Nestled in the heart of Lebanon’s mountains, Btekhnay is a model town renowned for its Italian-style architecture, breathtaking landscapes, and deep-rooted connection to nature. It is famously known as the “Land of Black Gold”, referring to its pine forests, which serve as a vital source of livelihood for the local community.
This initiative is part of the Bioconnect project, funded by the EU, aimed at fostering sustainable environmental practices and enhancing the region’s ecological and economic resilience.
With 60% of its land covered in lush greenery, Btekhnay is home to vast pine woodlands, thriving in the unique sandy soil that characterizes the region. These forests not only support local livelihoods but also play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance and biodiversity.
Now, this historically and ecologically rich town has taken a pioneering step in conservation by declaring Lebanon’s first Endowment Hima—a traditional community-managed nature reserve and the 34th Hima in Lebanon.
A Landmark Decision for Conservation
On March 13, 2025, the Btekhnay Endowment Council made history by officially designating several properties—numbered 987, 989, 990, 991, 1002, 759, 766, and 761—as a Hima. This bold initiative aims to protect local biodiversity, revive traditional land stewardship practices, and promote sustainable rural development.
By joining 33 other Hima sites across Lebanon, Btekhnay strengthens the country’s growing network of community-led conservation areas. The other Hima sites include:
✅ North Lebanon: Andket, Mengez, Rouaime-Al-Maabour Al-Abyad, Anfeh
✅ Bekaa: Kherbet Anafar, Qaroun, Ain Zebdeh, Aitanit, Kfar Zabad, Anjar, Fakiha, Charbine, West Baalbek
✅ South Lebanon: Qaytouli, Roum, Ebel es-Saqi, Qoleileh, Mansouri, Arnoun
✅ Mount Lebanon: Tarchish, Akoura, Kayfoun, Hammana, Ras Al Maten, Kfar Matta, Mansoura, Baakleen, Jdeidet Chouf, Rashaya, Baysour, Souk Charb, Aabadieh, Ain Horshe
With Btekhnay becoming the 34th Hima, Lebanon reaffirms its commitment to sustainable conservation, eco-tourism, and rural development.
A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Tomorrow
The newly established Btekhnay Endowment Hima is not just a local endeavor; it is the result of a strategic partnership with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)—the national partner of BirdLife International—and the Municipality of Btekhnay.
SPNL will play a crucial role in providing technical expertise, advisory support, and training programs to ensure the successful implementation of sustainable land management practices. This partnership highlights the power of collective action in preserving Lebanon’s natural treasures.
On this occasion, a delegation from SPNL, consisting of André Beshara and Hamada Molaeb, visited Btekhnay, where they met with Mayor Hamad Abou El Hassan, in the presence of Marwan Abou El Hassan, Rapporteur of the Btekhnay Endowments Committee, Majida Shaya Abou El Hassan, a member of the municipal council, and the renowned musician Jamal Abou El Hassan. During the visit, a copy of the decision to declare the Hima was officially handed over, with further meetings planned to prepare for the commencement of fieldwork.
Bridging Nature, Culture, and Community
The Btekhnay Endowment Hima is more than a conservation project—it is a living bridge between nature, culture, and people. Located within the Beirut River Valley, the Hima will be linked to other protected sites through the Hima Trails Program, creating a network of eco-tourism and conservation areas.
The initiative is also deeply rooted in community empowerment:
- Supporting local farmers through the Hima Farm Program, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices and economic benefits.
- Engaging environmentally conscious youth via the Hima Guardians Program, fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.
- Empowering women and creating job opportunities through the Hima Market, where local products and crafts can be showcased.
Education: The Key to Lasting Impact
Education is at the core of this initiative. The SNOW (School with No Walls) Program will be introduced within the Btekhnay Endowment Hima, offering children and youth a unique outdoor learning experience. By replacing traditional classroom settings with nature-based curricula, this program will instill environmental responsibility and a deep appreciation for Lebanon’s rich ecological landscape.
A Model for the Future
With this holistic approach, Btekhnay is setting an unprecedented example in Lebanon for sustainable conservation, rural revitalization, and cultural heritage preservation. The Endowment Hima is not just a protected land—it is a promise to future generations. A promise to preserve biodiversity, uphold local traditions, and create a sustainable future where nature and communities thrive together.
Btekhnay, the Land of Black Gold, with its stunning Italian-style houses and vast pine forests, has now become a beacon of green conservation. And with this first Endowment Hima, a new era of community-led environmental stewardship has begun in Lebanon.
Overview of the BioConnect Project
The BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance the management and governance of environmentally significant sites in southern Lebanon and establish new protected areas to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity on a broader scale in the region.
#EUBioConnect4Lebanon
The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development.
Find out more about the EU’s work in Lebanon or follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon
