Beirut, 7 July 2026 - Today, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and with support from the Government of Norway, launched the Birds of Lebanon Guidebook—the most up-to-date illustrated photographic guide to Lebanon's birdlife. Developed jointly with the Association for Bird Conservation in Lebanon (ABCL), the guidebook documents more than 400 bird species recorded in Lebanon to date. Featuring hundreds of photographs and practical identification information, the guidebook serves as a valuable resource for research, environmental education, birdwatching, and conservation.

The guidebook was launched during a ceremony at the Charles Corm Foundation in Beirut, attended by Dr. Carla Khater, representing H.E. Dr. Tamara El Zein, Minister of Environment; H.E. Ms. Hilde Haraldstad, Ambassador of Norway to Lebanon; and Ms. Blerta Aliko, UNDP Resident Representative in Lebanon, alongside representatives from government institutions, diplomatic missions, academia, environmental organizations, protected areas management teams, development partners, and the private sector.

The guidebook launch reflects Lebanon's broader commitment to conserving biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience. By promoting research, environmental awareness, and habitat protection, the initiative supports the implementation of Lebanon's National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (2016–2030), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and National Adaptation Plan (NAP), while contributing to the country's commitments under key international environmental conventions.

The ceremony also featured an artistic performance and a visual presentation entitled Nature's Silent Workforce, illustrating the important role birds play in sustaining healthy ecosystems and supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, food security, and human well-being.

The ceremony also included the handover of two wildfire response pickup trucks to Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve and Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve. These vehicles will strengthen the reserves’ capacity for rapid first response to forest fires and help contain their spread, contributing to the protection of Lebanon's forests, biodiversity, and critical bird habitats.

The Birds of Lebanon Guidebook is available free of charge in both digital and printed formats to ensure broad accessibility. The digital version can be accessed through the UNDP Lebanon website, while printed copies will be distributed to schools, universities, libraries, protected areas, and environmental organizations across the country.

Background:

The guidebook was developed under the UNDP-STEP4Nature Project, funded by the Government of Norway. The project supports the protection and sustainable management of Lebanon's natural resources, with a particular focus on Akkar and North Lebanon. Through a community-based approach, it promotes Nature-based Solutions to strengthen climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, preserve cultural heritage, support sustainable rural livelihoods, and reduce environmental risks such as land degradation, floods, and forest fires. The project also contributes to improved well-being and economic opportunities for local communities, particularly women and vulnerable groups.

Download the guidebook here