In light of increasing risks to migratory birds during the autumn migration season of 2024 and amidst the ongoing security and military challenges due to the Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Adonis Al-Khatib, Field Coordinator for Responsible Hunting at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and General Supervisor of the Anti-Poaching Unit at SPNL, along with Sherine Bou Rfoul, Head of the Anti-Poaching Unit and Director of the Lebanon Office of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), held a working meeting with Colonel Joseph Musallem, Head of the Public Relations Division of the Internal Security Forces. The meeting focused on ways to continue the fight against poaching and to protect migratory bird pathways through Lebanon, with an emphasis on documenting violations and enhancing collaboration among various Lebanese security and military agencies.

Commitment to Biodiversity Protection Amid Security Challenges

Al-Khatib expressed continued commitment to protecting Lebanon’s biodiversity by intensifying efforts to combat illegal hunting in threatened areas while considering the current security situation due to Israeli aggression and its effects on the environment and wildlife in Lebanon.

Monitoring Anti-Poaching Initiatives and Documenting Violations

During the meeting, Al-Khatib highlighted SPNL’s efforts to monitor and document violations related to poaching. He explained that the organization collects comprehensive data on areas with high hunting violations to prepare accurate reports that are later submitted to the public prosecutor for legal action. He emphasized the importance of security and military support for these initiatives, noting the commitment of the Internal Security Forces to assist environmental organizations through logistical and security support, especially in regions with intensive poaching activity. The collaboration between the ISF and environmental organizations reflects the significance of nature conservation in maintaining Lebanon’s stability and promoting ecological sustainability.

Impact of Israeli Aggression on Migratory Birds’ Pathways

Al-Khatib pointed out that the security and military situation stemming from the recent Israeli aggression has adversely impacted migratory birds passing through Lebanon. He noted that the noise from shelling and the destruction caused by the conflict have significantly disturbed these birds, creating environmental disruptions that lead to disorientation and changes in their migration paths, exposing them to unforeseen dangers. SPNL is monitoring these emergency conditions to support efforts to safeguard these birds and their natural habitats.

Developing Tools and Technologies for Enhanced Anti-Poaching Measures

Looking ahead, Al-Khatib announced that SPNL is adopting new tools and technologies, such as satellite tracking and advanced data analysis, to monitor hunting activities in Lebanon with greater precision and effectiveness. These technologies, which were not available a few years ago, will enhance SPNL’s ability to track illegal hunters and comprehensively document their activities, marking an important step toward expanding protection and enforcing environmental laws more effectively. “These tools open new horizons for combating illegal hunting, enabling us to close loopholes exploited by violators and providing us with valuable information to strengthen security measures aimed at protecting Lebanon’s wildlife and natural environment,” Al-Khatib said. He added that these digital tools will also facilitate better information-sharing with security agencies, thus enhancing oversight over illegal activities.

Community Awareness and Coordination with Local Authorities

In the meeting, Al-Khatib reviewed SPNL’s awareness programs to raise community understanding of the importance of combating poaching. He mentioned that SPNL aims to reach hunters and local communities by sending messages about conserving migratory birds and abiding by environmental laws prohibiting poaching. Al-Khatib stressed that the ISF prioritizes supporting these awareness efforts through collaboration with local councils, educational institutions, and environmental organizations to ensure positive and sustainable societal change. He added that awareness is a vital tool in facing the challenges of poaching, as it encourages citizens to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Military Cooperation to Strengthen Anti-Poaching Effectiveness

Al-Khatib highlighted the essential role of cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces in ensuring the success of anti-poaching plans, especially given the security challenges associated with the unstable regional situation. He emphasized the need for continuous coordination between the military, security forces, and environmental bodies to combat illegal hunting in sensitive areas and protect wildlife along migratory bird routes in Lebanon. He noted that the Armed Forces provide logistical support in hard-to-reach areas and secure sites where migratory birds pass, ensuring the effective enforcement of environmental protection laws.

Future Directions and Recommendations for Migratory Bird Conservation

After the meeting, the parties agreed to continue enhancing collaboration among all entities involved in combating poaching. Al-Khatib recommended that practical suggestions be presented to the relevant authorities to maintain sustained joint efforts, with plans bolstered by new monitoring technologies and innovative documentation methods, including drones for aerial imagery, providing a comprehensive view of poaching hotspots. He also called for increased international cooperation in migratory bird conservation, urging the global community to provide technical and technological support to Lebanon for environmental protection, emphasizing that poaching is a cross-border issue requiring coordinated international efforts to ensure the safety of migratory species.

About the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon

Founded in 1984, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to biodiversity conservation through community engagement, promoting sustainable hunting practices, and raising awareness of the importance of protecting natural resources. SPNL’s work is based on the “Hima” approach, a traditional method for the sustainable preservation of resources.