Tortoises play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, acting as seed dispersers and habitat engineers. In the Hima Garden, managed by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), these gentle creatures contribute to biodiversity by carefully selecting nesting sites to lay their eggs, ensuring the survival of future generations in a protected and thriving environment.
Since 2022, 220 tortoises have been recorded in the Hima Garden, a remarkable testament to the success of SPNL’s conservation efforts. This initiative is part of the BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union (EU), which supports habitat conservation and biodiversity restoration to create a more sustainable future for wildlife.
As habitat loss continues to threaten many tortoise species, SPNL’s Hima Gardens provide safe spaces for them to nest, hatch, and contribute to the delicate balance of nature. The Hima approach, an ancient community-based conservation model revived by SPNL, has proven to be an effective method for protecting biodiversity while promoting sustainable coexistence between nature and local communities.
Through initiatives like BioConnect, SPNL is demonstrating how locally-led conservation efforts can have a tangible impact on wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and environmental sustainability. The organization’s work aligns with global conservation priorities, ensuring that Lebanon remains a vital refuge for endangered and ecologically significant species.
About BioConnect
BioConnect is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, aiming to ensure effective management and governance of sites of ecological importance and expand biodiversity protection in Southern Lebanon. The initiative brings together four Lebanese partners—Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR), Association for Community and Environment (ACE), and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)—to work towards enhancing ecosystem health, socio-economic benefits, and community support.
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#EUBioConnect4Lebanon
The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development.
Find out more about the EU’s work in Lebanon or follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon
