Environment Minister Champions ‘Annual Hima Forum’ Under EU-Funded BioConnect Initiative

Nasser Yassin: Preliminary Approval Granted for Establishing Natural Park in Upper Metn

Asaad Serhal: Lebanon Now Boasts 33 Reserves Covering 6% of Its Territory

Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin, announced that he signed the preliminary approval to establish the first natural park in the upper course of the Beirut River, located in the Lamartine Valley in Upper Metn. Yassin made this statement while sponsoring the “Annual Hima Forum” organized by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) for the second consecutive year in Ras el-Metn, Mount Lebanon. This event is part of the EU-funded BioConnect project, which aims to enhance the governance and management of environmentally significant sites and create new protected areas to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity.

The forum was attended by Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation in Lebanon; Asaad Serhal, Director General of SPNL and International Advisor to BirdLife International; Wassim Abou Said, Vice President of the Federation of Upper Metn Municipalities and Mayor of Chwit; Raja Abou Raslan, Mayor of Ras el-Metn; Adel Majd, Mayor of Al-Abadiyeh; Fadel Zaidan, Mayor of Roueisset el-Ballout; Ibrahim Abou Zeineddine, Mayor of Qubay; Tony Abou Joudeh, Deputy Mayor of Deir el-Harf; Houda Turk, representative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); Elie Mansour, representative of UN-Habitat; Fadi Ghanem, President of the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Assembly; and representatives of partner organizations, as well as social and environmental activists.

Yassin

Yassin stated: “When I started my role in the ministry, my first question was: What is Hima? Over time, and after weeks of discussions with experts, I discovered the significance of incorporating Hima into the legal framework of reserves, which has been achieved since 2019. This milestone has greatly enhanced the concept of local stewardship for protected areas, driven by a community vision and decisions from municipal councils or individual initiatives.

Protected areas are not merely natural spaces preserved; they embody a comprehensive vision connecting development, nature, and humanity. This work requires intelligence and organization to maximize the benefits of available resources. SPNL has pioneered this concept’s promotion, implementation, and broadening across Lebanon.

He added:“The work of international organizations such as IUCN emphasizes diversity in protection methods. We have successfully increased Lebanon’s protected areas to 30%. However, we recognize that laws alone are insufficient, and the Hima concept must be ingrained in communities’ environmental conservation culture. We are currently working on innovative projects, such as creating ecological corridors connecting reserves. These corridors will enhance biodiversity and integration among protected areas.

One of the prominent ongoing projects is linking the Jabal Haramoun Reserve to the Shouf Biosphere Reserve to strengthen Lebanon’s natural connectivity. We are collaborating with municipalities and local organizations to promote the concept of natural parks. These efforts heavily rely on community involvement, contributing to local economic development and sustainable progress.

Professionalism in managing reserves is essential for success. Effective planning and informed management are indispensable. We continually seek to enhance volunteerism and local initiatives as part of a comprehensive vision for environmental protection. This is not just about temporary initiatives but a national effort that requires sustainability and transparency. We need the cooperation of all stakeholders, from local communities to international partners, to achieve these goals.”

He concluded:“Nature conservation in Lebanon is not a luxury but an urgent necessity and a national duty. Through joint efforts and teamwork, we can achieve more environmental milestones that ensure the sustainability of this country. Thank you to everyone contributing to this bright path.”

 Cyril Dewaleyne 

 Cyril Dewaleyne stated: “Good afternoon, everyone. It is truly an honor to join you today at the Second Hima Forum, held amidst the breathtaking mountains of Ras El Maten. This is my first visit here since arriving in Lebanon five months ago, and I am thrilled to witness the deep commitment of the European Union to support Lebanon in addressing its environmental challenges—undeniably significant and requiring urgent action.

I would like to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary biodiversity in Lebanon, which finds itself at a critical juncture. Threats such as habitat destruction, unsustainable resource use, pollution, and climate change are further compounded by years of political deadlock and economic crises. However, it is inspiring to see collective efforts being made to prioritize emergency conservation measures, not just in Lebanon but globally, as we work to safeguard our planet for future generations.

