The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has congratulated the partners of the project “Urgent Action to Strengthen the Balkan Population of the Egyptian Vulture and Secure Its Flyway” following its selection as the winner of the LIFE Awards 2026 Citizens’ Prize, presented during the European Union Green Week in Brussels.
The award recognizes one of Europe’s most ambitious international conservation initiatives, bringing together 22 partners from 14 countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa to protect the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), one of the world’s most endangered migratory raptors.
SPNL welcomed the recognition as a testament to the power of international cooperation in safeguarding migratory species whose survival depends on coordinated action across continents and along entire migration routes.
The Egyptian Vulture regularly passes through Lebanon as part of its migration between Europe and Africa, making the country an important link in the species’ flyway. Over the years, SPNL has actively contributed to regional conservation efforts aimed at reducing threats facing the species, including illegal killing, poisoning, habitat degradation, and unsafe infrastructure.
Commenting on the award, Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL, said:
“This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when conservation organizations, governments, scientists, and local communities work together across borders. The Egyptian Vulture knows no political boundaries, and its conservation requires a shared commitment throughout its migratory journey. We are proud that Lebanon and SPNL have contributed to these efforts and to the growing international momentum to secure a future for this iconic species.”
SPNL’s involvement in Egyptian Vulture conservation has included the rescue and rehabilitation of injured birds found in Lebanon, collaboration with international experts and conservation centres, support for anti-poaching initiatives, and awareness campaigns aimed at protecting migratory birds along the Eastern Mediterranean Flyway.
The organization also played a role in facilitating the transfer of rescued Egyptian Vultures from Lebanon to specialized breeding and conservation programmes in Europe, contributing to broader efforts to strengthen the species’ population and improve its long-term survival prospects.
Through its nationwide Hima network and partnerships with conservation organizations, SPNL has worked to engage local communities, hunters, municipalities, and schools in protecting migratory birds and promoting responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The award-winning LIFE project has achieved remarkable results. More than 50 Egyptian Vultures were equipped with GPS transmitters to monitor migration routes and identify threats. Specialized anti-poison dog units in Bulgaria and Greece located and removed over 100 poisoned baits. More than 1,500 dangerous electricity poles were made safe across six countries, while 30 young Egyptian Vultures were released into the wild as part of a population reinforcement programme in Bulgaria. To date, six breeding pairs involving released birds have been established in the wild.
Beyond field conservation, the project reached millions of people through education and awareness initiatives. More than 4,300 students from 100 schools participated in conservation programmes designed to foster appreciation and protection of the species.
SPNL noted that the Citizens’ Prize serves as an important reminder that effective conservation requires not only scientific interventions and policy measures, but also public engagement, education, and community participation.
As threats to migratory birds continue to grow across the Mediterranean region, SPNL remains committed to working with BirdLife International partners, governments, local communities, and conservation organizations to protect the Egyptian Vulture and other migratory species that rely on Lebanon as a critical stopover along their journeys between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The organization congratulates all project partners on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to continuing collaborative efforts to ensure that future generations can witness the majestic flight of the Egyptian Vulture across the skies of three continents.
