The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has taken another step toward strengthening the links between nature conservation, cultural heritage, and higher education through a fruitful meeting at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). The meeting brought together Mr. Antoine Dahdah, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design, and Mr. Antoine Zaarour, Head of the Department of Restoration of Antiquities, with Assad Serhal, General Director of SPNL, and Andre Bechara, Head of the Homat Al Hima Programme, to discuss a potential long-term partnership focused on the…

Mohammed Abdullah Al Hammadi In the past, fishing and pearl oyster diving were the primary sources of income for most coastal communities. These activities were carried out aboard traditional wooden sailing vessels that set out during specific seasons, guided by prevailing winds and sea currents. The smallest of these boats was the Banoosh, which accommodated up to four people and was used for short-distance fishing trips. The Sanbook was slightly larger, carrying around ten people, and was commonly used for nearshore pearl diving. For the long pearl-diving expeditions known as…

Umm Humaid Al Mansoori I have loved weaving with palm fronds since I was a child, watching my family practice this traditional craft. I later took it up myself, although my production was limited while I was busy raising my children. Once they had grown up, palm frond weaving became my source of income. We collect the fronds from the mother palm tree, dry them, and weave them into traditional handicrafts such as baskets, mats, roofing panels, hats, fans, and various household items. The fronds are used either in their natural pale-yellow color or dyed in different colors.

Ahmed Al Ali Pearl diving was among the hardest, most exhausting, and most dangerous experiences ever endured by the people of the sea. It was a journey filled with countless risks, for the diver ventured into the unknown, relying only on God and on the simplest of tools—a rope and a weighted stone to carry him to the seabed. There were no diving suits, no oxygen tanks, and none of the safety equipment available today. Eighty years ago, a man setting out on a pearl-diving voyage would bid farewell to his family and hand his wife her dowry, knowing he might never return.

The traditional Hima approach took center stage at the IUCN World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Abu Dhabi, where it was showcased as a powerful, community-led model for sustainable natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and peacebuilding. Practiced across the Arab world for more than 1,500 years and revitalized by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) since 2004, Hima has evolved far beyond a historical tradition. Today, it stands as a dynamic and effective model of environmental governance, rooted in cultural heritage and driven by local communities. The Congress opened with the session…

The IUCN World Conservation Congress: A Roadmap for Transformative Conservation Natural resources and the Earth's life-support systems are facing unprecedented rates of degradation. Pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change have converged into a triple planetary crisis, compounded by geopolitical instability, armed conflicts, weakening international cooperation, and shrinking civic space. Against this backdrop, the IUCN World Conservation Congress convened under the theme "Powering Transformative Conservation." Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 9–15 October 2025, the Congress brought together nearly 10,000 participants, both in person and online.

A Roadmap for Transformative Conservation Natural resources and the Earth's life-support systems are facing unprecedented rates of degradation. Pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change have converged into a triple planetary crisis, compounded by geopolitical instability, armed conflicts, weakening international cooperation, and shrinking civic space. Against this backdrop, the IUCN World Conservation Congress convened under the theme "Powering Transformative Conservation." Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from 9–15 October 2025, the Congress brought together nearly 10,000 participants, both in person and online. The Congress focused on five interconnected themes: strengthening resilient conservation; reducing climate risks; advancing equity and justice; transitioning to nature-positive economies and societies; and fostering innovation and leadership in conservation.

UNESCO Regional Office in Beirut, in partnership with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), convened a high-level regional meeting to explore the integration of the Hima approach into Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites, and UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Arab region. The meeting served as a preparatory step toward a regional conference to be held in Beirut in July 2026. Held online, the meeting brought together representatives of international organizations, national authorities, and regional experts to launch a collaborative platform for exchanging knowledge on applying the Hima approach to strengthen Biosphere Reserves and advance sustainable development.

