The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Nizar Hani on his appointment as Minister of Agriculture in Lebanon. With a distinguished career in environmental conservation and sustainable land management, Minister Hani’s leadership marks a pivotal moment for Lebanon’s agricultural and environmental policies.
As the former Director General of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR), Minister Hani has been at the forefront of Lebanon’s conservation movement, advocating for biodiversity protection, sustainable agriculture, and the Hima approach to community-led nature conservation. His dedication to environmental stewardship has strengthened partnerships across Lebanon, working closely with key conservation organizations, including SPNL, the Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC), and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) National Committee of Lebanon.
A previous gathering of prominent conservation leaders, who have long collaborated on environmental and agricultural sustainability, included:
🔹 Nizar Hani, Director General of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR),
🔹 Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL
🔹 Sawsan Bou Fakhreddine, Director General of AFDC
🔹 André Bechara, Director of the “School With No Walls” (SNOW) program at SPNL
🔹 Fadi Ghanem, President of IUCN National Committee of Lebanon
This long-standing collaboration has played a crucial role in protecting Lebanon’s nature reserves, promoting sustainable land use, and enhancing community engagement in conservation efforts.
A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation
Minister Hani’s expertise in integrating conservation with rural development offers a unique opportunity to advance sustainable agricultural practices in Lebanon. His leadership is expected to foster nature-based solutions, agroecology, and responsible land management, ensuring a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental protection.
SPNL remains committed to supporting the Ministry of Agriculture in strengthening policies that promote biodiversity conservation, sustainable farming, and rural resilience. The organization looks forward to continued collaboration with Minister Hani to achieve a shared vision for a greener and more sustainable Lebanon.
