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SPNL

SPNL is the national partner for BirdLife International in Lebanon. We strive to conserve biodiversity for the provision of a better quality of life through sustaining sites, habitats, species, and people.
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The Ministry’s ambitious plan reflects a renewed sense of environmental responsibility that many hope will mark a lasting shift in Lebanon’s approach to conservation
Environment

Guardians of Lebanon’s Forests and Seas: A New Chapter in Environmental Protection

After years of anticipation, Lebanon has taken a bold and much-needed step toward safeguarding its natural treasures. On June 22, 2025, the Lebanese government...
Hima

A Rare Visitor in the Reeds: Glossy Ibis Spotted Feeding in Lebanon’s Ammiq Wetland

In the early glow of a summer morning, amidst the shimmering wetlands of East Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, a rare and mesmerizing scene unfolded. A...
Hima Sites

Kornayel Declares its Public Forest a Hima: A Landmark Step for Lebanon’s Environmental Heritage

In a groundbreaking move for nature conservation and sustainable development, the Municipality of Kornayel has taken a decisive step to safeguard its most precious...
A tranquil path leads through a vibrant Hima site, where wildflowers bloom and cedar forests thrive under Lebanon’s summer skies. This landscape reflects the harmony between nature and community conservation. Photo Credit: Spyro Klitira
Hima

Lebanon’s Hima Sites Officially Recognized in World Database on Protected Areas

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is proud to announce that 27 Hima sites across Lebanon have been officially approved...
What we do
SPNL
A wide valley (the valley of the River Safa, which becomes the Damour River closer to the coast) containing Pine woodland, terraced orchards, low scrub and some bare rocky cliffs

Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Ramlieh Valley

Location: In the Shouf region of the Mount Lebanon range, south of the towns of Saoufar and Bhamdoun, and about 17km south-east of Beirut....
What we do
SPNL
Observations suggest that over 20,000 raptors, Storks, Pelicans and other soaring birds pass over the lake annually

Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Lake Qaraoun

Location: Lake Qaraoun is the largest freshwater body by far in Lebanon, lying at the Southern end of the Bekaa valley, which is a...
What we do
SPNL
The area inhabits 14 large and medium mammal species such as the Rock Hyrax. 215 plant species among which 20 tree species and 11 endemics

Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Jabal Moussa

Location: The site is a mountain which extends westwards from the main Mount Lebanon chain along the edge of the Nahr Ibrahim, just to...
What we do
SPNL

Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Hima Ebel ElSaqi

  Location: Southern Lebanon between Marjayoun and Hasbaya, west of the Hasbani River. Village lies on the Rift valley flyway, well documented for migratory raptors...
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SPNL
declared by law as nature reserve in 1992. A management plan exists but needs to be updated

Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Ehden Forest Nature Reserve

Location: Situated between 1200-2000 m elevation on the upper northwestern slopes of Mount Lebanon. Total area: 140 ha IBA Criteria met: A1, A2 Explanation: Most balanced...
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SPNL
Northern side of the valley is protected as the "Bentael Nature Reserve" - hunting and garbage dumping banned, foot access in the nature reserve is limited to designated trails

Important Bird Areas-IBAs: Bentael Forest Nature Reserve

  Location: In the hills just east of the town of Jbail, on the coast north of Beirut.   Total area: 150 ha IBA Criteria met: B1iv   Explanation: There...
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The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage. As the national partner of BirdLife International, SPNL embraces the Hima approach, a community-based conservation model that harmonizes nature, people, and culture. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, we empower communities to protect vital ecosystems and species while ensuring livelihoods and well-being. Join us in our mission to preserve Lebanon's unique environment for future generations. Visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more and support our initiatives. Together, we can make a difference.

Horsh Kayfoun, Luc Hoffmann Hima Center،, Itani, Kayfoun, Mount Lebanon