The European Union has been proud to support these efforts. Over the years, we have engaged in various environmental initiatives in Lebanon and the wider MENA region. A key example is the BioConnect project, launched in December 2020, which we financed with €4.5 million. This initiative focuses on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems in several regions of Lebanon, enhancing the management and governance of ecologically significant sites, and empowering local communities to take an active role in conservation efforts.

On behalf of the European Union, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting Lebanon as it embarks on a path toward sustainable recovery and development. I am proud to be here at the Hima Forum, witnessing the remarkable work being done on the ground. It is a welcome change from the countless meetings in Beirut and Brussels, reminding us of the real impact of these efforts.Thank you for your attention, and I wish you continued success in your endeavors.”

Serhal

Serhal stated:
“This gathering highlights our dedication to producing a clear and integrated picture of our efforts. I thank everyone, especially the Municipality of Ras el-Metn, which has hosted us more than five times.

Today’s core theme is the importance of the support provided for nature in Lebanon, enabled by EU-supported projects and programs like BioConnect, which brings us together for this occasion. These initiatives aim to involve local communities in nature conservation, as the success of environmental protection efforts depends on their collaboration and the support of ministries, government institutions, and international organizations.

Today, we convene at the second Hima Forum to raise awareness about the importance of natural reserves and the development of protected areas. We have achieved significant progress, now boasting 33 Himas covering 6% of Lebanon’s land area. Regional and international cooperation is vital in supporting these efforts as we work with the EU, ministries, and local and international partners to achieve our goals.

We need to exert more effort to ensure the sustainability of these projects amidst Lebanon’s challenging circumstances by raising awareness, motivating local communities, and working together to achieve a balance between humans and nature.”

Abou Raslan

In his statement, Abou Raslan said:
“I would like to highlight some of the projects we have undertaken in Ras el-Metn and thank everyone who supported them, particularly the Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassin, whose involvement has been pivotal in every environmental project. We take pride in Ras el-Metn’s commitment to the environment, making it a model to emulate.

Through collaborative efforts and government support, we have accomplished a great deal. Environmental responsibility remains a shared duty despite the challenging political and economic circumstances. Among the most notable projects we worked on was one initiated 18 years ago with the European Union, where we built a large reservoir to store water for firefighting purposes. Additionally, we developed ecological and tourism trails, cleaned forests, and created a tourism guide for the region.

In the domain of Hima, I would like to thank Mr. Asaad Serhal, partner organizations, and members of the municipal council, who worked tirelessly to achieve the goals of this project. We also carried out an eco-tourism and rural tourism project in collaboration with the Association for Forests, Development, and Conservation (AFDC) and other initiatives funded by international entities such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

In waste management, we achieved a significant milestone by separating organic waste and implementing a recycling system, making Ras el-Metn a model for waste management across Lebanon. I thank all the volunteers and members of the local committee who exerted extraordinary efforts to ensure the project’s success.

In conclusion, I thank the Minister for his continued support and hope that collaboration persists in achieving further environmental accomplishments, especially the natural park in the Lamartine Valley.”

Abou Said

In his statement, Abou Said said:
“We are proud of this integrated work that reflects the spirit of Ras el-Metn through its projects and initiatives serving nature, the environment, and the community. I extend my regards to the President of the Federation, Lawyer Karim Sarkis, who could not attend due to travel. I am honored to represent the federation at this event.

What is happening today in Ras el-Metn serves as a model to follow. The town embodies the spirit of its people, with its associations and municipality presenting an image of harmony and teamwork. At the Federation of Municipalities, we support these efforts to the best of our ability despite limited financial resources, relying primarily on the independent municipal fund.

Ras el-Metn, like other Lebanese regions, is a beautiful part of this country that takes us back to childhood memories of Lebanon’s beauty and diversity. Despite Lebanon’s economic crises and wars, there is still hope in this nation, as evidenced recently by the election of a new president and a designated prime minister.

We hope the government is formed swiftly and a clear plan is established to rescue Lebanon on economic, professional, environmental, and developmental levels. The current crises are not limited to the economy but also impact the environment and society.

