Hima Ebel El Saqi, a picturesque sanctuary in South Lebanon, stands as a testament to the harmony between nature and community stewardship. Through the lens of local photographer Khaled Nahra, the region comes alive—its landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage captured in stunning imagery that tells the story of conservation, resilience, and sustainability.
A Vision for Conservation
Ebel El Saqi, a village with a population of 3,448, lies 70 km from the coastal city of Sidon. The village’s history of woodland destruction dates back to the last decades of Ottoman rule (circa 1900). In the 1960s and 1970s, Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture launched a reforestation campaign, replanting parts of the village’s common lands with fast-growing pine, cypress, and eucalyptus trees. However, this intervention overlooked native species like oak and hawthorn, which once defined the area’s natural beauty.
The reforested woodland remained under government control, leaving local villagers disconnected from its management and use. However, following the Israeli withdrawal in 2000, international organizations, including the United Nations Economic and Social Commission in West Asia (UN-ESCWA), recognized the importance of preserving this woodland. This led to the development of a landscape master plan aimed at integrating conservation with socio-economic benefits for the village.
Exploring the Hima: Six Unique Ecological Zones
Hima Ebel El Saqi is composed of six ecological zones, each with unique biodiversity and landscapes, making it an ideal location for eco-tourism and birdwatching:
- Pine Forest – The dominant landscape feature, although it lacks native tree diversity, provides shelter for species such as the Levant Sparrowhawk and Short-toed Eagle.
- Scrubland and Rocky Outcrop – This rugged terrain is rich in floral biodiversity and serves as a habitat for species like the Tawny Owl and Black Kite.
- Hasbani River Ecotone – A crucial ecological corridor linking open scrubland with the river, hosting birds such as the Night Heron, Water Rail, and Crane.
- Hasbani River Crop Fields – A dynamic environment where migratory birds like the White Stork and Song Thrush find refuge.
- Olive Grove – A cultural and ecological hotspot, home to traditional olive farming and bird species such as the Sardinian Warbler and Syrian Serin.
- Buffer Zone – A transition area that supports biodiversity and shields the core conservation zones from external pressures.
The Role of Birdlife in Conservation
Ebel El Saqi was designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its strategic location along migratory bird routes. Birds such as the Lesser Kestrel, Montagu’s Harrier, and Orphean Warbler use this habitat as a stopover, highlighting the importance of preserving this rich ecosystem. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) partnered with BirdLife International to promote sustainable birdwatching and ecotourism, providing local guides with training to lead visitors on tours of the region.
Revitalizing the Community Through Ecotourism
With growing international attention, efforts were made to integrate conservation with economic benefits for the local community. A key component of this initiative was the development of guided eco-tours, led by 194 trained local guides, designed to increase visitor engagement with the village’s natural and cultural heritage. Tour packages encourage visitors to extend their stay, thereby boosting local businesses and providing alternative income sources for villagers.
In addition to ecotourism, the Bait Al Fallah (House of the Farmer) was reconstructed to serve as a folkloric museum, showcasing the traditional agricultural heritage of Ebel El Saqi. The museum stands as a symbol of the village’s resilience and commitment to preserving its past while embracing a sustainable future.
Addressing Environmental Challenges
One of the most significant environmental challenges in the region is excessive and indiscriminate hunting, a longstanding tradition that threatens bird populations. To combat this, SPNL and conservation partners implemented awareness campaigns to educate the local community on the ecological importance of protecting avian species. These efforts have helped shift perceptions, fostering a culture of conservation over exploitation.
Additionally, ecological restoration efforts have focused on reintroducing native tree species such as oak and hawthorn to replace the non-native pines and cypress trees. This restoration aims to enhance biodiversity and create a more resilient ecosystem capable of supporting local wildlife.
The Future of Hima Ebel El Saqi
The success of the conservation efforts in Hima Ebel El Saqi lies in the balance between environmental protection and socio-economic development. By reconnecting the local community with their natural heritage, the village has transformed into a model for sustainable conservation in Lebanon.
Khaled Nahra’s photography has played a crucial role in documenting this transformation, capturing the beauty of the landscape and the diverse species that call it home. His work serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when nature and community work hand in hand.
With continued support from conservation organizations, government agencies, and local residents, Hima Ebel El Saqi will remain a beacon of hope for biodiversity conservation and sustainable rural development in Lebanon and beyond.
