The Society issued the fourth issue of Al-Hima magazine for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Its main topic is the urgent protection of migratory birds and the allocation of areas for responsible hunting, coinciding with the autumn migration. Lebanon is located on one of the most important migration routes in the world, with millions of birds passing over it twice a year, every spring and fall, between Europe, West Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, many of which are endangered species or significantly declining in numbers.

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Asaad Serhal, SPNL’s Director General, stated in his editorial: ” An estimated 2.6 million birds are illegally shot over Lebanon every year, according to SPNL and BirdLife International documentation. Both organizations have worked tirelessly for four decades to mitigate and prevent the decimation of bird populations and habitats in Lebanon and the Middle East.”

“More recently, SPNL has been promoting the concept of responsible hunting areas,” Serhal added. “In parallel, it initiated the Anti-Poaching Unit with the Middle East Center for Sustainable Hunting, in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and with direct support from municipalities, ministries, and law enforcement authorities.” He pointed to the impact of armed conflicts, displacement, and tensions on the social and economic structure and the pressures this imposes on natural resources and resident and migratory wildlife.

Serhal noted that SPNL has established 33 Himas (protected areas) across Lebanon, covering more than 6 percent of its territory and representing the country’s top important bird and biodiversity areas. “Responsible hunting areas can be a valuable addition for Lebanon to realize the Global Biodiversity Framework’s ambitious 30×30 target, with protected sites comprising 30% of its area,” he concluded, instilling hope and inspiration in the audience.

In a special commentary, Sami Dimassi, UNEP’s Representative and Regional Director for West Asia, noted that “Lebanon has become a major hotspot of illegal bird killing and the fourth most dangerous country in the Mediterranean in terms of the number of birds killed.” UNEP and the Ministry of Environment had held a meeting on this issue, attended by NGOs, enforcement apparatus, nature reserves, international organizations, ministries, and multilateral environment agreements. It recommended the development of a comprehensive national roadmap to address the illegal killing and taking of migratory birds, strengthen coordination with government departments and ministries, nature reserves, NGOs and citizens, educate children and local communities about the importance of migratory birds, and build capacities to report and monitor illegal killing and poaching activities, coupled with strict enforcement of laws and regulation, especially in key hotspots during migration seasons, highlighting the audience’s crucial role in wildlife protection.

This fourth issue of Al-Hima is issued in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), which specializes in international anti-poaching operations and investigations in hotspots of illegal bird hunting and trapping, combatting wild bird trafficking networks and providing expert advice to the customs and appropriate governmental regulatory bodies. Several success stories highlight the organization’s operations in Lebanon, Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy, France, Spain and other countries.

The issue also highlights Hima Anjar, a perfect example of the harmonization of cultural heritage protection with the conservation of nature in Lebanon and the Middle East. It is based on the Hima concept, a traditional Arab community conserved area revived by SPNL, using intercultural and interreligious approaches.

Other topics in the issue include Important bird and biodiversity areas in Lebanon, the Rare Bird Club, establishing a network of marine protected areas in Lebanon, West Asia’s habitat degradation crisis, wildlife crimes, reviving Anfeh’s fishing legacy, Shimlan the Hima Village, UN-HABITAT project bringing Beirut River back to life, sea turtle conservation in the Mediterranean hotspot, return of the monk seal, reserves combating climate change: Saudi Arabia as a model, Hima Vs. Nature Reserve, conquering Europe’s highest peak, Souk Al Hima.

“This issue of Al-Hima is published while bombing, burning, and displacement,” said editor-in-chief Raghida Haddad. “It is not surprising, as the people of Lebanon have never lost hope nor retreated in despair in the darkest of circumstances. SPNL did not stop helping displaced citizens while implementing its environmental and development agenda. The turmoil will end ultimately, and the land will remain a refuge and lifeline for our people. SPNL will always be a pioneer in protecting nature and improving the livelihoods of local communities, with the efforts of its multidisciplinary team and in cooperation with local, regional, and international partners,” she added.