The Saker Falcon (Falco Cherrug), is a bird species that is native to Lebanon and is classified as Endangered according to the IUCN Red List. This classification has been revised several times in the past years, and it is based on the rapid decline in this species’ population over time in its range area which is estimated to be around 10,900 pairs. The decline has been tightly associated with its habitat destruction, and unsustainable hunting and capture.
This edition of Al Hima magazine weaves together inspiring stories of nature conservation and community resilience, highlighting how Lebanon is being stitched back to life—one Hima at a time. The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continues its mission to preserve the country’s natural heritage by empowering local communities. A cornerstone of this effort is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union, which has achieved three national firsts: Lebanon’s first natural park (Upper Matn), first geological park (Shouf-Jezzine), and first endowment Hima (Btekhnay).