In a continued effort to protect one of Lebanon’s most vital ecological corridors, the Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC) of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held a high-level strategic meeting at the office of Minister Hassan Mrad in the West Bekaa. The gathering brought together representatives from the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI), the Litani River Authority (LRA), and Minister Mrad’s office, marking a significant step toward deepening inter-institutional cooperation for environmental education and Litani River Zone conservation.
A Shared Vision for the Litani River Zone
The meeting focused on enhancing coordination between SPNL and national partners to address the growing environmental challenges facing the Litani River Basin—a region crucial for biodiversity, agriculture, and community livelihoods, yet increasingly threatened by pollution and habitat degradation.
All participating institutions reaffirmed their commitment to developing education-based, community-driven, and scientifically informed interventions that enhance awareness and mobilize local action.
Homat Al Hima: Inspiring Environmental Stewardship
HHIC highlighted the expanding role of its Homat Al Hima Environmental Education Program, which has become a cornerstone for raising ecological awareness in West Bekaa. Through workshops, school sessions, field visits, and hands-on conservation activities, the program empowers:
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Youth and students
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Teachers and community groups
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Municipal actors
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Local environmental volunteers
These sessions integrate Litani River Zone issues into broader themes such as biodiversity, water stewardship, sustainable resource management, and climate resilience. The program has already shown measurable impact in shaping informed and responsible environmental behaviors.
SNOW Program: Learning in the Heart of Nature
A major component of the discussion was SPNL’s flagship SNOW – School With No Walls program, an experiential learning model that takes students outdoors to learn directly from nature.
SNOW sessions around the Litani River emphasize:
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River pollution and water quality
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Wetlands and riparian habitat conservation
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Migratory bird routes and biodiversity
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Sustainable use of natural resources
By shifting learning from classrooms to ecosystems, SNOW deepens students’ understanding of environmental challenges and inspires their involvement in real-world conservation solutions.
Expanding Cooperation with LRI and LRA
With their extensive technical expertise, LRI and LRA played key roles in reviewing opportunities for cooperation, particularly related to:
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Aligning SPNL’s educational programs with LRA’s awareness and river protection campaigns
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Integrating LRI’s reforestation and habitat restoration efforts within educational activities
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Supporting youth-led and school-based conservation initiatives
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Strengthening municipal engagement for long-term environmental planning
Both institutions expressed strong interest in scaling joint actions to ensure that Litani River Zone awareness becomes an integral, continuous component of all community and educational programs in the region.
A Unified Commitment to Action
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge to develop a joint action plan that prioritizes:
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Environmental education in schools and universities
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Youth engagement through HHIC, Homat Al Hima Clubs, and SNOW
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Public awareness campaigns centered on the Litani River Zone
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Field-based conservation and community interventions
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Stronger municipal and institutional partnerships across West Bekaa
This collaborative direction represents a renewed national commitment to safeguarding the Litani River, empowering communities, and ensuring that environmental education remains central to sustainable development.
