Vegetable biodiversity in Lebanon: a squandered wealth

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By Suzanne Baaklini
August 04, 2008

When you walk in a natural environment in Lebanon, one that is still preserved such as the Ehden reserve, you will surely be struck by the spectacle that is offered to you: a true wildlife sanctuary surrounds you, where ecological diversity is visible to the naked eye; a combination of Mediterranean trees, all kinds of flowers, ferns, mosses... experts are positive: vegetable biodiversity in the country is remarkable: thousands of species out of which hundreds are found only in Lebanon or in the region, and it is especially visible in old forests or preserved coastal areas. Nevertheless, this biodiversity is fragile. While the world is celebrating Earth Day Network on April 22, biodiversity in Lebanon is neglected by the government, over-exploited or destroyed by the people and vulnerable to various factors.

Aubrietia libanotica Boiss

Lebanon’s flora features no less than 2,600 vegetable species including 221 endemic to the region (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan) and 90 that can not be found anywhere else. These figures, mentionned by Father Mouterde in his famous book published in the 60s on the plants of Lebanon, give an idea of the magnitude of the country’s natural wealth.

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What is the source of this biodiversity?

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