The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), and the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) organized a training session at the Mount Lebanon Hima Center in Kayfoun. This session targeted nature explorers, hikers, environmentalists, and hunters from the Aley district.
Training Focus and Objectives
The session focused on field monitoring techniques, aiming to reduce the illegal killing of migratory birds and combat poaching through effective reporting and documentation.
Experts Leading the Training
The session was opened by Hamada Malaeb, Doroub Al Hima program manager, and included theoretical training delivered by:
✅ Adonis Khattab, President of the Middle East Center for Sustainable Hunting (MESHC) and Field Coordinator for Responsible Hunting at SPNL.
✅ Shereen Bou Raffoul, Head of APU and Director of CABS International in Lebanon.
Also contributing to the session:
🔹 Chadi Saad, Chadi Saad, the Manager of Hima Hammana’s Raptor Counting Site.
🔹 Amira Al-Sayegh, who presented her graduation project idea on responsible hunting mobile application.
The session saw high engagement, with participants expressing appreciation for APU’s expertise and their willingness to collaborate to strengthen efforts to protect migratory birds and combat poaching.
The Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) was established to monitor and prevent illegal practices that threaten birds and wildlife in Lebanon. Through its trained field teams, the unit conducts awareness campaigns, monitors hunting areas, and coordinates with relevant authorities to enforce environmental laws, contributing to the protection of endangered species and the sustainability of ecosystems.
With the support of over 40 volunteers and activists, APU is actively implementing initiatives to combat illegal hunting. These efforts are made possible through the generous backing of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation and the BioConnect project, funded by the European Union.
APU’s activities are carried out in close collaboration with BirdLife International, in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS) and the Middle East Sustainable Hunting Center (MESHC). Together, these organizations work to promote sustainable hunting practices, enforce wildlife protection laws, and safeguard Lebanon’s rich biodiversity.
The Anti-Poaching Unit is working closely with the Internal Security Forces of the Ministry of Interior, the Lebanese Army under the Ministry of Defense, as well as forest rangers at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, federations of municipalities, municipal councils, and municipal police.
APU’s Contribution to BioConnect Project
The APU is actively contributing to the BioConnect Project funded by EU, a 45-month initiative ending in October 2025. This project focuses on:
🌱 Enhancing the management and governance of environmentally significant sites.
🌍 Establishing new protected areas and other effective conservation measures (OECMs).
🦜 Strengthening landscape conservation on a broader scale.
📈 Improving ecosystem health and delivering socio-economic benefits.
👥 Supporting local communities by addressing key pressures on biodiversity.
