SPNL organizes several events to celebrate The World Bird Festival

15 November 2006

School Teachers in Kafr Zabad

Birds migrate over Lebanon twice per year during their voyage between Europe and Africa. Upon receiving the BirdLife International announcement about the World Bird Festival-WBF this year under the theme "Celebrating IBAs with People", and after the sufferings and devastating effects of war on people and environment, the Society for the Protection of nature in Lebanon-SPNL was adamant to celebrate this annual occasion.
SPNL initiated the Hope Campaign during the war months to alleviate the suffering of people around the Himas and IBAs that it was working on. Ebel es-Saqi an IBA and bottleneck for soaring birds in South Lebanon was completely evacuated, while Kfar Zabad wetlands in the Bekaa received more than 120 displaced families within their homes.

With the offset of war, and the upcoming of the migration season, SPNL planned for 3 events to celebrate the WBF this year: One at Ebel es-Saqi, and two events at Kfar Zabad wetlands.

SPNL participated with TERRE-an environmental NGO-in organizing a children camp under the theme "Peace and birds" on the weekend of 22-24 September 2006. The camp at Hima Ebel es-Saqi extended for 3 days and included sorting of solid waste, awareness sessions on the importance of birds, building bird feeders and nests, paper kites, in addition to the distribution of posters and bird guides. The camp attracted around 130 children of the age group 6-12 years, who participated in the camp various activities. Further, 30 young local boys and girls supported in the organization of the camp activities, which was consummated with a final night celebration in the presence of the Mayor and the UNIFIL Head Commander stationed in the next village.

On Saturday 7th of October, SPNL held a bird festival in Hima Kfar Zabad wetlands, Bekaa region, in celebration of the migratory season. SPNL took that opportunity to engage the farmers of Kfar Zabad in that event, since those are considered to be major contributors in the advancement of the Hima, and they were the most affected by the last war. This meeting was held, with the participation of the Mayor of Kfar Zabad, Municipality Council members, SSG members and more than 25 farmers directly surrounding the wetland site. The major theme behind this meeting was protecting nature from and for people. Mr. Assad Sarhal, the General Director of SPNL clarified the importance of Kfar Zabad wetlands, and the need to protect it as Hima through the sustainable use of its resources, and on the vital role of farmers for the protection of the site and the bird species. He stressed the importance of cooperation in order to outline an action plan. Mr. Sarhal added that SPNL works in alliance with the Lebanese Adventure-private ecotour company for elaborating ecotourism activities and marketing the site. Several ecotourism activities were suggested by Lebanese Adventure which can be done in the site, such as camping, biking, bird watching, walking, sailing, educational tours, which would attract visitors and support in alleviating poverty. Further, SPNL discussed with the farmers the social and economic situation, especially in relation to the agricultural sector problems and needs. Farmers exposed many problems, from, high cost of agro-chemicals, expensive fuel needed for agricultural equipment, loss of market for the agricultural products and others. After that, Mr. Assad Sarhal presented the SWOT assessment, and he applied that method in order to present the Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats, that the farmers and Hima Kafar Zabad is facing. In parallel to this participatory session with the farmers, SSG members organized cleaning campaigns in the vicinity of the Hima; thus, providing good example for the sustainable use of the site. The day continued with a traditional Lebanese lunch with the participation of more than 150 people from the local community, and everyone agreed to influence the Hima positively on the long run. 

The third event took place in Hima Kfar Zabad wetland on Saturday 4th of November targeting private schools. The main aim of the event is to introduce the site to the schools, and discuss ideas for future activities, educational programs, and recreational tours.

For more information, please contact Bassima Al Khatib, SPNL at: bkhatib@cyberia.net.lb