The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has released the fifth issue of Al-Hima magazine, dedicated to the theme of protected areas—highlighting the 34 Himas that now make up 6% of Lebanon’s land area. A central feature of this edition is the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union to support biodiversity conservation across the country. The project boasts three national milestones: the first Natural Park (Upper Matn), the first Geological Park (Shouf-Jezzine), and the first Endowment Hima (Btekhnay).
In his editorial, SPNL Director General Assad Serhal reflects:
“For the first time, we stand on the threshold of realizing what has long been a dream: the establishment of Lebanon’s First Natural Park. According to our legal framework, Lebanon recognizes four categories of protected areas: Nature Reserves, Himas, Natural Parks, and Natural Monuments. Until now, Natural Parks remained the only unimplemented category — that is finally changing.”
Referencing the charter signed with the Ministry of Environment to establish the Natural Park in Upper Matn along the Beirut River Valley, Serhal added:
“This is a stepping stone toward designating Natural Parks that embrace both people and nature — combining ecological preservation with sustainable development, traditional knowledge, and community engagement.”
Minister of Environment Dr. Tamara El Zein contributed a statement in which she affirmed the Ministry’s commitment:
“The Ministry of Environment will continue to follow the protected areas file closely and ensure that all efforts are made — with the help of our dedicated partners — to see the Natural Park designation effectively implemented on the ground.”
Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, highlighted EU-supported initiatives “to preserve forests, revive Hima practices, safeguard biodiversity, and enhance marine protected areas — not only through funding, but also by strengthening environmental governance, engaging local communities, and supporting evidence-based environmental policymaking.”
This issue places special emphasis on the BioConnect project, managed by Al Shouf Cedar Society in partnership with SPNL, ADR, and ACE. Featured photo essays cover the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, the Tyre Coastal Reserve, and the groundbreaking Shouf-Jezzine Geopark. Special attention is also given to the establishment of a national network of marine protected areas, led by the Lebanese Environment Forum.
Beyond Lebanon, the magazine explores conservation practices in the Arabian Peninsula, Palestine, and Jordan, including the newly launched strategy of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature in Jordan. A unique linguistic and cultural comparison is drawn between the Swahili word hema—meaning “tent”—and the hima concept rooted in Arab heritage.
Other articles in this issue include:
SPNL Monitors Biodiversity, The Hima Forum, Al Abadiyeh: A Village and a Hima, The Stork’s Feast, Friends of the Sea, Bee Hima, and Wildlife Crimes in Lebanon.
Editor-in-Chief Raghida Haddad concludes:
“What truly distinguishes this issue is that it reaffirms Al-Hima magazine’s role as a platform for conservation leaders — from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and the UAE to Kenya and beyond — showcasing their expertise and sharing inspiring success stories.”