I commend the efforts of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Nasser Yassin, who has demonstrated transparency and effective communication with environmental organizations. We emphasize the importance of collective action, and the natural park project we are working on here in Ras el-Metn serves as a model for Lebanese regions.”

Closing of the Forum

The forum concluded with awards presented to Minister Nasser Yassin and Jawad Nwehid of the Upper Metn Association for Environment and Sustainable Development. The event also included training sessions on illegal hunting conducted by the Anti-Poaching Unit and a school workshop organized by the “School Without Walls” project.

The forum also featured an exhibition showcasing the products of Souk El Hima, highlighting locally made goods that align with the values of environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

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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.

Project Partners

Four main partners implement the project:

1. Shouf Biosphere Reserve Association (ACS)
2. Association for Rural Capacities Development (ADR)
3. Association for Community and Environment (ACE)
4. Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)

These partners work collectively to:

• Improve the management of significant environmental sites.
• Establish new protected areas.
• Implement “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) for more comprehensive landscape preservation.

Main Objectives

The project seeks to achieve the following goals:

1. Enhancing Ecosystem Health
   • Improve social and economic benefits derived from ecosystems.
2. Reducing Biodiversity Pressures
   • Support local communities to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.

Geographical Scope

The project focuses on four main regions:

1. Southern Coastal Lebanon
2. Western Bekaa
3. Mount Lebanon
4. Southern Lebanon Mountains

Targeted Sites

The project covers the following Himas:

• Qolaila and Mansouri
• Khirbet Qanafar
• Ain Zebdeh
• Hammana
• Ras el-Metn
• Ibl es-Saqi

Project Duration

The project spans 45 months, from February 1, 2022, to October 31, 2025.

Strategic Goals

1. Biodiversity Conservation

• Develop and implement monitoring protocols for biodiversity, including plants, birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
• Increase knowledge of biodiversity in the targeted areas.
• Create citizen science protocols to ensure the sustainability of research efforts.
• Reduce habitat fragmentation by improving connectivity between natural landscapes.

2. Empowering Traditional Practices

• Support farmers through the “Hima Farm Program” to promote the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.

3. Education and Capacity Building

• Deliver educational programs through initiatives such as:
  • “School Without Walls” (SNOW) for children.
  • “Youth Hima Rangers” for young conservationists.
• Develop eco-tourism activities to enhance the ecological tourism value of targeted areas.
• Organize annual Hima Forums to enable Hima leaders to share success stories.

4. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

• Establish an ecosystem-based framework to address climate change challenges.
• Strengthen the resilience of protected areas to climate change impacts.

5. Policy-Making

• Collaborate with municipalities to draft local policies for biodiversity conservation.
• Promote sustainable resource use in hunting, farming, and fishing activities.

The Natural Park of Upper Metn – Beirut River Valley

The SPNL, in collaboration with the Federation of Upper Metn Municipalities and local municipalities, is working on issuing a decree to establish a natural park in the Upper Metn – Beirut River Valley.

In February 2024, the municipalities signed a cooperation protocol to create an eco-natural park along the banks of the Beirut River. A charter was also issued, outlining the project’s objectives.

Definition of a Natural Park (Law 130/2019)

Included Lands

Rural areas that are partially inhabited are distinguished by high biodiversity and significant natural and cultural heritage.

Objective

Achieve a balance between economic development and protecting natural, cultural, and heritage features.

Management

Natural parks are managed according to the “Natural Park Charter,” which regulates the protection of natural and cultural heritage, balancing conservation and sustainable development.

Protected Area Classifications

Protected areas are divided into:

1. 1. Natural Reserves
   2. Natural Parks
   3. Natural Sites or Landmarks
   4. Himas

• Any new categories are introduced via a decree issued by the Council of Ministers.

Management of Natural Parks

The management of natural parks is overseen by a committee with administrative and financial independence in accordance with Law 130/2019.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop sustainable protection and development plans for 8 years, with periodic reviews based on achieved milestones.
• Consider zoning regulations and detailed designs for lands within the park’s scope.