A series of groundbreaking field surveys has unveiled Mount Hermon’s astonishing array of plant life on its Lebanese slopes, shedding new light on both the mountain’s rich biodiversity and the deep-rooted traditional knowledge of local communities.
Over the past several years, an international team of botanists led by Nelly Arnold, Safa Baydoun, Lamis Chalak, and Thomas Raus has meticulously documented 223 vascular plant species from the rugged terrain of Mount Hermon. Remarkably, more than 100 species have been recorded for the first time in this region, while 24 of these are narrow endemics found only in Lebanon and Syria.
A Hidden World of Biodiversity
Nestled among steep limestone cliffs, craggy slopes, and high-altitude meadows, Mount Hermon has long been known as a critical biodiversity hotspot. “We’ve always known that Hermon played a vital role in the ecology of the region,” explains one of the project’s field researchers. “But what we’ve uncovered now is a living museum of plant life that far exceeds our expectations.”
The surveys, which began in 2011, spanned a variety of habitats—from sunlit rocky outcrops to shady valleys where microclimates allow rare species to flourish. The team’s exhaustive work has revealed not only the diversity of species but also the complex ecological relationships that have evolved over millennia in this isolated mountain environment.
Traditional Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Local communities have long relied on the mountain’s bounty for their everyday needs, ranging from food and fodder to medicine and fuel. In interviews conducted during the fieldwork, elderly herbalists and village healers described how certain wild herbs have been used for generations. “For us, the mountain is our natural pharmacy,” says a local herbalist from a nearby village. “We’ve learned from our ancestors to use these plants to treat coughs, fevers, and even more complex ailments.”
This rich ethnobotanical heritage has now become a crucial component of the study. The researchers gathered oral histories and traditional practices that provide a vivid account of how indigenous communities have integrated nature into their daily lives. Among the many plants documented, members of the Asteraceae, Lamiaceae, and Rosaceae families—comprising nearly 40 percent of the species found—have played an especially significant role in local medicine. Wild chamomile, various species of sage and mint, and several endemic herbs are still used in traditional remedies that many locals swear by.
Endemic Species: Nature’s Exclusive Collection
The presence of 24 endemic species highlights Mount Hermon’s unique role in fostering biodiversity. These species, confined to the Lebanon–Syria region, have evolved under the mountain’s isolation and varied microhabitats. “The isolation effect on Hermon has allowed unique species to develop, almost as if nature were conducting its own private experiment,” notes one of the botanists.
These endemic plants are of significant interest not only for conservationists but also for researchers seeking new pharmaceutical compounds. In an era when many modern drugs have their origins in traditional remedies, the unique chemicals produced by these rare plants might someday lead to breakthroughs in medicine.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite its rich biodiversity, Mount Hermon faces numerous threats. Local environmentalists warn that overgrazing, urban expansion, and climate change are beginning to erode the delicate balance of this ecosystem. “The mountain’s flora is under pressure,” explains a conservation advocate. “Without immediate action to protect these habitats, we risk losing not only the plants but also the traditional knowledge that has been built up over centuries.”
The research team is urging authorities to adopt stringent conservation measures. They propose the creation of monitoring systems, public awareness campaigns, and training programs that will enable local communities to engage in sustainable harvesting practices. “Our findings are a clarion call for the implementation of both local and national policies to conserve this invaluable resource,” the team asserts.
Economic and Cultural Impacts
The economic implications of the study are equally significant. In addition to their medicinal uses, many of the plants have potential value in agriculture, cosmetics, and even as ornamental species. Traditional products such as wild fruits, honey from native melliferous plants, and natural dyes have long supported the livelihoods of the surrounding communities.
Local entrepreneurs are beginning to take notice. “There’s a real opportunity to develop eco-friendly products based on our native plants,” says a local artisan. “Not only would this help preserve our natural heritage, but it could also provide much-needed income for our families.”
The cultural dimension of the study cannot be overstated. For many villagers, the mountain is a living archive of their history and identity. Festivals and rituals centered on the seasonal blooming of particular plants have been a staple in these communities for generations. In this sense, preserving Mount Hermon’s flora is also about safeguarding the cultural fabric of the region.
A Blueprint for the Future
The comprehensive checklist produced by Arnold and colleagues is expected to serve as the foundational document for future conservation efforts. “This is the first time that the Lebanese side of Hermon has been examined in such detail,” the team explains. “Our hope is that this study will lay the groundwork for long-term monitoring and protection of this unique ecosystem.”
Local and international conservation agencies are already expressing interest in the findings. Plans for collaborative projects that blend modern scientific techniques with traditional ecological knowledge are underway. These initiatives aim not only to protect the flora but also to ensure that the local communities continue to benefit from their natural heritage.
In the Wake of Climate Change
The study also takes on added urgency in the context of global climate change. Alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns could dramatically reshape the mountain’s delicate ecosystems. “Climate change is the elephant in the room,” warns an environmental scientist involved in the project. “If we don’t act now, the shifts in climate could cause irreversible damage to this biodiversity hotspot.”
This concern has spurred calls for more detailed climate impact studies, with researchers hoping to model future scenarios and develop adaptive conservation strategies. By integrating local knowledge with cutting-edge science, experts believe it is possible to build resilience into the ecosystem and the communities that depend on it.
A Call to Action
As dusk falls over Mount Hermon and the first stars begin to twinkle above its ancient peaks, the mountain stands as a silent testament to nature’s enduring resilience. Yet its future hangs in the balance. The current findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated conservation strategies that recognize both the ecological and cultural significance of this region.
For the people of Mount Hermon, every wild herb, every flowering plant, is more than just a botanical specimen—it is a vital thread in the tapestry of their heritage. By preserving this living legacy, scientists, local communities, and policymakers alike can ensure that the mountain’s ancient wisdom continues to nurture both body and spirit for generations to come.
In a world where rapid urbanization and environmental neglect often overshadow the natural world, Mount Hermon’s rich flora offers a hopeful reminder of the profound connections between people and nature. This news feature, built on rigorous scientific research and enriched by centuries-old traditional knowledge, is not just a celebration of botanical diversity—it is a call to action, urging all of us to safeguard our natural heritage before it slips away.
As the mountain continues its silent vigil over the valleys of Lebanon, its lush, diverse vegetation remains a beacon of hope—a testament to nature’s power to sustain life, inspire innovation, and forge enduring bonds between past and future.