Martin Harper: “In Praise of Hima” — BirdLife International CEO Highlights Lebanon’s Community Conservation Model Following his participation in the UNESCO and Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) webinar on the Hima approach, Martin Harper, Chief Executive Officer of BirdLife International, published a commentary entitled “In Praise of Hima,” praising the centuries-old community-based conservation model as an inspiring solution to today’s biodiversity and climate challenges. Reflecting on the potential of Hima, Harper emphasized that the approach offers practical and scalable solutions for nature conservation while strengthening local communities and supporting sustainable development.

As the impacts of climate change intensify, ecosystems continue to degrade, and the risks of natural disasters grow, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly being recognized worldwide as one of the most effective and sustainable approaches to addressing environmental, social, and economic challenges simultaneously. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) defines Nature-based Solutions as actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems to address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, while providing benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity. Nature as Part of the Solution Nature-based Solutions are founded on a simple yet powerful principle: nature is not only a victim of environmental crises but also one of the most effective solutions.

Excerpts from the Letter of Endorsement by H.E. Dr. Tamara Elzein, Minister of Environment, supporting SPNL’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) project proposal to operationalize the Beirut River Valley Biosphere Reserve through a Hima-based approach: “The Ministry of Environment hereby expresses its endorsement and support for the project proposal submitted by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).” “The Ministry acknowledges the project’s pragmatic and context-responsive approach, which operationalizes conservation and management actions through Himas at the local level and coordination under the Biosphere Reserve framework, while supporting in parallel the adoption of legal and governance conditions for the future establishment of Natural Parks.”

Dr. Munir Virani links his own life of migration—from India to Kenya, the United States, and Abu Dhabi—with the journeys of the saker falcon. He recounts the death of X26, a female falcon electrocuted on a Mongolian power pole, and the extraordinary survival of her chicks, saved by her devoted mate. This story mirrors a global crisis: millions of birds, including raptors, die each year from unsafe power infrastructure. Falcons hold deep cultural meaning across history and are the, yet thousands are lost annually. Inspired by UAE commitment to falconry, with the falcon as the national bird, conservationists worked with herders in Mongolia to insulate power poles, install artificial nests, and train local leaders.

Hussain Almoosawi’s practice extends beyond photography into communication design, documentation, and storytelling, guided by a curiosity about why things look the way they do. Shaped by art school and later by Melbourne’s walkable urban fabric, he learned to see design embedded in everyday elements such as signage and infrastructure. Rather than iconic landmarks, he focused on overlooked urban details that collectively reveal a city’s visual identity. After returning to the UAE in 2013, this approach evolved into documenting modernist architecture and, eventually, his long-term project Facade to Facade. Initially driven by symmetry, the project now examines buildings as part of a broader urban narrative, valuing quiet, fragmentary structures over “hero” icons.

BirdLife International is a global conservation partnership dedicated to saving birds and their habitats, bringing together environmental organizations in more than 120 countries, including the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). It is the world's leading authority on the conservation status of bird species. Its international science team compiles data from thousands of experts, partner organizations, and millions of birdwatchers worldwide. We met Dr. Stuart Butchart, Chief Scientist and Director of the Science Division at BirdLife International, to learn how the organization assesses the status of the world's birds, identifies priority conservation sites, and supports its national partners.

"The more I learn about Hima—these remarkable heritage areas protected and managed by local communities—the more I realize how closely they resemble traditional practices found across Latin America. We have similar systems in Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and other countries. These community-owned and community-managed protected areas are built on the principle of shared responsibility for the land. They are governed through collectively agreed governance systems and land-use plans. Local communities decide which areas should remain strictly protected, which can be used for agriculture, and where limited activities such as hunting or gathering may take place.

Biosphere reserves are UNESCO-recognized model regions for sustainable development that balance nature conservation, economic activity, and human well-being. The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch (UBE) has been part of the global Man and the Biosphere network since 2001 and was Switzerland’s first biosphere reserve to meet the Seville criteria. Located in the canton of Lucerne, it spans seven municipalities, covers about one percent of Switzerland’s land area, and is home to roughly 17,000 people. Agriculture and tourism are key economic sectors, while more than half of the region is protected land rich in pre-alpine moorland and karst landscapes.

