Tucked between the Shouf Mountains and the Anti-Lebanon range, West Bekaa and Mount Lebanon boast breathtaking landscapes that have sustained both people and wildlife for centuries. These regions are home to diverse ecosystems, from Mediterranean woodlands to rugged mountainous terrain, providing refuge for countless species. However, rapid environmental changes, urban expansion, and shifts in traditional land use threaten this delicate balance.
In response, a renewed focus on traditional conservation methods, particularly the Hima system, has emerged as a viable solution. The Hima model, deeply rooted in Lebanese heritage, promotes community-led environmental stewardship, ensuring that natural resources are preserved while benefiting local livelihoods. In West Bekaa and Mount Lebanon, the reintroduction of the Hima system is proving to be a powerful tool in safeguarding biodiversity, restoring degraded landscapes, and fostering sustainable development.
The Hima System: A Legacy of Sustainable Land Management
Central to the region’s ecological balance is the Hima system—a traditional communal governance model that has sustainably managed natural resources for over 1,500 years. Originating in the Arabian Peninsula, the term “Hima” translates to “protected place” and embodies a community-based approach to conservation. In the West Bekaa, villages such as Kherbet Kanafar, Ain Zebdeh, and Aitanit have embraced the Hima system, ensuring that land use benefits both people and nature.
Biodiversity Hotspots: The Himas of West Bekaa
The Himas in West Bekaa are strategically located under the main migration flyway for soaring and water birds, serving as a crucial bottleneck area between the Shouf Biosphere Cedar Reserve, Ammiq wetlands, and Qaraoun Lake. This positioning makes them vital conservation sites, providing resting and breeding zones for numerous endangered species, including the Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti), Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina), and Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus). Beyond avian species, these Himas are also habitats for mammals such as wolves, hyenas, porcupines, and lynxes, as well as a variety of reptiles and plants. iucn.org
Expanding Conservation Efforts: New Himas in Mount Lebanon
Building on the success in West Bekaa, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has expanded the Hima approach to four additional sites in Mount Lebanon: Kayfoun, Kfarmatta, Hammana, and Ras El Matn. The latter two are situated in the upper reaches of the Beirut River Valley, an area designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) since 2009. This deep river valley, extending 20 kilometers eastward from Beirut’s outskirts on the western slopes of the Mount Lebanon range, is characterized by valleys, large watersheds with forests of evergreen oak, mixed pine-oak and conifers, seasonal streams, perennial rivers, stony cliffs, and small caves. Notably, this area supports around 550 wild plant species, including nearly 100 endemic to the region, underscoring its botanical significance.
Challenges to Traditional Landscapes
Despite their ecological importance, these landscapes face numerous challenges:
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Forest Loss and Degradation: Intense logging and uncontrolled wood and fodder collection have led to significant forest degradation.
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Overgrazing: Unsustainable grazing practices have resulted in vegetation loss and soil erosion.
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Agricultural Intensification: The shift towards intensive agriculture threatens traditional farming systems and biodiversity.
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Environmental Threats: Climate change exacerbates land degradation, forest fires, and rural abandonment, leading to unemployment, especially among women and youth.
The Role of the Alliance for Mediterranean Nature and Culture (AMNC)
In response to these challenges, the Alliance for Mediterranean Nature and Culture (AMNC) was established in 2021, bringing together 13 organizations dedicated to conserving Mediterranean cultural landscapes. The AMNC aims to strengthen awareness and understanding of cultural landscapes, advocating for their international recognition and promoting sustainable land-use practices.
Impact of AMNC Initiatives
Between 2017 and 2022, AMNC’s initiatives led to significant positive outcomes:
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Biodiversity Conservation: Through activities like seed banking, enrichment planting, and biodiversity monitoring, the AMNC improved habitat conditions and supported wildlife populations.
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Economic Sustainability: By supporting the commercialization of local cultural products, the AMNC enhanced livelihoods, promoted inclusive green growth, and reduced poverty and inequality.
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Knowledge Enhancement: The AMNC deepened understanding of the relationships between cultural practices, biodiversity, and human well-being, disseminating best practices across the Mediterranean.
Revitalizing Agricultural Terraces
A key focus of the AMNC’s efforts in Lebanon has been the restoration and maintenance of traditional agricultural terraces. These terraces, prevalent in hilly and mountainous regions, are vital for sustainable agriculture, preventing soil erosion, and maintaining biodiversity. However, factors like globalization, reduced agricultural income, and rural abandonment have led to their neglect. Recognizing their importance, the AMNC has implemented projects to restore these terraces, thereby preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable land use.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
Central to the AMNC’s approach is community involvement. By engaging local practitioners, community members, and stakeholders, the AMNC ensures that conservation efforts are culturally appropriate and sustainable. Capacity-building initiatives have enhanced the skills of local communities, enabling them to manage their landscapes effectively and sustainably.
The integration of traditional practices like the Hima system with modern conservation efforts offers a promising path for preserving Lebanon’s rich biodiversity. The collaborative work of organizations under the AMNC umbrella demonstrates that sustainable land management, rooted in cultural heritage, can lead to ecological resilience and socio-economic benefits.
