By Cyril Dewaleyne, Deputy Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation to Lebanon (Al Hima Magazine 5th Edition)
The European Union has long been a committed partner in protecting Lebanon’s environmental culture, supporting both grassroots initiatives and national policy reforms. The EU enjoys since decades a strong and constructive policy dialogue with the Ministry of Environment.
One of the initiatives in this effort is the EUR 4.5 million BioConnect project, implemented by Al-Shouf Cedar Society with Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Association for the Development of Rural Capacities (ADR) and Association for Community and Environment (ACE). Focused on Sites of Ecological Importance in the Southern part of Lebanon, this project supports the effective management of existing natural reserves and himas and the creation of new protected areas. It promotes long-term sustainability by involving local communities, farmers, women and youth and building governance mechanisms that prioritize ecological integrity alongside socio-economic needs. Abandoned agricultural lands are being restored for the sustainable use of farmers. Several himas are declared through municipal decisions with the full support of SPNL stitching towards the first Natural Park Lebanon (Upper Matn). ADR has been supporting Tyre Natural Reserve through activities like fencing, installing signage, habitat conservation like sea turtles. Moreover, ACE has been working on and advocating towards the establishment and endorsement of the first Geo-Park in Lebanon (Jezzine).
In parallel, the EU has invested in strengthening civil society’s voice in shaping marine protection policy. The EUR 500,000 project led by the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF) is empowering non-state actors to lead an evidence-based campaign for a national Marine Protected Areas (MPA) network. By reinforcing scientific data from Balamand University and advocacy tools, the project enables environmental actors to play a more influential role in national policymaking—crucial for the conservation of Lebanon’s marine biodiversity.
Another important step has been the CESNA-LB project, implemented by Terre Liban, also with EUR 500,000 in EU support. Focused on conserving environmentally sensitive national areas, this project has contributed significantly to the drafting of a national law to protect high mountains and ecologically sensitive zones.
At the regional level, the EU-funded Interreg NEXT MED Programme is playing a transformative role, particularly this year, with several Lebanese organizations having secured projects that strengthen cross-border collaboration with several Mediterranean countries such as Spain, Tunisia, Jordan and Italy.
From hima revival and sustainable forestry, to modern conservation legislation and marine policy reforms, the EU’s commitment to nature conservation is inseparable from community resilience and sustainable economic opportunities. As these projects continue to grow and inspire change, they serve as strong examples of what can be achieved through partnership, commitment, ownership and a shared responsibility.
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Al-Hima-Magazine-Issue-No.5
