The Municipality of Aramoun and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) have initiated discussions on establishing Hima Aramoun, a pioneering community-led conservation project aimed at protecting the municipality’s natural heritage while advancing sustainable local development.
The meeting took place at the Municipality of Aramoun and was chaired by Mayor Eng. Hossam Al-Jawhari, who welcomed Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL, accompanied by Mr. Andre Bechara, Director of the Homat Al Hima Programme, and Mr. Hammada Malaeb, Director of Hima Trails. The discussions were also attended by Deputy Mayor Eng. Abdallah Abou Ghanam and Mr. Wassim Al-Halabi, Chair of the Municipal Council’s Environment Committee.
The meeting focused on the feasibility of developing Hima Aramoun as part of the municipality’s vision to conserve natural resources and promote environmentally sustainable development.
During the meeting, Mr. Serhal presented the Hima approach, highlighting it as a pioneering model for the sustainable management of natural resources rooted in local community stewardship. Unlike conventional protected areas, the Hima model empowers local communities to actively participate in managing and safeguarding natural resources while balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods. This participatory approach strengthens local ownership, protects natural and cultural heritage, and promotes responsible use of environmental resources.
Participants also examined the environmental potential of Municipal Common Land Parcel No. 860, exploring its suitability to become a Hima site. The proposed initiative would contribute to biodiversity conservation, support eco-tourism, and create nature trails alongside environmental education and awareness activities, generating positive social, environmental, and economic benefits for the Aramoun community.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties agreed to continue their collaboration through joint field assessments and technical studies as the next step toward developing a comprehensive vision and implementation framework for the project, in line with international best practices in conservation and sustainable development.
The proposed Hima Aramoun reflects the shared commitment of the Municipality of Aramoun and SPNL to advancing nature-based solutions that place local communities at the heart of environmental protection while fostering resilient and sustainable development.
