Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and member of the Global Council of BirdLife International, highlighted Lebanon’s pioneering achievements in nature conservation and community-based environmental management during his appearance on the Lebanese Television program Hiwarat Al Saraya, hosted by journalist Nada Sleiba and featuring Lebanon’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara El Zein.
During the program, Serhal reflected on the evolution of environmental conservation efforts in Lebanon since the establishment of SPNL in the early 1980s. He recalled that the organization was founded with two primary objectives: creating a network of protected areas across Lebanon and promoting sustainable hunting regulations.
Serhal noted that SPNL successfully secured Lebanon’s first Global Environment Facility (GEF) conservation project, valued at USD 3.5 million, which supported the establishment and development of the country’s first protected areas, including the Shouf Cedar Reserve, Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, and Palm Islands Nature Reserve.
Addressing the concept of the Hima, Serhal explained that it represents a revival of an ancient Arab tradition of community stewardship over natural resources. Unlike conventional protected areas, the Hima approach integrates local communities into conservation efforts, balancing environmental protection with social and economic development.
He emphasized that Lebanon has become an international reference for this model through partnerships among municipalities, local communities, civil society organizations, and government institutions. According to Serhal, the Hima approach demonstrates how conservation can be achieved while simultaneously supporting local livelihoods and sustainable development.
Serhal also commended Minister of Environment Dr. Tamara El Zein for her support of science-based environmental governance and collaborative conservation approaches, stressing that effective environmental protection depends on strong partnerships between ministries, municipalities, educational institutions, and civil society.
Highlighting Lebanon’s conservation achievements, Serhal stated that approximately 22 percent of the country’s territory is now under various forms of environmental protection, placing Lebanon among leading nations in the region and beyond. He further noted that Hima sites alone now cover nearly 7 percent of Lebanon’s land area through partnerships with more than sixty municipalities.
In a significant international recognition, Serhal announced that the Lebanese Hima model was recently selected as one of four global conservation models recognized during international meetings held in Samarkand. The distinction underscores Lebanon’s growing role in advancing innovative, community-led conservation practices worldwide.
Concluding his remarks, Serhal underscored the critical role of youth in safeguarding Lebanon’s natural heritage. He praised the efforts of “Homat Al Hima” (Guardians of the Hima), describing them as the custodians of Lebanon’s landscapes and biodiversity, and emphasized that the success of the Hima movement reflects a collective effort involving local communities, municipalities, government agencies, and international conservation partners.
“The Lebanese Hima experience has become a source of inspiration beyond our borders,” Serhal said. “It demonstrates that empowering local communities is one of the most effective ways to protect nature while advancing sustainable development.”
