In a groundbreaking move for nature conservation and sustainable development, the Municipality of Kornayel has taken a decisive step to safeguard its most precious natural treasure: its ancient pine forests. The town, located in the verdant hills of Mount Lebanon, has announced an official proposal to designate its expansive public lands as a Hima—a community-managed protected area rooted in centuries-old Lebanese tradition.
The decision reflects a growing national movement to revive the Hima model, empowering local communities to become guardians of their environment while fostering eco-tourism, biodiversity protection, and sustainable livelihoods.
A Forest at Risk—and a Heritage Worth Saving
Kornayel is home to one of Lebanon’s richest Pinus pinea (stone pine) forests, which not only form part of the country’s natural heritage but also represent an essential ecological and economic resource for the community. The town’s forests contribute an impressive 18% of Mount Lebanon’s total pine coverage, offering critical habitat for countless plant and animal species, while supporting traditional livelihoods through pine nut harvesting.
Yet, this vital ecosystem faces mounting threats—from illegal logging, forest fires, and invasive pests, to the unchecked spread of urban development and unregulated tourism.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Kornayel’s Municipal Council has set in motion a visionary plan to declare the public land a Hima, thereby placing it under formal environmental protection in partnership with national and international conservation groups.
Hima: Lebanon’s Ancient Solution for Modern Environmental Challenges
The Hima system, considered one of the world’s oldest conservation models, originated in the Arabian Peninsula and has been practiced across the Middle East for over 1,500 years. It embodies a community-driven approach where natural resources are managed collectively for the common good, ensuring sustainable use while safeguarding biodiversity.
Revived in Lebanon by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) since 2004, the Hima model has been embraced by dozens of towns and villages—from Kfar Zabad in the Bekaa to Ain Zhalta in the Shouf. These communities are proving that when people take ownership of their natural surroundings, both ecosystems and economies can thrive.
“Kornayel is now proudly part of this legacy,” said Assad Serhal, Founder and Chairman of Homat Al Hima International (HHI), Director General of SPNL, and BirdLife International Global Councillor for the Middle East Region.
“The revival of the Hima system is Lebanon’s gift to nature conservation in the 21st century. This decision reflects the true spirit of local stewardship, where people and nature thrive together. It’s inspiring to see municipal leaders, residents, and national partners working hand in hand to protect one of the country’s ecological jewels.”
A Roadmap for Conservation and Sustainable Development
The proposed Hima will encompass Kornayel’s main municipal forest, surrounding woodland areas, critical wildlife habitats, and the scenic trails that attract hikers and nature lovers from across the country, including the circular trail around Kornayel Lake.
The initiative outlines a comprehensive action plan that includes:
✔ Official classification of the Hima in line with Lebanon’s Law 130/2019 on protected natural sites.
✔ Creation of a dedicated local Hima committee comprising community members, environmental activists, and municipal representatives.
✔ Collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, SPNL, the Lebanese Reforestation Initiative (LRI), and other key partners.
✔ Development of eco-tourism infrastructure, including hiking trails, a visitor center, educational signage, and the training of local nature guides.
✔ Implementation of fire prevention, pest management, and forest restoration strategies in cooperation with Civil Defense units.
✔ Launch of environmental education programs in schools and community spaces.
✔ Regular monitoring of the forest’s ecological health in collaboration with SPNL and relevant government agencies.
A National Model with Global Significance
Lebanon’s Hima network has received international recognition, including support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and BirdLife International, for its innovative blend of cultural heritage and modern conservation science. The Kornayel Hima project aligns with global environmental goals, notably the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable economic growth.
For SPNL, which has been championing the Hima revival for over two decades, Kornayel represents not only a victory for conservation but a testament to what can be achieved when communities reclaim their role as custodians of nature.
“The story of Kornayel is a reminder that environmental protection is not the responsibility of governments alone,” added Serhal. “It is the duty—and the privilege—of every citizen, every family, every town. Together, we are writing a new chapter for Lebanon’s forests, one rooted in respect, tradition, and hope for the future.”
About SPNL and the Hima Approach
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is Lebanon’s oldest environmental NGO and a regional leader in biodiversity conservation. As BirdLife International’s partner in Lebanon, SPNL has spearheaded the revival of the Hima model, supporting dozens of communities in establishing protected areas that conserve nature, honor cultural heritage, and promote sustainable development.
Through initiatives like the Kornayel Hima, SPNL continues its mission to ensure that Lebanon’s forests, wildlife, and landscapes are preserved for future generations—where people and nature coexist in harmony.
