Bridging Conservation and Development: A Month of Progress in Nature Protection

By Bassima Khatib, Head of Nature Conservation Department

A Vision for Sustainability

Over the past month, the Nature Conservation Department has embarked on a crucial journey of planning, proposal development, and collaboration to enhance biodiversity conservation and climate resilience in the region. From strengthening financial support to advancing technical work, significant strides were made to secure a sustainable future for nature and communities alike.

Key Activities and Accomplishments

January was a month of intense planning, follow-ups, and strategic proposal development. The department successfully submitted multiple funding proposals, including:

• Allianz for Anjar and Mohammad Bin Zayed for Egyptian Vulture to bolster conservation initiatives.
• Three concept notes to the Swiss Embassy covering projects on Litani and Qaroun, the Natural Park, and Mount Lebanon.
• A concept note for the MPTF, in collaboration with UN-Habitat.
• Finalized and submitted the DIMFI proposal amendments.
• Developed budgets for the Land Degradation Proposal (in collaboration with ACSAD & ESCWA).
• Finalized and submitted the Wind Energy on MSBs Proposal with RCREEE & ESCWA.
• Strengthened collaboration with CISP on the Interreg Climate Change Proposal.

The department also played an active role in global conservation efforts by nominating candidates for the IUCN Presidency and sharing an updated Protected Areas (PA) map with the EU delegation.

Technical Work and Achievements

• Finalized and submitted the BioConnect Technical Report (Q12), ensuring transparency and accountability in project outcomes.
• Developed and submitted financial reporting for Q12 (November 2024 – January 2025), along with a financial forecast for the final project year.
• Reviewed and finalized the IKBs Drivers Questionnaire, translated it into Arabic, and prepared it for survey collection.
• Continued development of the Interreg Climate Change Proposal in partnership with CISP.

Workshops and Meetings: Strengthening Partnerships

The team engaged in 12 significant meetings and workshops, discussing vital topics such as Muruna process mapping, funding opportunities, and Hima management planning. Key highlights include:

• Muruna Workplan Development (27 Jan 2025).
• Info session on Allianz funding (28 Jan 2025).
• Zoom meeting on Wind Energy & MSBs Proposal (29 Jan 2025).
• Collaboration planning for Hima Management Plans (30 Jan 2025).
• Virtual three-day regional workshop for the Muruna project (9–11 Feb 2025).
• Organizing an NPAC meeting for Muruna (11 Feb 2025).

Looking Ahead: Plans for the Next Month

As we move forward, the department is gearing up for impactful initiatives, including:

• Finalizing activities for BioConnect’s last year.
• Advancing the Muruna project’s strategic milestones.
• Supporting grant applications for Erasmus and Interreg funding.
• Budgeting for Wind Energy & MSBs with RCREEE & ESCWA.
• Planning training sessions for Hima Mansouri fishermen.
• Resuming the development of Hima Management Plans.
• Organizing a Travelling Exhibition to raise awareness on conservation.
• Negotiating with the EU on BioConnect’s final year activities.
• Initiating the Prozhum project in Anjar.

Commitment to Conservation

Through the dedicated efforts of the Nature Conservation Department, the team continues to drive impactful change in biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and community engagement. The coming months hold great promise for expanding conservation landscapes and fostering meaningful partnerships to secure a greener future for all.