The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in partnership with Mirage and with generous support from the European Union, is proud to announce the successful completion of five milestone events under the BioConnect project. These events, which have brought together municipalities, ministries, NGOs, and citizens, are shaping a new chapter for environmental conservation and community engagement in Lebanon.
A Transformative Series of Events
1. Kayfoun Plant Nursery Opening – March 18, 2025
Held in the village of Kayfoun, the inauguration of the new native plant nursery brought together over 100 attendees, including Minister Nizar El Hani, EU delegates, and 11 mayors. With greenhouses, a butterfly garden, and symbolic planting activities, the event served as a launchpad for biodiversity restoration and public involvement under the Hima model.
2. MoU Between SPNL and the Ministry of Agriculture – April 3, 2025
In a landmark effort to combat environmental crime, SPNL signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture to tackle illegal hunting and wildlife trafficking. Backed by the EU and partner NGOs like CABS, this agreement marked a major step forward in wildlife law enforcement, quickly followed by a successful joint field mission.
3. Marine Conservation MoU with Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF)
SPNL and LEF, supported by the Governor of Beirut, formalized a strategic collaboration to promote marine biodiversity, expand marine protected areas, and push for legal reforms grounded in the Hima approach. This alliance highlights the importance of ecosystem protection from the mountains to the sea.
4. Stitching Together Lebanon’s First Natural Park – April 11–12, 2025
A celebratory event in Abadiyeh brought together community leaders, the Ministry of Environment, EU representatives, and local artists to highlight the Hima network’s role in establishing Lebanon’s first Natural Park. More than 275 volunteers took part in a cleanup campaign the following day, underscoring the deep local commitment to ecological restoration and civic pride.
5. Nature in Focus at MUBS – May 15, 2025
Partnering with the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS), SPNL and Mirage helped launch an innovative mobile application aimed at empowering youth to engage in citizen science. This tech-driven initiative bridges environmental knowledge, youth activism, and community outreach through art, digital tools, and ecological awareness.
A Shared Vision for a Greener Lebanon
These five events are more than just milestones—they are a testament to the strength of partnerships rooted in shared values: biodiversity conservation, cultural revival, and community empowerment. Each initiative highlights the vital role of the Hima approach in uniting people around environmental stewardship.
“This journey with Mirage has shown that meaningful change happens when people come together to protect nature,” said SPNL Director General Assad Serhal. “Together, we are not just preserving landscapes—we are cultivating resilience, pride, and hope for future generations.”
Looking Ahead
With five more events planned under the BioConnect project, SPNL and Mirage reaffirm their commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive environmental movement in Lebanon. These efforts continue to inspire a national dialogue on nature, heritage, and responsibility—one Hima at a time.
