Amidst ongoing challenges faced by communities throughout Lebanon, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is pressing forward in its mission to champion environmental protection, conservation, and community resilience. A landmark meeting held recently in Bteknay, Upper Metn, marked a significant step toward the expansion of SPNL’s impact through collaborative efforts with local authorities.

The meeting was attended by André Béchara Leader of the  “School with No Walls” (SNOW) program, and hosted by Mr. Hamad Abou Al Hosn, President of the Municipality of Bteknay, and Ms. Majida Abou Al Hosn, a municipal member responsible for environmental initiatives and community awareness. These officials expressed their steadfast commitment to addressing pressing environmental and community needs, with a particular focus on initiatives that bring both ecological and social benefits. Together, they explored the implementation of the “Hima” approach in Bteknay — a community-based conservation model rooted in Lebanon’s cultural heritage that has shown great potential for sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

SPNL, which has long championed the Hima concept, sees this partnership as an opportunity to reinforce the benefits of community-based conservation while fostering a stronger connection between people and nature in Bteknay. With over four decades of experience in conservation and community engagement, SPNL has become a leader in implementing grassroots environmental initiatives across Lebanon.

The Hima Approach: A Model for Community-Led Conservation

At the core of this partnership is the Hima approach, which aligns with SPNL’s vision to blend traditional conservation knowledge with modern environmental practices. Originating from an ancient Arabic term meaning “protected area,” the Hima concept promotes sustainable resource management by empowering local communities to become stewards of their natural surroundings.

SPNL’s innovative approach to the Hima model has led to the establishment of protected areas across Lebanon, benefiting both biodiversity and local communities. The recent meeting in Bteknay demonstrated a shared belief in the model’s ability to promote environmental awareness, sustainable development, and cultural preservation, all within a framework that encourages active community participation.

Key Initiatives: Homat al Hima, SNOW Educational Program, and Hima to Hima

During the meeting, SPNL introduced three major initiatives aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and community development in Bteknay:

1. Homat al Hima Program: This program is designed to empower youth by training them as environmental guardians within their communities. Through hands-on activities, environmental workshops, and awareness campaigns, participants develop the skills and knowledge to protect local biodiversity. The Homat al Hima program not only encourages environmental responsibility but also strengthens community bonds, fostering a generation of conservation-minded citizens.
2. SNOW (School with No Walls) Educational Program: Recognizing the need for experiential learning, SNOW provides students with opportunities to engage directly with nature through outdoor activities, workshops, and ecological studies. This program seeks to instill a sense of responsibility toward the environment in young minds while enhancing their understanding of Lebanon’s unique natural heritage.
3. Hima to Hima Initiative: This innovative program connects different Hima sites across Lebanon, creating a network of conservation areas that serve as models for sustainable development. By linking Bteknay to other Hima communities, SPNL hopes to establish a broader framework for regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community-driven conservation efforts.

Strong Support from Local Leadership

The discussions held in Bteknay underscored the municipality’s enthusiasm for these initiatives. Mr. Hamad Abou Al Hosn conveyed his commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being, stating, “This partnership with SPNL allows us to address environmental challenges while fostering a stronger sense of community identity and pride in our natural heritage.” His support aligns with SPNL’s vision of creating self-sustaining communities that are actively engaged in environmental protection.

Ms. Majida Abou Al Hosn, who has played a pivotal role in driving environmental initiatives within the municipality, expressed her readiness to launch both the Homat al Hima and SNOW programs in Bteknay. “These programs offer invaluable opportunities for our youth and broader community to connect with nature, learn sustainable practices, and play an active role in protecting our village’s natural resources,” she noted. Ms. Majida emphasized that initiatives like SNOW, which allow young people to experience nature as an extended classroom, are particularly relevant in today’s context, where traditional educational environments have been impacted by the challenges of recent years.

Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Change

The collaboration between SPNL and the Municipality of Bteknay represents a promising step toward achieving SPNL’s broader goals of environmental preservation, community engagement, and cultural sustainability. By embedding these principles within the Hima framework, SPNL and Bteknay aim to set a precedent for other Lebanese communities, demonstrating that local conservation efforts can lead to meaningful, long-term impact.

With the groundwork now laid, SPNL will move forward with plans to implement the agreed-upon initiatives in Bteknay. The organization anticipates launching awareness workshops, community clean-ups, and biodiversity assessments as part of the Homat al Hima program. Additionally, the SNOW program will initiate nature-focused educational activities that will be integrated into local school curriculums, allowing students to gain hands-on environmental knowledge.

The Hima to Hima initiative will also foster collaboration between Bteknay and other Hima communities across Lebanon, enhancing the collective impact of SPNL’s work and creating a supportive network of conservation leaders. Through these efforts, Bteknay will become a vital node in Lebanon’s broader environmental landscape, demonstrating that communities can take meaningful action to safeguard their natural and cultural resources, even in times of adversity.

A Vision for a Sustainable Future

As Lebanon navigates a period of profound social and economic challenges, SPNL remains committed to working hand-in-hand with local partners to protect the country’s natural heritage. By embracing the Hima approach, SPNL hopes to inspire a sense of pride, resilience, and environmental responsibility within communities like Bteknay, ensuring that conservation efforts remain both effective and sustainable.

This latest partnership underscores SPNL’s belief in the power of community-led conservation and the essential role that local authorities and citizens play in safeguarding Lebanon’s biodiversity. Through these initiatives, SPNL aims to equip communities with the tools they need to address environmental challenges, foster social cohesion, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

About the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)

Founded in 1983, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to conserving Lebanon’s biodiversity and promoting sustainable development. SPNL’s work focuses on implementing community-based conservation projects, developing environmental education programs, and advocating for the protection of Lebanon’s natural resources. The organization has been a pioneer in reviving the ancient Hima conservation approach, adapting it to contemporary needs and aligning it with international conservation standards.