On Sunday 5 December 2021, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon- SPNL and the Municipality of Shemlane announced the soft opening of Hima Shemlane Biblical Garden. The events witnessed the presence of the Mayor of Shemlane Mr.Issam Hitti, Parish Priest Father Elie Abed El Massih, SPNL President Mrs. Afaf Osseiran Saidi, SPNL founding member Mr. Mohamad Jamal, Chairman of The Lebanon National Committee of IUCN Mr. Fadi Ghanem.

According to Director General of SPNL Mr.Assad Serhal “The event strengthens the concept of Hima for peace and the treasure of balance between people and nature”.

Among towering native trees in a wooded mountain, Hima Shemlane Biblical Garden opens to an immaculate lawn with hedges, terraces, and layered topiaries. The houses at the heart of the garden that is a counterpoint of wild and tame, the contrasting compositions of people and nature creating a compelling harmony, the contrasting compositions of people and nature creating a compelling harmony.

Soon—and it will not be very long— the forests of Lebanon will become a fertile field, and the fertile field will yield bountiful crops. (Isaiah 29:17)