The IUCN Members Network in Lebanon convened an online meeting on Friday, 13 March 2026, bringing together representatives from environmental organizations and academic institutions to strengthen coordination and explore opportunities for joint environmental initiatives in the country.
The meeting, held virtually via Zoom, was opened by the Network Coordinator Fadi Ghanem, President of GHADI – Lebanese Environmental Organization, who welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of sustaining collective environmental action despite the difficult circumstances facing Lebanon and the region. He stressed that collaboration among environmental actors remains essential to safeguarding Lebanon’s natural heritage and advancing sustainable development.
During the meeting, participants were introduced to several new environmental media initiatives, including the launch of HimaEcoMedia, a specialized platform dedicated to environmental journalism and awareness, as well as the podcast “The Earthbound 30×30.” These initiatives aim to strengthen public engagement on environmental issues, promote biodiversity protection, and support policies that advance sustainability.
Ghanem also shared insights from a recent online meeting with the Francophone Network of IUCN, which gathered more than 170 participants from around the world and provided a platform to exchange experiences on strengthening national networks and international environmental cooperation.
In addition, participants discussed the outcomes of a recent visit by network representatives to Lebanon’s Minister of Information, Dr. Paul Morcos, during which discussions focused on strengthening environmental media in Lebanon and expanding partnerships with national and international institutions to promote environmental communication.
SPNL Highlights the Importance of Collective Environmental Action
During the meeting, Assaad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), presented an overview of ongoing environmental initiatives and international partnerships led by the organization. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among network members and encouraged participating institutions to identify their strategic priorities for the coming period.
Serhal highlighted that aligning these priorities within a unified strategic framework could help mobilize international support and funding for environmental protection efforts in Lebanon. Such coordination, he noted, would strengthen the impact of national initiatives and reinforce Lebanon’s role within the global conservation movement.
Academic and Civil Society Engagement
Participants also shared updates on their ongoing environmental work.
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Friends of the Cedar Forest Committee (Bsharri) presented initiatives aimed at protecting Lebanon’s iconic cedar forests and advancing sustainable reforestation methods.
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Association for Community and Environment (ACE) highlighted a regional online seminar organized in partnership with ALECSO, focusing on environmental dialogue across the Arab region.
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The Faculty of Agriculture at the Lebanese University reaffirmed its commitment to supporting environmental initiatives by contributing scientific research and student engagement to collaborative projects.
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The Higher Metn Association introduced the innovative “Hima for Bees” initiative, which promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable mountain ecosystems through the protection of pollinators.
Key Outcomes and Future Directions
Participants agreed on several priorities aimed at strengthening cooperation within the network, including:
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Maintaining regular open meetings to facilitate the exchange of ideas and collaboration.
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Encouraging member organizations to submit project priorities for the coming period.
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Developing a unified strategic initiative that integrates environmental projects and strengthens international cooperation opportunities.
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Expanding collaboration between academic institutions and environmental organizations to enhance scientific and applied environmental work.
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Supporting environmental communication initiatives such as HimaEcoMedia and the Earthbound 30×30 podcast, which aim to amplify awareness of sustainability and biodiversity issues.
Participants also agreed to contribute ideas for future podcast episodes and thematic discussions that can further highlight environmental challenges and solutions relevant to Lebanon and the wider region.
Strengthening a National Platform for Nature Protection
The meeting concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening coordination among environmental organizations and institutions across Lebanon. Through collective action, the IUCN Members Network aims to build a dynamic national platform capable of advancing environmental protection, promoting community-based conservation, and supporting sustainable development initiatives.
For SPNL, this collaboration reflects the organization’s long-standing commitment to the Hima approach, which places local communities at the center of nature conservation and sustainable resource management.
