Duration: 42 months (April 2020 – October 2023)
Nestled in the biodiverse landscape of Lebanon’s Mount Hermon, a pioneering initiative is proving that traditional agriculture and conservation can go hand in hand. Led by Environment for Life (EFL) and supported by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), the Mount Hermon Olive Farming Initiative has successfully combined centuries-old olive farming practices with modern conservation techniques. With a grant of $280,238.18, this project has not only safeguarded biodiversity but also empowered local farmers and strengthened the olive oil industry. Running from April 2020 to October 2023, the initiative is a testament to how sustainable agriculture can be a force for environmental preservation.
Preserving Traditional Practices for a Sustainable Future
The Mediterranean Basin is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, and Mount Hermon is home to a unique ecosystem that includes endangered species and vast agricultural lands. However, increasing pressure from modern farming, habitat destruction, and climate change threatened to disrupt the delicate balance between agriculture and biodiversity. Recognizing this, EFL collaborated with farmers, local municipalities, the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Ministry of Environment to implement biodiversity-friendly olive farming techniques.
At the heart of the project was the commitment to maintaining traditional land-use practices while introducing conservation measures. Farmers were encouraged to adopt a “charter of good practices”, which included:
- Biodiversity-friendly farming to preserve soil and plant health.
- A hunting ban to protect native bird species and reptiles.
- Soil and water conservation measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
- A market strategy to enhance access to national and international markets for high-quality olive oil.
Through targeted training programs, over 53 farmers learned sustainable techniques that improved olive yields without harming the environment. This knowledge was then passed on to future generations, ensuring the long-term sustainability of traditional olive farming.
Conservation and Agricultural Impacts
The project’s conservation impact extended far beyond just olive farming. By maintaining 6,000 hectares of agricultural land, including 320 hectares of olive groves, the initiative directly supported the survival of several globally threatened species:
- Syrian Serin (Serinus syriacus) – Vulnerable (VU)
- Schreiber’s Fringe-fingered Lizard (Acanthodactylus schreiberi syriaca) – Endangered (EN)
- Fraas’ Lizard (Parvilacerta fraasii) – Endangered (EN)
- Kulzer’s Lizard (Phoenicolacerta kulzeri) – Endangered (EN)
The habitat restoration efforts, including the construction of 400 meters of stone terraces and the planting of hedgerows, provided safe nesting sites for birds and small animals. Additionally, the introduction of long wooden sticks in olive groves allowed Flycatcher birds to perch and naturally control harmful insects, reducing the need for pesticides.
Empowering Farmers and Strengthening Market Access
A key component of the initiative was ensuring that biodiversity-friendly olive oil was recognized and valued in the market. Farmers received support in improving olive oil quality, with physico-chemical analysis proving that Mount Hermon’s olive oil met international standards. The acidity levels of the olive oil were consistently below 0.8, qualifying it as extra virgin olive oil per International Olive Oil Council (IOOC) standards.
To further enhance economic opportunities, the project engaged three olive mills and two cooperatives in adopting traditional manufacturing methods that aligned with Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs). These efforts led to an increase in demand for locally produced olive oil, opening doors for export opportunities.
Fostering Community Engagement and Awareness
The project emphasized the importance of community involvement in conservation. Workshops, brainstorming sessions, and training programs attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including local farmers, municipal leaders, and youth groups. Municipal police guards were also trained to enforce the hunting ban, leading to a decline in illegal bird hunting in the region.
A major awareness campaign highlighted the association between olive groves and bird populations, revealing that 73 different bird species relied on olive plantations for survival. This research led to the publication of an academic article titled “Olive Groves’ Avifauna in Lebanon”, emphasizing the critical role olive farming plays in supporting biodiversity.
Official Recognition and Designation of Mount Hermon as an Important Bird Area (IBA)
One of the initiative’s greatest achievements was the designation of Mount Hermon as an Important Bird Area (IBA). This recognition, led by BirdLife International and SPNL, ensures continued conservation efforts and attracts further funding for biodiversity preservation. The IBA nomination file, submitted in collaboration with local authorities, highlighted the region’s rich avian biodiversity and the importance of traditional farming in maintaining ecological balance.
Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Sustainability
Despite its success, the project faced several challenges, including political instability, economic hardship, and difficulties in enforcing conservation laws. However, through strategic partnerships and community engagement, the project managed to:
- Secure a municipal hunting ban in Mount Hermon.
- Train 47 municipal police officers to monitor illegal hunting activities.
- Establish a monitoring protocol for threatened lizard species.
- Develop an Action Plan for Good Agricultural Practices, endorsed by local authorities.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Replication
The success of the Mount Hermon Olive Farming Initiative provides a scalable model for other regions facing similar conservation challenges. Future projects can build on this initiative by:
- Expanding conservation efforts to other olive-growing areas in Lebanon.
- Enhancing branding and certification of biodiversity-friendly olive oil.
- Strengthening local and international market access for sustainably produced olive products.
- Establishing conservation centers in newly declared protected areas.
Moreover, the cooperation between EFL, CEPF, and local stakeholders has laid the groundwork for future collaborations. Additional funding from organizations like Democratic Reporting International (DRI) and the European Union will support ongoing awareness campaigns and environmental monitoring efforts.
A Legacy of Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture
The Mount Hermon Olive Farming Initiative has demonstrated that traditional agriculture and conservation are not mutually exclusive—rather, they can reinforce one another for mutual benefit. By empowering local farmers, improving biodiversity, and enhancing market opportunities, the project has created a sustainable model for conservation-friendly agriculture.
As Mount Hermon continues to thrive as a biodiversity hotspot, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope for communities seeking to balance economic development with environmental stewardship. The lessons learned from this project will undoubtedly shape the future of conservation efforts in Lebanon and beyond, ensuring that the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty are preserved for generations to come.
