As part of the PROZHUM project (Protection and Restoration of Wetlands in the Mediterranean), funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has initiated the “Restoration and Protection of Anjar Wetland for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience” project.
About PROZHUM
The PROZHUM project is a multi-country initiative aimed at restoring and protecting Mediterranean wetlands—critical ecosystems that provide habitat for biodiversity, support local livelihoods, and play a key role in climate resilience. The project is implemented across several Mediterranean countries, working with local conservation organizations to restore degraded wetlands, enhance water management, and promote sustainable land-use practices.
Funded by AFD, PROZHUM aligns with global and regional conservation priorities, including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Mediterranean Wetlands Initiative (MedWet), and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
In Lebanon, SPNL is leading the Anjar Wetland restoration component as part of its ongoing commitment to Hima conservation—a community-based approach to natural resource management rooted in traditional stewardship practices.
Kickoff in Anjar
To mark the launch of this vital initiative, the SPNL nature conservation team—comprising Bassima Khatib, Fatima Hayek, Stéphanie Ferando, and Adonis Khatib—conducted a field visit to Anjar, where they met with the Mayor Vartkes Khoshian and the member of the Municipal Council, Jano Bambokian.
The meeting served as an opportunity to introduce the project, outline key activities, and discuss collaborative steps forward for the conservation and sustainable management of the Anjar Wetland, a site of high ecological and cultural value.
Project Objectives and Key Activities
The “Restoration and Protection of Anjar Wetland for Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience” project aims to:
- Conduct a baseline assessment to evaluate the ecological status of the wetland and identify priority conservation actions.
- Develop a comprehensive management plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of Anjar’s wetland.
- Enhance community engagement through awareness sessions targeting hunters, farmers, youth, and children, fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.
- Promote ecotourism as a means of supporting conservation and local economic development.
- Strengthen climate resilience by drafting recommendations within the management plan to integrate nature-based solutions that mitigate the impact of climate change on the wetland ecosystem.
Following the meeting, the SPNL team visited Hima Anjar and its wetland, reinforcing their commitment to preserving this ecologically and culturally significant site.
Why Anjar Wetland Matters
Anjar Wetland is a key biodiversity hotspot and an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA), providing critical habitat for migratory and resident bird species. Additionally, it serves as a natural floodplain, helping to regulate water flow and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events linked to climate change.
“The Anjar Wetland is a vital habitat for biodiversity and plays a key role in climate resilience, through this project, we aim to restore its ecological balance while engaging the local community in sustainable conservation efforts.”
Commitment to Conservation
SPNL remains dedicated to preserving Lebanon’s natural heritage and looks forward to working closely with local stakeholders, environmental experts, and the wider community to ensure the success of this initiative.
Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.
With our partners, we are building shared solutions with and for the people of the Global South. Our teams are at work on more than 4,000 projects in the field, in the French Overseas Departments and Territories, in 115 countries and in regions in crisis. We strive to protect global public goods – promoting a stable climate, biodiversity and peace, as well as gender equality, education and healthcare. In this way, we contribute to the commitment of France and the French people to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Towards a world in common.
#MediterraneanWetlands #WetlandConservation #WetlandRestoration #ZonesHumides #CivilSociety #SociétéCivile #PROZHUM #GedizDelta
