August 6, 2015 witnessed an exchange visit from IUCN-ROWA and Jordanian officials to Hima Anjar to learn more about the hima site as well as understand more about the hima approach and how it is being implemented. Moreover, members from government and non-government institutions in Lebanon were also invited on behalf of SPNL.
The day began with brief welcoming speeches from the Mayor of Anjar and the President of SPNL welcoming their guests. This was followed by a presentation by SPNL Hima Programs Director, Mrs. Dalia Jawhary, who shared details about the MAVA project that is being implemented in the hima site along related to water management and agricultural practices. A second presentation was given by Dr. Elias Ghadban, an agricultural engineer, who shared an experience about grazing in hima El-Fekha since it was in the interest of the visitors who wanted to know more about sustainable grazing practices.
The day was then followed by site visits, first to the women atelier that was newly established under the UNW FGE project to empower women socially and economically. The atelier will be used as a workshop for the women and will also display their hand made products that are linked to culture and nature. Next, they visited Kfar Zabad wetland to learn more about what is being implemented and meet the locals who shared their stories and experiences. The last stop was at the Anjar spring to learn more about the management strategy that is being implemented by the Water Users Association (WUA) in Anjar.
Thus, this was a learning experience for all where exchange of knowledge and ideas was transferred at all levels.
