The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held a meeting with Dr. Nasser Yassin, Lebanon’s Minister of Environment, to discuss the next steps in establishing the Higher Matn Natural Park. The gathering included Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL and BirdLife Partner in Lebanon and BirdLife International Global Councillor for the Middle East Region; Raja Abou Reslan, Mayor of Ras El Matn ; Adel Najd, Mayor of Abadiyeh; Fayssal Abu Izziddin; Ghada Ghazal; Rafic Makarem; community members from the Hima villages of Ras El Matn and Abadiyeh; Rania Khalil, SPNL Project Manager; and Raghida Haddad, Chief Editor of Al Hima Magazine. The discussions emphasized a collaborative approach to conserving Lebanon’s natural heritage.
Key Outcomes and Actions
The meeting focused on refining the vision for the Higher Matn Natural Park and ensuring its alignment with national and local conservation goals. The following actions were agreed upon:
- Review of the SPNL Charter: The Ministry of Environment will review the charter developed by SPNL and local municipalities, which outlines the park’s objectives, working areas, vision, and mission.
- Official Recognition: The national park will be officially named the Higher Matn Natural Park.
- Formal Decision: Dr. Yassin committed to issuing an official decision before the end of 2024. This decision will:
- Acknowledge the efforts invested in establishing the park.
- Approve the formation of a committee responsible for its continuity, management, and development.
- Endorse the charter.
- Management Plan and Budget: Collaborative work will commence to develop a comprehensive management plan with a dedicated budget to ensure the park’s sustainability.
- Outreach to Donors: Efforts will continue to raise awareness about the park’s ecological importance, goals, and mission to attract donor support.
Aligning with the Global 30×30 Initiative
During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the upcoming issue of SPNL’s Al Hima magazine, which will spotlight the global 30×30 initiative. This initiative aims to designate 30% of the Earth’s land and ocean areas as protected zones by 2030. The issue will feature Lebanon’s efforts, including the Higher Matn Natural Park, alongside the Ministry of Environment’s vision for achieving these ambitious goals.
A Collaborative Vision for Conservation
Rania Khalil, SPNL’s Homat Al Hima and Hima Farm Program Manager, emphasized the importance of partnership in the park’s development. “The Higher Matn Natural Park reflects the power of collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, local municipalities, and SPNL. Together, we are creating a space that preserves Lebanon’s rich biodiversity while fostering sustainable community engagement.”
With this milestone, the Higher Matn Natural Park takes a significant step toward becoming a flagship example of Lebanon’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
