In the heart of Lebanon, where ancient olive groves have withstood the tests of time, a new chapter is being written—one that balances conservation with the livelihoods of local farmers. The lush, biodiverse landscapes of Mount Hermon, a region steeped in history, are at risk due to urbanization, unsustainable agricultural practices, and modern land-use changes. To address these pressing concerns, the Environment for Life (E.F.L) organization, with support from the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), has launched a groundbreaking initiative: Maintaining the Traditional Land-Use Practices Necessary for the Conservation of Olive-Associated Biodiversity.
This project, funded by $229,238 under CEPF Grant 109215, is not just about conservation—it is about people. It aims to ensure that local communities, who have nurtured the land for generations, remain an integral part of Mount Hermon’s ecosystem while adapting to sustainable practices. However, such efforts often require imposing involuntary restrictions on access to natural resources, a sensitive issue that affects farmers, landowners, and pastoralists. To navigate these challenges, the project has developed a Process Framework for Involuntary Restrictions, ensuring that restrictions do not harm local livelihoods and that affected communities actively participate in decision-making.
The Cultural and Ecological Significance of Mount Hermon
Mount Hermon, also known as Jabal Al Sheikh, is more than just a mountain. It is a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) and a sanctuary for over 221 plant species, including endemic and medicinal plants. It also serves as a vital corridor for migratory birds, making it an Important Bird Area (IBA). The region’s historical relationship with olive farming dates back thousands of years, and olive oil production remains a key source of income for local communities.
However, this ancient agricultural heritage is under threat. Intensification of farming, chemical pesticide use, and modern irrigation techniques have disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Overgrazing, soil erosion, and illegal hunting have further degraded biodiversity, endangering species such as the Syrian Serin (Serinus syriacus) and other vulnerable birds and mammals.
With these challenges in mind, the E.f.L project seeks to revive traditional land-use practices, promote biodiversity-friendly olive farming, and introduce marketing strategies for sustainably produced olive oil. But such an ambitious undertaking comes with its own set of challenges—particularly when conservation efforts require restricting access to certain natural resources.
Navigating Involuntary Restrictions: A Community-Centered Approach
Restricting access to land is a contentious issue, particularly in areas where communities have long depended on it for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and food security. Recognizing this, the Process Framework for Involuntary Restrictions was developed to minimize adverse effects on local communities while still achieving conservation goals.
The framework’s primary objectives are:
- Avoiding, minimizing, or mitigating negative socio-economic impacts resulting from access restrictions.
- Ensuring affected communities are actively involved in decision-making.
- Providing alternative livelihood opportunities for those impacted by conservation restrictions.
To achieve this, the framework outlines a participatory implementation plan, where farmers, local municipalities, cooperatives, and environmental groups have a seat at the table.
Engaging Local Farmers and Stakeholders
Since the start of the project in March 2020, the E.f.L team has worked closely with local authorities, the Jabal Al-Sheikh Municipality Federation, olive farmers, cooperatives, and youth organizations to foster a sense of shared responsibility. A series of town hall meetings, field visits, and workshops were held to discuss the impact of restrictions and explore solutions.
“People here have lived off this land for generations,” explains Ahmed, a third-generation olive farmer from the village of Rashaya. “When we first heard about access restrictions, we were worried. But through these discussions, we realized the goal is not to take away our land, but to help us farm in a way that protects both our trees and the environment.”
Local farmers were trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), which emphasize organic farming, reduced pesticide use, and water conservation techniques. Those adopting these practices also gained access to new markets through the branding and certification of “biodiversity-friendly” olive oil from Mount Hermon.
Balancing Conservation with Livelihoods
One of the most significant components of the Process Framework is its approach to eligibility and assistance. Recognizing that restrictions could impact those relying on the land, the project identified ways to offset potential losses:
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Alternative Livelihood Opportunities
- Farmers affected by access restrictions were given priority for financial and technical assistance in adopting sustainable farming practices.
- Training programs were provided in organic certification, agro-tourism, and sustainable olive oil production, ensuring alternative revenue streams.
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Direct Compensation and Support Measures
- Affected individuals were eligible for direct financial support for pilot projects aimed at sustainability.
- Farmers who signed onto the Good Agricultural Practices Charter were given market incentives for biodiversity-friendly olive oil production.
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Community-led Conservation Measures
- The project engaged local shepherds in managing land use, ensuring that grazing routes were designed to prevent overgrazing while still allowing for sustainable herding.
- Women and youth groups were actively involved in branding and marketing efforts, ensuring that traditional olive farming remained economically viable.
Mariam, a member of a local women’s cooperative, explains, “Our families have always worked with olives, but this project has given us new tools to improve our oil quality and sell it beyond Lebanon. Now, we are part of something bigger—protecting our land while making a better living.”
Resolving Conflict and Addressing Grievances
Despite its benefits, any restriction on land use can lead to disputes, misunderstandings, or resistance. To address this, the Process Framework established a clear conflict resolution mechanism, including:
- A formal grievance redress system, where affected individuals could submit complaints via community meetings, designated contact persons, or an official email hotline.
- A Steering Committee composed of local farmers, municipal representatives, and conservation experts to mediate disputes and adjust project policies based on community feedback.
- Public awareness campaigns to ensure that local populations understood the reasons behind conservation measures and the long-term benefits for both people and nature.
The project team notes that while some concerns were raised initially, the level of resistance significantly decreased as more community members began to see the economic benefits of sustainable farming.
A Model for Conservation and Sustainable Development
As the project nears its completion in February 2022, its success offers a replicable model for conservation efforts across Lebanon and the broader Mediterranean region. Through its Process Framework for Involuntary Restrictions, the initiative has proven that conservation and economic growth do not have to be mutually exclusive.
By empowering local communities, integrating traditional knowledge with modern sustainable practices, and establishing clear mechanisms for resolving disputes, this initiative has demonstrated that protecting biodiversity can go hand in hand with supporting local economies.
Looking ahead, organizations like E.f.L and its partners hope to expand this approach to other biodiverse regions in Lebanon, proving that with the right framework in place, conservation does not have to mean exclusion—it can mean inclusion, resilience, and prosperity for all.
