BEIRUT: The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) has published the fourth edition of its Al-Hima magazine, emphasizing the conservation of migratory birds and the designation of responsible hunting areas. This release coincides with the autumn migration period, during which Lebanon, situated along a critical migration route, sees millions of birds, including numerous endangered species, travel between Europe, West Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Asaad Serhal, SPNL's Director General, highlighted in the editorial that an estimated 2.6 million birds are illegally killed in Lebanon annually, as documented by SPNL and BirdLife International. These organizations have dedicated four decades to reducing and preventing the destruction of bird populations and habitats across Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Serhal further mentioned SPNL's recent efforts to promote responsible hunting areas and the establishment of the Anti-Poaching Unit, in collaboratio n with the Middle East Center for Sustainable Hunting and several other partners, aiming to address the impacts of regional conflicts and pressures on natural resources. Serhal also noted that SPNL has created 33 Himas, or protected areas, across Lebanon, covering over six percent of the country's territory and representing its most important bird and biodiversity areas. He emphasized that these initiatives could significantly contribute to Lebanon achieving the Global Biodiversity Framework's 30x30 target, which aims for 30% of the country's area to be protected. In a separate commentary, Sami Dimassi, UNEP's Representative and Regional Director for West Asia, highlighted Lebanon's status as a major hotspot for illegal bird killing, ranking as the fourth most dangerous country in the Mediterranean region for migratory birds. A meeting organized by UNEP and the Ministry of Environment proposed a comprehensive roadmap to combat illegal bird killing, emphasizing the need for strengthened coordination, communi ty education, and robust enforcement of existing laws. The latest issue of Al-Hima, produced in partnership with the Committee Against Bird Slaughter (CABS), features several success stories from Lebanon and other countries, focusing on anti-poaching operations, wildlife trafficking, and regulatory advice. The edition also covers various topics, including the importance of bird and biodiversity areas in Lebanon, marine protected areas, and wildlife conservation efforts. Editor-in-chief Raghida Haddad commented on the publication's timing amidst regional turmoil, expressing hope and resilience in Lebanon's commitment to environmental protection and community support, despite ongoing challenges.