Under the esteemed patronage of the Mayor of Hammana, Dr. Amine Lebbos, and in close cooperation with Hammana Municipality, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) proudly launched its traveling exhibition titled “Stitching One Hima At A Time” at the Hammana Artist House.
The exhibition, held in parallel with the vibrant Cherry Festival, transformed Hammana into a lively intersection of nature conservation, artistic expression, and local engagement. The event is part of SPNL’s broader mission to revive the ancient Hima system — a traditional, community-based approach to the sustainable management of natural resources that has been recognized globally as a model for participatory conservation.
Hosted at the Hammana Artist House, a cultural hub known for fostering creative dialogue and ecological awareness, the event offered a unique opportunity to experience art inspired by the landscapes, species, and communities of Lebanon’s Hima sites. The exhibition runs from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, drawing attention to the intersection of biodiversity protection and cultural heritage.
The evening program featured speeches by a number of key conservation and local governance figures:
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Walid Yammine, Deputy Mayor of Hammana, welcomed attendees and emphasized the municipality’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and eco-tourism.
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Mr. Louis Junior Saad, SPNL Consultant, reflected on SPNL’s efforts to empower local communities through the Hima model and safeguard Lebanon’s fragile ecosystems.
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Eng. Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), highlighted the importance of civil society collaboration and environmental policy in achieving long-term conservation goals.
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Mr. Chadi Saad, Director of the Birdwatching Observatory at Hammana Reserve, spoke passionately about local efforts to monitor migratory birds and engage the public in wildlife protection.
The traveling exhibition is part of the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with multiple Lebanese environmental organizations. It aims to connect people to nature through community-based conservation, education, and sustainable development initiatives.
“Stitching One Hima At A Time” not only celebrates Lebanon’s ecological diversity but also showcases the power of grassroots stewardship. SPNL invites the public to engage with the exhibition, explore the stories behind each Hima, and join the ongoing journey toward a more resilient and nature-connected future.
