Ras El Matn Municipality hosted a coordination meeting dedicated to discussing the current status of Hima Ras El Matn and developing an action plan for the coming phase, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the protection of natural resources, conserve biodiversity, and promote community-based sustainable development.
The meeting was attended by Bassam Anwar Makarem, Mayor of Ras El Matn Municipality; Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL); Fatima Hayek, Project Manager of the SDC-funded project “Towards Lebanon’s First Natural Park” and Coordinator of the Biosphere Reserve Initiative with UNESCO, Andree Bechara, Homat Al Hima Project Manager at SPNL; Ghada Ghazal, President of the Higher Metn Association for Environment and Sustainable Development (MESD); Refaat Noueihid, Vice President of Ras El Matn Municipality; Rafic Amin Makarem, Manager of Hima Ras El Matn; Fatima Hayek, Water and Environmental Sustainability Manager at SPNL, and Jawad Noueihid, Coordinator of the Ecotourism Project in Ras El Matn.
The meeting provided an opportunity to review the current status of the Hima and the achievements realized over recent years, while discussing the challenges and opportunities available to further strengthen its role as a leading model for community-based natural resource management and the protection of the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Participants also explored ways to expand environmental, educational, and sustainable tourism activities, while enhancing local community engagement in the stewardship and management of the Hima.
Participants also discussed the Beirut River Valley Biosphere Reserve initiative, which is being implemented by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon in partnership with UNESCO, following the approach of “Stitching one Hima at a Time”. Discussions highlighted the importance of the initiative in fostering ecological connectivity across the Beirut River watershed and integrating local conservation efforts within a broader sustainable development framework. The meeting underscored the strategic role that Ras El Matn Municipality and Hima Ras El Matn can play in supporting the biosphere reserve process and contributing to a landscape-level approach that balances biodiversity conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable community development in line with UNESCO’s Biosphere Reserve principles.
Participants emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Ras El Matn Municipality, SPNL, the Higher Metn Association for Environment and Sustainable Development (MESD), and other local stakeholders to further institutionalize the Hima approach as a community-driven model rooted in local traditions and capable of linking nature conservation with socio-economic development.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to develop a comprehensive action plan for the next phase, focusing on biodiversity conservation, habitat management, environmental education, ecotourism development, awareness-raising activities, training programs, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability and positive impact of Hima Ras El Matn.
In closing, participants reaffirmed that Hima Ras El Matn represents a successful model of cooperation between local authorities, civil society organizations, and community members. They expressed their commitment to continuing joint efforts to preserve the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage, advance sustainable development objectives, and contribute to the success of the Beirut River Valley Biosphere Reserve initiative at both the national and international levels.
