What began as a grassroots passion for hiking among the people of Baysour has evolved into one of Lebanon’s leading examples of community-based conservation, thanks to the partnership between the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Baysour Hiking Group, and the local community. Through the Hima approach, SPNL helped transform local enthusiasm for nature into a long-term environmental initiative that led to the establishment of Hima Baysour and the development of the Talleh Trail, now part of the national Hima Trails network.
The story began with local residents organizing informal hiking activities to explore and showcase Baysour’s exceptional natural landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. Recognizing the area’s ecological significance and the community’s commitment, SPNL worked alongside local stakeholders to transform these volunteer efforts into a structured conservation initiative that combines biodiversity protection, ecotourism, and sustainable local development.
In collaboration with Baysour Hiking Group, the municipality, and community members, SPNL supported the establishment of the Hima Committee and guided the creation of Hima Baysour based on the traditional Hima model of community-led natural resource management. The initiative aims to conserve biodiversity while creating sustainable economic opportunities through responsible tourism and local stewardship.
A major milestone was achieved in 2023 with the official launch of Hima Baysour, attended by Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, Mr. Walid Nassar. During the event, Baysour and the Talleh Trail were officially placed on Lebanon’s ecotourism map, recognizing the village as a destination for hiking, nature-based tourism, and cultural discovery.
Building on this achievement, SPNL supported the rehabilitation and enhancement of the Talleh Trail, preparing it to welcome visitors before integrating it into the national Hima Trails network. Today, the trail forms part of SPNL’s broader vision of connecting protected landscapes and local communities through sustainable hiking routes that promote conservation while generating benefits for rural communities.
More recently, SPNL oversaw the installation of interpretive and directional signage along the trail, enabling visitors to discover the area’s rich biodiversity, including its birds, wildlife, and native plant species. The signage also explains the ecological and cultural importance of Hima Baysour, transforming every hike into an educational experience that fosters environmental awareness and appreciation of Lebanon’s natural heritage.
The success of Hima Baysour demonstrates how SPNL’s Hima approach can empower local communities to become leaders in conservation. By combining community participation, biodiversity protection, cultural heritage preservation, and sustainable tourism, SPNL continues to expand the Hima Trails network across Lebanon, proving that protecting nature and supporting local livelihoods are mutually reinforcing goals.
