By Assad Serhal
Lebanon’s coastal waters are a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to endangered species such as the Mediterranean monk seal, sea turtles, and dolphins, as well as cultural heritage sites like the ancient Phoenician salt pools. Yet, these invaluable resources are under constant threat from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. In this context, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has played a pioneering role in creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and reviving the ancient Hima system, a community-driven conservation approach, to protect both marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Community Engagement: The Key to Conservation
As a founding member and former president of the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), SPNL has been at the forefront of Lebanon’s conservation movement. Central to its approach is the principle of community engagement and stewardship, an essential element for the success of MPAs. Similar to initiatives led by the UNDP, SPNL emphasizes the importance of empowering local fishermen, municipalities, and communities to take ownership of their natural resources.
SPNL’s three marine Hima reserves—Qoleileh, Mansouri, and Anfeh—demonstrate how community collaboration can drive meaningful conservation. These areas are not just protected zones but also platforms for engaging local communities in safeguarding endangered species and preserving cultural heritage.
Protecting Marine Life
The marine Hima reserves have become sanctuaries for critical breeding sites of endangered sea turtles, including the loggerhead and green turtle, along Lebanon’s southern coast. Through collaboration with local fishermen, SPNL has ensured that these nesting areas are safeguarded from human interference and habitat destruction.
Further north, in Anfeh, the Hima reserve protects not only marine biodiversity but also the habitat of the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. Anfeh’s waters are also a haven for dolphins and other vulnerable species, reflecting SPNL’s commitment to conserving Lebanon’s rich marine ecosystems.
Reviving Cultural Heritage
The Hima model extends beyond environmental conservation to encompass cultural heritage preservation. In Anfeh, the ancient Salina salt pools, carved into coastal rocks by the Phoenicians, stand as a testament to Lebanon’s rich maritime history. These salt flats, still used by local communities, are integral to the region’s identity and economy. SPNL’s efforts have helped protect these historic landmarks while promoting sustainable practices that support local livelihoods.
The Blue-Green Campaign: A Vision for 30×30
SPNL, in collaboration with LEF, is leading the Blue-Green Campaign, a nationwide initiative to meet the 30×30 global conservation goals—protecting 30% of Lebanon’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030. With 33 established Hima reserves across the country, SPNL is setting an example of how integrated conservation efforts can bridge the gap between environmental protection and community well-being.
A Call for Action
The challenges facing Lebanon’s marine ecosystems are immense, but SPNL’s achievements demonstrate that community-based conservation is a viable and effective solution. By reviving the Hima system and fostering partnerships with local fishermen, municipalities, and conservation organizations, SPNL is creating a model for sustainable management that balances environmental, social, and economic priorities.
The road to 30×30 is long, but with initiatives like SPNL’s marine Hima reserves and the Blue-Green Campaign, Lebanon is taking significant strides toward protecting its natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Together, let’s honor our seas, empower our communities, and secure a sustainable future for Lebanon.
