The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) welcomes the in-depth feature article published by National Geographic Arabic – issued by Abu Dhabi Media, titled “Hima in the Arabian Peninsula: A Manifestation of Balance Between Humans and Nature.” This article marks a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to revive and document one of the oldest environmental protection systems in Arab history – the Hima system.
This media collaboration reflects a strategic partnership between SPNL and leading cultural and environmental institutions across the Arab region. It underscores a shared commitment to raising awareness about traditional sustainable systems that connect local communities to their natural resources through principles of respect, stewardship, and balance.
The article, combining historical research with cultural insight and environmental awareness, places the Hima system in its rightful civilizational context. It highlights how, throughout centuries, it served as a community-based protection mechanism, an instrument of environmental justice, and a source of inspiration in Arabic literature and folklore. The feature clearly conveys that Hima is not a relic of the past, but a living model of harmony between humans and nature, deeply rooted in Arab collective memory.
By shedding light on the Islamic foundations of the Hima system—and how it evolved from a symbol of elite privilege in pre-Islamic times to a public good under Islamic teachings—the article aligns closely with SPNL’s mission. For decades, the society has been working to revive Hima as a localized approach to natural resource management, one that respects heritage while addressing modern needs.
The article also presents the historical challenges that led to the decline of the Hima system, including shifts in governance after the fall of the Ottoman Empire, centralization policies, and unsustainable grazing practices—making SPNL’s call to reintegrate Hima into modern environmental policy all the more relevant. Today, the society is implementing Contemporary Hima Programs in various Lebanese regions in partnership with local communities and municipalities.
SPNL particularly commends the thoughtful comparison between Hima and modern nature reserves presented in the article. Unlike government-managed reserves, Hima offers a participatory, community-based, and cost-effective model that fosters sustainable use of natural resources while securing long-term environmental benefits.
The Society believes that this type of specialized media coverage plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between environmental knowledge and local communities. It looks forward to deepening its collaboration with National Geographic Arabic and similar cultural platforms to expand awareness of the Hima concept and its relevance across the Arab world.
