As part of national efforts to combat illegal hunting and promote the sustainable management of natural resources, the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), upon the invitation of the Hashemite University, organized an awareness session in the Qammouaa area – Fnaydeq, North Lebanon. The session was hosted by Mr. Hassan Zakaria in his guesthouse and attended by a number of local hunters, community representatives, and environmental stakeholders.
Purpose of the Session
The event aimed to strengthen environmental awareness and promote a culture of responsible hunting as a key entry point to protecting nature and ensuring the sustainability of resources. Discussions addressed:
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The environmental risks of illegal hunting and its impact on biodiversity and ecological balance.
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Legal and practical mechanisms to monitor violations and ensure enforcement in coordination with security forces and the environmental public prosecutor.
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The importance of partnership with the local community, especially hunters, in wildlife protection and knowledge transfer to future generations.
Expert Contributions
The session featured contributions from leading experts in sustainable hunting:
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Adonis Al-Khatib, President of the Middle East Center for Sustainable Hunting (MESHC) and Field Coordinator for Responsible Hunting at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL).
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Shireen Bou Rfoul, Head of the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) and Country Director of the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) in Lebanon.
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Maron Bou Rfoul, Field Investigator at the Anti-Poaching Unit.
Speaking at the session, Adonis Al-Khatib stressed:
“Engaging hunters in protection efforts is the cornerstone of ensuring hunting sustainability. Working with committed hunters transforms them into actual guardians of nature rather than part of the challenge.”
For her part, Shireen Bou Rfoul highlighted:
“Tackling the phenomenon of illegal hunting requires collective awareness and ongoing cooperation between authorities, civil society, and local communities. These sessions provide constructive dialogue spaces that build trust and encourage responsible practices.”
Key Outcomes
Participants agreed on the need to expand awareness sessions and strengthen communication with hunters committed to sustainable practices, recognizing them as essential partners in biodiversity conservation. The session also emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation between environmental organizations, state authorities, and local communities to achieve tangible and lasting results.
About APU and Supporting Projects
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) operates under the umbrella of the Middle East Center for Sustainable Hunting (MESHC) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). It implements an anti-illegal hunting project supported by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, in partnership with BirdLife International and CABS, and in close coordination with the Internal Security Forces, Intelligence Branch, and Lebanese Army Intelligence.
These activities are also integrated within the BioConnect Project (2022–2025), a 45-month initiative that seeks to:
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Strengthen governance and management of key biodiversity areas.
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Establish and protect new ecologically significant sites (OECMs).
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Improve ecosystem health while delivering social and economic benefits to local communities.
