Seeds of hope

Editor: Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

Rhea Kahale: I am Rhea Kahale, founder of Biodiversity conservation initiative. I am also a researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Science at Saint Joseph University. My work focuses on biodiversity conservation, ecosystem management, and the establishment of new protected areas along with their effective management. I also work on strengthening the link between cultural and natural heritage, engaging local communities and municipalities as key actors in local governance.

Ed: What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation?

RK: Growing up in Lebanon, I witnessed how rapid urbanization, wildfires and bad conservation and management were transforming our landscapes. I was fascinated by the resilience of nature and wanted to understand how ecosystems recover and how we can help them do so. That personal connection to Lebanon’s mountains and native flora inspired me to dedicate my career to restoring biodiversity and protecting endemic species.

Ed: Amazing, sounds like an incredible landscape. What specifically fascinates you about plants?

RK: Plants are silent witnesses of time, they tell us stories about the land, the climate, and the people who lived there. I’m particularly drawn to Lebanon’s endemic irises, because they represent both ecological resilience and cultural symbolism. Each species has evolved to survive in very specific microhabitats, which makes their conservation both scientifically challenging and deeply rewarding

Ed: Iris, such a beautiful plant, but in your opinion, what makes them unique and important?

RK: Irises are not just beautiful flowers, they are indicators of Lebanon’s ecosystem health. They grow in fragile habitats threatened by grazing, quarrying, and land-use change. Their genetic diversity also holds evolutionary and ecological value, helping us understand how species adapt to Mediterranean climates. Conserving it means protecting an entire network of associated plants, pollinators, and soil systems.

Ed: Beautifully summed up, but you needed support. How did you end up with the MBZ Fund?

RK: I learned about the Fund while researching international support programs for plant conservation in the Eat Mediterranean region and Levant. The Mohamed bin Zayed Fund stood out because it emphasizes direct, field-based conservation actions and supports local experts working in their own countries which resonated deeply with our mission in Lebanon.

Ed: Your specific project received a Chairmans Award, which was collaboration between the Fund and Dolphin Energy. What impact did this award have on your work?

RK: We are incredibly grateful for the Dolphin Energy Chairmans Awad, since it brought much-needed recognition to plant conservation efforts in Lebanon, which are often overshadowed by larger wildlife projects. It gave us credibility and visibility, helping us engage more local stakeholders and attract new collaborations. On a personal level, it was a reminder that every small conservation action counts, even in challenging contexts. It also helped us advance our work on multiple levels : from policy development and field implementation to both In-situ and Ex-situ conservation efforts

Ed: There was a delay in launching your conservation efforts. Can you explain the reasons behind this and how it affected your projects?

RK: The delay was mainly due to the two political conflicts and wars that occurred during that period, which made several of the zones where the irises are present inaccessible for fieldwork. However, the delay allowed us to strengthen partnerships and refine our strategy, combining site-based conservation into a more integrated and resilient approach.

Additionally, we are currently mapping iris populations in Akkar, North Lebanon, and exploring the possibility of designating two new areas as plant micro-reserves — one in Jezzine, South Lebanon, and another in Bcharre, North Lebanon — to further strengthen the national network for endemic plant conservation.

Ed: Oh wow, you and your team have been busy. Have you encountered any unexpected surprises during your conservation journey?

RK: Yes, definitely. One of the major challenges we faced was the recent wars, which made it impossible for us to access some of the iris populations in certain areas. However, this situation pushed us to adapt and rethink our strategy, focusing on strengthening collaborations with local actors and institutions.

An unexpected and very positive surprise has been the enthusiasm and support from local mayors and site managers, who have shown great commitment to helping us protect the irises. Their engagement has been crucial in facilitating fieldwork, securing access to sites, and building long-term community-based conservation plans. It’s been truly encouraging to see such local ownership and pride in conserving Lebanon’s natural heritage.

Ed: It looks like you’ve been busy drumming up much needed local support, but how important is corporate support in this context?

RK: Corporate support is essential not only financially but also as a means to build long-term partnerships that raise awareness and promote sustainability beyond the scientific community. Companies like Dolphin Energy help bridge the gap between conservation science and real-world impact, encouraging more inclusive, community-based conservation.

Ed: Well said, and like you mentioned before, we all have a role to play, no matter how big or small. Do you have any parting words?

RK: I’d like to thank the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund and Dolphin Energy for their trust and support, and also the local municipalities and volunteers who make fieldwork possible. Conservation is never an individual effort — it’s a collective journey, and I’m grateful to everyone who is part of it.

Ed: Thank you very much for your time. Your commitment to conservation is truly inspiring, and we look forward to following your journey with great anticipation.

RK: Thank you

Sowing seeds of hope in Lebanon

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