Reviving Tradition: How Hima Farms Are Bringing Sustainability to Lebanon’s Upper Beirut River Valley
In the rolling hills of the Upper Beirut River Valley, a quiet but powerful movement is taking root. Among the olive groves and terraced landscapes, local farmers are embracing age-old agricultural traditions with a modern twist—one that promotes biodiversity, sustainability, and economic resilience.
This transformation is being driven by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), which, with a grant of $150,412 from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), is working to integrate traditional Hima Farms into the region’s land-use planning. Between March 2021 and August 2022, the initiative sought to provide farmers with the tools, knowledge, and market access needed to maintain biodiversity-friendly practices while ensuring their livelihoods flourish.
A Heritage-Based Approach to Conservation
The Hima concept—a community-based conservation model—dates back over 1,500 years. Rooted in the traditions of Lebanon’s rural communities, it encourages responsible land stewardship while protecting nature. Hima Farms take this approach a step further by helping farmers adopt sustainable agriculture techniques that not only preserve the region’s unique biodiversity but also increase productivity and market competitiveness.
The Upper Beirut River Valley, part of the Mediterranean Basin Biodiversity Hotspot, is home to rich habitats that support rare and endemic species. Yet, modern agricultural expansion, urbanization, and habitat degradation threaten this fragile ecosystem. Through this initiative, SPNL has conducted extensive biodiversity assessments and monitoring to ensure that traditional land-use practices align with conservation goals.
Empowering Farmers for a Sustainable Future
At the heart of the project is the support provided to local farmers. By training them in agroecological techniques, water conservation methods, and organic farming, the initiative has encouraged a shift towards more sustainable practices. Additionally, marketing strategies for traditional products—such as organic olive oil, honey, and wild herbs—have been introduced to help farmers reach wider markets.
“I’ve always farmed the way my father and grandfather did, but now I understand how to make my land even more productive while protecting nature,” says Ahmad, a farmer in the valley who participated in the program. “Thanks to the project, I’ve learned better water management techniques and new ways to sell my products.”
Advocating for Policy Change
Beyond working directly with farmers, SPNL has also engaged with local municipalities to integrate sustainable land-use practices into official planning. By advocating for policies that protect agricultural lands from harmful development and promoting biodiversity-friendly farming incentives, the project is ensuring that these practices have a long-term impact.
A Model for the Future
The success of the Hima Farms approach in the Upper Beirut River Valley serves as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. By combining traditional wisdom with modern sustainability practices, local communities are proving that conservation and economic development can go hand in hand.
As Lebanon grapples with economic and environmental uncertainties, initiatives like these offer a path forward—one where nature and people thrive together. Through the revival of traditional land-use practices, the Upper Beirut River Valley is not just preserving its heritage; it is building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
