استجابةً لشكاوى موثقة تقدم بها صيادون مستدامون في منطقة الشمال، نفّذ الفريق اللبناني – الدولي المشترك في وحدة مكافحة الصيد الجائر، بالتنسيق مع قيادة الدرك وبالتعاون الميداني مع مفرزة استقصاء الشمال، مهمة ميدانية لمكافحة الصيد الليلي في منطقتي بينو والعبدة. ويأتي هذا التحرك في وقت يشهد فيه لبنان انتشارًا واسعًا لممارسات الصيد الليلي غير المشروع، خصوصًا خلال موسم هجرة الطيور. ففي عطلات نهاية الأسبوع، تتجمع مجموعات من الرجال في أنحاء مختلفة من البلاد لاصطياد الطيور تحت جنح الظلام، مستخدمين كشافات ضخمة، وأشعة ليزر، وأجهزة مناداة إلكترونية صاخبة، في ما يعتبره البعض نشاطًا ترفيهيًا واجتماعيًا رغم آثاره المدمرة على الحياة البرية.

In response to documented complaints submitted by sustainable hunters in North Lebanon, the joint Lebanese–international operations team of the Anti-Poaching Unit, in coordination with the Gendarmerie Command and in close collaboration with the North Investigations Unit, carried out a targeted operation against illegal night hunting in the areas of Bino and Abdeh. Night hunting has become a deeply rooted illegal practice in Lebanon, especially during bird migration season. On weekends, gangs of men gather in remote areas across the country to shoot birds under the cover of darkness.

The Anti-Poaching Unit, in collaboration with the Municipality of Qaraoun and the Homat Al Hima International Center, organized an environmental awareness session at Qaraoun Public High School in West Bekaa. The session brought together 190 students and several teachers, focusing on the importance of preserving biodiversity to safeguard our future, as well as the urgent need to combat illegal and unsustainable hunting practices that negatively affect the food chain and ecological balance. The session also highlighted the field operations of the Anti-Poaching Unit, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between responsible, environmentally conscious hunters and conservation actors to reduce indiscriminate killing and protect wildlife.

Today, the Homat Al Hima International Center (HHIC) and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), in collaboration with the Municipality of Kefraya, organized an engaging SNOW (School With No Walls) educational session at Kefraya Public School. The session brought together around 50 students for an interactive awareness program focused on the importance of water resources and the need to use them in a sustainable way. SNOW, one of SPNL’s flagship environmental education programs, aims to take learning beyond the classroom by connecting students directly with nature and helping them understand the ecological systems that sustain their communities.

On a calm morning in the heart of Shmlan, nature prepared to welcome a special group of young visitors. As part of the “Schools Without Walls – SNOW” program, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) organized a field visit to the Shmlan Social Institution, with the aim of integrating children with special needs into environmental and educational activities. The Land Tortoise, a Little Ambassador of Nature In the courtyard, students gathered around a land tortoise that became their gentle guide into the world of wildlife. They learned about its role in maintaining ecological balance, how it disperses plant seeds as it moves, and how it contributes to soil health.

Lebanon’s longest river seemed to flow with a renewed sense of possibility. The Litani River Authority (LRA), led by Director General Dr. Sami Alawieh, convened a landmark meeting with UNESCO and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). Their shared mission: to chart the course for nominating the Lower Litani River Basin as an official UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This is not just another environmental project, it represents a turning point in how Lebanon views, values, and protects its natural heritage. A River With a Story to Tell…

On November 1, 2025, the Hima Anjar Wetland came alive with the spirit of volunteerism and environmental stewardship as more than 40 young members of the Homat Al Hima network joined forces for a large-scale cleanup campaign organized by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). The initiative aimed to restore the beauty of the Hima, safeguard its fragile ecosystem, and raise awareness about the importance of keeping natural habitats free from pollution. Armed with gloves, bags, and an unwavering sense of responsibility, the youth volunteers collected large amounts of waste that had accumulated around the wetland — a vital sanctuary for migratory birds and a key part of Lebanon’s natural heritage.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) warmly commends the editorial written by journalist Hussein Al-Mousawi in the latest issue of National Geographic Arabia (November 2025), which covered the IUCN World Conservation Congress held recently in Abu Dhabi. In his editorial, Al-Mousawi reflected on the UAE’s remarkable achievements in environmental protection and biodiversity conservation and made special reference to the Arab Hima system as an inspiring example of community-based natural resource management. SPNL’s General Director Assad Serhal expressed his deep appreciation for the editorial, stating: “Even the mere mention of the word…

