SPNL – Support Program Conflict, Climate Change and Environment in the Middle East

Hima for Peace (2022-2024)

The traditional Hima concept was until now deployed to facilitate the sustainable use of natural resources, based on empowering local, traditional knowledge, culture and livelihood. This project seeks to expand the Hima concept into the realms of conflict resolution.

About the project

Hima is a traditional system of resource tenure that has originated in the Arabian Peninsula 1500 years ago. Since 2004, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has been working on revitalizing and reviving the Hima approach to promote the conservation of Important Bird & Biodiversity Areas through the sustainable use of natural resources. Hima so far has been used as a community-led ecosystem-based approach for the protection of biodiversity. The “Hima for Peace” project aims to adapt this traditional approach from a tool for biodiversity protection to an instrument for conflict resolution. The “Hima for Peace” approach is supposed to be community-led and -managed, so that the potential for conflict among users of natural resources is significantly reduced.

Why are we running this project?

The Middle East is highly vulnerable to climate change. Stress about the distribution of natural resources and unsustainable environmental governance heighten the probability of conflict. In addition, the current socioeconomic and political crisis in Lebanon might reignite sectarian tensions and conflicts in relation to the use of natural resources. Despite their good intention for nature, internationally agreed targets for biodiversity conservation are putting additional pressure on national governments to increase the size of protected areas.
However, these ecosystems are often located in rural communities that rely on their natural resources for the locals’ livelihood, so conflict between local communities and national authority can be triggered. This might also lead to inter-communal conflicts over the use of resources in protected areas.

What are our goals?

The Hima approach is a tool located in the sub-national (municipal) governance level. The “Hima for Peace” project aims to reduce the tensions between local communities that are sharing natural resources.
Local communities develop an increased knowledge on the sustainable management of natural resources, climate change impacts on the community, and the benefits of integration with surrounding communities, based on the application of the Hima approach. The gained knowledge will eventually lead to improved relations between and cooperation among local communities – ultimately, tensions will be reduced.

How does the project work?

The Hima approach that was used by SPNL so far is tailored around ensuring that local communities benefit from the natural resources of Himas without impacting biodiversity. To be able to expand its use, the Hima methodology needs to be adapted to address conflict resolution around natural resources and therefore integrate conflict resolution tools. The methodology’s focus will shift towards the equitable, maximized but still sustainable use of natural resources between the various communities.
The new methodology will then be implemented in a pilot area where conflicts around natural resources exist. Local actors will be trained, including aspects of conflict resolution processes to address communal challenges. Drawn from this experience, a case study will be developed and spread regionally.

Who organizes and supports the project?

The Society for Protecting Nature in Lebanon was established in 1986, to advocate the establishment of protected areas. Since 2004, SPNL works with the Hima approach and developed a total of 30 Himas in Lebanon. SPNL has widely contributed to both raising awareness on environmental issues and concretely protecting natural areas in Lebanon.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) has a global support program on traditional knowledge and community engagement, which aims to catalyze and support efforts at various levels to protect, promote and use traditional knowledge and community engagement to strengthen conservation and sustainable development.

Insights

Under the Hima for Peace project, the 'Droub el Hima for Peace' workshop on 27 September 2023 at Mount Lebanon's HIMA Center, Kayfoun, stands as a testament to SPNL's resounding success in championing unity and conservation. The event showcased the power of community-driven conservation efforts in fostering peace, bridging divides, and celebrating local collaboration. Eight municipalities came together, signing the HIMA Charter (Memorandum of Understanding), symbolizing their shared commitment to nature preservation and community welfare. This gathering marked a pivotal step towards replicating this inspiring model worldwide. From revitalizing historic trails to empowering communities, the event was a celebration of unity, conservation, and enduring peace.