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Established in 1983, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) — BirdLife International’s partner in Lebanon — is one of the country’s oldest and most respected environmental NGOs, with over four decades of conservation achievements. SPNL uses birds as a natural entry point for conserving broader biodiversity and natural resources, as they serve as key indicators of ecosystem health. Initially founded on one main pillar — the promotion of protected areas — SPNL has continually evolved to integrate scientific research, education, community engagement, advocacy, and networking into its conservation work. Since 2004, SPNL has been reviving and promoting the Hima, a traditional community-based conservation approach that has existed in the Arab region for more than 1,500 years. This model recognizes that overexploiting natural resources not only harms the environment but also undermines livelihoods and cultural identity. In 2024, SPNL transitioned from establishing individual Himas to developing a national network of Himas, forming the foundation of a natural park model that contributes directly to the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework (30x30).

Explore our Himas
What we doHimaBiodiversity Guardianship
  • SPNL’s strategy is decentralized from the government and links people to nature
  • Provides complementary environmental awareness & trainings such as green school education for children, capacity building for the youth, women empowerment & skills’ enhancement, social cohesion, peacebuilding and advocacy & partnerships.
  • Identifying Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs)
  • Protecting Globally Threatened Species (Scientific surveys, action plans, awareness campaigns, conservation initiatives)
  • Empowering marginalized communities and turning fishermen, shepherds, hunters, farmers, women and youth to environmental defenders, declaring their lands as “protected places”.
  • Today SPNL incorporates modern science , art and technology into the traditional approach while preserving its values & culture (Hybrid Hima system).
  • Hima decision only requires municipality consent to assign a land for Hima, unlike other types of protected areas that are government managed.
  • SPNL established 39 Himas so far contributing to Lebanon’s conserved territory along with forests & natural reserves.
Criteria for Selecting Hima
01
Ownership: Publicly owned to serve the good of the community.
Nature & biodiversity values: Possess important natural resource, globally endangered species
Socio-economic & cultural values: Contributes to the livelihoods of the community, empowers minorities, social cohesion and traditional & cultural practices
SPNL promotes conservation of endangered species through
02
Scientific surveys Awareness campaigns Conservation efforts Action plans
Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBBA)
03
For 40 years, SPNL worked to protect nature and wildlife, resulting in the declaration of 15 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) in Lebanon
Variety in habitats, ecosystems, biodiversity & bottlenecks for migration
From the 15 identified IBBA sites only 5 were Nature Reserves
Success Story: Planting 2,500 trees in two Lebanese villages
04
Re-forestation by growing fruit trees such as almond, olive and cherry was an important step to restore damages to green space caused by both the civil war and fires.
The trees planted in Hima Anjar & Hammana will also restore ecosystems, protect animals and migratory birds
Success Story: HIMA Anjar & Kfarzabad
05
The project has successfully engaged local communities in eco-tourism activities: birdwatching, guided nature walks & educational programs all leading to the restoration of wetlands that are essential habitats for endangered bird species like Syrian Serin.
Also, these activities were alternative income-resources for the locals.
SPNL Looking Forward
06
Goals: • Establish the first Natural park in Lebanon • Expand from identification and selection to a network of Himas covering Lebanon, connecting corridors and buffer zones with fragmented habitats and ecosystems. This network aims to link protected areas and communities, with potential replications in the Middle East.
Establish Hima biodiversity hub at Luc Hoffmann Hima Home, transforming it into a green building that serves as an awareness hub and helps SPNL in energy and cost savings, improving environmental footprint.

Does this sound appealing?

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The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage. As the national partner of BirdLife International, SPNL embraces the Hima approach, a community-based conservation model that harmonizes nature, people, and culture. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, we empower communities to protect vital ecosystems and species while ensuring livelihoods and well-being. Join us in our mission to preserve Lebanon's unique environment for future generations. Visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more and support our initiatives. Together, we can make a difference.

Horsh Kayfoun, Luc Hoffmann Hima Center،, Itani, Kayfoun, Mount Lebanon