Lebanon’s skies are a crucial corridor for millions of migratory birds navigating between Europe, Africa, and Asia. However, rapid urban expansion, habitat loss, and illegal hunting have long posed significant threats to these soaring travelers. In partnership with Balamand University’s Institute of the Environment, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has developed a cutting-edge interactive online map, a pioneering tool that aims to safeguard the country’s most critical ecological sites—funded in 2021 by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), under the Migratory Soaring Birds (MSB) Project – Stage II.
This digital platform serves as an essential resource for conservationists, policymakers, and responsible hunting advocates, offering an unprecedented visualization of Lebanon’s biodiversity hotspots. From Hima sites to Important Bird Areas (IBAs), nature reserves, and protected valleys, the map provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s natural wealth.
A Landmark Conservation Tool
At the heart of this initiative is the Hima approach, a centuries-old community-based conservation model revived by SPNL to integrate nature conservation with sustainable livelihoods. The interactive map highlights:
- Hima sites where local communities actively engage in conservation efforts.
- Important Bird Areas (IBAs) critical for migratory species.
- Nature reserves and biosphere reserves that safeguard endemic flora and fauna.
- Cedar forests, a symbol of Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Ramsar Sites, designated wetlands of international importance.
- Illegal hunting hotspots, providing insights into critical areas needing urgent intervention.
- Potential Responsible Hunting Areas (RHAs) where regulated and ethical hunting can be practiced.
- Areas unsuitable for RHAs, identified based on ecological criteria and species occurrence, regardless of land tenure.
The map’s layered design allows users to toggle between different conservation zones, offering a scientific and policy-driven perspective on Lebanon’s natural landscapes.
Balancing Conservation and Responsible Hunting
Lebanon has long struggled with unregulated hunting, leading to the decline of several migratory bird species. According to SPNL, the country serves as a passageway for over 37 species of soaring birds, including the Imperial Eagle, Steppe Buzzard, White Stork, and Egyptian Vulture—many of which are globally threatened.
By pinpointing illegal hunting hotspots and responsible hunting areas, the interactive map is not an anti-hunting initiative, but rather a call for sustainable hunting practices. It aligns with Lebanon’s 2017 Hunting Law, which seeks to regulate hunting through licensing, species protection, and seasonal restrictions.
Learn How to Use the Interactive Map
To ensure accessibility for a wide audience, SPNL has also released a step-by-step tutorial video demonstrating how to navigate the map and make the most of its features. The video provides an overview of the map’s layered design, how to locate specific conservation zones, and how to identify legal and illegal hunting areas. Whether you are a researcher, conservationist, policymaker, or hunter, this tutorial offers clear guidance on using the tool effectively. You can watch the full tutorial here.
Technology Meets Conservation
Developed using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and real-time field data, the interactive map is designed to be accessible to a broad audience. Conservationists can use it for research, policymakers for legislation, and responsible hunters for guidance. SPNL has also incorporated community-driven data collection, allowing locals to report illegal hunting incidents and provide on-the-ground insights into biodiversity health.
The Road Ahead
By providing transparent and science-backed data, the map aims to bridge the gap between conservationists, hunters, and local communities—turning awareness into action.
“Conservation is no longer just about protected areas,” says Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), and BirdLife Partner Lebanon. Birdlife International Global Councillor for the Middle East Region. “It’s about smart planning, informed decisions, and community-driven action. This interactive map is a testament to how technology can empower conservation.”
With Lebanon at the crossroads of global bird migration, initiatives like these are vital to ensuring that its skies remain a sanctuary for generations to come.
Explore the Map and Take Action
The interactive map is more than just a digital tool—it is a call to action for everyone who cares about Lebanon’s rich natural heritage. Whether you are a policymaker, an environmental activist, a researcher, or a concerned citizen, you can contribute to conservation by exploring the map, learning about biodiversity hotspots, and supporting responsible hunting initiatives. By using this platform, you can stay informed about protected areas, illegal hunting zones, and the best practices for sustainable conservation. Take a moment to navigate the map, share it with your community, and become part of the movement to protect Lebanon’s skies and landscapes for future generations.