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) proudly commends the Al Matn Organisation for Environmental and Sustainable Development (MESD) for organizing an exceptional environmental and cultural event that brought together members of the diplomatic community to experience the beauty and spirit of the Hima model in Al Matn. Over the weekend, a distinguished group of ambassadors and friends of nature enjoyed a guided hike through Hima Ras Al Matn, a community-managed conservation area that stands as a model of coexistence between people and nature. The distinguished guests included H.E.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) is sounding the alarm after the tragic discovery of a critically injured Lesser Spotted Eagle during an anti-poaching patrol north of Beirut last week. The juvenile eagle, unable to fly, was rushed to a veterinary clinic where X-rays revealed shotgun pellets lodged in its body and an old fracture in its right wing. Due to the severity of its injuries, the bird had to be euthanised. This heartbreaking case is far from isolated. During this autumn’s migration season alone, SPNL teams — in collaboration with…

As part of the “Reviving the Upper Litani River and Qaraoun Lake” project, funded by DIMFE, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) held a coordination meeting with municipalities that have declared Himas within the project area — Lala, Qaraoun, Saghbine, Kefraya, Mansoura, Kherbet Qanafar, and Ain Zebdeh — alongside Ammiq municipality. The meeting provided a crucial platform to reaffirm the Hima concept as a community-based model for managing natural resources sustainably, while also introducing participating municipalities to SPNL’s environmental programs designed to support their local sustainability goals.

Today, HHIC Manager Wassim El Khatib carried out a joint field patrol with Litani River Authority (LRA) representative Mohamad Bou Kamal and Lebanon Reforestation Initiative (LRI) representative Majed Khashan, to assess and follow up on the establishment of the new River Hima, which was proposed and supported by the LRA. The visit aimed to evaluate the ecological conditions of the river basin and to discuss the most effective types of native plants and trees that could be planted along the riverbanks. These plantings will play a crucial role in enhancing biodiversity, stabilizing the soil, filtering pollutants, and improving water quality — all of which are vital steps toward reviving the river’s natural ecosystem and ensuring its sustainability.

In a major coordinated effort, the joint operations team of the Anti-Poaching Unit , in close cooperation and coordination with the Bekaa Intelligence Division of the Internal Security Forces, carried out a series of specialized field missions over the past days. These missions, supported by wide information exchange and meticulous planning, resulted in the removal of approximately 7,975 meters of mass-killing nets used for illegal bird hunting across multiple areas of Northern Bekaa, including Al-Qaa, Mashari‘ Al-Qaa, Arsal, Jbouleh, Al-Jdeideh, and Masa. During the operations, a large number of birds trapped in the nets were freed, while hundreds of dead birds were documented as victims of this form of mass poaching.

Under the patronage of Mr. Wagdi Mourad, Mayor of Aley, and upon the invitation of Mr. Bassam Zain Al-Din, President of Walk and Discover Association, the Anti-Poaching Unit organized a seminar titled “Let’s Protect Nature by Combating Illegal Hunting” at the town’s Cultural Center. The event was attended by around fifty participants, including environmental, social, and political figures, mayors, associations, artists, and nature enthusiasts. It was marked by active participation, responsible discussion, and calls for intensified awareness and efforts to combat illegal hunting to safeguard Lebanon’s future.

From the snow-capped peaks of Lebanon’s Shouf Biosphere Reserve to Morocco’s High Atlas valleys and Greece’s Lemnos Island, a new story titled “The Ancient Cedar and Our Common Food” celebrates the profound ties between people, nature, and culture across the Mediterranean. Produced under the Mediterranean Nature & Culture (AMNC) initiative, this episode highlights how traditional knowledge and sustainable practices unite communities around a shared vision: safeguarding biodiversity through food, craft, and collective heritage. At the heart of the film lies Lebanon’s iconic cedar — a symbol of history, identity, and resilience — standing tall in the…

he Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has officially launched the geospatial map of Hima Anjar, marking a new milestone in its efforts to advance community-based conservation supported by modern geographic and environmental data. The newly released geospatial map of Hima Anjar offers a powerful visual testament to how science and community stewardship can converge to protect one of Lebanon’s most unique ecological treasures. Spanning 3.2 square kilometers, the map, prepared by SPNL’s GIS and Remote Sensing Division, delineates the boundaries of the Hima Anjar Wetlands…

Hima Kfarselwan stands as a living example of how people and nature can thrive together. As part of the “Homat Al Hima and Hima Trails” program, implemented by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) in partnership with the Municipality of Kfarselwan and the Jabal El Kanise Adventure Club, the site was recently visited by the SPNL team to document its inspiring story of stewardship and sustainability. Kfarselwan is not only a landscape of stunning alpine meadows and fresh mountain air—it is a community model built on respect for the land.

