In the heart of the Bekaa, where the memory of the recent forest fire in Hima Anjar remains vivid, teachers and students came together for a transformative learning experience under the PROZHUM project funded by AFD. This SNOW session—designed to immerse learners in nature through sensory and hands-on activities—became more than an educational program: it evolved into a moment of reflection on responsibility, awareness, and the collective role communities play in protecting Lebanon’s vulnerable ecosystems.
Learning After Loss
Only weeks earlier, a forest fire swept through parts of Hima Anjar, leaving behind both physical damage and a renewed sense of urgency. The SNOW session arrived at a critical moment, offering teachers and students the chance to reconnect with nature, understand the consequences of harmful behaviors, and explore ways to preserve the environment.
Participants engaged in practical, interactive exercises that focused on behavior, nature protection, and environmental awareness. These activities helped students grasp how everyday decisions—whether positive or careless—affect biodiversity, forest resilience, and the overall health of local ecosystems.
From Awareness to Action
Throughout the session, students were encouraged to reflect on their personal and collective responsibilities in safeguarding natural spaces. Simple behaviors such as proper waste disposal, responsible use of fire, respect for wildlife, and adherence to safety guidelines were highlighted as essential components of sustainable environmental practices.
Teachers noted the high level of engagement and curiosity among students, many of whom expressed renewed concern and commitment toward protecting Hima Anjar. This emotional connection is at the heart of the SNOW approach, which seeks to build environmental stewardship through experiential and meaningful learning.
The SNOW Approach as a Conservation Tool
The SNOW methodology—rooted in sensory-based learning—has long been recognized as a powerful tool for strengthening the bond between communities and nature. In Anjar, it once again demonstrated its value by:
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Raising awareness among youth
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Reinforcing responsible environmental behaviors
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Supporting local conservation and restoration efforts
The session reaffirmed that protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage requires continuous community participation, particularly from the younger generations who will shape future conservation efforts.
A Step Forward for Anjar and the PROZHUM Project
As the PROZHUM project continues to engage communities across Lebanon, initiatives like this SNOW session highlight the transformative power of education in rebuilding trust, fostering responsibility, and inspiring action. In Anjar, the path toward ecological recovery and resilience begins with informed and empowered citizens—many of whom took their first steps during this session.
The recent fire may have marked the landscape, but it also sparked a deeper commitment: to ensure that Hima Anjar not only heals, but thrives.
