Nestled on the rugged slopes of Mount Hermon, the ancient olive groves of Rachaya District tell a story of heritage, resilience, and untapped potential. In an ambitious project spearheaded by Environment for Life, experts and local stakeholders have embarked on a journey to assess the rich biodiversity hidden within these groves—and to uncover how modern agricultural practices are reshaping this delicate ecosystem.
The project, titled “Assessing the Biodiversity Value of Olive Sites in Mount Hermon KBA and Identifying the Environmental Impacts of Various Agricultural Practices,” began with a clear mission: to measure the ecological wealth of the region and pinpoint the negative impacts of conventional farming techniques. With a comprehensive plan in hand, the initiative set out to collect data through field surveys, literature reviews, and in-depth discussions with local communities, farmers, environmental groups, academic institutions, and government representatives.
Early on, the team quickly recognized the vital role played by traditional farming methods and the intrinsic link between the land’s natural state and its agricultural potential. The study area, spanning towns such as Rachaya, Kawkaba, and Kfarmeshki, is perched on the western slopes of Mount Hermon—an area renowned not only for its breathtaking views and historical significance but also for its remarkable biological diversity. Local olive groves, cultivated both organically and conventionally, have become living laboratories where the interplay between nature and human activity is laid bare.
One of the project’s striking revelations is the extraordinary agro-biodiversity of the region. Alongside olive trees, the locals cultivate fruits, apricots, and grapes, while wild cucumbers and a variety of tree species like oak and wild pistachio contribute to the ecosystem. This natural abundance supports a thriving network of wild plants, which in turn provide habitat and sustenance for insects, birds, and small mammals. Studies from Lebanon and neighboring Mediterranean countries have shown that organic olive groves, in particular, can boost species richness by nearly 40%, underscoring the potential of sustainable practices to nurture life at every level.
Collaboration has been the cornerstone of this endeavor. In a pivotal meeting held at the Union of the Jabal El Sheikh Municipalities Federation, local leaders and environmental experts signed a Memorandum of Understanding, pledging to work together towards a common goal. This partnership is not only a testament to the region’s shared commitment to conservation but also a strategic step toward opening new markets for natural, high-quality products in line with international standards.
Yet, the project also shines a light on looming challenges. Abandoned groves and degraded landscapes—marked by eroded soils and neglected stone walls—signal a crisis in land management. Such degradation not only diminishes the potential for rich plant life but also sets off a domino effect, threatening the entire food chain that depends on these ecosystems.
As the project moves forward, future studies will delve deeper into understanding which species are most vulnerable to current practices, the dynamics of bird populations in olive groves, and the intriguing phenomenon of olive fruit ripening during autumn migrations. The ultimate goal is to guide local agricultural practices toward more sustainable, organic methods that preserve the legacy of the land while bolstering economic stability for local communities.
In Mount Hermon, where tradition meets nature, the olive groves are more than just relics of the past—they are living symbols of the region’s potential to harmonize cultural heritage with modern environmental stewardship. The findings of this project promise not only to reshape how the land is managed but also to serve as a blueprint for sustainable agriculture across the Mediterranean and beyond.
