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As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges driven by biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and increasing pressure on natural resources, the role of civil society organizations has become more critical than ever. International environmental frameworks increasingly recognize that lasting conservation outcomes can only be achieved through inclusive governance, local leadership, and community-driven solutions that place people at the heart of environmental action.

Against this backdrop, the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, witnessed the launch of the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) CSO Challenge Program, a landmark global initiative designed to identify, support, and scale up innovative environmental solutions led by civil society organizations around the world.

Representing Lebanon and the Arab region’s conservation community, Mr. Assad Serhal, Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), participated as a featured speaker in the high-level side event entitled:

“Scaling-Up CSO-led Environmental Solutions for Transformational Change – Launch of the GEF Small Grants Programme CSO Challenge Program.”

The event brought together senior government officials, international organizations, donor agencies, environmental experts, and grassroots leaders to explore how civil society can accelerate transformative environmental action while ensuring that no one is left behind. Particular emphasis was placed on empowering women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities as key drivers of sustainable change.

Bringing Lebanon’s Hima Experience to the Global Stage

As part of the session “Voices from the Front Lines,” Serhal joined distinguished environmental leaders from Zimbabwe and the global CBD Women’s Caucus to share successful community-based conservation experiences and discuss the growing importance of locally led solutions in achieving global biodiversity, climate, and land restoration goals.

During his intervention, Serhal highlighted SPNL’s pioneering work in reviving and modernizing the traditional Hima approach—one of the oldest community-based natural resource management systems in the Arab world.

Rooted in centuries of cultural heritage, the Hima model places local communities at the center of conservation and sustainable resource management. Through more than three decades of dedicated work, SPNL has transformed this traditional practice into a globally recognized framework that links biodiversity conservation with sustainable livelihoods, cultural heritage preservation, community empowerment, and local governance.

Addressing an audience of international policymakers, conservation practitioners, and civil society representatives, Serhal stressed that environmental sustainability cannot be achieved without genuine community ownership.

“We are happiest when we leave a community knowing that people have fully taken ownership of their natural resources and their future. That is what truly guarantees sustainability.”

He emphasized that conservation succeeds when communities become active partners rather than passive beneficiaries, noting that community stewardship has played a vital role in protecting critical habitats, migratory bird flyways, wetlands, forests, and cultural landscapes across Lebanon.

International Recognition for Community-Led Conservation

Serhal’s participation reflects the growing international recognition of SPNL’s achievements and the increasing relevance of locally led conservation models in addressing global environmental crises.

The newly launched GEF CSO Challenge Program aims to identify and scale high-impact environmental initiatives developed by civil society organizations worldwide. Selected organizations will benefit from enhanced financial support, tailored technical assistance, capacity-building opportunities, and increased international visibility.

The initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration between the GEF, governments, and civil society actors while expanding opportunities for grassroots organizations to contribute directly to global environmental objectives and international sustainability commitments.

Investing in Local Leadership

The event featured opening remarks by prominent international leaders, including Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Katrin Schneeberger, State Secretary for the Environment of Switzerland. Discussions focused on strengthening support mechanisms for civil society organizations and increasing their participation in environmental policy development and implementation.

As one of the keynote contributors, Serhal underscored the importance of investing in local knowledge, leadership, and innovation. He emphasized that community organizations are uniquely positioned to develop practical, inclusive, and scalable solutions to biodiversity loss, climate change, ecosystem degradation, and environmental injustice.

His contribution reinforced a central message emerging from the Assembly: achieving global environmental goals requires stronger partnerships with the communities and organizations already delivering measurable results on the ground.

Advancing Lebanon’s Environmental Leadership

Serhal’s participation also highlighted Lebanon’s growing contribution to international environmental diplomacy. Through SPNL’s engagement in regional and global conservation networks, Lebanon continues to showcase innovative approaches that connect nature conservation with community resilience, cultural heritage, and sustainable development.

As environmental challenges continue to intensify worldwide, the Lebanese Hima experience stands as a powerful example of how local action can generate global impact. By empowering communities to become stewards of nature, the Hima model demonstrates that sustainable solutions are most effective when they are rooted in local knowledge, shared responsibility, and collective action.

The launch of the GEF CSO Challenge Program marks an important step toward expanding the influence of civil society in shaping environmental solutions worldwide. The participation of leaders such as Assad Serhal reaffirms the essential role that community-driven conservation plays in building a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for both people and nature.