رحلة ملهمة، من حراسة غابات أوستراليا إلى الريادة في تعزيز المناطق المحمية حول العالم، مع ارتباط عاطفي دائم بأرز لبنان ديفيد شيبارد من أجمل ذكرياتي في مجال حماية البيئة المشي بين أشجار الأرز المهيبة في لبنان خلال تسعينات القرن الماضي، برفقة أسعد سرحال، الناشط البيئي المميز ومؤسس جمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان (SPNL). لطالما جذبتني الغابات الخلابة إلى العمل في مجال حماية البيئة. فقد نشأت في ولاية تسمانيا الأوسترالية، حيث تحظى 40% من مساحة البلاد بالحماية ضمن المتنزهات والمحميات الوطنية. ونشأتي في أحضان الطبيعة سهّلت عليّ اختيار مساري المهني وطريقة حياتي.

An inspiring journey from guarding Australia's forests to leading global efforts to strengthen protected areas, with an enduring emotional bond to the Cedars of Lebanon. By David Sheppard One of my fondest memories from a lifetime in conservation is walking among the majestic Cedar forests of Lebanon during the 1990s with Assad Serhal, an outstanding conservationist and founder of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Magnificent forests have always drawn me toward a career in conservation. I grew up in Tasmania, Australia, where approximately 40 percent of the island is protected as national parks and reserves.

By Dr. Ibrahim Khader I first became acquainted with the Hima approach nearly twenty years ago, when BirdLife International partnered with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) to launch the first Hima project in the southern Lebanese village of Ebel El Saqi. It is truly remarkable—and deeply inspiring—to witness the widespread national embrace of this approach and its evolution into a comprehensive framework that now includes practical initiatives such as Hima Guardians, Hima Market, Hima Farms, Schools Without Walls, Hima Trails, and…

In the heart of Switzerland, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Entlebuch stands out for its unique approach to conservation and community involvement. Established three decades ago, it arose from a popular referendum aimed at turning the region’s protected peatlands into an asset rather than a burden. With a structured zoning system, the reserve balances strict ecological protection in its core zone with sustainable agriculture and tourism in the buffer and transition zones. Community buy-in was fostered through participatory forums and active engagement of local stakeholders, ensuring everyone had a voice. The “Echt Entlebuch” label supports local farmers by promoting regional, sustainably produced products, boosting the local economy and halting youth exodus.

Imad Atrash Palestine has been distinguished by its rich cultural and natural heritage for thousands of years. This is due to its diverse climatic zones, its strategic location at the crossroads of three continents, its varied landscapes—including the coastal plain, mountains, foothills, and the Jordan Rift Valley (the Palestinian Jordan Valley)—as well as the succession of civilizations that have flourished on its land. Together, these factors have made Palestine exceptionally rich in biodiversity despite its relatively small area of just 27,000 square kilometres. Palestine is home to around 2,850 species of wild flowers and plants…

أندريه بشارة حُماة الحِمى ليسوا عنصراً هامشياً في نظام الحِمى، بل هم جوهره الحيّ. فمن دونهم يبقى الحِمى مجرد مفهوم قانوني أو ذكرى تاريخية. أما بوجودهم فيصبح نموذجاً فاعلاً ومرناً وراسخاً لإدارة مجتمعية مستدامة. يتمثل الدور الأساسي لحماة الحِمى في صون موارده الطبيعية والثقافية. ويتجاوز ذلك مجرد المراقبة أو الإنفاذ، إذ يعملون كأوصياء على الأرض والمياه والتنوع البيولوجي والممارسات التقليدية، ضامنين استخدامها بشكل متوازن وعادل ومستدام. ويراقبون الرعي والحصاد والأحداث الموسمية، مستندين إلى المعارف المتوارثة وأدوات الحفظ الحديثة. الأهم من ذلك أن حُماة الحِمى لا يحمون النظم البيئية فحسب، بل أيضاً الإطار الأخلاقي للحِمى: المسؤولية، وضبط النفس، والعدالة بين الأجيال.

