#HimaEcoMedia

Bkerké –
His Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi welcomed a Lebanese environmental delegation led by Fadi Ghanem, President of Ghadi Association, Chairman of the media group, and Coordinator of the IUCN Members Network. His Beatitude praised the efforts dedicated to environmental protection and natural resource conservation, emphasizing the Church’s support for initiatives that strengthen local communities and safeguard nature for future generations.

The delegation included representatives from the IUCN network, academia, and media personalities, among them: Michel Hassoun – Governor of Lions Clubs International District 351 and Vice President of Ghadi Association; Assad Serhal – Middle East Coordinator for BirdLife International and Director General of the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon; Dr. Nadine Nassif – Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the Lebanese University; Elias Antonius – First Vice Governor; Nabil Nasour – Lions Clubs Coordinator in Iraq; Dr. Soumaya Ayadi – President of ACE Society for Community & Environment; Eng. Qozhaya Tawk and Bassam Geagea – Friends of Cedar Forest Committee; in addition to members of various environmental associations and committees, including Andre Khalil, Andre Bechara, and Maryan Fahed.

Fadi Ghanem’s Address
In his speech, Ghanem said:
*”It is an honor, on behalf of our association, media group, and the IUCN Members Network, to speak before you today from this national and spiritual landmark in Bkerké, where spiritual values converge with national principles, and where the living conscience of Lebanon resonates.

Your Beatitude, we greet you with sincere respect for your courageous national positions and your steadfast defense of a Lebanon of humanity, mission, and dignity. You have always been a voice of truth and a unifying reference in times of division. Today, we reaffirm our support for you and our adherence to the values you represent, beyond any political considerations, rooted in our shared belief in the future of this nation.”*

He added:
*”Amid the difficult circumstances facing Lebanon, where crises intertwine and challenges intensify, we choose to uphold hope through environmental action. The environment is not a luxury; it is a tangible space of action, a pathway connecting land and people, resilience and sustainability.

We continue protecting nature and promoting the concept of the ‘Hima’ as a pioneering Lebanese model restoring balance between humans and their natural resources. The Hima is more than a protected area; it is an integrated vision that safeguards biodiversity, creates local employment opportunities, reduces migration, and strengthens community resilience.”*

Ghanem emphasized that environmental protection begins with empowering people socially and economically, highlighting community involvement in Hima management as key to fostering ownership and shared responsibility. He also introduced the HimaEcoMedia platform as a voice for nature and humanity, alongside the Earthbound 30×30 podcast, which tracks global efforts to protect 30% of the planet, highlighting Lebanon’s contribution to this international initiative.

He concluded:
“We believe our environmental mission complements your spiritual mission in safeguarding creation and life. Environmental stewardship is a moral responsibility before it is a technical or scientific matter. On the occasion of Saint Joseph’s feast, patron of the family and model of integrity and quiet action, we pray for the protection of our families, blessings upon Lebanon, and strength and hope for its people to build a better future.”

Assad Serhal also gave a notable intervention highlighting the Hima concept and bird migration routes, noting the spectacular passage of migratory birds over the landmark during the meeting and expressing gratitude to His Beatitude for his continuous support of environmental work.

His Beatitude’s Remarks
His Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi commended the environmental delegation’s efforts, reviewed their activities and projects, and encouraged them to continue their love for the land and its preservation for future generations, emphasizing that environmental protection is part of human moral and national responsibility.

He blessed the launch of the HimaEcoMedia platform, “The Voice of Nature and Humanity,” wishing it success, and highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between environmental institutions, civil society, and spiritual leaders in raising awareness and building a sustainable future for Lebanon.