Communities: Women and Youth in Hima Conservation

SPNL prioritizes the involvement of underprivileged groups, particularly women and youth, through gender-sensitive planning. It has established:

• Women’s committees and cooperatives to support economic empowerment
• The Hima School program, which fosters environmental education among children
• The Homat Hima initiative, a youth-focused capacity-building program

Expanding the Hima Concept: National and International Recognition

SPNL has successfully positioned the Hima approach as a national and international conservation model:

• Nationally, Hima has been integrated into Lebanon’s Protected Areas Law (Law 130/2019).
• Internationally, the approach is recognized by BirdLife International, IUCN, MedWet, WANA Forum, and other global conservation bodies.

SPNL also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the “Hima Fund” in Qatar, dedicated to conserving Himas and protecting globally threatened species.

International Recognition and Awards

SPNL’s advocacy for Hima conservation has earned prestigious global awards, including:

• IUCN Motion 122 (2012): Recognizing community-based resource management and Hima conservation
• BirdLife International Partnership Award (2013): For reviving the Hima model and advancing sustainable hunting practices
• UN-Habitat Best Practices Award: For protecting the Qoleileh Marine Hima
• Midori Prize (2018): Awarded by AEON Foundation and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• BirdLife International Lifetime Achievement Award (2022): Honoring SPNL’s contribution to nature conservation

Conclusion: Himas as a Model for Sustainable Conservation

The Hima system has proven to be an effective, community-driven approach for sustainable resource management, biodiversity conservation, and cultural preservation. By combining traditional knowledge with modern conservation practices, SPNL continues to set a global benchmark for participatory nature conservation and rural development.