The Hima Trails: Lifelines Connecting Nature, Heritage, and People Across Lebanon's Villages By Hamadeh Malaeb, Hima Trails Manager, Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) In the heart of Lebanon's landscapes—where mountains meet valleys and nature intertwines with centuries of human history—the Hima Trails have emerged as one of the country's most inspiring environmental and community development initiatives. More than walking paths, they are living corridors that reconnect people with their land while linking nature conservation, cultural heritage, and sustainable rural livelihoods. The concept of Hima dates back centuries as a traditional system of community-based natural resource management, through which local communities protected designated areas to ensure the sustainable use of land and resources.

The Story of a Young Man Who Found Joy, a Livelihood, and a Mission in Protecting Biodiversity By Nidal Bou Fakhr El Din Since I began working in beekeeping, it has become an integral part of my daily life. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn and improve. Unlike any other profession, beekeeping demands patience, close observation, and careful attention to the smallest details affecting the health of the bees and the surrounding environment. My day usually begins early in the morning. As soon as I can, I head to the apiaries, put on my protective clothing, and make sure all my tools are ready.

شهادة شاب تدرّب على النحالة فوجد فيها متعة ورزقاً ورسالة بالحفاظ على التنوع البيولوجي   نضال بو فخرالدين منذ بدأت العمل في تربية النحل، أصبحت هذه المهنة جزءاً من حياتي اليومية. كل يوم يحمل تحديات جديدة وفرصاً للتعلم والتطور. يختلف العمل في المنحل عن أي عمل آخر، فهو يتطلب الصبر والمراقبة الدقيقة والانتباه لأدق التفاصيل المتعلقة بصحة النحل وظروف البيئة المحيطة. أبدأ يومي عادة في الصباح الباكر. أذهب إلى المناحل فور أن أستطيع ذلك. أرتدي ملابسي الواقية وأتأكد من أن جميع الأدوات جاهزة للعمل. أول ما أفعله هو فحص خلايا النحل للتأكد من أن كل شيء على ما يرام.

يربط هذا الوادي قمم الجبال بالساحل. وقد اقترحته جمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان بالتعاون مع اليونسكو، ليكون محمية محيط حيوي تضمن سلامة النظام البيئي المتميز مع تعزيز الاقتصاد ورفاه المجتمع، وتُبرهن أن الحفاظ على البيئة لا يتطلب الإقصاء بل التكامل بين الطبيعة والإنسان بلال علوية يمتد وادي نهر بيروت من قمم جبل لبنان الشاهقة إلى البحر المتوسط، مشكلاً أحد مستجمعات المياه الأكثر تكاملاً بيئياً في وسط البلاد. وهو يغطي مساحة تقارب 219 كيلومتراً مربعاً، ويربط بين الغابات الجبلية والمدرّجات الزراعية والقرى الريفية وصولاً إلى المناطق الحضرية الساحلية. ولا تكمن أهميته في موقعه الجغرافي فحسب، بل في قدرته الفريدة على توحيد النظم البيئية والمجتمعات ضمن نظام بيئي متصل.

By Bilal Alaouiyeh, Remote Sensing and GIS Expert, Specialist in Spatial Environmental Governance and Biodiversity Mapping From Mountain Peaks to the Mediterranean: Why the Beirut River Valley Deserves UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Status Connecting Lebanon's mountain summits to the Mediterranean coast, the Beirut River Valley has been proposed by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in collaboration with UNESCO, as a Biosphere Reserve. The proposal seeks to safeguard an exceptional ecosystem while strengthening local economies and community well-being, demonstrating that conservation is achieved not through exclusion, but through the integration of nature and people.

خلال مؤتمر الاتحاد الدولي لحماية الطبيعة (IUCN) الذي عُقد في أبوظبي، التقى وفد جمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان (SPNL) مع تيم بادمان، رئيس برنامج التراث العالمي في الاتحاد، الذي شرح بالتفصيل متطلبات وإجراءات إدراج مواقع التراث الطبيعي والثقافي العالمي لدى اليونسكو. فأوضح معايير الترشيح، وآليات التقييم، وعملية التعاون بين الاتحاد واليونسكو والسلطات الوطنية لضمان الحماية والإدارة المستدامة للمواقع ذات القيمة العالمية الاستثنائية. هنا مقتطفات من الحوار. ما هو دور IUCN في اتفاقية التراث العالمي؟ يضطلع الاتحاد الدولي لحماية الطبيعة (IUCN) بدور فريد ضمن اتفاقية التراث العالمي، وهي معاهدة دولية ملزمة قانوناً تُرسّخ إطاراً لتحديد وصون المواقع الثقافية والطبيعية ذات "القيمة العالمية الاستثنائية".

