By Rami Kadro
Mount Lebanon Hima Center Manager
The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.
The Mount Lebanon Hima Center serves as a vital hub for conservation, environmental education, and sustainable development. As part of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), this center plays a crucial role in preserving Lebanon’s natural heritage while supporting community engagement and self-sufficiency. Nestled in the scenic Mount Lebanon region, the center functions as both an operational base for SPNL staff and a dynamic educational and community space.
Aligned with SPNL’s mission, the center provides a platform for conservation initiatives, hands-on environmental education, and income-generating projects that promote sustainable livelihoods.
A Space for Staff and Community Engagement
The Mount Lebanon Hima Center provides SPNL staff with a strategic location to work closely with local communities, ensuring effective conservation efforts and logistical support. Beyond being an administrative base, the center serves as an interactive learning environment through its School with No Walls (SNOW) program—an innovative educational initiative that brings students into direct contact with nature and conservation practices.
Through SNOW sessions, local schools and youth groups engage in hands-on learning experiences that foster a deeper connection to Lebanon’s biodiversity. These regular activities aim to instill environmental stewardship in the younger generation, ensuring that conservation becomes an integral part of their lives.
Additionally, the Hima Center functions as a venue for community-based programs and events, including workshops, seminars, and local gatherings. These initiatives empower residents by offering educational opportunities and collaboration platforms for SPNL, local NGOs, environmental groups, and stakeholders working toward sustainable development.
Crafts and Sustainable Income Generation
One of the center’s key self-sustainability efforts is its crafts program, which provides a source of income while supporting local artisans and community members.
The center collaborates with local craftspeople to produce and sell high-quality, handmade products, ranging from traditional handicrafts to eco-friendly modern designs. These items reflect Lebanon’s rich cultural heritage while promoting sustainable livelihoods through the use of locally sourced materials.
Impact and Economic Contribution
- In the past year, the crafts program generated $1,300 in income, helping to sustain the center’s operations.
- This initiative not only supports SPNL’s financial independence but also provides a marketplace for artisans, encouraging economic resilience in rural communities.
- By utilizing sustainable materials from the surrounding environment, the program reinforces nature-friendly practices while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
Workshops and NGO Collaborations
Beyond its educational programs and income-generating projects, the Mount Lebanon Hima Center serves as a hub for inter-organizational collaboration. The center has hosted numerous workshops and training sessions in partnership with other NGOs and local stakeholders.
This collaborative approach is essential for:
- Strengthening partnerships between environmental organizations.
- Enhancing knowledge-sharing on conservation and sustainability practices.
- Developing new initiatives that benefit both nature and local communities.
Through these efforts, the Mount Lebanon Hima Center continues to expand its role as a cornerstone of conservation, education, and community development in Lebanon. By combining environmental awareness, economic empowerment, and collaboration, the center remains a model for sustainable progress—ensuring that both nature and people thrive together.
By facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration in community development and environmental conservation, the Mount Lebanon Hima Center has established itself as a key venue for educational and environmental activities in the region. By renting out the center to NGOs and partner organizations, SPNL not only supports other initiatives but also strengthens the center’s role as a focal point for sustainability and knowledge-sharing.
The income generated from these rentals contributes to the center’s financial sustainability, helping cover operational costs and ensuring it remains a valuable resource for both the community and visitors.
Looking Ahead
As we move into the coming year, SPNL remains committed to expanding the Mount Lebanon Hima Center’s impact as a hub for education, community engagement, and sustainable development. With ongoing efforts to promote local crafts, enhance eco-tourism, and host educational programs, the center will continue to serve as a vital resource for conservation and community empowerment.
Through these initiatives, the Mount Lebanon Hima Center is not just a space for conservation work but a platform for fostering resilient, sustainable communities across Lebanon.
