In 2023, the Biodiversity and Cinema residency served as an accomplished example of REEF’s dedication to supporting socially-engaged environmental storytelling.

Gathered at the Hammana Artist House, 22 ecologists and filmmakers were able to forge links and deepen their knowledge of biodiversity thanks to the presence of experts and field visits. This residency acted as an incubator where ideas were nurtured into impactful stories. Together the filmmakers and environmentalists worked in a collaborative way on eight short documentaries.

Shot across various Lebanese regions, the films address diverse themes related to biodiversity: 

• The impact of pesticides and permaculture in the Bekaa region
• The effects of destructive urbanization on urban biodiversity,
• The risks of invasive plant species
• The connection between traditional feminine practices and land conservation
• The dangers of illegal hunting practices
• The importance of endemic trees
• The challenges surrounding water resources
• The dark side of certain tourism practices. 

A global dissemination of the films

The eight films were screened across Lebanon, in universities and cultural spaces, and presented at international festivals. More than 50 screenings followed
by discussions took place in Lebanon and 20 cities worldwide, and several films received awards. Some international screenings were organized by the collective “Biodiversity Ya Habibi”, formed by the
program’s filmmakers and environmentalists, in solidarity with individuals affected by the Israeli war in 2024.

A dedicated Impact Tour: “Biodiversity in the Front” 
The “Biodiversity in the Front” campaign used the films from REEF’s Biodiversity & Cinema program to spark
dialogue and action in communities across urban and rural Lebanon. Eight themed community events brought
residents, local authorities, schools and experts together to discuss local challenges. Through conversations,
workshops, field activities, the campaign tackled issues related to water, bird hunting, pesticide use, harmful
urbanization, endangered trees, urban farming, ecotourism and invasive species. Twenty national and local
partners supported the campaign’s organization, outreach, and implementation. Participants developed
proposals, which will be published as a manifesto to advocate for policy reform.