As part of its ongoing efforts to promote nature-based learning and community conservation, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) welcomed students from Green Hills School for an educational field trip to Hima Ras El Matn under the School with No Walls (SNOW) program.
The collaboration offered students an enriching hands-on learning experience in one of Lebanon’s designated Hima sites—a traditional conservation model revived by SPNL to empower local communities and safeguard biodiversity.
During the visit, students engaged directly with nature, exploring the site’s diverse ecosystems, observing bird and wildlife species, and participating in open-air discussions on conservation practices and sustainability challenges facing Lebanon and the wider Mediterranean region.
A key highlight of the trip was the students’ visit to the newly constructed ecological pond, designed to support local wildlife and promote water conservation. The pond served as a practical teaching point, sparking engaging conversations on the importance of wetland ecosystems, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship.
“This visit exemplifies the core values of the SNOW program—bringing education outdoors and fostering a meaningful connection between young learners and their natural environment,” said Andre Bechara, SNOW Program Director. “Through experiences like this, we nurture a generation of environmentally conscious citizens equipped to lead change.”
SPNL extends its appreciation to Green Hills School for its commitment to environmental education and to the local community of Ras El Matn for their continued stewardship of the Hima. Initiatives like this underscore the importance of collective action in conserving Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage.
