Empowering Local Action for Wetlands Conservation in West Bekaa

 

Local Organization: Kon Fares Association
Mentor Organization: Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL)
Award Amount: €10 000
Project Type: PROZHUM Mentorship Project
Duration: July 2025 – November 2026
Project Contact: Fatima Hayek, fhayek@spnl.org
Keywords: Training ; Public Awareness ; Environmental Education

 

SPNL and Kon Fares teams training session

Summary

This project addresses the critical degradation of Qaraoun Lake in West Bekaa, Lebanon, due to pollution from high levels of heavy metal and untreated water, as well as  illegal poaching in this established Important Bird Area. SPNL provides regular monitoring of the area, and through this project, they will strengthen and establish the local organization, Kon Fares, in its role as a key actor in wetland stewardship in the community. Targeted training on the traditional Hima management approach and scientific tools will focus on increasing stewardship and organizational capacity to implement wetland protection projects. A series of youth birdwatching, scout camps, and clean-up events will increase community engagement around the issues of poaching and waterbird protection. Through close coordination with local municipalities and the Litani River Authority, this project will strengthen civil society capacity to contribute to long-term conservation of the Qaraoun wetland and its biodiversity, as well as other wetlands in the area.

Objectives

  • Build the technical and organizational capacity of Kon Fares to manage and implement wetland conservation projects
  • Engage local youth and community in practical conservation activities to promote behavioral change and protect Qaraoun Lake
  • Raise awareness and advocate for improved wetland management through local communication and visibility

Resources

  • Learn more about the PROZHUM project

Funding

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) implements France’s policy on international development and solidarity. Through its financing of NGOs and the public sector, as well as its research and publications, AFD supports and accelerates transitions towards a fairer, more resilient world. It also provides training in sustainable development (at AFD Campus) and other awareness-raising activities in France.