As part of its ongoing commitment to community-based conservation and resilience-building in the northern Bekaa, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held two key coordination meetings with local authorities this week. The SPNL team met with Mr. Salim Nasrallah, Mayor of Ras Baalbek, and Mr. Bachir Matar, Mayor of Qaa, to review project progress and discuss the next phase of activities.
Reaffirming Partnership and Progress
During both meetings, SPNL presented updates on the implementation of ongoing project components, highlighting advancements achieved in recent months. The discussions also covered the roadmap for upcoming activities aimed at strengthening environmental governance, improving community preparedness, and enhancing sustainable local development.
Municipal leaders provided valuable insights on local needs, priorities, and challenges, ensuring that the project remains aligned with the realities of the region.
Strong Municipal Support for Next Steps
Both mayors expressed unwavering support for the planned interventions, recognizing the urgency of building community resilience amid increasing climatic and environmental pressures in the northern Bekaa. They emphasized the critical role of collaboration between municipalities and SPNL in achieving long-term, sustainable results.
Mayor Nasrallah and Mayor Matar also reaffirmed their readiness to:
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Facilitate field coordination
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Mobilize community members
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Support awareness activities
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Ensure smooth implementation on the ground
Their commitment reflects a shared vision: empowering local communities to protect their natural resources while strengthening their capacity to face environmental challenges.
A Foundation for Stronger Impact
These coordination meetings mark an important step in reinforcing partnerships with Ras Baalbek and Qaa—two communities central to SPNL’s programming in the region. By maintaining open communication and collaborative planning with municipal authorities, SPNL continues to ensure that project activities are community-driven, impactful, and sustainable.
As the project moves into its next phase, the strong support expressed by both municipalities provides a solid foundation for advancing environmental stewardship and resilience across the northern Bekaa.
