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The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Members Network in Lebanon is working in close coordination with the Ministry of Environment to expand the country’s protected and conserved areas and strengthen their sustainable management, contributing to the global “30×30” target of conserving 30 percent of terrestrial areas and 30 percent of marine areas by 2030.

The Network’s role extends beyond supporting this national objective. Its members are actively engaged, each within their respective field of expertise, in implementing scientific and field-based programs and initiatives aimed at establishing new protected and conserved areas, safeguarding biodiversity and natural habitats, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting the sustainable management of natural resources.

The Network also works to coordinate its members’ efforts and strengthen partnerships with the Ministry of Environment, municipalities, local communities, environmental organizations, universities, and research institutions. These partnerships are essential to translating Lebanon’s national and international environmental commitments into measurable and effective action.

In this context, Fadi Ghanem, Coordinator of the IUCN Members Network in Lebanon, said:

“We congratulate our fellow Network member, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), on its sustained efforts to expand the network of conserved areas by reviving and advancing the traditional Hima approach. With 63 Hima sites now established across Lebanon, this achievement underscores the vital role of municipalities and local communities in conserving nature and managing natural resources sustainably.”

Ghanem added:

“We take great pride in all members of the Network and in the projects, expertise, and initiatives they are contributing to the protection of Lebanon’s natural heritage. We will continue working together, in close coordination with the Ministry of Environment and all relevant partners, to advance the objectives of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and accelerate Lebanon’s progress towards achieving the 30×30 target.”

He also announced that the Network will soon convene an expanded national meeting bringing together its members, public authorities, and relevant partners. The meeting will focus on coordinating efforts, exchanging expertise, presenting ongoing initiatives, and developing a joint action framework to expand protected and conserved areas and improve their effective and sustainable management.

The  emphasized that achieving the “30×30” target requires coordinated and sustained national action grounded in scientific knowledge, community participation, and institutional cooperation.

It reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside the Ministry of Environment and its partners to transform this global objective into a tangible national achievement—one that safeguards Lebanon’s biodiversity and natural heritage for present and future generations.