Between 23 September and 23 October 2025, the Joint Operations Team of the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) carried out one of its most active field periods this year, with coordinated missions spanning from Akkar to Mount Lebanon and the Bekaa. These efforts, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Internal Security Forces, and local municipalities, reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to safeguarding its migratory birds and combating illegal hunting and wildlife trade. Defending the Flyways As the autumn migration reached its peak, the team maintained constant presence at critical flyways, including…

In the quiet hours of dawn, when most of Lebanon still sleeps, Husein Ali Zorkot is already awake — sketching, cataloging, and writing about the creatures that inhabit its mountains, valleys, and coasts. For over two decades, Zorkot has been building a monumental archive of Lebanon’s biodiversity through scientific art and field research. His October 2025 report marks another milestone in that long, tireless journey. Between September 24 and October 24, Husein worked full time — often 18 to 20 hours a day — on the Pictorial Guide for the Animals of Lebanon…

Strengthening Lebanon’s Nature Network: Field Highlights from September – October 2025 October 2025 unfolded as a month of remarkable coordination across Lebanon’s Hima network, reflecting SPNL’s integrated vision of conservation, community, and connectivity. From mountain ridges alive with raptor migration to wetland basins where data collection deepened ecological understanding, the Society’s field and technical teams advanced multiple projects under the BioConnect, DIMFE, SDC, Al Murunah, and related frameworks. Watching the Skies and Wetlands Field ornithologist Chadi Saad spent the season tracing the autumn migration from Anahita Raptor Viewpoint…

As summer loosened its grip on Lebanon’s mountains and wetlands, Chadi Saad kept daily watch over the migratory corridors that lace the country together: the Anahita raptor viewpoint on the Damascus Highway (Jabal Lubnan), the Hima Hammana ridges, the reedbeds of Ammiq Wetland, the shores of Lake Qaraoun, and the fields around Anjar, Mansura. Over seven weeks, he filed 24 eBird checklists, weaving a detailed picture of autumn passage that stretches from high-altitude thermals to mirror-still marshes. Raptor Highway: Anahita’s October drama The ridgeline above the Damascus Highway lived up to its reputation as a conveyor belt for migrating birds of prey.

The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has officially launched the geospatial map of Hima Kornayel, marking a new milestone in its efforts to advance community-based conservation supported by modern geographic and environmental data. Prepared by SPNL’s GIS and Remote Sensing Division, the map defines the official boundaries of the Hima and its municipal land parcels encompassing a total area of 850,000 m². Hima Kornayel  encompasses the publicly-owned lands of the Kornayel  Municipality, including its signature forest known as “Al-Qatin”, the Kornayel lake system and adjacent woodland and wetlands.

Based on a documented complaint submitted by sustainable hunters to the Anti-Poaching Unit (APU), the APU’s electronic tracking and investigation team prepared a detailed report for the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Operations Command, concerning a man identified as A.M., known publicly as “The Fierce Falcon.” The individual was found to be illegally hunting migratory and endangered bird species, conducting night hunting, and boasting about his acts on his TikTok account. Following the APU’s report and evidence submission, the Dinnieh Police Detachment of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit moved swiftly to arrest the suspect, confiscate his unlicensed hunting rifle, and file an official legal report, in coordination with the North Lebanon Public Prosecutor.

In a major coordinated operation, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), through its Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) jointly operated with MESHC and in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), dismantled one of the largest illegal bird trapping sites ever recorded in Lebanon. The operation took place in Aabdeh, a coastal town in northern Lebanon, with the active participation of officers from the Lebanese Internal Security Forces. Across several lime orchards and agricultural plots, the joint team discovered and dismantled 55 mist-nets with a staggering total length of…

Al-Labweh, Northern Beqaa – As part of ongoing efforts to protect wildlife and enforce environmental law, the Anti-Poaching Unit, in coordination with Dr. Abbas Al-Dairani, Director of the Agricultural Department in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, the "Shaat Forest and Hunting Center," and a patrol from the Internal Security Forces – Al-Labweh Station, conducted a field mission to remove violations related to the illegal trade of wild birds at two sites in the Al-Labweh area. The operation was carried out in response to a documented complaint submitted by an environmental activist. Violations were identified, and legal action was taken against the offenders in accordance with the law.