The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) successfully conducted a Citizen Science for Biodiversity training at Ras El Matn Municipality. The initiative, held under the EU BioConnect project, aims to equip local communities with the knowledge and skills to monitor environmental indicators and contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts.
Participants included local residents from Ras El Matn—Nabil Makarem, Sahar Awar, Maya Hani, and Hanin Makarem—as well as Reymond Abou Jaoude from Deir El Harf. The training was led by SPNL biodiversity researcher Miryam Salloum, who provided hands-on guidance on identifying key environmental indicators such as plant and animal biodiversity, canopy characteristics, water quality, fire risk factors, and both natural and human impacts on ecosystems.
Additionally, Chadi Saad manager of Hima Hammana Raptor Observatory conducted a live demonstration on bird monitoring techniques, highlighting the importance of avian biodiversity tracking in conservation efforts. Participants were also introduced to SPNL’s Quick Track App, an innovative tool designed to facilitate biodiversity monitoring and report illegal bird killings in real time.
Through such initiatives, SPNL continues to foster community engagement in conservation by integrating scientific knowledge with local expertise. The organization remains committed to strengthening environmental stewardship and ensuring the sustainable protection of Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
Essential Resources for Citizen Scientists
To further support community members and environmental enthusiasts in their efforts, SPNL has launched three key resources:
📘 Citizen Science Biodiversity Monitoring Manual – A comprehensive guide providing methodologies and tools for effective biodiversity monitoring.
🔗 Read and Download Here: SPNL Citizen Science Biodiversity Monitoring Manual
📗 Technical Guide to Citizen Science Biodiversity Monitoring – A specialized resource designed for practitioners and researchers to enhance their data collection and monitoring techniques.
🔗 Access the Technical Guide Here: SPNL Technical Guide to Citizen Science Biodiversity Monitoring
📖 Pictorial Guide for Filling Out Field Templates – A visual step-by-step reference to help citizen scientists accurately document ecosystem data.
🔗 Explore the Pictorial Guide Here: SPNL Pictorial Guide to Field Templates
Through such initiatives, SPNL continues to foster community engagement in conservation by integrating scientific knowledge with local expertise. The organization remains committed to strengthening environmental stewardship and ensuring the sustainable protection of Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
#EUBioConnect4Lebanon
The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development.
Find out more about the EU’s work in Lebanon or follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon
Overview of the BioConnect Project
The BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance the management and governance of environmentally significant sites in southern Lebanon and establish new protected areas to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity on a broader scale in the region.
