Today, the society for the protection of nature (SPNL) in collaboration with the International Union for the conservation of nature (IUCN) launched a consultative workshop “Drub El Hima for Peace” funded by the Robert Bosch Stiftung Foundation and the Sigrid Rausing Trust at Luc Hoffman Hima Home – Kayfoun. 

The event was attended by SPNL president SPNL Afaf Osseiran, Rita Matar Peace Building Coordinator – UNDP, Mayors of the Municipality of Chemlan – Mr. Issam Hitti, Municipality of Baysour – Mr. Nadim Malaeb, Municipality of Souk el Ghareb – Mr. Robert El Syoufi, Municipality of Aitat – Mr. Amin Al Timani, Municipality of Ain Sayde – Mr. Elie El Kachouh, Municipality of Ein Remmeneh – Mr. Raymond Khalaf, Municipality of Kafarmatta Mr. Nazir Khaddaj, and Municipality of Keyfoun Mr. Bilal Saad

Saad

The speech of Kayfoun Mayor, Mr. Bilal Saad, discussed the work with SPNL as partners since multiple year. They worked together to build the quraanic and biblical garden in Shemlan. They also opened specific trails to join the countries together. He thanked the UNDP and KFW for their presence, support and funding to build solar panels in Kayfoun.

Serhal

Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature (SPNL) in Lebanon, started by greeting the present members and thanking them for their presence. He also mentioned that it is SPNL’s 40th anniversary, 40 years of protecting nature. “Despite all the issues that Kayfoun went through in the past, we made it a better place and we will keep working on it and protecting its nature and species.” He also mentioned that the main office is no longer in Beirut, they moved to Kayfoun to improve region economy, environment and society. He explained that they are providing multiple work opportunities for the citizens (12 males and females until now). The nature, weather, peace and location all make the targted villages a touristic places. Through our various programs and the signed agreements with concerned municipalities we aim to advocate for bringing back to this region it’s previous glory. Together for nature , people and peace.

Al-Shaer

Dr. Hani Al-Shaer, IUCN Director for Western Asia, discussed the importance of the environment, living things and natural resources that we should protect and preserve. He also emphasized on the climate change problem and the importance of conservation and working on this issue. He is very happy with the Hima establishments because they help in resources conservation and sustainable development.

Ghanem

The Chairman of the National Committee of the IUCN, Fadi Ghanem,, explained that they have been partners with SPNL for several years and they will keep on working together to achieve their goals and objectives. He also mentioned the importance of the geographical area of Kayfoun and Souk al Ghareb.

Khalil

Rania Khalil-SPNL Project Manager discussed Homat Al Hima building program for Youth of Local Communities, to empower through capacity building, train the local youth, and build a group of activists in Lebanon. Also, to deliver training and workshops that enhance the livelihoods of locals and support nature conservation. She also mentioned their achievements and future plans to cover all Lebanon. She explained about Souk al Hima, what they sell and what they plan to add products.

Haddad

“Al Hima” Magazine was presented by its editor in Chief, Ms. Ragheda Haddad who explained about the magazine. It is a semi-periodic publication issued by SPNL and provides a comprehensive account of the “Hima” that SPNL has contributed to its revival, the activities organized in all these reserves and future projects intended to be implemented. Also, preparation for the 3rd edition is taking place.

Bechara

Mr. Andre Bechara, explained the SNOW program, SNOW is a non-formal environmental educational program, it broadens children’s ecological knowledge and boosts their interest to understand, care, connect and love for nature. He discussed SNOW key concepts, themes, plans and achievements.

Hayek

Mrs. Fatima Hayek, discussed Hima for Peace that seeks to adapt the Hima concept from a tool for biodiversity protection to an instrument for conflict resolution in natural resource use. They raise awareness on biodiversity and nature conservation, focusing on local community and Homat el Hima groups involvement from different Himas together. She also discussed their work, achievements and future plans.

Saad

Mr. Louis Saad discussed the Hima to Hima, he started by defining Hima. Afterwards, he mentioned the role of Hima to Hima and objectives. He also introduced the trail map for Himas in Lebanon and how countries are being connected through himas. Lastly, he discussed hima to hima future plans.

Hamada Malaeb, who is responsible for the hima trail at the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), pointed out that the idea started with a Hiking Group, which started a year ago through our efforts, which have now borne fruit in Dorob El Hima programme.”

Hitti

Mr. Issam hitti, Chemlan Mayor, announced the signing of a historic cooperation agreement between eight villages, symbolizing their collective commitment to protect nature, promote sustainable development, and advance peace. “We unite not only as villages but as partners in a program that spans our entire region. Our “Hima for Peace” journey will expand its reach, connecting us all through the “Droub el Hima” trail. This ambitious endeavor will link our villages, further strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation. Our goal is clear: to protect, preserve, and promote the beauty of our natural surroundings. As we embark on this collective venture, we recognize the invaluable role of SPNL, our partners, and our generous funders. Together, we will raise the necessary resources to implement “Droub el Hima” and empower our communities.”

Hirschfeld

Axel Hirschfeld from Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) discussed the importance of APU and CABS poaching unit in Lebanon. They work on saving the birds to protect and save them. He discussed the importance of each type of birds and the urgency to protect them. He discussed documenting several violations like: “The joint operations team formed by the Antipoaching Unit (APU) and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) documented violations of the killing of migratory birds in the barren mountains of Hermel and Qobayat in the north and Eghbe In the region of Keserwan al Ftouh, following the line of the autumn migration corridor, and gave the relevant authorities a copy of the violations so that they would take the necessary measures.”

Jurdy

Luna Al Jurdy, discussed the challenges faced by the communication department and SPNL’s perceived role. She presented how SPNL social media platforms reached people. She also discussed the importance of the communication department at SPNL and their objectives. She also explained that they are committed to promote the role of SPNL and its partners and donors, inform the public about specific ongoing or planned initiatives in the fields of work; Encourage all relevant stakeholders to participate actively in SPNL programmes. Lastly, ensure effective communication, visibility, and outreach of SPNL projects and activities to the public entities NGOs and citizens within an appropriate media context.

Kanaan

Mrs. Sulafa Abfallah Kanaan, representative of the women’s society in Souk Al Ghareb, discussed the importance of creating a women’s association, Women’s love toward nature and how they teach their children to protect and take care of the environment. How women in Souk Al Ghareb work together and produce organic products.

Khaddaj

Nazir Khaddaj mayor of Kfarmatta, explained the importance of partnering and working all municipalities together to reach their goals and objectives. He also discussed that Kfarmatta has a major role in Lebanon’s tourism.