The Iris sofarana is a unique plant species from the Iris genus that is endemic only to Lebanon, more specifically the high-altitude mountains of Lebanon. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species has not assessed this species yet, but preliminary studies conducted by the Royal Botanic Gardens, suggest that it is highly threatened due to unsustainable grazing, agricultural activities, and construction activities. Another important threat to the Iris sofarana is the beauty of its flower, making it prone to uncontrolled collection by locals and plant traders. Hence, this prevents the flower seeds to settle in the natural environment, thus reducing its regeneration rate.
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This edition of Al Hima magazine weaves together inspiring stories of nature conservation and community resilience, highlighting how Lebanon is being stitched back to life—one Hima at a time. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continues its mission to preserve the country’s natural heritage by empowering local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union, which has achieved three national firsts: Lebanon’s first natural park (Upper Matn), first geological park (Shouf-Jezzine), and first endowment Hima (Btekhnay).
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