By Yara Alchammas, Former Biodiversity Research and Data Manager
The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.
Advancing data collection and management
In 2023, SPNL compiled all past and present conservation data into a functional and accessible database. Building on this progress, 2024 saw refinements that optimized the database to meet mapping and reporting needs. By implementing scientific and international standards, data extraction, analysis, and visualization have become more efficient and impactful.
The importance of data collection and compilation was evident this year in the successful recognition of Rashaya District as an Important Bird Area (IBA). IBAs are globally significant sites for the conservation of birds and biodiversity, providing ecosystem services such as:
✅ Food, water, and natural resources
✅ Climate regulation and flood protection
✅ Recreational and cultural value
To achieve IBA recognition, SPNL submitted detailed data to BirdLife International, including:
📌 Site location and ecological context
📌 Key biodiversity features
📌 Threats to species and habitats
📌 Land use and conservation efforts
📌 Existing protected areas and regulations
This milestone demonstrates the power of data-driven conservation in securing international recognition and protection for Lebanon’s biodiversity.
Strengthening wildlife protection through data reporting
In 2024, SPNL launched an efficient data reporting system for the Anti-Poaching Unit, working in coordination with:
- Internal Security Forces (ISF)
- Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC)
- Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS)
This system plays a vital role in combatting illegal bird poaching by:
📍 Identifying poaching hotspots
📍 Tracking high-risk species targeted by hunters
📍 Optimizing resource allocation for enforcement teams
Accurate data-driven reporting also strengthens international collaboration by providing evidence-based advocacy for stronger policies and conservation action.
The science behind species conservation
Understanding species morphology, behavior, and ecology allows conservationists to:
🔹 Identify key threats such as habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change
🔹 Develop targeted conservation strategies to protect vulnerable species
🔹 Implement holistic approaches that preserve entire ecosystems
Key species research projects in 2024
SPNL’s species research played a crucial role in advancing two major conservation initiatives:
1️⃣ The “Endangered Voices” campaign (Leo Burnett):
- Scientific research guided the selection of species to highlight.
- The campaign aimed to engage global brands in conservation efforts.
2️⃣ Souk Al Hima program:
- Research informed the selection of species for artisanal crafts.
- Stories based on species conservation were developed to raise public awareness.
Showcasing scientific research on global platforms
SPNL’s commitment to scientific research and conservation was recognized in multiple events and workshops in 2024, including:
📅 February 2, 2024 – World Wetlands Day (West Bekaa)
- Organized in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Arab Network for Environment and Development, and Lebanese Green Party.
- Educated Antonine University students on the ecological importance of wetlands and the species of Ammiq Wetlands.
📅 February 7, 2024 – Illegal killing of birds (Lunch Time Talk)
- SPNL presented its long-standing efforts to combat the poaching of migratory soaring birds in Lebanon.
📅 March 14, 2024 – AUB-NCC & World Bank event on climate change activism
- Featured diverse perspectives on the importance of cross-sector collaboration to tackle environmental challenges.
📅 April 17, 2024 – USJ Roundtable on geohazards in Lebanon
- Organized by Association for Community & Environment (ACE) and EU-BioConnect, under the patronage of Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin.
📅 April 24-25, 2024 – Regional workshop on illegal bird trade and hunting (Amman, Jordan)
- Led by BirdLife International and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
📅 April 27, 2024 – “Towards a National Park in the Upper Beirut River Valley”
- Organized by SPNL and Ras El Matn Municipality, in collaboration with Al Matn Organization for Environment & Sustainable Development (MESD).
📅 June 10-12, 2024 – Tour du Valat training workshop (Mediterranean region)
- Focused on the creation and management of Wetlands Observatories to strengthen biodiversity conservation.
Conclusion
By integrating scientific research, data analysis, and conservation strategies, SPNL is shaping Lebanon’s conservation landscape. Through data-driven decision-making, international advocacy, and community engagement, SPNL continues to champion biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability.
