The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), with funding from the European Union through the BioConnect project, has successfully delivered its innovative SNOW (Schools With No Walls) program. This initiative has empowered hundreds of students, educators, and community members across Lebanon with the knowledge and tools needed to address environmental challenges such as biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and climate change.
Key Highlights of the SNOW Program:
- Extensive Reach: Between November 2022 and April 2023, the SNOW program engaged 1,143 participants in 47 workshops across 16 schools and municipalities in various regions, including Hammana, Kherbet Kanafar, Mansoura, Ras El Maten, Mansouri, and Ibil Saki.
- Diverse Topics: The program’s workshops focused on critical environmental topics, including biodiversity conservation, water importance, bird migration, sustainable hunting, climate change, and pollinator protection. The tailored content ensured that participants not only gained awareness but also developed actionable insights for environmental stewardship.
Gender Inclusivity and Participant Demographics
The program achieved a notable balance in gender representation, reflecting SPNL’s commitment to inclusivity:
- Male Participants: 608 (53%) of the total attendees
- Female Participants: 535 (47%) of the total attendees
The program’s balanced approach engaged both boys and girls, ensuring that all voices were included in the conversation about Lebanon’s environmental future.
Notable Regional Impact:
- Hammana: Over 200 participants from Hammana Public School and Saint Anthony’s College attended workshops on topics like biodiversity, sustainable hunting, and water conservation.
- Kherbet Kanafar: Sessions at Saint Jean School and Kherbet Kanafar Public School engaged more than 140 participants, focusing on bird migration, water conservation, and climate change.
- Ras El Maten: Workshops with Al Manar School reached 127 participants, addressing topics such as responsible hunting and biodiversity.
- Mansouri: Mansouri Public School hosted multiple workshops for 168 participants, emphasizing bird migration and biodiversity conservation.
- Ibil Saki Municipality: 51 participants attended a workshop that explored the intersection of responsible hunting, water management, and ecosystem preservation.
- Natural Park in Beirut River Valley: Schools near the natural park took part in workshops that highlighted the importance of ecosystems, water resource management, and pollinator conservation, emphasizing the need to preserve one of Lebanon’s most vital natural corridors.
- Mount Lebanon Villages of Kayfoun, Chemlan, and Baysour: SPNL’s outreach extended to schools in these villages, engaging local students and community members in discussions about climate change, sustainable hunting, and biodiversity.
Community Engagement through Indoor and Outdoor Activities
While the majority of sessions were conducted indoors, outdoor workshops in municipalities like Kherbet Kanafar and Ibil Saki allowed participants to experience Lebanon’s natural beauty firsthand. The dual approach ensured a more immersive and practical understanding of the environmental issues discussed.
Achievements in Numbers:
- Schools Engaged: 16 schools and community centers
- Workshops Conducted: 47
- Total Participants: 1,143
- Key Themes Addressed: Biodiversity, sustainable hunting, water conservation, bird migration, climate change, and pollinators
Funded by the EU through BioConnect
This impactful program was made possible through the generous support of the European Union via the BioConnect project. The funding enabled SPNL to conduct workshops in underserved regions, provide educational resources, and train facilitators to deliver high-quality sessions tailored to each community’s needs.
A Holistic Approach to Environmental Education
The SNOW program bridges the gap between knowledge and action. By combining indoor learning sessions with outdoor experiential activities, SPNL fosters a deep appreciation of nature while equipping participants with actionable skills to protect it. The inclusion of schools, municipalities, and local communities ensures that the message of conservation resonates across all levels of society.
About BioConnect
BioConnect is a collaborative project funded by the European Union, aiming to ensure effective management and governance of sites of ecological importance and expand biodiversity protection in Southern Lebanon. The initiative brings together four Lebanese partners—Al Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR), Association for Community and Environment (ACE), and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)—to work towards enhancing ecosystem health, socio-economic benefits, and community support.
SPNL
#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
