EXPLORE THE CITIZENSHIP & NATURE PROGRAM
One crucial way to conserve natural heritage is to involve people in its protection as this can lead to more positive outcomes (
UNEP, 2020). By engaging communities in citizen science research, the conservation of natural and cultural heritage is strengthened (
IUCN, 2020). Furthermore, publishing scientific studies on the links between humans and our natural world is key to supporting conservation efforts (
Williams et al., 2020). All these domains work together to ensure the protection of natural spaces.
To achieve this, Citizenship and Nature will focus on removing the binary between people and nature as the fate of one cannot be disassociated from the other. To do this, the program will foster interconnections between people and nature by promoting a sense of place, promoting environmental education, and empowering conservation actions. It will also explore understanding perceptions of nature, drivers for conservation action, developing informed community resilience through citizen science, and encouraging compassion and empathy towards nature.
DISCOVER OUR PHILOSOPHY
At the heart of this program is the concept of "Nature for All," promoting nature as a unifying force that transcends differences.
WHAT WE WANT TO ACHIEVE
The program’s main objective is to remove the binary between people and nature by taking action that is based on consensus building through local priorities. It will accomplish these through bridging the three following tenants:
OUR AREAS OF ACTION
MEET THE PROGRAM LEAD
Dr. Salma Talhouk is the founding director of AUB-NCC and serves as a process in the Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management at AUB, where she has been a faculty member since 1992, becoming a full professor in 2005. Dr. Talhouk currently chairs the Department of Landscape Design and Ecosystem Management. Her academic interests focus on advancing nature conservation through approaches that cultivate meaningful connections between people and nature. Dr. Talhouk explores the adoption of nature-based solutions, people-centered greening technologies, and the healing potentials of nature.
Her research encompasses community stewardship of natural resources, technology and nature conservation, cultural ecosystem services, nature therapy, extensive green roofs, ancillary botanic gardens, nature-based tourism, urban nature, and urban forests. She is actively involved in community-based projects and has characterized the diversity of numerous plant and tree species in Lebanon. Additionally, she has led the establishment of a native forest tree nursery that serves municipalities throughout Lebanon.
She is leading several key initiatives, including a native tree planting program that fosters decentralization through local community and youth action, a biodiversity village award project that engages communities in creating their own green maps, and an extensive urban greening program investigating the use of native species for landscape purposes in urban environments.
LET’S EXPLORE COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES - REACH OUT TO JOIN OUR EFFORTS AND SUPPORT OUR MISSION!