The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) today joined partners, institutions, experts, local authorities, and environmental stakeholders in marking the successful closing of the European Union-funded BioConnect Programme, a flagship initiative that has contributed significantly to biodiversity conservation, community engagement, and the sustainable management of natural resources across Lebanon.
Over the course of its implementation, BioConnect strengthened collaboration among environmental organizations, municipalities, academic institutions, government agencies, and local communities to safeguard Lebanon’s unique ecosystems and natural heritage. Despite the numerous environmental, economic, and social challenges faced throughout the programme period, BioConnect succeeded in advancing conservation efforts, promoting community-based approaches, and supporting local initiatives that continue to generate positive impacts on biodiversity and livelihoods.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Serhal emphasized that while the programme has formally concluded, its achievements will continue through the partnerships it helped build, the knowledge it generated, and the local actors it empowered to protect nature for future generations.
“BioConnect has demonstrated that effective conservation depends on cooperation, community ownership, and long-term commitment. The programme may be ending, but its legacy lives on through the people, institutions, and local initiatives that will continue working for a greener and more sustainable Lebanon,” Serhal stated.
The closing event brought together representatives from environmental organizations, government institutions, municipalities, universities, donor agencies, and civil society organizations who reflected on the programme’s achievements and explored opportunities for future collaboration.
SPNL extends its appreciation to the European Union, project partners, participating institutions, local communities, and all stakeholders whose dedication and cooperation contributed to the success of BioConnect and to strengthening Lebanon’s biodiversity conservation movement.
About BioConnect:
Launched in February 2022 and funded by the European Union, BioConnect was a 45-month conservation programme implemented by a consortium of four Lebanese organizations: the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), the Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR), and the Association for Community and Environment (ACE). The programme aimed to strengthen the management and governance of ecologically important sites, establish new Protected Areas and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and enhance landscape connectivity across key biodiversity corridors in Lebanon.
Through BioConnect, partners worked to improve ecosystem health, support sustainable livelihoods, empower local communities, and reduce pressures on biodiversity. The programme combined scientific biodiversity monitoring, sustainable agriculture, environmental education, ecotourism development, climate change adaptation, and policy advocacy to ensure long-term conservation outcomes.
SPNL’s contribution focused on advancing the Hima approach to community-based conservation across several sites, including Hammana, Ras El Matn, Kherbet Qanafar, Ain Zebdeh, Qoleileh, Mansouri, and Ebel El Saqi. Through the programme, SPNL developed biodiversity monitoring protocols for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and plants; supported sustainable farming practices through the Hima Farm initiative; engaged youth through the School with No Walls (SNOW) and Homat Al Hima programmes; promoted citizen science; and worked with municipalities to strengthen local environmental governance and biodiversity protection measures.
Among its notable achievements, BioConnect strengthened biodiversity monitoring across multiple regions of Lebanon, documented endemic and threatened species, supported farmers in adopting nature-friendly agricultural practices, engaged hundreds of students and young conservation leaders, promoted ecological connectivity between protected areas, and fostered stronger cooperation between public institutions, municipalities, academia, environmental organizations, and local communities.
While the programme has officially concluded, its legacy continues through the partnerships it created, the scientific knowledge it generated, the local capacities it strengthened, and the community-led conservation initiatives that will continue to protect Lebanon’s natural heritage for generations to come.
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