Within the framework of the EU-funded BioConnect project and under the patronage of the Ministry of Environment, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) proudly hosts the Annual Hima Forum and Hima Day on September 21-22, 2024, at Ras El Maten Municipality. This two-day event will highlight the importance of community-driven conservation efforts and the Hima approach to protecting biodiversity.

“Ensuring Effective Management and Governance in Sites of Ecological Importance and expanding Biodiversity Protection in Southern Lebanon” is a project funded by the European Union and communicated under the title “Bioconnect.” This 45-month project (1st February 2022 – 31st October 2025) is a joint effort between 4 Lebanese Partners: Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR), Association for Community and Environment (ACE), and Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), that are working together towards enhancing the management and governance of sites of ecological importance as well as creating new Protected Areas and OECMs for broader landscape conservation. These main objectives will be achieved by increasing ecosystem health and socio-economic benefits and abating the main pressures on key biodiversity while supporting local communities.

The Hima Forum will bring together local leaders, international partners, and conservation advocates to celebrate the region’s natural heritage and foster collaboration for sustainable development. The event promises to be informative and entertaining, with diverse activities that reflect Ras El Maten’s commitment to the environment and its vibrant community spirit.

Event Program

Day 1 – September 21, 2024
4:00 PM – Opening Ceremony

• Welcome Speech by the Mayor of Ras El Maten
• Overview Presentation on the BioConnect Project by Ms. Bassima Khatib, SPNL
• Speech by Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General, SPNL
• Address by a Representative of the European Union
• Speech by Eng. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism
• Speech by Dr. Nasser Yasein, Minister of Environment

5:00 PM

• Bikers Race: Participants will compete through Ras El Maten’s scenic trails, showcasing the region’s beautiful landscapes.

8:00 PM – Dinner and Entertainment

• Hima Party features live music shows, and DJ sets to celebrate the community’s spirit of conservation and culture.

Day 2 – September 22, 2024
5:00 PM

• Hima Sunset Hike: Enjoy the region’s breathtaking views guided by local experts.

5:30 PM – Scouting Games and Outdoor Activities

• Snow Training and Anti-Poaching Workshops to raise awareness about protecting the region’s wildlife.

9:00 PM – Closing Ceremony

• Live Music Performances by an Oud player and singer, accompanied by a DJ set to conclude the event.

This event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to engage with local and international stakeholders in environmental conservation while enjoying a wide range of cultural and outdoor activities.

About the Hima Approach
The Hima approach is a traditional method for conserving natural resources and biodiversity, empowering local communities to sustainably manage and protect their environment. This year’s Hima Forum will focus on expanding community involvement in nature conservation, promoting eco-tourism, and enhancing Lebanon’s natural heritage.

2023 Hima Forum 

In the presence of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassin, and a representative of the EU Delegation to Lebanon, Deputy Head of Cooperation Ms. Alessia Squarcella, SPNL organized the first “Annual Forum for Hima Areas” in 2023 at the Homat al Hima International Center in Khirbet Qanafar in the Bekaa, within the framework of the EU-funded BioConnect project.

For media inquiries, please contact:
[ljurdi@spnl.org]

For more information, please contact:

[wkhatib@spnl.org] +96170935721

About SPNL

Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon – SPNL is one of the oldest environmental NGOs in Lebanon. It was established in 1983 under Lebanese Laws and licensed by the Ministry of Interior by decision no. 6/AD dated 8/1/1986.

SPNL is the national partner for BirdLife International in Lebanon. It considers birds as entry points for the conservation of wider natural resources, as they act as key indicators of the status and health of ecosystems.

Since its establishment in 1986, SPNL has advocated the establishment of protected areas and initiated the protected areas in Lebanon with the Ministry of Environment. After twenty years of experience working with nature reserves through government agencies, SPNL is now reviving and advocating the Hima community-based conservation approach prevalent in the Arabic region for more than 1500 years.

SPNL has a long experience in scientific research (mainly avifauna and biodiversity), education and awareness, advocacy and networking, and community development.

As a national environmental NGO in Lebanon, SPNL has widely contributed to raising awareness of environmental issues and concretely protecting natural areas in Lebanon. As a World Conservation Union (IUCN) member, SPNL has helped develop Lebanon’s first biodiversity project, the Protected Areas Project.

BioConnect is an EU funded project that aims to ensure effective management and governance at sites of ecological importance and expending biodiversity protection in southern Lebanon.

#EUBioConnect4Lebanon

The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development.

Find out more about the EU’s work in Lebanon or follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon

About the project

“Ensuring effective management and governance in Sites of Ecological Importance and expanding biodiversity protection in Southern Lebanon” is a project Funded by the European Union and communicated under the title of “Bioconnect”

This 45-month project (1st February 2022 – 31st October 2025) is a joint effort between 4 Lebanese Partners: Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR), Association for Community and Environment (ACE), and Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), that are working together towards enhancing the management and governance of sites of ecological importance as well as creating new Protected Areas and OECMs for broader landscape conservation. These main objectives will be achieved by increasing ecosystem health and socio-economic benefits and abating the main pressures on key biodiversity while supporting local communities.

SPNL’s part in the project

Geographical scope

Four central regions: Coastal South Lebanon, West Bekaa, Mount Lebanon, and the Mountains of South Lebanon. The project will address the following Himas: Qoleileh and Mansouri, Kherbet Qanafar, Ain Zebdeh, Hammana, Ras Al Matn, and Ebel es-Saqi, respectively.

Strategic aims

Biodiversity conservation – developing and implementing Biodiversity monitoring schemes and protocols for plants, birds, herpetofauna, and mammals to enhance the knowledge of the current biodiversity in the targeted areas. Additionally, a Citizen-sciences protocol will be developed to ensure the sustainability of the research effort. The collected data will be filled in to achieve efficient land-scape connectivity, hence a decreased fragmentation between PAs and better management planning.

Traditional practices empowerment – Under the Hima farm program, this project will ensure technical support for farmers to improve agriculture practices that benefit people and nature.

Education and Capacity Building – through SPNL’s Educational programs, SNOW (School with No Walls) for children and Homat Al Hima for youth, this project will ensure the development and delivery of general and focused education and awareness-raising sessions for local communities. This will help raise locals’ knowledge and capacities towards achieving self-sustained Hima sites. Moreover, ecotourism activities will be developed and implemented to increase the eco-touristic value of the targeted areas. This learning journey during this project will be supported by the annual Hima Forums, where Hima leaders will be invited to share success stories and explore new skills and concepts.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation – Since Climate change is a reality affecting nature and people’s livelihood, a Framework for ecosystem-based climate change mitigation and adaptation for Protected Areas will be developed and communicated with concerned stakeholders. This framework will help increase the resilience of Protected Areas in Lebanon facing the effects of Climate change.

Policy making and advocacy – Based on all the outputs and outcomes of this project, municipal decisions will be drafted in collaboration with the municipalities to protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of resources. These decisions will tackle different sectors, such as Hunting, farming, and fishing.