By Elie El-Haddad – Project Manager
In the framework of “Bioconnect”, a project funded by the European Union that aims at ensuring effective management and governance in Sites of Ecological Importance and expanding biodiversity protection in Southern Lebanon,SPNL has been conducting since April 2022 a biodiversity monitoring for Plants, Birds, Mammals and Herpetofauna in different Hima sites in Mount Lebanon, West Bekaa and South Lebanon.
Experts and scientists such as Dr. Mounir Abi Said and Dr. Riyad Sadek for mammals and Herpetofauna, Chadi Saad for Birds and Husein Zorkot for plants are involved. Moreover, SPNL’s nature conservation team is taking this opportunity to be part of monitoring activities and to raise its capacity.
These joined efforts will build a better understanding of the biodiversity of the targeted areas, hence a more efficient decision making for future conservation actions. Additionally, this monitoring will allow SPNL to advocate for enhancing the landscape connectivity between different Himas and other Protected areas.
So far, the output is exciting: Around 400 bird observations have been made, endemic and threatened plant species are being recorded in all the monitored sites in addition to interesting, recorded mammal species such as Rock hyrax, and the Wild Cat. Moreover, a potential new species (or sub-species) of rodents has been recorded in Ebl El Saqi, but further actions are needed for confirmation. the efforts will keep on track until Spring 2023.
There is nothing like being in nature, learning from it, exploring its gems, and witnessing it change over time. That way we can act accordingly and ensure efficient conservation for species and habitats.
