The Regional Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) proudly hosted today the inaugural regional workshop for the Biodiversity and Renewable Energy Working Group, as part of the “Multi-Stakeholder Biodiversity Platform.” The event, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UN-ESCWA), brought together key regional actors to present and discuss concept notes for implementing renewable energy and biodiversity conservation initiatives.
Among the esteemed participants was Bassima Khatib, Head of the Nature Conservation Department at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), who actively contributed to the discussions on the integration of biodiversity conservation with sustainable energy solutions.
The workshop addressed crucial themes, including:
- Conserving Migratory Soaring Birds through Sustainable Wind Energy Practices – a concept presented by SPNL, highlighting innovative approaches to mitigating the impact of wind energy projects on migratory bird populations across the region.
- Strengthening the Capacities of Women’s Cooperatives in Biodiversity Conservation, Solar Energy Adoption, and the Valorization of Al-Argan Tree Products – an initiative presented by Tansift Development Centre, focusing on empowering women in the Essaouira region of Morocco through sustainable economic and environmental practices.
Bassima Khatib underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in ensuring that renewable energy development aligns with biodiversity conservation goals. She emphasized that “Integrating conservation measures within renewable energy projects is essential for safeguarding ecosystems and sustaining regional biodiversity. The SPNL remains committed to advancing nature-positive solutions in harmony with sustainable development.”
The workshop served as a critical platform for fostering synergies between conservationists, policymakers, and renewable energy stakeholders. Discussions focused on practical steps to implement nature-friendly energy solutions while addressing socio-economic challenges across the Arab region.
As part of its ongoing efforts, SPNL continues to advocate for the adoption of Hima best practices—an ancient community-based conservation approach—within renewable energy projects to ensure the protection of biodiversity hotspots while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The RCREEE and UN-ESCWA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that integrate biodiversity protection with the region’s clean energy transition. Moving forward, stakeholders will collaborate on refining the presented concept notes into actionable projects that benefit both nature and communities.
