SPNL is fostering sustainable agriculture by working closely with local farmers to improve crop quality while protecting surrounding ecosystems. Under the Hima Farm program, within the framework of Bioconnect, SPNL collaborates with farmers from various Himas to promote nature-friendly agricultural practices.
SPNL’s agricultural engineers provide ongoing support to farmers in Ras El Maten, Hammana, Kherbet Qanafar, and Ain Zebde, helping them preserve traditional land-use practices while adapting them to sustainable methods.
Currently, six farmers are actively engaged in:
- Water and irrigation management
- Crop rotation and management
- Pest control and plantation techniques
- Sustainable land-use practices
Weekly and monthly site visits ensure continuous guidance, evaluations, and hands-on support. This approach enhances farmer engagement, promotes sustainable techniques, and encourages a balance between agricultural productivity and environmental conservation.
Scaling Impact
By working directly with local farmers, the Hima Farm program not only improves agricultural sustainability but also fosters community-led advocacy for nature-friendly practices. Seeing tangible benefits encourages replication and broader adoption of these methods.
This initiative directly supports Bioconnect’s objectives—empowering local communities and reducing stress on natural resources—while positioning sustainable agriculture as a key driver for conservation.
So far, under Bioconnect, we have successfully:
The Hima Farm Program embodies SPNL’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. It is built on core values that promote environmental conservation, social inclusion, and economic sustainability.
Under this program, SPNL upholds the following principles:
- Organic agriculture and permaculture to ensure environmentally friendly farming.
- Sustainable resource management to minimize environmental impact.
- No hunting and no child labor to protect biodiversity and uphold ethical practices.
- Capacity-building for local communities to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Job creation for both locals and refugees to strengthen economic resilience.
- Conservation of native plants and herbs to preserve Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
- Financial sustainability to ensure long-term program viability.
- Active involvement of youth and women as key contributors, particularly from underprivileged groups.
By integrating these values, the Hima Farm Program not only supports sustainable agriculture but also fosters social equity and economic empowerment while protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage.
A New Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
The Hima Farm Programme is designed to work directly with local farmers to introduce innovative, sustainable agricultural practices that conserve soil, protect biodiversity, and support climate resilience. By offering technical support, hands-on guidance, and fostering a robust network of sustainable farmers, the program empowers communities to preserve their nature-friendly traditional practices while advancing modern sustainable techniques.
Key Objectives of the Hima Farm Initiative:
- Conservation of Soil, Climate, and Biodiversity:
Promote practices that protect the environment, ensure soil fertility, and preserve Lebanon’s rich biodiversity, contributing to a healthy and resilient ecosystem. - Preservation of Traditional, Nature-Friendly Practices:
Support farmers in maintaining and enhancing time-honored agricultural methods that harmonize with nature. - Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture:
Encourage economic viability and social equity by integrating sustainable farming techniques that lead to high-quality, healthy produce beneficial to both nature and people. - Enhancement of Product Quality:
Assist farmers in producing premium, high-quality agricultural products through environmentally sound practices that meet modern market standards. - Building a Strong Network:
Create robust connections among local farmers, fostering a collaborative community that shares knowledge, resources, and best practices for sustainable agriculture.
Empowering Local Communities
“Our vision is to empower local farmers with the technical support and practical guidance they need to transition to sustainable agricultural practices,” said Dr. Husein Zorkot, SPNL’s Butterfly Garden Manager & Director and a leading advocate for environmental conservation. “ Hima Farm is not just about improving agricultural yields—it’s about creating a resilient network of farmers who are stewards of their land and champions of sustainable practices.”
About SPNL and the EU Bioconnect Project
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has long been a leader in environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation, and community-based sustainability projects throughout Lebanon. Through initiatives like Hima Farm, SPNL continues to drive positive change by engaging local communities and fostering practices that benefit both the environment and the economy.
The Hima Farm activities are proudly funded by the EU Bioconnect Project, a European Union initiative that supports sustainable and innovative agricultural practices worldwide. This funding underscores a shared commitment to global sustainability and strengthens the collaborative ties between European and Lebanese communities.
Get Involved
Local farmers, community members, and sustainability advocates are invited to learn more about Hima Farm programme and join the movement toward a more sustainable future in agriculture. For further information, training sessions, and upcoming workshops, please contact SPNL directly.
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
