Following his participation in the UNESCO and Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) webinar on the Hima approach, Martin Harper, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife International, published a commentary entitled “In Praise of Hima,” praising the centuries-old community-based conservation model as an inspiring solution to today’s biodiversity and climate challenges.
Reflecting on the potential of Hima, Harper emphasized that the approach offers practical and scalable solutions for nature conservation while strengthening local communities and supporting sustainable development.
Among the key messages from his commentary:
“Hima can help improve the status of globally threatened species, restore habitats, create green jobs, build climate resilience, and promote peace among neighbouring communities.”
He further highlighted the international significance of the Hima model for migratory species, noting:
“It can also support migratory bird populations through a connected network of protected and restored sites that benefit biodiversity, people, and climate.”
Harper also welcomed the growing international momentum behind the Hima approach, particularly as countries seek to implement the commitments of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the global target of conserving and sustainably managing at least 30% of the planet’s land and sea by 2030.
As he concluded:
“I applaud the ambition to expand Hima-inspired efforts as governments work to protect and sustainably manage 30% of our planet by 2030.”
His remarks reinforce the growing recognition of Hima as more than a traditional conservation practice. Revived and promoted by SPNL in partnership with BirdLife International and a wide range of local and international partners, Hima has evolved into a globally relevant model that combines biodiversity conservation, community governance, cultural heritage, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.
Today, with dozens of Hima sites established across Lebanon and increasing international interest in replicating the model, Hima continues to demonstrate how locally led conservation can contribute to achieving global biodiversity, climate, and sustainable development goals.
