Protecting nature and strengthening community-led conservation are at the core of the vision of Hardine Municipality, according to Mayor Joseph Assaf, who highlighted Hima Hardine as a cornerstone of the municipality’s strategy to safeguard biodiversity while promoting sustainable local development.
In an interview with Kawalees Magazine, Assaf outlined his priorities following his election as Mayor, emphasizing that Hardine’s rich forests, cultural heritage, and spiritual landmarks represent a unique natural and historical legacy that deserves long-term protection through community stewardship.
“Our priority from day one has been to protect the environment,” Assaf said. “Hardine possesses one of Lebanon’s most valuable natural landscapes, and this treasure is a responsibility entrusted to all of us.”
A central element of this vision is the continued development of Hima Hardine in partnership with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Rooted in the centuries-old Hima approach, the initiative empowers local communities to lead the sustainable management of natural resources while conserving biodiversity and enhancing livelihoods.
Assaf stressed that the Hima model extends beyond protecting forests. It integrates environmental conservation with eco-tourism, cultural preservation, environmental education, and community participation, creating opportunities for sustainable economic growth while safeguarding Lebanon’s natural heritage.
The municipality is also working to strengthen forest protection, reduce wildfire risks, expand green public spaces, improve rural infrastructure, and support environmental, cultural, and tourism initiatives that reinforce Hardine’s identity as one of Lebanon’s leading eco-tourism destinations.
Recognizing the essential role of the Lebanese diaspora, Assaf expressed deep appreciation for Hardine’s expatriate community, particularly those living in Australia, North America, and other countries, whose longstanding support has contributed significantly to local development projects and community resilience.
The vision presented by Hardine Municipality closely aligns with SPNL’s Hima philosophy, which revives one of the region’s oldest indigenous conservation systems by placing local communities at the center of natural resource governance. Through this approach, biodiversity conservation becomes inseparable from sustainable development, cultural heritage preservation, climate resilience, and local economic prosperity.
As Lebanon continues to face mounting environmental challenges, Hima Hardine stands as a compelling example of how municipalities, civil society organizations, and local communities can work together to protect nature while creating a more resilient and sustainable future.
“The Hima is not simply a protected area,” Assaf noted. “It is a living model where people become the guardians of nature and active partners in shaping the future of their community.”
