By Rania Khalil, Homat Al Hima and Hima Farm project manager at SPNL
The Upper Beirut River Valley, located in Lebanon, is a region known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecological characteristics. This area, part of the larger Beirut River watershed, stretches from the foothills of the Mount Lebanon range down towards the coastal plain. Well-known for its unique features: 1) Location and Climate: The valley benefits from a diverse range of habitats due to its varying elevation and climate. 2) Flora: The flora in the Upper Beirut River Valley includes Mediterranean shrubs, forests of oak and pine, and fertile agricultural lands. The area is home to several endemic plant species, adapted to the region’s specific climatic conditions. 3) Fauna: Many animals can be found: mammals, birds, and reptiles. 4) Ecological: The Upper Beirut River Valley plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in the region. Its diverse ecosystems contribute to soil conservation, water regulation, and the overall health of the local environment. 5) Ecotourism: an amazing nature to visit and enjoy with its unique biodiversity and views.
Promoting the conservation of biodiversity in the Upper Beirut River Valley, through the maintenance of interlinked traditional land-use practices, was was the aim of a project implemented by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) thanks to a grant from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF).
Through the Hima integrated approach and its various programmes, the project achieved its aim by engaging the local communities. It targeted biodiversity associated with land-use practices, advocated for policy changes, promoted local products, empowered local communities especially women and youth, also resulting in notable livelihood improvement.
Sustainable land-use practices: The project emphasized maintaining and revitalizing traditional land-use practices that are integral to local biodiversity. These included traditional farming, grazing, and forest management, which help sustain diverse habitats and species.
Hima integrated approach: By adopting the Hima model, the project combined traditional conservation methods with modern management practices. Hima, which means “protected area” in Arabic, involves community-led protection and sustainable use of natural resources. This approach ensured local stewardship and long-term sustainability.
Community engagement: The project successfully engaged local communities in conservation efforts. By integrating their knowledge and practices into the conservation strategies, it fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.
Strengthened local capacity: The project provided training and resources to local stakeholders, enhancing their ability to effectively manage and protect natural resources.
Biodiversity conservation: Significant progress was made in conserving local flora and fauna, including the protection of endangered species and critical habitats. This was achieved through habitat restoration, conservation measures, and monitoring programs.
Infrastructure and institutional support: The project contributed to the development of institutional frameworks and infrastructure needed for effective conservation. This included establishing management committees, creating conservation plans, and building support networks.
Model for replication: The success of the Hima Ras El Matn model served as a template for other regions in Lebanon and potentially beyond. The project approach provided a replicable model for integrating traditional conservation practices with modern strategies.
Overall, the SPNL/CEPF project not only advanced biodiversity conservation in the region but also set a precedent for community-based conservation efforts in Lebanon.
This successful project led to the elaboration of a new initiative: A Natural Park Establishment. One of the project’s significant achievements was its role in the Beirut River Valley – Upper Matn Natural Park initiative, based on Hima Ras El Matn model. This will be Lebanon’s first natural park, highlighting the project’s success in demonstrating a viable conservation model that was adopted at a national level.
SPNL is coordinating closely on this with the municipalities, the ministries, and the local communities to achieve a successful establishment of a unique Natural Park in an area that is very important for birds, tourism, biodiversity, nature, habitats, water, species, and humans.
Nature Values: The natural park will serve as a stronghold for preserving the diverse flora and fauna, ensuring the protection of the natural heritage within the Upper Beirut River Valley.
in the valley
Economic Values: The establishment of the natural park will not only contribute to the conservation efforts, but will also create opportunities for sustainable nature-based tourism, enhancing the economic prosperity of the region.
Social and Cultural Values: Natural parks play a primordial role in fostering and maintaining connections between people and their land. They provide a platform for sharing irreplaceable cultural knowledge with the broader community, contributing to the preservation of cultural heritage.
Health and Well-being: Natural areas have a profound impact on physical and emotional health. The natural park will serve as a sanctuary, offering individuals a respite from the fast-paced world. It will be a space for people to engage in outdoor activities, promoting fitness, relaxation, and revitalization.
A well-preserved and protected park with healthy biodiversity will ensure a safe passage for birds and continue to provide ecological and higher economic value for the community.
A set of policies and a code of conduct will be established to protect the natural habitat in the park from grazing, unsustainable harvesting, and illegal hunting activities.
A participatory, inclusive plan of action will target all stakeholders and build awareness about the economic and ecological importance of the park, protecting fauna and flora, including birds and oak and pine forests. The well-trained community will be capable of supporting itself and sustaining its livelihood.
The establishment of this natural park is not only a conservation initiative; it is a holistic approach that embraces the values of nature, economy, culture, and well-being, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for the Upper Beirut River Valley and its communities.
Ras El Matn Mayor- Mr. Raja Abou Reslan: “This establishment is very important for our village and neighborhood. We aim to work together with the objective of building a strong network working together to protect our Upper Beirut River Valley. We believe together we can show how important our nature is and the huge value of the biodiversity in this region. We want to work with local community members and push them to be involved so their belonging feeling grows and they help us on this long path.”
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Al-Hima-Magazine-Issue-No.-4
