SPNL is deeply committed to environmental education and community empowerment through the Homat Al Hima program. This initiative focuses on building the capacity of local communities within targeted Hima areas, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to protect and sustainably manage their natural resources.
Empowering Local Guardians
Through Homat Al Hima, SPNL provides training in:
- Nature conservation (fauna, flora, and biodiversity)
- Sustainable agriculture and forest management
- Nature-based tourism and eco-guiding
- Community-driven conservation efforts
These capacity-building sessions highlight the importance of local engagement in environmental protection and sustainable development.
Who Are the Homat Al Hima?
Homat Al Hima is an Arabic slogan that honors individuals and groups who act as guardians and champions of the Himas. These dedicated youth from local Hima communities are:
- Motivated, well-trained, and equipped to lead conservation activities.
- Ambitious and engaged in addressing environmental, economic, and social challenges in their communities.
- Committed to ensuring the conservation of key biodiversity and ecosystem services in their regions.
By nurturing local leadership and stewardship, Homat Al Hima ensures that conservation is community-driven, sustainable, and deeply rooted in local cultural values.
A Vision for a Greener Future
“Homat Al Hima” is founded on the belief that empowering local youth is key to sustaining Lebanon’s rich ecological legacy. The program’s vision is to transform motivated young individuals into a cohesive network of activists dedicated to preserving the Himas—unique natural areas that embody Lebanon’s diverse ecosystems. By cultivating a deep appreciation for nature and instilling ecological ethics, SPNL aims to ensure that these natural spaces continue to thrive for future generations.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of “Homat Al Hima” is to deliver comprehensive training and engaging workshops that enhance the livelihoods of local communities while supporting nature conservation. Key objectives of the program include:
- Training and Capacity Building:
- Equip youth from local Hima communities with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to protect and manage these areas.
- Foster an understanding of sustainable land use practices, ensuring that the local territories are preserved and used responsibly.
- Empowering the New Generation:
- Encourage young people to live in harmony with nature by protecting the fauna and flora of their Himas.
- Instill a passion for nature conservation and ecological ethics that will drive their personal and professional choices.
- Advocacy for Sustainable Living:
- Advocate for a better way of life that respects natural resources and ensures that local practices contribute to a sustainable future.
- Promote community-led initiatives that integrate environmental stewardship with economic and social well-being.
- Building a Connected Community:
- Create a network of youth activists united by common values such as motivation, engagement, love for nature, and a spirit of helping and caring.
- Provide ongoing opportunities for collaboration and community-building through events, projects, and digital platforms.
Inspiring a Generation of Change-Makers
SPNL’s “Homat Al Hima” program is already making waves, with dedicated young members actively participating in training sessions and workshops. These motivated individuals are learning to guard the Himas and, in doing so, are planting “little seeds” that will grow into a legacy of environmental protection and sustainable living. By connecting local youth and fostering a shared commitment to nature conservation, the initiative is poised to drive meaningful change across Lebanon.
About BioConnect
BioConnect is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, aiming to enhance 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 promote sustainable ecosystem management and community engagement.
#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
