The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) warmly commends the editorial written by journalist Hussein Al-Mousawi in the latest issue of National Geographic Arabia (November 2025), which covered the IUCN World Conservation Congress held recently in Abu Dhabi.
In his editorial, Al-Mousawi reflected on the UAE’s remarkable achievements in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation and made special reference to the Arab Hima system as an inspiring example of community-based natural resource management.
SPNL’s General Director Assad Serhal expressed his deep appreciation for the editorial, stating:
“Even the mere mention of the word Hima in such a prestigious magazine means a great deal to us and to many others. It is a blessed step that reflects the growing global recognition of our Hima model and its deep cultural roots in the Arab world.”
Serhal added:
“This is the fourth time that National Geographic has featured the Hima model in its publications, but the first time it appears in the magazine’s editorial, which demonstrates the high level of interest in our work. It also comes in the wake of our recent activities at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, where we showcased how the Hima links nature and culture under the theme ‘Hima for Peace.’”
The Hima system is one of the oldest forms of community-based conservation in the Arab region, founded on the principle of sustainable and equitable management of natural resources. SPNL has revived this traditional system over the past two decades through its Homat Al Hima (Guardians of the Hima) program, which empowers local communities and municipalities to protect land, water, and wildlife.
SPNL concluded by expressing gratitude to the National Geographic Arabia editorial team for their leading role in promoting environmental awareness and connecting nature conservation to Arab cultural identity, and to Hussein Al-Mousawi for his insightful vision that emphasizes the unity between humanity and nature—a message of hope and peace for our shared planet.
