“Hima Charter Stitching Mount-Lebanon Landscape, One Hima At a Time”
A New Symbol of Community Resilience and Biodiversity
The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) organized today a vibrant community event titled “Hima Charter Stitching Mount-Lebanon Landscape, One Hima At a Time”, hosted at Souk Al Ghareb’s Municipality on Friday, 25 July 2025.
The event was held in partnership with the Municipality of Souk Al Ghareb and the Women’s Association for the Development of Souk Al Ghareb (SEGWA), and is part of SPNL’s traveling exhibition series supported by the BioConnect Project, funded by the European Union.
Welcoming the Community: Local Ownership and Leadership
The event opened with a heartfelt welcoming speech by Ms. Zeina Hiti, Project Officer at SPNL for the Souk El Hima program, who greeted guests and emphasized the role of women, youth, and local actors in shaping a thriving Hima model.
In his address,Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL and Chairman of BirdLife Middle East highlighted the strategic significance of the Hima model:
“This is not only an environmental event—it is a cultural and moral commitment. The Hima Charter connects us to our roots and guides our future. It empowers communities to lead conservation efforts that are rooted in tradition, knowledge, and shared responsibility. Today, from this Lavender Garden, we send a message of hope and harmony to all of Mount Lebanon.”
“This exhibition reflects the soul of our town. The Hima model thrives because our people are at its heart—preserving traditions, protecting nature, and cultivating peace. The Lavender Garden we inaugurate today is a symbol of that harmony,” said Serhal.
Lavender Garden Inauguration
One of the day’s main highlights was the official opening of the “Lavender Garden”, a locally designed and planted green space that integrates biodiversity conservation with public well-being and cultural identity. It is a flagship initiative of the Souk El Hima program, and a living testimony to nature-based solutions guided by the community.
Program Highlights and Speakers
In his speech, Mr. Elie Salibi Chairman of the Environment Committee of Souk Al Ghareb Municipal council praised the initiative’s vision and local engagement:
“This collaboration between SPNL, SEGWA, and the municipality embodies the true spirit of Souk Al Ghareb. Together, we are showing that sustainable development is possible when nature and community walk hand in hand. The Lavender Garden is not only a gift to our town—it is a legacy for future generations.”
In her address, Mrs. Soulaf Kanaan, President of SEGWA and Souk Al Hima Program Manager highlighted the power of women-led grassroots efforts in transforming communities:
“The Hima model has allowed us, as women and residents of Souk Al Ghareb, to turn our collective love for the land into a sustainable future. The Lavender Garden is the bloom of years of dedication, and a place where memory, nature, and hope grow side by side. It is our contribution to a greener Lebanon rooted in community care.”
The event featured key interventions from Mr. Robert Al Sioufi, President of the Union of Municipalities of Upper Gharb and Shahar. His speeche underscored the relevance of the Hima approach in restoring ecological landscapes and enhancing civic engagement throughout Lebanon and the Union of Municipalities of Upper Gharb and Shahar.
Contributions from Project Partners
International and national partners expressed their support through brief but impactful remarks, highlighting the value of collaboration and community-driven conservation:
Mr. Onur Gez, representing the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), stated:
“TİKA is proud to support initiatives like the Hima model that empower communities to protect their natural heritage. Today, Souk Al Ghareb stands as a shining example of how local action can shape national impact.”
Mr. Karim Abi Ghanem, from Terre des Hommes, emphasized the intersection between human rights and environmental justice:
“Protecting the environment means protecting people. Our support for the Hima approach reflects our belief that ecological sustainability and community dignity must go hand in hand.”
Mr. Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF), spoke about civil society’s vital role:
“From grassroots organizations to national networks, civil society in Lebanon is rising to meet the biodiversity challenge. The Lavender Garden is proof that when people lead, transformation blooms.”
Mr. Fadi Ghanem, President of the IUCN National Committee in Lebanon, stressed the scientific grounding of the initiative:
“Community-led conservation must be backed by science and policy. The Hima model is not just traditional—it’s innovative, inclusive, and strategic for Lebanon’s ecological future.”
The event concluded with a call for expanding the Hima Charter across other Mount Lebanon municipalities to build a more sustainable and equitable future.
