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Charges against songbird trapper in Hammana

By SPNL
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Follow information received in recent week, police have convicted a man for using live traps to illegally trap goldfinches in Hammana and Falougha villages in Mount Lebanon.

Having received a complaint from citizens in the area about certain poachers hunting for wild goldfinch with mist nets and glue, the Anti-poaching unit that works as a Liaison between for Sustainable Hunting program for SPNL ​(Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon), and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC) in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), documented the violation and notified the security forces in cooperation with the municipal police of Hammana. The Internal Security Forces (ISF) came immediately and issued an arrest warrant against the poachers.

Wild-caught goldfinches are popular cage birds and are traded on the black market. SPNL and its partners regularly uncover cases of illegal trapping and trade of goldfinches in Lebanon.

 

According to hunting law (580/2004) violations can be punished with a fine of up to 500,000 Lira or alternatively with up to one-month imprisonment. In addition, the hunting permit can be withdrawn for up to three years in the case of serious offenses. In the case of repeat offenders, the double penalty applies.
The anti-poaching project in Lebanon is based on partnership and cooperation between MESHC and SPNL on the one hand, and between SPNL and the MSB – Migratory Soaring Birds Project funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) and the project to fight illegal hunting funded by MAVA, and the EV New LIFE project, under the EU fund, on the other hand.

Al Hima Magazine 6th Issue

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The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has released the sixth issue of Al Hima magazine, focusing on the upcoming IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi (October 8–15, 2025), where SPNL will join four key sessions. The issue features an exclusive interview with IUCN President Razan Al Mubarak, who emphasizes aligning IUCN’s work with global biodiversity agendas, governance, member responsiveness, multilateral engagement, ethical use of technology, and amplifying diverse voices.

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The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is dedicated to conserving biodiversity, promoting sustainable development, and safeguarding Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage. As the national partner of BirdLife International, SPNL embraces the Hima approach, a community-based conservation model that harmonizes nature, people, and culture. Through education, advocacy, and partnerships, we empower communities to protect vital ecosystems and species while ensuring livelihoods and well-being. Join us in our mission to preserve Lebanon's unique environment for future generations. Visit our website or follow us on social media to learn more and support our initiatives. Together, we can make a difference.

Horsh Kayfoun, Luc Hoffmann Hima Center،, Itani, Kayfoun, Mount Lebanon