By Zeina Hitti and Celine Faitrouni, Hima Shimlan Team
Eco-tourism is becoming an increasingly popular and modern form of travel, allowing visitors to explore destinations without harming the environment. By visiting eco-friendly Hima villages, travelers can experience the beauty of nature while actively supporting sustainable development and local community growth.
This article highlights the unique eco-tourism experience that will soon be available in Hima Shimlan, showcasing how it can benefit both visitors and the local community.
Nestled in the Aley District of Mount Lebanon, the picturesque village of Shimlan offers breathtaking views of Beirut and the Mediterranean coast. Located just 25 kilometers from the capital at an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, this historic town was first mentioned in 12th-century records and has since earned a reputation as an eco-friendly community.
Shimlan is also the hometown of the renowned historian Dr. Philip Hitti (1886–1978), a Lebanese scholar who taught at Princeton University. Dr. Hitti founded the university’s Arabic and Islamic Library and its Near Eastern Studies Program. His contributions to Arab studies in the West are well recognized through his numerous books, including History of the Arabs, Lebanon in History, and Islam: A Way of Life.
Shimlan Becomes a Hima for Peace
Recognizing Shimlan’s rich biodiversity and eco-tourism potential, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) selected it as a model site for its “Hima for Peace” initiative. The project aims to encourage the return of former residents, attract new visitors, and promote sustainable tourism.
As the first step in its implementation, SPNL established the Biblical Garden, which has now become “Hima Shimlan”—a sanctuary dedicated to environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation, specifically protecting plants and animals referenced in the Bible.
The Biblical Garden offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking spiritual reflection, yoga, or meditation. It features:
✅ Rest areas and reading spaces
✅ A refreshment kiosk offering coffee and beverages
✅ The Turtle House, home to nearly 100 turtles
✅ The Bird House, which shelters partridges and other native birds
✅ Free-roaming squirrels and pigeons
✅ A diverse selection of Biblical plant species
Connecting Cultures Through Nature
As part of the “Hima for Peace” initiative, SPNL has introduced a long-distance hiking trail connecting Shimlan’s Biblical Garden to the Quranic Garden in Keyfoun, a neighboring village.
By linking two culturally and religiously diverse communities, this project fosters peace through wildlife conservation and cross-cultural interaction, particularly among youth and women’s groups, extending its impact to all segments of society.
Shimlan: Lebanon’s First Hima Village
During the project’s development, SPNL pioneered a groundbreaking concept—the “Hima Village.” Shimlan is set to become the first fully designated Hima village in Lebanon, embracing eco-tourism and sustainability as its defining features.
How Shimlan Became a Hima
SPNL’s journey with Shimlan began with a meeting between SPNL representatives and Mayor Issam Hitti to discuss how the village could enhance its eco-friendly identity.
At a municipal council meeting, Mayor Hitti declared:
“Shimlan, as a community, aspires to be an eco-tourism village. Being environmentally friendly means embracing great responsibility and making significant progress to welcome visitors from around the world to experience the beauty of Shimlan’s nature.”
When asked about the village’s top priorities, the council members identified road safety as the most pressing concern.
SPNL responded with a comprehensive road management plan, including budget allocations and a strategic framework to enhance traffic safety.
Additionally, the Hima Shimlan team introduced 10 small-scale projects, which received overwhelming support from the municipal council and local residents.
Community Engagement & Implementation
The late Mukhtar Ghassan Hitti, a respected community leader, played a pivotal role in rallying support. Enthusiastic about the initiative, he invited local residents to his home, where the Hima Shimlan team presented their vision.
The community actively participated in identifying the village’s needs, which aligned with the proposed small-scale projects aimed at transforming Shimlan into a thriving eco-tourism destination.
10 Key Projects for Hima Shimlan
1️⃣ Tree Pruning & Bird Nesting – Maintaining roadside trees and strategically placing bird nests in active birding zones.
2️⃣ Road Management & Safety – Installing directional signs, traffic lights, intersection markers, and tourist maps (“You Are Here”) to guide visitors to key attractions.
3️⃣ Safe Rest Areas – Designating tranquil spaces for visitors, featuring:
- Benches & a free community library
- Telescopes for birdwatching, particularly for migratory coastal birds
- Protective steel barriers for pedestrian safety
- Bike parking areas
4️⃣ Biodiversity Conservation – Conducting wildlife research to restore native species and enhance habitat protection. Already, efforts have begun to reintroduce squirrels, turtles, doves, and partridges.
5️⃣ Cycling Program – Developing bike-friendly infrastructure, including:
- Directional signs for cyclists
- Bike rental stations
- Designated bike parking zones
- Safety markers for cycling routes
6️⃣ Smart Village Initiative – Transforming Shimlan into a “Smart Hima Village” by integrating:
- QR codes & digital maps for self-guided eco-tours
- A structured tourist experience for safe and memorable visits
- Online surveys to gather visitor feedback
A Model for Future Hima Villages
With the successful transformation of Shimlan into Lebanon’s first full-scale Hima Village, the model sets a new standard for eco-tourism and conservation.
Through sustainable development, community engagement, and responsible tourism, Hima Shimlan stands as a pioneering example of how villages can thrive while preserving their natural and cultural heritage.
