Birds on the Move! SPNL’s ‘School with No Walls’ Inspires Young Minds on Bird Migration

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) successfully hosted another enlightening session of its ‘School with No Walls’ (SNOW) program at the Mount Lebanon Hima Center (MLHC), bringing nature to life through an engaging discussion on the Migration of Birds.

With wings beating across continents, birds embark on one of the most fascinating natural journeys on Earth. The SNOW session at MLHC took participants on an interactive exploration of this incredible phenomenon, shedding light on the challenges, science, and magic behind bird migration.

From the Arctic Tern’s extraordinary pole-to-pole journey to the navigation techniques used by migratory species, attendees learned about the endurance and adaptability of these avian travelers. The session also highlighted the vital role of Lebanon’s diverse ecosystems as critical stopover sites for migrating birds along the African-Eurasian flyway.

“The migration of birds is one of nature’s most astonishing spectacles,” said Andre Bechara SNOW Program Manager. “Through the SNOW program, we aim to instill appreciation and awareness among youth and community members, fostering a deeper connection with the environment and the importance of conservation.”

Participants delved into discussions about the threats birds face during migration, including habitat destruction, climate change, and illegal hunting. The session also introduced innovative conservation efforts, including SPNL’s revival of the traditional Hima approach, which empowers local communities to protect natural habitats for birds and biodiversity.

The SNOW program, an initiative designed to take learning beyond traditional classrooms, continues to inspire children, students, and nature enthusiasts by offering hands-on educational experiences in the heart of Lebanon’s natural landscapes. Through immersive activities like birdwatching, storytelling, and interactive talks, SNOW fosters a culture of environmental stewardship and appreciation.

This initiative is funded by the Bioconnect EU project, reinforcing the importance of international collaboration in environmental conservation and education.

Missed this session? Stay tuned for more SNOW experiences as SPNL continues to bring the wonders of nature closer to communities across Lebanon.

For more information, visit SPNL’s SNOW Platform 

Al Hima Magazine 5th Issue

This edition of Al Hima magazine weaves together inspiring stories of nature conservation and community resilience, highlighting how Lebanon is being stitched back to life—one Hima at a time. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continues its mission to preserve the country’s natural heritage by empowering local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union, which has achieved three national firsts: Lebanon’s first natural park (Upper Matn), first geological park (Shouf-Jezzine), and first endowment Hima (Btekhnay).

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