Within a comprehensive national vision aimed at strengthening community-based protection of natural resources, and under the framework of the project “Towards the First Natural Park in Lebanon”, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), a strategic initiative designed to establish a new development model that combines nature conservation with the economic and social empowerment of local communities, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon organized a training workshop for Hima Guardians at its headquarters in Kafoun.
The training aimed to prepare and equip local guides through specialized programs to enhance the quality of eco-tourism guiding and promote responsible environmental interpretation.
The project falls under the umbrella of the Hima Guardians and Hima Trails programs, both of which adopt a participatory approach that revives the traditional concept of “Hima”, a system based on the sustainable local management of land and natural resources. This approach aligns with Lebanon’s environmental heritage while responding to current climate and economic challenges.
Towards a Pioneering Legal and Administrative Framework
The project seeks to establish the legal and administrative foundations for creating the first natural park in Lebanon to be managed in partnership with municipalities and local communities. The park will serve as a protected area that conserves biodiversity, safeguards forests, springs, and heritage sites, while simultaneously creating sustainable economic opportunities that directly benefit local residents.
This direction represents a qualitative step toward adopting a participatory governance model that ensures community involvement in decision-making, follow-up, and management, thereby enhancing transparency and collective responsibility in protecting shared resources.
Integrated Strategic Objectives
The project is built around several practical objectives, including:
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Developing a comprehensive environmental management plan for the targeted area, based on modern scientific standards.
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Establishing eco-friendly hiking trails equipped with interpretive and directional signage to enhance visitor experience and protect natural pathways.
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Training local guides through specialized programs to raise the standards of eco-tourism guiding.
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Supporting rural initiatives and local products within a green economy framework to strengthen sustainable household incomes.
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Engaging the local community in planning and implementation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Hima as a Pillar of Community Protection
The Hima Guardians program serves as a cornerstone in reinforcing the community’s role as a direct steward of natural resources, through local capacity building and the promotion of environmental responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Hima Trails program connects these areas to sustainable eco-tourism routes that attract visitors and introduce them to the richness of Lebanon’s natural landscapes and cultural diversity, further strengthening Lebanon’s position as a responsible eco-tourism destination.
A Development Model that Restores Balance
The “Towards the First Natural Park in Lebanon” project goes beyond establishing a protected natural area. It seeks to launch an integrated development model that restores balance between people and their land, affirming that nature conservation can serve as a genuine gateway to sustainable rural development.
Amid growing environmental and economic challenges, the project stands as a practical call to rethink how natural resources are managed, based on a genuine partnership between the state and local communities, and positioning the Hima concept as a contemporary framework that unites conservation and development.