أسعد سرحال هناك لحظات تتجاوز فيها الرسائل الرسمية حدود البيروقراطية لتتحول إلى محطات مفصلية في المسار البيئي لوطنٍ ما. إن كتاب التأييد الصادر حديثاً عن وزارة البيئة اللبنانية ليس مجرد رسالة رسمية، بل هو اعتراف برؤيةٍ تجذّرت طويلاً في المجتمع والعلم وروح الرعاية. في مراسلتها الرسمية، تؤكد وزيرة البيئة الدكتورة تمارا الزين أن حوض وادي نهر بيروت، المقترح كمحمية محيط حيوي، يمثل نظاماً مائياً متكاملاً يمتد من القمم إلى الساحل، غنياً بالتنوع البيولوجي والترابط الإيكولوجي، ويتمتع بإمكانات قوية في مجالات التعليم والبحث والسياحة البيئية. هذه الكلمات تعكس ليس فقط دعماً مؤسسياً، بل انسجاماً مع فلسفة عملنا منذ عقود.

قيادة IUCN بالثقة والعلم والتضامن  الدكتورة غريتل أغيلار، من كوستاريكا، هي المديرة العامة للاتحاد الدولي لحماية الطبيعة (IUCN) منذ 2023، حيث تقود أقدم وأكبر شبكة بيئية عالمية تضم أعضاء وخبراء ومكاتب في جميع أنحاء العالم. عملت على تطوير القوانين والسياسات البيئية بالتعاون مع الحكومات والمجتمعات المحلية ومنظمات المجتمع المدني. ومن خلال عملها في المشاريع الميدانية، ساعدت المجتمعات للحصول على المياه النظيفة، وناصرت العدالة البيئية، وساندت الشعوب الأصلية لتحصيل حقوقها في مواردها الطبيعية، ونادت بالمساواة بين الجنسين في الحوكمة البيئية. في هذه المقابلة الحصرية مع مجلة "الحمى"، تتأمل أغيلار في ال

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) continued to expand its conservation, restoration and community-based environmental initiatives during May, June and early July 2026, advancing a wide range of national and regional projects that strengthen biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and the Hima approach. Throughout the reporting period, SPNL focused on project implementation, technical reporting, proposal development, regional cooperation and field activities, while reinforcing partnerships with municipalities, civil society organizations, international donors and BirdLife International. Hima Approach Continues to Gain Momentum A major milestone was the successful organization of the…

June–July 2026 Field Report: Bird Monitoring, Eco-Tourism and Conservation Outreach Across Lebanon Throughout June and July 2026, SPNL Nature Guide and Bird Monitoring Officer Chadi Saad continued an intensive programme of field conservation, biodiversity monitoring, environmental education and eco-tourism across Hammana and several ecologically important sites in Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. Through daily fieldwork, guided nature experiences and systematic bird monitoring, Saad helped connect hundreds of visitors with Lebanon's natural and cultural heritage while contributing valuable scientific data to global biodiversity monitoring through the eBird platform. Daily Presence in Hammana Hima…

High in the mountains of Batroun, where the peaks seem to touch the sky, Hardine stands like an open book recounting thousands of years of history. Here, nature and faith are inseparable. The rocks are not merely geological formations, but pages inscribed with the footsteps of early humans, the prayers of monks, and the paths of saints who transformed this small village into one of Lebanon's most significant spiritual destinations. When the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in partnership with the Municipality of Hardine–Beit Kassab and the local community, announced the establishment of the…

