In a remarkable initiative reflecting the growing environmental awareness among the town’s residents, the Baissour Hunters & Friends Group organized a comprehensive cleanup campaign at Baissour Hima – Tallet Trail, driven by a deep love for the land and a commitment to preserving the nature that cradles the town’s rich heritage and biodiversity.
During the campaign, waste and debris left behind by visitors or accumulated through neglect were collected, in a voluntary effort aimed at maintaining the beauty and cleanliness of the natural trails that serve as Baissour’s green lungs and a haven for its people and nature enthusiasts.
The Importance of Tallet Trail under the “Hima Trails” Program
The Tallet Trail stands as a prominent ecological and touristic path established under the “Hima Trails” program led by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Stretching across Radar Hill, overlooking Beirut, the Mount Lebanon range, and the South, this trail offers a unique experience for hiking and nature lovers. It has been included in both local and international tourism maps, boosting its status as a premier eco-tourism destination that contributes to sustainable local development.
The Significance of the Newly Declared Baissour Hima
The recent declaration of Baissour Hima marks a strategic step in strengthening Lebanon’s Hima network. The town has now joined 26 other community-managed Himat (protected areas), aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting responsible hunting practices, supporting eco-agriculture, and enhancing sustainable tourism. This declaration highlights Baissour’s role as a model of community-led environmental stewardship.
SPNL’s Initiative to Clean Forests from Hunting Cartridge Residues
As part of ongoing environmental protection efforts, SPNL launched a new initiative to clean forests of hunting cartridge residues, in collaboration with local hunters and community members. This initiative addresses the serious environmental threat posed by the remains of shotgun shells, which contain hazardous materials such as lead and gunpowder. Such pollutants degrade soil fertility, contaminate water resources, and endanger wildlife and human health. This step reinforces the importance of promoting responsible hunting practices and protecting natural ecosystems.
Environmental Awareness and the Importance of Such Campaigns
These initiatives play a vital role in spreading environmental awareness among residents and visitors alike, highlighting the key role of local communities — particularly hunters — as true partners in biodiversity conservation. They reaffirm the need to respect nature and uphold individual and collective responsibility to protect it.
The Role of Hunters in Environmental Protection
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Promoting a Culture of Responsible Hunting: A conscious hunter understands that protecting natural habitats is fundamental to the sustainability of hunting and ecosystem health.
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Monitoring Environmental Violations: With their frequent presence in nature, hunters can serve as vigilant guardians against activities that threaten the environment.
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Participating in Awareness and Cleanup Campaigns: Their practical involvement strengthens the positive image of hunters as nature lovers rather than merely consumers.
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Passing Knowledge to New Generations: By encouraging young people to respect the environment and adopt sustainable hunting practices.
Towards a Cleaner Environment and a Sustainable Future
This cleanup campaign serves as a model for similar initiatives and opens the door for more efforts that could turn Baissour into a leading example of an eco-friendly town, fostering a balanced and respectful relationship between people and nature.
