Assaad Serhal: Nature Conservation in Lebanon is a Pillar of National Security, with Ghadi News Leading Regional Environmental Media

Ghadi News | Hima Eco Media

Assaad Serhal, General Director of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), is one of the leading environmental advocates in Lebanon and the Arab region. Since its establishment in 1983, SPNL has played a pivotal role in conserving biodiversity, shaping environmental policies, and linking nature protection with sustainable development. The organization has revived the traditional Hima concept—a community-based conservation system rooted in Arab heritage—to empower local communities to actively safeguard their natural resources.

As Lebanon’s national partner of BirdLife International and an active member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other regional networks, SPNL has positioned Lebanon on the global environmental stage while preserving its unique cultural and social context.

In this exclusive interview with Ghadi News and Hima Eco Media, Serhal provides an in-depth perspective on SPNL’s mission, its flagship programs, and the critical environmental challenges facing Lebanon today.

To begin, how would you describe SPNL and its role in Lebanon’s environmental landscape

Serhal:
SPNL is an independent, non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Lebanon’s natural heritage and biodiversity for the benefit of people and communities. From the start, the organization has used birds as key indicators of ecosystem health, making their protection an entry point to safeguard wider habitats—from forests to wetlands, coastal areas, and migratory corridors.

Our role goes beyond species protection. We focus on sustainable natural resource management, influencing public policies, and empowering local communities to be active partners in conservation, not just recipients of its benefits.

Why are birds central to your environmental strategy 

Serhal:
Birds are highly sensitive to environmental changes—whether from pollution, habitat loss, or climate change. Lebanon lies along one of the world’s most important migratory routes, giving the country a responsibility that goes beyond its borders.

By protecting birds, we are effectively protecting entire ecosystems that humans rely on for food, water, and livelihoods.

The Hima concept is considered SPNL’s cornerstone. What makes it unique 

Serhal:
The Hima is a traditional Arab system for managing natural resources that dates back over 1,500 years, based on collective stewardship and sustainable use. At SPNL, we have revived Hima using modern scientific approaches, integrating ecological research, social assessments, and participatory planning.

Today, Hima is more than a protected area—it is a local governance model that restores communities’ historical role as guardians of the land and balances conservation with sustainable development.

How many Hima sites exist in Lebanon, and what impacts have they achieved 

Serhal:
In partnership with municipalities, SPNL has reactivated 43 Hima sites across Lebanon on public lands. These sites have achieved tangible results: preserving species and habitats, improving resource management, creating green jobs, promoting eco-tourism, and strengthening rural community resilience.

The true value of Hima lies in transforming conservation from an economic burden into a long-term investment in social and environmental stability.

How do you balance conservation with development amid Lebanon’s economic crisis 

Serhal:
Protecting nature in a society facing severe economic pressures requires sustainable economic alternatives. We link Hima sites to eco-tourism, local products, sustainable agriculture, and traditional crafts.

This approach proves a key principle: well-managed nature can generate income and opportunities, not stand in the way of development.

What role do women and youth play in your approach 

Serhal:
Engaging women and youth is fundamental. We support women’s cooperatives and youth leadership through programs like “Homat Hima” and “Hima School”. Investing in human capital is essential for sustainable conservation because informed and empowered communities are best equipped to protect their resources.

SPNL is also recognized for responsible hunting management. How do you assess the current situation 

Serhal:
Despite legislative progress, illegal hunting remains a threat to biodiversity, especially migratory birds. SPNL helped develop Lebanon’s hunting law and regulations, represents conservation NGOs in the Hunting Higher Council, and operates an Anti-Poaching Unit to support enforcement. We also promote responsible hunting practices as part of sustainable natural resource management.

How active is SPNL in shaping regional and international environmental policies 

Serhal:
Through international networks, we aim to share Lebanon’s experiences globally. The formal recognition of Hima under Law 130/2019 on protected area management marks a strategic achievement.

We have also launched regional initiatives supporting Hima sites and threatened species, positioning Lebanon as a hub for community-based conservation solutions in the Arab region.

How would you describe Lebanon’s environmental reality today 

Serhal:
Lebanon possesses exceptional biodiversity for its size but remains highly fragile. Unplanned urbanization, pollution, climate change, illegal hunting, and increasing pressure on resources all threaten this natural wealth.

The urgent need is to move from crisis management to long-term national environmental strategies that integrate conservation into sustainable development.

A final word to the readers of Ghadi News and Hima Eco Media 

Serhal:
Nature conservation is no longer a luxury—it is a cornerstone of national security, directly linked to food and water security, economic stability, public health, and community resilience. Lebanon’s environmental future depends on fostering a culture of shared responsibility and shifting from reactive management to strategic, sustainable planning.

In this context, specialized environmental media plays a critical role. Ghadi News, as the first Hima Eco Media platform, has established itself as a pioneering voice nationally and regionally. It has brought environmental issues from the margins into public discourse through credible, science-based content that connects knowledge with decision-makers and communities.

The platform goes beyond reporting news: it fosters a culture that treats the environment as a sovereign, developmental priority, promotes the Hima concept, and highlights community-led conservation successes. Responsible environmental media is a key partner in protecting nature because awareness is the first line of defense. The more professional and credible the environmental voice, the stronger our ability to safeguard our land, resources, and the right of future generations to a healthy environment.