What began as a grassroots passion for hiking among the people of Baysour has evolved into one of Lebanon's leading examples of community-based conservation, thanks to the partnership between the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), Baysour Hiking Group, and the local community. Through the Hima approach, SPNL helped transform local enthusiasm for nature into a long-term environmental initiative that led to the establishment of Hima Baysour and the development of the Talleh Trail, now part of the national Hima Trails network. The story began with local residents organizing informal hiking activities to explore and showcase Baysour's exceptional natural landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) participated in a heritage and environmental walking event in Bchamoun, represented by Hamada Malaeb, Manager of the Hima Trails Programme. The activity was organized at the invitation of Bchamoun Sports Club and the "Nature Brings Us Together" group, and was attended by the Mayor of Bchamoun and members of the Municipal Council. The event brought together residents, hikers, and nature enthusiasts for a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Bchamoun, highlighting the village's rich architectural, cultural, and environmental heritage.

استقبلت حِمى بيصور – درب التلّة أعضاء ملتقى الفكر والرأي الحر في نشاط رياضي بيئي جمع بين رياضة المشي واستكشاف الطبيعة، في إطار الجهود التي تقودها جمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان (SPNL) لتعزيز مفهوم دروب الحِمى باعتبارها نموذجًا يجمع بين حماية التنوع البيولوجي، والسياحة البيئية، والتنمية المحلية المستدامة. وانطلق المشاركون في مسيرٍ عبر درب التلّة، أحد أبرز المسارات البيئية في جبل لبنان، حيث أتيحت لهم فرصة التعرف إلى الغنى الطبيعي والتراثي الذي تتميز به بلدة بيصور، بما تضمه من غابات وأحراج وإطلالات بانورامية ومعالم تاريخية وثقافية، إلى جانب الاطلاع على أهمية الحفاظ على الموارد الطبيعية باعتبارها جزءًا من الهوية البيئية والثقافية للمنطقة.

Hima Baysour – Talleh Trail welcomed members of the Free Thought Forum for an environmental hiking activity that combined outdoor recreation with nature exploration, as part of the Hima Trails initiative led by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). The activity offered participants an opportunity to discover the rich natural and cultural heritage of Baysour while learning about the importance of conserving the area's ecosystems and natural resources. As they walked along the Talleh Trail, participants explored the landscape's biodiversity, scenic viewpoints, and cultural landmarks, gaining a deeper appreciation of the close relationship between nature, heritage, and local communities.

تشارك الجمعية اللبنانية لحماية الطبيعة (SPNL)، بصفتها الشريك الوطني لمنظمة BirdLife International في لبنان، في الاجتماع العالمي لشراكة BirdLife وقمة مسارات هجرة الطيور العالمية (Global Flyways Summit)، اللذين تستضيفهما العاصمة الكينية نيروبي خلال شهر أيلول/سبتمبر 2026، بمشاركة أكثر من 400 عالم وخبير في الحفاظ على الطبيعة، وممثلين عن منظمات المجتمع المدني، والحكومات، والمؤسسات المالية الدولية، والقطاع الخاص من مختلف أنحاء العالم. ويُعد هذا الاجتماع، الذي يُعقد كل أربع سنوات، أبرز منصة تجمع شركاء BirdLife لتبادل الخبرات، وتعزيز التعاون الدولي، وتطوير حلول عملية لمواجهة فقدان التنوع البيولوجي، وحماية الأنواع المهددة بالانقراض، واستعادة الموائل الطبيعية، والتصدي لأزمتي الطبيعة والمناخ.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is proud to participate in the BirdLife International Global Partnership Meeting and Global Flyways Summit, taking place in Nairobi, Kenya, in September 2026. The quadrennial gathering brings together BirdLife Partners, scientists, conservation practitioners, policymakers, financial institutions, businesses, and community leaders from around the world to strengthen international collaboration for nature conservation and climate action. As the BirdLife Partner in Lebanon, SPNL will showcase the Hima approach as an internationally recognized, community-led model that empowers local communities to conserve biodiversity, protect cultural heritage, and sustainably manage natural resources.

