Himas

In order to better enhance the management of PAs, the MoE has prepared a new categorization system for PAs in the protected areas framework number 130 dated 30/4/2019 which defines the  criteria for the establishment of each category in addition to their management objectives and modality. Hima is designated as one of those categories.

The Hima is defined as a Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) System that promotes Sustainable Livelihood, Resources Conservation, and Environmental Protection for the human wellbeing (UNU-INWEH). A Hima is under the supervision of the municipality, or the Qaimaqam in the case of villages where there are no municipalities.

The Hima approach in nature protection is a traditional/cultural community-based approach used for the conservation of sites, species, habitats, and people in order to achieve the sustainable use of natural resources (SPNL, 2014).

Hima which means protected area in Arabic, originated more than 1,500 years ago where it was spread along the Arab Peninsula as a “tribal” system of sustainable management of natural resources. It was applied as a system for organizing, maintaining, regulating, and utilizing natural pasture and rangelands in a way dealing with harsh ecosystems and fitting local needs. The Hima system further evolved with Islam adding values and rules for improvement and development. Recent years have witnessed several trends and campaigns in order to conserve nature and its resources, of which some were via the revival of the Hima concept within local communities (SPNL, 2014).

Map of Lebanon with Hima and IBAs sites location
Source: https://www.spnl.org/international-day-of-biodiversity-hima-revival-to-stop-nature-bankruptcy-and-promote-sustainable-livelihood-human-wellbeing-and-human-rights/