The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is proud to announce the publication of its latest resource, “Technical Guide to Citizen Science Biodiversity Monitoring in Lebanon.” Prepared by Yara Alchammas, Biodiversity Data Analyst, this guide is developed under the “BioConnect” project, funded by the European Union. It serves as a comprehensive manual for engaging local communities in scientific biodiversity monitoring, empowering them to play an active role in conservation efforts.
Empowering Citizen Science for Conservation
This technical guide is based on a theoretical manual for citizen science application in Lebanon, providing practical instructions, field templates, and questionnaires to monitor key aspects of biodiversity and ecosystem health. The goal is to equip local communities with the necessary tools to assess and track environmental conditions in their surroundings.
📊 Key areas covered in the guide include:
✅ Fauna biodiversity monitoring
✅ Flora biodiversity assessment
✅ Hunting practices documentation
✅ Land productivity conditions tracking
✅ Farmer and pastoralist practices evaluation
✅ Riverine ecosystem health analysis
A Community-Driven Approach to Biodiversity Protection
Through this initiative, citizen scientists will contribute valuable data that will be stored, analyzed, and used for informed decision-making in the governance of Himas and other protected areas across Lebanon. This collaborative monitoring approach ensures that biodiversity conservation efforts are inclusive, science-driven, and publicly recognized.
Key Objectives of the Guide:
📌 Gather year-round data on ecosystem health in a cost-effective manner
📌 Monitor ecological and social impacts of biodiversity changes
📌 Involve local communities in the technical aspects of environmental monitoring
A One-Year Trial for Future Adaptation
The guide will be implemented over a one-year trial period, allowing for adaptations to better fit the needs and abilities of citizen scientists. This ensures that the methodology remains effective, accessible, and impactful.
SPNL’s approach to citizen science strengthens conservation efforts by integrating local knowledge with scientific research. By empowering communities to become active stewards of their environment, this guide marks a significant step towards sustainable biodiversity monitoring in Lebanon.
💡 SPNL invites all conservationists, researchers, and local community members to explore and utilize this valuable resource!
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#EUBioConnect4Lebanon
The European Union supports Lebanon’s stability, independence and sovereignty, its prosperity and democratic order. It strives also to help protect its environment and natural resources by supporting sustainable enterprise and development.
Find out more about the EU’s work in Lebanon or follow it on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @EUinLebanon
Overview of the BioConnect Project
The BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union, aims to enhance the management and governance of environmentally significant sites in southern Lebanon and establish new protected areas to preserve natural landscapes and biodiversity on a broader scale in the region.
Project Partners
Four main partners implement the project:
- Shouf Biosphere Reserve Association (ACS)
- Association for Rural Capacities Development (ADR)
- Association for Community and Environment (ACE)
- Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
These partners work collectively to:
- Improve the management of significant environmental sites.
- Establish new protected areas.
- Implement “Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures” (OECMs) for more comprehensive landscape preservation.
Main Objectives
The project seeks to achieve the following goals:
- Enhancing Ecosystem Health
- Improve social and economic benefits derived from ecosystems.
- Reducing Biodiversity Pressures
- Support local communities to ensure the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Geographical Scope
The project focuses on four main regions:
- Southern Coastal Lebanon
- Western Bekaa
- Mount Lebanon
- Southern Lebanon Mountains
Targeted Sites
The project covers the following Himas:
- Qolaila and Mansouri
- Khirbet Qanafar
- Ain Zebdeh
- Hammana
- Ras el-Metn
- Ibl es-Saqi
Project Duration
The project spans 45 months, from February 1, 2022, to October 31, 2025.
Strategic Goals
1. Biodiversity Conservation
- Develop and implement monitoring protocols for biodiversity, including plants, birds, mammals, and other wildlife.
- Increase knowledge of biodiversity in the targeted areas.
- Create citizen science protocols to ensure the sustainability of research efforts.
- Reduce habitat fragmentation by improving connectivity between natural landscapes.
2. Empowering Traditional Practices
- Support farmers through the “Hima Farm Program” to promote the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices.
3. Education and Capacity Building
- Deliver educational programs through initiatives such as:
- “School Without Walls” (SNOW) for children.
- “Youth Hima Rangers” for young conservationists.
- Develop eco-tourism activities to enhance the ecological tourism value of targeted areas.
- Organize annual Hima Forums to enable Hima leaders to share success stories.
4. Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Establish an ecosystem-based framework to address climate change challenges.
- Strengthen the resilience of protected areas to climate change impacts.
5. Policy-Making
- Collaborate with municipalities to draft local policies for biodiversity conservation.
- Promote sustainable resource use in hunting, farming, and fishing activities.
