Raghida Haddad, Editor in Chief
This issue of Al-Hima is published amidst bombing, burning, and displacement. Yet, this comes as no surprise, as the people of Lebanon have never lost hope nor surrendered to despair, even in the darkest of times. As Fairuz sang, “We will continue with those who remain.” We will persevere with those who are here. This land is ours, and we will stay, reviving it with the determination of our kind-hearted people, our ambitious youth, and our loyal friends across the globe.
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has not paused for a moment—whether in supporting displaced families or implementing its environmental and developmental programs. Every crisis has an end, and when the turmoil in Lebanon subsides, its land will remain a sanctuary for its people and a source of sustenance for their livelihoods. SPNL will remain a pioneer in protecting and revitalizing nature, and in enhancing the livelihoods of local communities, through the efforts of its multidisciplinary team, the Hima Guardians, and collaborations with municipalities as well as local, regional, and international partners.
This issue celebrates remarkable success stories made possible through trusted partnerships. These collaborators placed their faith in SPNL’s innovative and dedicated team and recognized the revived Hima approach as a modern-traditional model for conserving nature and heritage—a model that holds potential for local, regional, and global adoption.
