The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) proudly announces the release of its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting a year of groundbreaking conservation efforts, community-driven initiatives, and strategic developments aimed at preserving Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage. This report reflects SPNL’s commitment to sustainable environmental practices, emphasizing the crucial role of the Hima approach in fostering ecological balance and social well-being.
A Milestone in Conservation: From Hima to Natural Parks
For over 41 years, SPNL has been at the forefront of nature conservation in Lebanon, advocating for the revival of the Hima system, a traditional community-based approach to natural resource management. In 2024, SPNL expanded its conservation footprint by:
- Expanding the Hima network across Lebanon by establishing new sites, enhancing biodiversity corridors, and increasing the total number of Hima to 33.“
- Initiating Lebanon’s first Natural Park, bridging Mount Lebanon to the Anti-Lebanon range via the Rift Valley.
- Launching the Hima for Peace program, with eight villages in Mount Lebanon signing the Hima Charter, promoting environmental stewardship as a pathway to social harmony.
Key Achievements in Conservation
SPNL’s conservation agenda in 2024 focused on mitigating environmental threats and fostering species and habitat protection. Major accomplishments include:
- The Endangered Voices Campaign, developed in partnership with Leo Burnett, HHI, and SPNL, raising awareness on critical biodiversity issues.
- Strengthening the Homat al Hima program, empowering local communities to engage in conservation activities.
- Mapping Lebanon’s biodiversity connectivity, linking Hima sites to key ecological areas, including Nature Reserves, Biosphere Reserves, and Important Bird Areas (IBAs).
Financial Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships
SPNL reinforced its financial sustainability through diversified funding strategies, ensuring long-term support for its conservation projects. Key financial highlights include:
- Continued support from donors such as the European Union (EU), Global Environment Fund (GEF), and the Sigrid Rausing Trust (SRT).
- Implementation of the Souk al Hima marketing plan, expanding outreach to local and international markets.
- Strengthening partnerships with local municipalities and international organizations to ensure the continuity and expansion of Hima initiatives.
Expanding Digital Outreach and Communication
To further engage stakeholders and the public, SPNL adopted a digital-first communication strategy in 2024, amplifying conservation messages through:
- Tailored social media campaigns on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, showcasing SPNL’s impact.
- Biannual publication of Al Hima Magazine, featuring success stories, conservation insights, and community engagements.
- Strengthened press engagement and media relations, ensuring wider coverage of SPNL’s conservation efforts.
Looking Ahead: SPNL’s Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Building on the successes of 2024, SPNL is committed to:
- Expanding the Hima for Peace program to more Lebanese villages, promoting environmental peacebuilding.
- Enhancing eco-tourism initiatives linked to Hima sites, supporting sustainable livelihoods.
- Scaling up data-driven conservation strategies, using mapping technologies and scientific research to guide future interventions.
Join SPNL’s Conservation Journey As SPNL continues its mission to protect Lebanon’s biodiversity, the organization invites communities, partners, and conservationists to join in fostering a sustainable and resilient future. The full SPNL 2024 Annual Report is available for download at this link.
SPNL Annual Report 2024
