Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Lebanon’s Anti-Lebanon Mountains, a groundbreaking conservation initiative has successfully combined traditional land stewardship with modern sustainability practices. Spearheaded by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), this initiative ran from March 2013 to February 2015 and was designed to protect key biodiversity areas (KBAs) while supporting local livelihoods. With a grant of $220,220, the project set out to revive the ancient Hima approach, integrating sustainable grazing practices and community-based conservation to ensure the long-term resilience of this ecologically significant region.
The Anti-Lebanon Mountains: A Biodiversity Hotspot Under Threat
The Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot is one of the most ecologically diverse yet vulnerable regions in the world. The Anti-Lebanon Mountains, located along Lebanon’s eastern border, host an abundance of endemic plant species, migratory bird populations, and critical habitats. However, unsustainable land use, overgrazing, and climate change have posed significant threats to these ecosystems. The need for a structured, community-driven approach to conservation has never been greater.
The Hima Approach: A Heritage-Based Solution
The Hima system is a centuries-old land management practice that emphasizes the sustainable use of natural resources while involving local communities in conservation efforts. By reviving this traditional approach, the project aimed to bridge the gap between ecological preservation and socio-economic development.
Through collaborative efforts with local stakeholders, including the municipality of El-Fekha, the Ministry of Agriculture, and local cooperatives, the project facilitated the designation of 5,913 hectares as a protected Hima zone. This municipal decree was a landmark achievement, laying the groundwork for sustainable land management policies that balance conservation with local economic needs.
Key Achievements and Impacts
1. Scientific Field Assessments
The project conducted comprehensive ecological surveys to better understand the region’s biodiversity. Key assessments included:
- Flora and fauna surveys, leading to the identification of endemic and endangered species.
- Grazing management studies, ensuring sustainable livestock farming practices.
- Bird monitoring programs, identifying the Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea) and the Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) as priority species for conservation.
2. Community-Based Conservation and Economic Development
A major success of the project was the establishment of the Small Ruminants Shepherds Cooperative of El-Fekha, which empowered local shepherds to regulate grazing practices and reduce land degradation. Key accomplishments included:
- Training 30 women in traditional carpet weaving, providing them with equipment and market access.
- Organizing five national and international exhibitions showcasing handmade carpets.
- Developing a marketing strategy for local handicrafts and agricultural products such as fermented milk (Kishk), apricots, and anise.
3. Ecotourism as a Sustainable Revenue Stream
An ecotourism strategy was developed to promote nature-based tourism while fostering economic opportunities for local residents. Highlights include:
- Creation of hiking trails and signage, linking cultural and natural sites.
- Hosting two major open community events to showcase El-Fekha’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Establishment of the Souq el-Hima Market, uniting Hima communities under a shared economic platform.
4. Institutional Strengthening and Policy Advocacy
The project played a pivotal role in influencing national policies on conservation and grazing management. Notable achievements include:
- Ministry of Agriculture’s interest in replicating the cooperative model in other Lebanese regions.
- Collaboration with local authorities to implement the Responsible Hunting Area (RHA), addressing the overhunting crisis in the region.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Despite its many successes, the project faced several challenges, including:
- Local governance transitions, which occasionally slowed decision-making processes.
- Security concerns, affecting the smooth implementation of some activities.
- The need for long-term sustainability, as economic benefits from ecotourism and handicrafts require continuous support.
Key takeaways include the importance of transparency, local participation, and long-term engagement in conservation efforts. The project also demonstrated that community-based conservation models are highly effective when integrated with economic incentives.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Up the Success
The Hima El-Fekha model is now being considered for replication across Lebanon and beyond. The long-term vision includes:
- Expanding grazing management programs to cover more land and livestock.
- Enhancing ecotourism infrastructure to attract a broader audience.
- Strengthening women-led businesses by improving market access for handicrafts.
With continued collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, the legacy of this project can extend far beyond its initial two-year timeframe. By demonstrating how traditional knowledge and modern conservation principles can work hand in hand, the project serves as a blueprint for sustainable development in the Mediterranean Basin and other fragile ecosystems worldwide.
Reviving the Hima system
The conservation initiative in the Anti-Lebanon Mountains is a testament to the power of community-led environmental stewardship. By reviving the Hima system, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and fostering environmental awareness, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon has laid the foundation for a resilient and ecologically vibrant future.
As Lebanon and other Mediterranean nations seek to balance conservation with economic development, projects like this prove that when communities take the lead, nature thrives.
