H.E. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian received a delegation from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation and expanding youth engagement in community-based conservation through the Hima approach.
The meeting focused on developing a strategic partnership between the Ministry and SPNL to empower young people through a range of innovative environmental and educational initiatives. Discussions highlighted the Schools Without Walls programme, which connects classroom learning with hands-on experiences in nature; the Homat Al Hima (Hima Guardians) programme, which equips youth to become leaders in community-based conservation; and the Hima Trails initiative, which promotes sustainable ecotourism while reconnecting young people with Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage.
Both parties emphasized the importance of investing in youth as key partners in biodiversity conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. They also explored avenues for cooperation that encourage volunteerism, environmental education, and active citizenship among young people across Lebanon.
During the meeting, Minister Bayrakdarian expressed her preliminary agreement to participate in the official inauguration of the Niha Hima Park in the Batroun District, with the date to be determined at a later stage in coordination between the Ministry and SPNL.
The meeting reflects SPNL’s continued efforts to strengthen partnerships with national institutions and advance the Hima approach as a leading model for community-led conservation, while inspiring a new generation of young environmental leaders committed to protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage.
