The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has officially launched the geospatial map of Hima Al-Abadiyeh, marking a new milestone in its efforts to advance community-based conservation supported by modern geographic and environmental data.
Prepared by SPNL’s GIS and Remote Sensing Division, the map defines the official boundaries of the Hima and its municipal land parcels (Nos. 1721, 1731, 2233, 2248, and 2278), encompassing a total area of 1 km². The mapped area lies within the public lands of the Municipality of Al-Abadiyeh, bordering the villages of Ras El-Maten, Chouit, and Beit Mery.
“This new map represents more than lines on paper — it is a tool for accountability, planning, and participatory management,” said Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL. “By combining traditional Hima stewardship with modern GIS science, we ensure that local communities can protect their lands with precision, knowledge, and pride.”
The map, produced by Bilal Al-Alaouiyeh, GIS & Remote Sensing expert at SPNL, utilizes WGS 1984 UTM Zone 36N coordinates and draws from multiple high-resolution satellite data sources. It serves as a technical reference for environmental planning, eco-tourism zoning, fire risk assessment, and biodiversity monitoring within the Hima.
A Model for Transparent Environmental Governance
The launch of the Hima Al-Abadiyeh map reinforces SPNL’s commitment to transparency and community participation. It provides municipal authorities, residents, and partners with a clear spatial framework to manage natural resources sustainably and to prevent illegal encroachments or unplanned construction within conservation zones.
“Accurate mapping is a cornerstone of good governance,” Said Bilal Al-Alaouiyeh,GIS & Remote Sensing expert at SPNL, “It empowers municipalities and local stakeholders to implement conservation strategies aligned with national environmental laws and Lebanon’s commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity.”
The mapping of Hima Al-Abadiyeh complements previous collaborative work between SPNL and local municipalities to designate and document Hima sites across Mount Lebanon, contributing to a national network of community-protected areas that integrate biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods.
Background
Al-Abadiyeh (Arabic: العبادية) is a scenic mountain town in the Baabda District of Mount Lebanon, located approximately 16 km east of Beirut, at an average elevation of 780 m and covering some 916 hectares.
On 15 February 2024, the town officially declared the creation of Hima Al-Abadiyeh as a community-based conservation area, becoming part of the broader “Higher Matn Natural Park” initiative — a regional vision to unify natural heritage protection under sustainable management.
On 03 October 2025, the village of Saghbine has become home to the country’s 39th Hima. This milestone, proudly announced by SPNL reaffirms Lebanon’s leadership in reviving traditional models of coexistence between people and nature.
