Lebanon, a jewel of the Mediterranean, is home to an extraordinary variety of plant life. With its diverse landscapes ranging from coastal plains to soaring mountain peaks, it shelters 2,612 species of vascular plants, 108 of which are found nowhere else in the world. However, rapid urban expansion, unregulated development, and climate change are placing immense pressure on this fragile ecosystem.
A recent study, published in the Journal for Nature Conservation, highlights Lebanon’s Important Plant Areas (IPAs)—zones of exceptional botanical richness that must be prioritized for conservation. The research, conducted by Magda Bou Dagher-Kharrat, Hicham El Zein, and Germinal Rouhan, uses a data-driven approach to identify the most critical areas for plant conservation, providing a blueprint for stakeholders and policymakers to take urgent action.
Why Lebanon’s Flora Matters
Lebanon’s location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has given it a unique botanical heritage. Its geological diversity, varying altitudes, and climatic conditions have shaped an ecosystem where Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian, and Saharo-Arabian plant species coexist.
The country has long been recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, meaning that it hosts an unusually high number of species, many of which are endemic or endangered. But this treasure trove of plant life is increasingly at risk. Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and population growth—exacerbated by the Syrian refugee crisis—are leading to habitat destruction at an alarming rate.
“Many species are disappearing before they are even documented,” warns Dr. Bou Dagher-Kharrat. “Without immediate intervention, we risk losing an irreplaceable part of Lebanon’s natural heritage.”
How Scientists Identified Lebanon’s Most Important Plant Areas
To map Lebanon’s IPAs, the researchers used a grid-based system, dividing the country into 1,250 squares of 3 km × 3 km each. Each cell was analyzed based on:
- Species richness – the total number of plant species present.
- Species conservation value – including the presence of endemic and rare species.
- Habitat conservation value – the ecological importance of different landscapes, such as forests, cliffs, and grasslands.
The study revealed 31 priority IPAs, covering just 3% of Lebanon’s total land area, but containing an astounding 79% of the country’s plant species. Seven of these areas were found to harbor species strictly endemic to Lebanon, making them critical zones for conservation.
Where Are Lebanon’s Most Important Plant Areas?
The top-ranking IPAs identified in the study include:
🔹 Jabal Sannine – Home to 27 species endemic to Lebanon, making it one of the richest botanical sites.
🔹 Wadi Qadisha – A deeply preserved valley, rich in rare and endangered flora.
🔹 Jabal Makmel (Bcharre Cedars) – A refuge for high-altitude plants, including Lebanon’s iconic cedar forests.
🔹 Ehmej-Jaj Region – Known for its diverse forest ecosystems and medicinal plants.
🔹 Mount Hermon (Jabal Al-Sheikh) – A critical habitat for sub-arid plants found only in Lebanon and Syria.
🔹 Nahr el-Kalb and Nahr Ibrahim Valleys – Important river ecosystems supporting both terrestrial and aquatic plant species.
🔹 Tyre Coast – A rare coastal IPA with endangered Mediterranean flora.
The study also uncovered gaps in botanical knowledge. Many areas, particularly on the eastern slopes of Mount Lebanon and the Anti-Lebanon mountain range, remain underexplored due to security concerns and a lack of field surveys. These regions likely contain additional hotspots that warrant urgent research and protection.
The Urbanization Threat: Losing Nature to Concrete
Lebanon’s biodiversity crisis is deeply tied to its history of urban expansion. Following the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1991), reconstruction efforts led to unregulated building that swallowed up vast natural areas. Beirut’s coast, once a thriving botanical site, has been almost completely destroyed, leaving only a few pockets of vegetation.
More recently, Lebanon’s population has grown exponentially due to the influx of Syrian refugees, increasing by 30% between 2011 and 2013. As a result, forests, riverbanks, and mountain slopes are being cleared for housing, agriculture, and infrastructure development.
“Population density is directly linked to biodiversity loss,” explains Dr. Bou Dagher-Kharrat. “As demand for resources increases, natural habitats are being wiped out, often irreversibly.”
Protected Areas: Not Enough to Save Lebanon’s Flora
Lebanon has 36 designated protected areas, covering just 2.8% of the country. Shockingly, the study found that only 26% of the most critical IPAs fall within these protected zones. That means 74% of Lebanon’s most important plant habitats have no legal protection and are vulnerable to destruction.
Key regions like Jabal Rihan, Wadi Jhannam, and the eastern slopes of Mount Lebanon are entirely unprotected, despite harboring some of Lebanon’s rarest plants. If conservation measures are not expanded, many species may disappear before they are even scientifically documented.
A Call for Action: What Needs to Be Done?
The findings of this study provide a roadmap for conservation efforts in Lebanon. The researchers outline several urgent recommendations:
✅ Expand Lebanon’s protected areas to include all 31 IPAs identified in the study.
✅ Implement stronger environmental policies to prevent uncontrolled urban expansion.
✅ Promote sustainable land use practices, including eco-friendly agriculture and reforestation efforts.
✅ Support local conservation initiatives, such as community-led “Hima” areas that empower local people to protect biodiversity.
✅ Increase botanical research and field studies to identify and document underexplored plant species.
The Future of Conservation in Lebanon
The protection of Lebanon’s IPAs is not just an ecological necessity, but also a cultural responsibility. Many of the country’s endemic plants have been used in traditional medicine, food, and rituals for centuries. Losing them would mean losing a part of Lebanon’s identity.
Moreover, protecting plant biodiversity has economic benefits. Well-managed nature reserves can boost eco-tourism, create sustainable jobs, and support local farmers who rely on medicinal and aromatic plants.
“Conservation is not just about saving trees and flowers,” says Dr. Bou Dagher-Kharrat. “It’s about preserving the delicate balance of life that sustains us all.”
As Lebanon grapples with urbanization, climate change, and economic hardship, its natural heritage hangs in the balance. However, with scientific research, policy reform, and community engagement, there is hope for the country’s biodiversity.
The Important Plant Areas (IPAs) map is more than just a scientific tool—it is a call to action for decision-makers, conservationists, and every Lebanese citizen to safeguard the country’s green heart before it is too late.
