Towards Advancing National Charter and Policy on Protected Areas
Beirut, Lebanon — 26 July 2025
Today, a high-level meeting was held between the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and the Ministry of Environment, focusing on the development of Lebanon’s legal and strategic framework for Natural Parks under the Protected Areas Law.
The meeting brought together the Head of the Department of Ecosystems at the Ministry of Environment and a delegation from SPNL comprising:
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Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL and Chairman of BirdLife Middle East
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Ms. Bassima Khatib
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Ms. Fatima Hayek
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Ms. Rania Khalil
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Mr. Mazen Yassin
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Mr. Rami Kadro
Historical Context and Strategic Outlook
The discussion reviewed the history and evolution of the Natural Park category within Lebanon’s protected area system, its significance for community-based conservation, and how it differs from other types of reserves and parks. The exchange reaffirmed the importance of legally recognizing Natural Parks as a flexible and participatory conservation category, aligned with the Hima model and Lebanon’s ecological and socio-cultural landscapes.
Next Steps: Charter & Policy Development
Both parties agreed on the need to develop a national Charter and detailed Policy document that will guide the designation, governance, and sustainable management of Natural Parks. This process will involve broad consultation with stakeholders across ministries, municipalities, and civil society, and will draw on SPNL’s long-standing field experience in managing Hima sites and promoting community-led stewardship.
“This meeting marks a pivotal step toward formalizing a national vision for Natural Parks in Lebanon,” said Assad Serhal. “It’s time we bridge tradition and law to empower people and protect nature in harmony.”
The upcoming Charter and Policy framework will be foundational to the recognition of Natural Parks as legally supported entities that integrate biodiversity protection, eco-tourism, and local development.
