March 2026 marked a dynamic and multi-layered phase of work across environmental and conservation initiatives in Lebanon, with strong momentum observed in field engagement, technical coordination, and proposal development. Across projects including DIMFE, SDC, BioConnect, Muruna, and PROZHUM, efforts converged toward a shared goal: restoring ecosystems, strengthening local governance, and advancing sustainable environmental solutions.
Field Engagement Driving Local Impact
At the heart of this month’s progress was intensified engagement with municipalities and local stakeholders, particularly in West Bekaa and Mount Lebanon. Multiple coordination meetings were held with municipal leaders to introduce ongoing projects, align priorities, and build local ownership.
Within the DIMFE project, discussions focused on addressing pollution in the Litani River Basin, with direct outreach to municipalities and private sector actors, including dairy factory owners. These engagements are critical to tackling pollution at its source and ensuring practical, locally grounded solutions.
In parallel, the SDC project advanced through field visits and institutional coordination aimed at launching SPNL programs and formalizing partnerships through the Hima Charter. Several municipalities have already begun the process of adopting this community-based conservation model, signaling a growing commitment to sustainable resource management.
Expanding the Hima Model and Community Leadership
A key highlight of the month was the expansion of the Hima approach, SPNL’s flagship model for community-led conservation. Through meetings with villages such as Joub Jannine, Baaloul, Aana, Kherbet Qanafar, and Tal Dnoub, the concept and charter were introduced to communities where no prior Hima structures existed.
These engagements represent a critical step toward empowering local communities as stewards of their natural resources, combining ecological conservation with socio-economic resilience.
Technical Progress and Environmental Data Strengthening
On the technical level, significant work was carried out to strengthen project foundations and ensure evidence-based implementation. This included:
- Updating environmental and industrial datasets, particularly regarding dairy factories in West Bekaa in coordination with the Litani River Authority
- Advancing baseline assessments and stakeholder mapping for DIMFE and SDC
- Conducting internal evaluations and progress reporting across multiple projects
These efforts are essential to guiding interventions, measuring impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Beyond the Field: Strategic Development and Partnerships
March also witnessed extensive work on proposal development and strategic partnerships, reflecting a forward-looking approach to environmental programming.
Key achievements included:
- Development and submission of concept notes for EU and CEPF calls, focusing on freshwater conservation and green sustainability
- Engagement with partners such as LEF, USJ, MESD, and international organizations to shape collaborative project ideas
- Contribution to broader frameworks, including the CBD 30×30 Global Biodiversity Framework
- Ongoing work on the BioConnect Climate Change Framework for protected areas
- Participation in webinars and knowledge-sharing sessions on wetlands and conservation approaches
Notably, more than 20 coordination meetings were held to develop partnerships, refine project ideas, and prepare competitive proposals .
Integrated Vision: Restoring Ecosystems and Building Resilience
Across all projects, a unified vision is emerging, centered on:
- Restoring freshwater ecosystems, particularly the Litani River and Qaraoun Lake
- Reducing pollution through sustainable industrial and agricultural practices
- Promoting wastewater management and reuse
- Enhancing biodiversity conservation and ecological connectivity
- Strengthening community resilience through local governance models like Hima
This integrated approach reflects a shift from isolated interventions to systemic environmental solutions rooted in science, community engagement, and institutional collaboration.
Looking Ahead: From Preparation to Implementation
The coming phase is expected to translate this groundwork into tangible impact. Key priorities for the next period include:
- Launching the DIMFE project, marking the transition to full implementation
- Finalizing Hima Charter agreements with municipalities under SDC
- Advancing preparations for the BioConnect final forum
- Continuing proposal development and expanding partnerships
- Coordinating high-level engagements to support project visibility and policy alignment
