Between 23 July and 23 August 2025, SPNL’s Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC), under the leadership of Wassim El Khatib, focused on advancing two major initiatives: the BioConnect traveling exhibition and the DIMFE freshwater ecosystem restoration project. Both efforts underscore SPNL’s holistic approach—raising awareness, fostering community participation, and tackling pollution at its source.
BioConnect: Taking Conservation on the Road
One of the month’s highlights was the traveling exhibition, developed with BioConnect partners, to promote biodiversity awareness across Lebanon. Over three months, the exhibition will visit 10 municipalities, creating space for dialogue on the value of biodiversity and its benefits for local communities.
Led by Homat al Hima youth with SPNL’s support, the exhibition serves as more than just education—it is a bridge between protected areas (PAs) and surrounding communities. By fostering stronger connections, the initiative helps ensure that conservation priorities are rooted in local ownership and long-term commitment.
DIMFE: Cleaning and Conserving Lebanon’s Freshwater
At the same time, Wassim advanced the DIMFE project, which seeks to restore the ecological health of the Litani River and Qaraoun Lake—two of Lebanon’s most critical yet heavily polluted water bodies.
The project takes a multifaceted approach:
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Addressing pollution from dairy factories.
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Improving wastewater management and reuse for agriculture.
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Engaging municipalities and local communities through the Hima approach.
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Promoting sustainable farming and biodiversity conservation.
This month, Wassim and his team held several meetings with 10 municipal mayors in West Bekaa to introduce DIMFE and secure their support. They also visited three dairy factories to assess pollution sources and potential interventions.
Engaging Municipalities and Expanding Himas
The month was rich in community engagement and municipal cooperation:
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Meeting with Kefraya’s vice mayor and visiting the new Hima site.
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Two follow-up meetings with Saghbine municipality to strengthen their role in conservation.
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A meeting with the Litani River Authority (LRA) in Beirut, followed by a visit to the new Hima approved by both LRA and SPNL.
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Meetings with municipalities of Lala, Baaloul, Jub Jannin, Ghazze, Qaraoun, and Aana to introduce DIMFE objectives.
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Collaboration with Ko Fares Association (implementing the AFD project) and a dedicated meeting with Anjar Municipality for ProZHUM coordination.
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Discussions with Ain Zebdeh and Kherbet Qanafar municipalities to finalize their Hima Management Plan.
Technical Achievements
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Updated LRA data on dairy factories in West Bekaa.
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Strengthened municipal coordination for DIMFE and BioConnect.
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Advanced planning for the traveling exhibition launch and outreach activities.
