The Anjar wetland, located amidst a complex of seasonal and permanent (Shamsine and Ghazal) rivers, provides habitat for the globally threatened breeding European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) and Syrian Serin (Serinus syriacus) bird species, and plays a crucial role in supporting livelihoods, particularly through agriculture and ecotourism. As testament to its importance to nature and communities, in 2008 BirdLife International approved this area as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, and the municipal council declared it a Hima, both actions in close collaboration with SPNL. Despite these declarations, the ecosystem faces threats from pollution, unsustainable agricultural practices, water extraction, and illegal hunting, and additional risks from climate change. To mitigate ongoing degradation, restoration and management efforts are required.

In this project, SPNL will assess the current state of the wetland and develop a comprehensive management plan that includes water extraction guidelines, climate change forecasts, restoration actions, pollution mitigation, and climate change adaptation measures. Workshops for farmers and hunters will increase local capacity to implement sustainable agriculture and reduce illegal hunting behaviors. With acute attention given to equity on conservation, the project empowers women in leadership positions in trainings and eco-tourism activities, and organizes education and citizen science programs to instill environmental responsibility among younger generations.