In a world where storytelling and conservation rarely intertwine, Dina Al Rifai has found a way to make them dance together—colorfully, joyfully, and meaningfully. As a multidisciplinary creator, illustrator, and toy designer with over 15 years in the global toy industry, Dina’s journey has always revolved around creating characters that ignite imagination. From shaping icons at Disney and Universal to reimagining beloved classics at Hasbro, she’s mastered the art of building emotional bridges between design and storytelling. But in her recent collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Dina has taken this vision a step further—by giving nature a face, a voice, and a heart.
From Studios to Cedars: A Shift Toward Purpose
Dina’s love for character design isn’t just professional—it’s personal. With roots steeped in pop culture and a strong eye for emotionally intelligent narratives, she’s always believed that the best characters are those that stay with us long after the story ends. When SPNL approached her to create a mascot strategy that could inspire the next generation of conservationists, Dina didn’t just design characters—she birthed a universe.
The Mission: Crafting Guardians of the Hima
SPNL’s vision was clear: build a set of emotionally resonant, culturally rooted mascots that embody the spirit of Hima—the traditional Arabic system of community-based conservation. Dina’s challenge was to distill the essence of Lebanon’s diverse ecosystems into characters that children could admire, learn from, and grow with.
Her response? A cast of six guardians, each with a distinct personality, visual identity, and moral compass:
Hamza the Hawk, the wise protector who teaches us that leadership means care.
Hadi the Hawk, a trailblazing scout who guides with courage.
Hala the Hoopoe, the radiant messenger of hope and regeneration.
Halim the Hedgehog, the gentle soul who champions kindness and biodiversity.
Haroun the Fox, the clever guardian of rare wildlife and sustainable hunting.
Harith the Badger, the quiet cultivator who listens to nature’s whispers.
Each character was developed not only with visual charm but with storytelling depth—carrying Arabic names rich in symbolism, mottos rooted in ecological wisdom, and accessories like explorer vests, satchels of wildflower seeds, or scout badges. For Dina, it wasn’t about creating toys—it was about creating empathy.
Art Meets Advocacy
What sets Dina apart is her ability to bridge art and impact. The SPNL mascots weren’t designed to sit on shelves—they were meant to move across platforms: digital campaigns, plush toys, nature education kits, trail signs, and interactive storytelling experiences. Their mission is to humanize the SPNL brand, foster long-term emotional connection, and empower youth to see themselves as environmental stewards.
With every sketch and concept, Dina kept one thing in mind: these are not just characters. They are guardians—a generation of visual ambassadors rooted in the Lebanese landscape and inspired by the Hima ethic.
Coming Soon: Guardians You Can Hold
The SPNL mascots are currently in production and will be available soon as part of a limited launch. Fans, educators, and conservation partners can pre-order the first mascot plush toys and collectibles by reaching out to news@spnl.org. This first edition will bring the characters to life in tangible form—ready to inspire young minds across Lebanon and beyond.
Looking Forward: A Universe in the Making
Today, Dina Al Rifai’s mascot designs for SPNL are more than charming illustrations—they are part of a growing movement to make conservation personal. Through these mascots, Lebanese children can now see themselves as explorers, protectors, planters, and guides. They can recognize that care for nature starts not with big actions, but with small characters—and stories—that speak to the heart.
As Dina continues to blur the lines between design, play, and purpose, her journey reminds us of the quiet power of creativity. In her hands, a hedgehog can teach us patience, a fox can show us resourcefulness, and a hoopoe can carry the promise of renewal.
Because in the end, as Dina believes, the best stories are the ones we live—and protect—together.
