Under the patronage of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara Elzein, represented by Mr. Jeff Gerjes, and with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), BirdLife International, and partners launched today the first step towards establishing Lebanon’s First Natural Park, beginning with the official inauguration of Hima Kfarselwen.
This initiative, titled “Towards the First Park in Lebanon – Stitching One HIMA at a Time”, reflects Lebanon’s growing commitment to protecting biodiversity, expanding protected areas, and promoting sustainable community-based conservation. It is a continuation of SPNL’s efforts to revive the centuries-old Hima tradition as a pioneering approach to conservation and local development.
Distinguished Participants
The ceremony brought together leading figures from the environmental and development sectors, including:
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Mr. Jeff Gerjes, representing the Minister of Environment.
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Mrs. Katharina Haberli, Head of Swiss Cooperation in Lebanon.
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Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL and Chairman of BirdLife International Middle East.
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Mr. Fadi Ghanem, President of the IUCN National Committee and Head of Ghadi Association.
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Mr. Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Forum (LEF).
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Dr. Fadi Hatoum, Mayor of Kfarselwen.
The event was also attended by mayors, environmental NGOs, local associations, and environmental activists, all of whom reaffirmed the importance of this achievement in Lebanon’s conservation journey.
Key Speeches and Messages
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Welcome Remarks: Dr. Fadi Hatoum, Mayor of Kfarselwen, expressed the municipality’s full support for the project, thanking local and international partners for turning the vision into reality.
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Project Origins: Architect Mr. Tarek Zeidan, co-founder of Mount Knaiseh Adventure Club, spoke about the early beginnings of the idea and how it evolved through collaboration with SPNL into a national conservation project.
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Hima Strategy: Mr. Assad Serhal delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Hima strategy, tracing its history, the number of sites established, and its role in advancing the global 30×30 target—protecting 30% of land and resources by 2030.
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Project Components: Ms. Fatima Hayek, Project Manager, explained the project’s structure and objectives, stressing the importance of engaging the local community in management and protection.
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Park Mapping: Mr. Bilal Alaouiyeh presented a detailed Natural Park map, followed by a documentary film showcasing the beauty and ecological significance of the site.
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Preparatory Work: Mr. Shadi Saad screened a short film and gave a visual presentation documenting the preparation process.
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Swiss Support: Mrs. Katharina Haberli, Head of Swiss Cooperation, praised the project as a milestone in the Lebanon–Switzerland partnership for nature protection and affirmed continued Swiss support for such initiatives that place Lebanon on the global environmental map.
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Ministry’s Commitment: Concluding the speeches, Mr. Jeff Gerjes, on behalf of the Minister of Environment, stressed the Ministry’s commitment to the National Biodiversity Strategy and the importance of expanding Hima and protected areas across Lebanon. He expressed hope that this project will be a cornerstone in achieving the global 30×30 biodiversity target.
A Testimony of Collaboration
Reflecting on the event, Mr. Fadi Ghanem, President of the National Committee of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and President of Ghadi Association, stated:
“I had the honor of participating in the launch of a new Hima in Kfarselwen, alongside my friend and environmental activist Assad Serhal, Director General of SPNL, widely known as Abu El Hima. The event, under the patronage of the Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara Elzein, and generously supported by SDC, gathered mayors, environmental organizations, and activists. Together with the Municipality of Kfarselwen, we officially launched the project ‘Towards the First Park in Lebanon – Stitching One HIMA at a Time.’ This milestone marks a significant step toward achieving the global 30×30 goal—protecting 30% of the planet’s land and natural resources by 2030. Congratulations to SPNL and to my friend Assad Serhal. With determination, we move forward toward the World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi.”
A Model of Sustainable Partnership
The launch of Hima Kfarselwen represents a model of integration between official institutions through the Ministry of Environment, civil society organizations through SPNL and environmental NGOs, and international donors through SDC. It showcases how joint efforts can drive biodiversity conservation and sustainable development within a unified national and global vision.
Closing with a Community Spirit
The ceremony concluded with a rustic community breakfast featuring traditional rural dishes prepared by local residents. This final touch symbolized the deep connection between nature conservation, cultural heritage, and rural livelihoods.
By launching Hima Kfarselwen, Lebanon has taken another important step towards the establishment of its first integrated Natural Park, uniting environmental protection with economic and social development, and aligning with global efforts to safeguard both nature and people.