احتفلت الجمعية اللبنانية لحماية الطبيعة (SPNL) بتخريج مشاركاً ومشاركة من بلدات رأس المتن، حمانا، العبادية، القبيّة، الهلالية، ورويسة البلوط، وذلك بعد استكمالهم سلسلة من خمس دورات تدريبية متخصصة في مهارات الإرشاد البيئي والإسعافات الأولية، نُفذت ضمن برنامج "حماة الحِمى" وبالتكامل مع برنامج "دروب الحِمى"، في إطار مشروع "نحو أول متنزه طبيعي في لبنان" الممول من الوكالة السويسرية للتنمية والتعاون (SDC). ويأتي هذا البرنامج في إطار جهود الجمعية لتعزيز قدرات أبناء المجتمعات المحلية وتمكينهم من أداء دور فاعل في حماية الطبيعة، وإدارة المسارات البيئية، وتطوير السياحة البيئية المستدامة، بما يسهم في الحفاظ على التنوع البيولوجي وتعزيز التنمية المحلية.

Under the "Towards Lebanon's First Natural Park" project, funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and as part of the Homat al Hima and Droub el Hima programmes, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) celebrated the graduation of 30 community members who successfully completed a specialized training programme in Nature Guiding Skills and First Aid. The graduates represent several communities across the Upper Beirut River Valley, including Ras el Matn, Hammana, Abadieh, Qobeih, Hlalieh, and Rweiset el Ballout. Over the course of five intensive training sessions, participants strengthened their knowledge of nature interpretation, visitor engagement, environmental stewardship, trail safety, and emergency first response, equipping them to become ambassadors for sustainable ecotourism and community-led conservation.

نشرت صحيفة ذا بيروتر (The Beiruter) في 30 حزيران/يونيو 2026 مقالاً بعنوان "ما وراء البيت البرتقالي: الإرث الخالد لمنى خليل"، تناولت فيه المسيرة الاستثنائية للناشطة البيئية اللبنانية الراحلة منى خليل، التي كرّست أكثر من عقدين من حياتها لحماية السلاحف البحرية المهددة بالانقراض على شاطئ المنصوري في جنوب لبنان. ويركّز المقال على شهادة المدير العام لجمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان (SPNL) الأستاذ أسعد سرحال، الذي استعاد محطات من تجربة خليل الإنسانية والبيئية، مؤكداً أن ما ميّزها لم يكن مجرد اهتمامها بالحفاظ على الطبيعة، بل العلاقة العميقة التي ربطتها بالسلاحف البحرية، والتي شكّلت الدافع الحقيقي لمسيرتها في حماية الشاطئ وأعشاش السلاحف.

In an article published on 30 June 2026, entitled "Beyond the Orange House: Mona Khalil's Lasting Legacy," journalist The Beiruter Editorial Team explores the extraordinary life and enduring impact of the late Lebanese environmental activist Mona Khalil, whose pioneering work transformed the beaches of Mansouri into one of Lebanon's most important nesting sites for endangered sea turtles. The feature places particular emphasis on the reflections of Assaad Serhal, Founder and Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), who recounts Khalil's remarkable journey from an individual conservationist to a champion of community-led environmental protection.

Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and member of the Global Council of BirdLife International, highlighted Lebanon’s pioneering achievements in nature conservation and community-based environmental management during his appearance on the Lebanese Television program Hiwarat Al Saraya, hosted by journalist Nada Sleiba and featuring Lebanon’s Minister of Environment, Dr. Tamara El Zein. During the program, Serhal reflected on the evolution of environmental conservation efforts in Lebanon since the establishment of SPNL in the early 1980s. He recalled that the organization was founded with two primary objectives: creating a network of protected areas across Lebanon and promoting sustainable hunting regulations.

By Megan Eldred, Senior Policy Manager, Sites at BirdLife International We are losing one of our most powerful natural allies against climate change, and yet we are barely paying attention. As London Climate Action Week begins, the focus will rightly be on emissions. But adaptation, preparing for the impacts already unfolding, deserves equal urgency. Recent heatwaves in the UK are a clear warning. Meanwhile, one of our most effective tools for building resilience is being drained, degraded and overlooked: our wetlands. Wetlands are not peripheral ecosystems. They are frontline climate infrastructure, and we are dismantling them at an alarming rate.

