As a part of SPNL work in Hima Anjar- Kfar Zabad, several scientific studies were done by local and international experts , aiming to highlight the status of globally endangered species and its habitat. Accordingly and under the MAVA project “ Restoring Hima Ecosystem Function through promoting sustainable community based water Management systems“, three studies were developed to identify the status of waders and Syrian serin indicator species in the area, to develop an action plan for the conservation of the River Otter of Anjar Kfar Zabad, and to identify the impact of agriculture practices on water quality and quantity in Anjar. Accordingly a participatory workshop was organized on 7 December in Anjar municipality in the presence of local stakeholders and national and international experts in order to introduce the results of the studies.
The workshop started by a presentation of the results of the MAVA project and its great contribution to ecotourism development, capacity building, awareness raising, biodiversity management and job creation in the village. The presentation continued by a skype conference with the Otter expert Anna Loy, who introduced the recommended action plan for the conservation of the river Otter in Anjar, highlighting the importance of this species, the preservation of its habitat, and minimizing human conflicts with it.
Another presentation was done by SPNL Ornithologist Dr. Ghassan Jaradi who indicated the increased number of bird species in the area from 55 to 121, where an increase in the number of the syrian serin species was noted too, also other trigger species were identified in the area and were recommended to be studied on the long run. The improved status of bird species were correlated to the improved management of the Hima sites. The study recommended the development of a national action plan for the syrian serin and performing habitat manipulation in Hima Kfar Zabad site in order to attract more water birds trigger species.
The final presentation was provided by Mira Boustany from Difaf, presenting the results of the water study in correlation to agriculture practices in Anjar. The presentation highlighted the improved efficiency of canal rehabilitation in the management of water resources, it also indicated the use of permissible levels of pesticides and chemical in Anjar, and the lack of water salinity problem in the site.
