S T E P t h r e e Add traditional chutney to taste
In Lebanon , something really special is happening . SPNL ( BirdLife in Lebanon ) is helping communities to revive a tradition dating back to at least the sixth century . Known as the Hima system , it originated to help people to survive in the harsh conditions of the Arabian Peninsula . Literally meaning “ protected place ”, it consisted of an area of wild land that was put aside for shared use by the community , to preserve resources crucial to everyone ’ s survival . “ In Lebanon , the word Hima resonates more positively in people ’ s ears than the word mahmiyah , which is used to describe the conventional protected area ,” says Assad Serhal , General Director of SPNL . In Kfar Zabad marshlands , the Hima zone protects birds such as the Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus ( Vulnerable ), while providing employment through tourism , Bed and Breakfasts and the sale of local produce such as jams and chutneys . Read about Lebanon ’ s latest hima farm on page 7 .
Lebanese farmer © UNDP
S T E P f o u r Throw in a handful of olives
Spain ’ s olive groves have all the makings of an excellent bird habitat . The trees are descended from a native species that has been weaving relationships with others in the environment for thousands of years . They provide permanent forest cover , offering cool shade and acting as corridors between wild sites . So if this is the case , why aren ’ t more of them thriving bird havens ? The problem came with intensification : towards the end of the 20th century , high productivity approaches and technical developments led Spanish farmers to use artificial pesticides , and were encouraged to get rid of any wild pockets of land they had on their farms . But this way is no longer delivering , and that ' s why Castillo de Canena olive groves are part of the Olives Alive LIFE project with our Spanish Partner SEO / BirdLife . With the help of native shrubs and herbs , ponds and nest boxes , they are welcoming wildlife back into the groves . Read about Turkey ’ s approach to sustainable olive farming on page 24 .
Olives Alive © JLMR
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