Profiling Lebanon – the Aammiq Wetland

For maps, species lists, and scientific studies, see the A Rocha Lebanon pages on the Aammiq Wetland.

General description

The Aammiq Wetland is the last remaining significant wetland in the country, a remnant of much more extensive marshes and lakes that existed in the Bekaa Valley. It has long been known as an area of unique importance for its wildlife, and particularly for the birdlife to be found.

Importance for conservation

The wetland lies on one of the most important bird migratory routes in the Middle East, and its demise would create a gap of some 450 km between the nearest suitable feeding and resting grounds for migrating waders. Mediterranean wader/waterfowl numbers have declined by an estimated 46% in the last 15 - 20 years and so the conservation of Aammiq is crucially important in the fight against further global declines. As such it has been designated a Ramsar site, and an Important Bird Area in the Middle East by BirdLife International.

Conservation concerns

The principal threats to the Aammiq Wetland are the drying out of habitat due to drainage and water diversion, unsustainable grazing of the marsh and associated practice, uncontrolled hunting of birds, and pollution from agrochemical use (pesticides, etc.), domestic wastes, air pollution and erosion.

Achievements to date

Since 1996 A Rocha Lebanon has been working with others to create a Nature Reserve at the Aammiq Wetland, and as a result the wetland has now increased in size by 20%. Detailed surveys of the birds, mammals, butterflies and moths found in the area have been completed. Additionally, the implementation of the Environmental Education and Training Programme means that up to 1000 visitors from schools, universities, scout groups and elsewhere visit the study centre and wetland each year.

Vision for the future

A Rocha Lebanon is working with other stakeholders to increase the area of protected habitats in the Aammiq area and West Bekaa. In addition, projects are planned to support sustainable eco-tourism activities at the Aammiq Wetland. Nationally, the team is increasingly involved in conducting research and training activities to identify and support new key areas for conservation biodiversity. The current focus is on plants and on the migration of soaring birds.