Since 2011, Shadi Saad has been an exceptional figure in bird monitoring and observation, working at Lebanon’s first birdwatching observatory in Hima Hammana. His passion for nature and dedication to its preservation have strengthened Hima Hammana’s role as a key center for ecotourism. He has helped establish new hiking trails and organize birdwatching trips, attracting visitors from around the world.
The Rise and Development of Ecotourism in Hammana
Efforts to promote ecotourism in Hammana began in 2011, reflecting a long history of conservation in the region. Since 1954, policies have been in place to protect Hammana’s natural resources, culminating in the official establishment of Hima Hammana in 1995. In its early stages, mountain trails were rehabilitated to connect various environmental landmarks, with dedicated paths for cycling.
Tour guides were trained to accompany visitors, and adventure activities such as rope descents along the Shaghour River were introduced, enhancing the area’s appeal as a destination for eco-adventure tourism.
The Role of the Birdwatching Observatory in Reviving the Project
Lebanon’s first migratory bird observatory was established in 2019 as a partnership between the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and the Municipality of Hammana. Despite Lebanon’s challenging circumstances, Shadi Saad continued his daily work at the observatory, meticulously documenting and reporting his sightings. His efforts helped garner greater interest in the project.
As a result, a second observation point was established in 2021 to expand environmental monitoring. This site attracted numerous photographers and bird enthusiasts from around the world, including visitors from Europe, the United States, and Arab countries such as Qatar and Kuwait, in addition to local tourists from Beirut, Aley, Chouf, and Bekaa.
Developing Ecological Trails and Infrastructure
Since 2022, Shadi Saad has collaborated with a local team to expand Hima Hammana’s network of nature trails. In partnership with the “Salwa” project, new trails were introduced, with some integrated into the Lebanon Mountain Trail network in 2023. As a result, the total length of trails in Jabal Hammana exceeded 12 kilometers, with an additional 8 kilometers within the village, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration experience that blends nature, history, and heritage.
One of Shadi Saad’s favorite trails begins at Roueisset El Mashnaqa at an altitude of 1,600 meters, passing through the Anana Forest, the Roman Road, and Wadi Al-Shaghour before reaching Souq Al-Midan at 1,100 meters. This route spans 10 kilometers and can be extended to 14 kilometers by incorporating the Ain Al-Nisour and Darb Al-Sheer trails.
Birds: A Passion and Testimony to Biodiversity
Since 2011, over 5,000 people have explored Hima Hammana’s natural trails, with Shadi Saad personally guiding at least 1,000 of them. He offers an extraordinary experience, blending hiking with storytelling, historical legends, and environmental insights about birds and biodiversity.
For Shadi, birds are more than just creatures soaring in the sky; they are silent narrators of environmental change and symbols of beauty and natural balance. His love for birdwatching is not just a hobby but a way of life—one he embraces daily, whether alone or in the company of friends, savoring every moment spent in nature.
Guardian of the Environment and the Responsibility of Protection
Situated atop Jabal Hammana, overlooking Wadi Hammana and vast areas of Mount Lebanon, Beirut, Aley, and the Chouf Mountains, the bird observatory under Shadi Saad’s leadership serves as a vigilant eye for environmental protection—particularly against wildfires. Whenever he spots smoke rising, he promptly alerts the Civil Defense, which acts swiftly to contain fires and mitigate environmental damage. According to Civil Defense personnel, his presence has played a crucial role in minimizing the destruction caused by deliberate arson.
Shadi Saad embodies a profound relationship between humans and nature. He is not merely a birdwatcher but a guardian of the environment, a tour guide, and an ambassador for ecotourism in Lebanon. Through his passion and relentless efforts, Hima Hammana has transformed into a global destination for nature lovers, proving that individuals can drive positive change in both the environment and society.
He is a living testament to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon’s mission to revive the Hima system and promote birdwatching, as the national partner of BirdLife International. As a bird observer, nature guardian, tour guide, and ecotourism ambassador, Shadi Saad has played a vital role in establishing Hima Hammana as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts. His journey reflects SPNL’s pioneering role in preserving biodiversity and empowering individuals and local communities to protect the environment and achieve sustainable development.