A recent article by New York Times reporter Ishani Desai paid tribute to the life and work of Mona Khalil, the renowned conservationist and founder of the Orange House in Mansouri, South Lebanon, who passed away after being injured in an Israeli airstrike on 4 June 2026. The article traces Khalil’s extraordinary journey from discovering nesting sea turtles along the shores of Mansouri in the 1990s to dedicating the remainder of her life to protecting one of Lebanon’s most important marine habitats. Her efforts helped safeguard the Hima Qoleileh–Mansouri coastal stretch, a seven-kilometre sandy and rocky shoreline that hosts more than 58 endangered sea turtle nests annually.

بقلم أسعد سرحال المدير العام لجمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان (SPNL) وعضو المجلس الدولي لمنظمة بيردلايف الدولية (BirdLife International) هناك أشخاص يعملون من أجل حماية الطبيعة، وهناك أشخاص يصبحون هم أنفسهم تجسيداً للطبيعة وحمايتها. كانت منى خليل واحدة من هؤلاء الأشخاص النادرين الذين امتزجت حياتهم وروحهم ووجودهم اليومي بالقضية التي كرّسوا أنفسهم لها حتى بات من المستحيل فصلهم عنها. عرفت منى شخصياً لسنوات طويلة. وخلال رحلتنا المشتركة في مجال الحفاظ على الطبيعة، أقمت مراراً في منزلها البرتقالي الشهير برفقة زملاء من جمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان. لم تكن تلك الزيارات مجرد لقاءات اجتماعية، بل كانت ورش عمل حقيقية مليئة بالنقاشات والتخطيط والجدل البنّاء والأحلام والطموحات المتعلقة بمستقبل الساحل اللبناني وحياته البرية.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) mourns with profound sadness the passing of Mona Khalil, one of Lebanon’s most dedicated environmental defenders and a tireless champion of sea turtle conservation. Mona devoted her life to protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage, particularly the fragile coastal ecosystems of southern Lebanon and the endangered sea turtles that found in her one of their fiercest guardians. Her work extended far beyond conservation projects; she inspired communities, mentored generations of volunteers, and helped build a culture of environmental stewardship rooted in local ownership and collective responsibility.

بمزيدٍ من الحزن والأسى، تنعى جمعية حماية الطبيعة في لبنان (SPNL) السيدة منى خليل، إحدى أبرز المدافعات عن البيئة والحياة البرية في لبنان، ورائدة حماية السلاحف البحرية على شواطئ الجنوب اللبناني، والتي كرّست حياتها للدفاع عن الطبيعة وصون التنوع البيولوجي وخدمة المجتمعات المحلية. برحيل منى خليل، يفقد لبنان صوتاً بيئياً استثنائياً وشخصية نذرت حياتها لحماية الشاطئ الجنوبي وما يحتضنه من كنوز طبيعية، وفي مقدمتها السلاحف البحرية المهددة بالانقراض. فقد شكّلت على مدى عقود نموذجاً فريداً للالتزام والعطاء والعمل الميداني الدؤوب، وكانت من أبرز الداعمين لتطبيق مقاربة الحمى في منطقتي القليلة والمنصوري، حيث ساهمت مع البلديات والمجتمعات المحلية والمتطوعين في حماية واحد من أهم مواقع تعشيش السلاحف البحرية في لبنان، والذي يستضيف سنوياً عشرات الأعشاش للسلاحف المهددة بالانقراض.

By Assad Serhal There are people who work for conservation, and there are people who become conservation itself. Mona Khalil was one of those rare individuals whose life, spirit, and daily existence became inseparable from the cause she dedicated herself to. I knew Mona personally for many years. Throughout our shared conservation journey, I stayed numerous times at her well-known orange house together with colleagues from the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Those visits were never merely social gatherings; they were working sessions filled with discussions, planning, debates, hopes, and dreams for the future of Lebanon’s coastline and its wildlife.