The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) conducted a hands-on awareness and training session at Collège Saint Joseph des Sœurs Antonines – Zahle, engaging around 40 high school students in conservation efforts aimed at combating illegal hunting.
The event was held at the invitation of Mother Superior Rola Karam, the school’s director, and in partnership with the Parents’ Committee. It was designed to educate students on sustainable hunting practices, bird conservation, and wildlife protection, providing them with both theoretical knowledge and practical field skills.
Raising Awareness on Wildlife Protection
During the workshop, students participated in interactive sessions covering key conservation topics, including:
- The importance of sustainable hunting and anti-poaching initiatives
- Migratory birds and raptors in Lebanon
- Techniques for wildlife photography and field monitoring
The program also featured practical training, where students had the opportunity to practice archery, use blowguns (“Fukiya”), handle binoculars for birdwatching, and learn survival skills such as knot-tying.
Experts Lead the Training
A team of wildlife conservation specialists led the sessions, including:
🎤 Adonis Khatib, President of the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC) and Field Coordinator for Responsible Hunting at SPNL
🎤 Sherine Bou Raffoul, Head of the APU Unit and Director of the CABS (Committee Against Bird Slaughter) Office in Lebanon
The practical training sessions were coordinated by Wassim Khatib, Head of the International Homat AL Hima Center and Head of the Fish and Wildlife Unit at SPNL, with support from the APU’s field team.
Among the attendees were Mother Superior Rola Karam, Parents’ Committee President Eng. Nadim Al-Reef, and Eco Club CSJ Coordinator Nada Abou Haidar, who observed and participated in the activities.
Students Show Strong Engagement
Despite the intensity of the training, students showed enthusiasm and commitment, actively engaging in discussions and demonstrating strong teamwork and attentiveness. Their participation underscored the growing awareness among Lebanon’s youth regarding the importance of conservation and ethical wildlife practices.
A Broader Effort to Combat Poaching
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) was established to monitor and prevent illegal practices that threaten birds and wildlife in Lebanon. Through its trained field teams, the unit conducts awareness campaigns, monitors hunting areas, and coordinates with relevant authorities to enforce environmental laws, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the sustainability of ecosystems.
With the support of over 40 volunteers and activists, APU is actively implementing initiatives to combat illegal hunting. These efforts are made possible through the generous backing of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation and the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union.
APU’s activities are carried out in close collaboration with BirdLife International, in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC). Together, these organizations work to promote sustainable hunting practices, enforce wildlife protection laws, and safeguard Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
The Anti-Poaching Unit is working closely with the Internal Security Forces of the Ministry of Interior, the Lebanese Army under the Ministry of Defense, as well as forest rangers at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, federations of municipalities, municipal councils, and municipal police.
A Call for Action
As Lebanon remains a crucial corridor for migratory birds, SPNL continues to advocate for responsible hunting and stricter enforcement of anti-poaching regulations. Events like this empower young generations to take an active role in preserving biodiversity and protecting Lebanon’s rich natural heritage.
📢 Learn more about SPNL’s anti-poaching efforts and how you can get involved:
🔗 SPNL Anti-Poaching Unit
🦅 Join the movement to protect Lebanon’s wildlife! 🌿
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