APU Unit’s Meeting with Some Ras El Metn Hunters on the Sidelines of the Annual Hima Forum

The APU Unit met with a group of hunters from Ras El Metn during the Annual Hima Forum organized by SPNL.

The event honored His Excellency the Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassin, in theĀ  mayors, and community figures. The session was presented by the head of the unit, Shireen Bou Rfoul and Adonis Khatib head of the MESHC and field coordinator for responsible hunting at (SPNL).

The meeting aimed to explain the concept and objectives of the APU Unit, the role of responsible hunters in nature conservation and ethical hunting practices, and to prepare for a larger meeting with hunters from Upper Metn titled “Hunters’ Gathering” organized by the unit. This event aims to exchange experiences and highlight the importance of responsible hunting zones. The discussion was characterized by openness, honesty, and the exchange of ideas.

The APU Unit, affiliated with the “Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC)” and SPNL, is implementing a project to combat illegal hunting with the support of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. The project is carried out in collaboration with BirdLife International, in partnership with CABS, and in coordination with the Internal Security Forces, the Information Branch, and Army Intelligence.

The activities of the APU Unit contribute to the BioConnect project, a 45-month initiative running until October 2025. This project focuses on enhancing the management and governance of ecologically significant sites, establishing new Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and promoting broader landscape conservation in Lebanon. The BioConnect initiative also aims to improve ecosystem health, provide socio-economic benefits, and support local communities by addressing key pressures on biodiversity.

Al Hima Magazine 5th Issue

This edition of Al Hima magazine weaves together inspiring stories of nature conservation and community resilience, highlighting how Lebanon is being stitched back to life—one Hima at a time. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continues its mission to preserve the country’s natural heritage by empowering local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union, which has achieved three national firsts: Lebanon’s first natural park (Upper Matn), first geological park (Shouf-Jezzine), and first endowment Hima (Btekhnay).

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