Practical Conservation

The Aammiq Wetland

This sign says NO HUNTING in Arabic

Much has been achieved in the practical conservation of the Aammiq Wetland since the founding of A Rocha Lebanon. One major achievement has been the restoration of recently drained agricultural land to marshland habitat, increasing the total marshland area on the Skaff estate by 58 hectares. This has increased the area of the whole wetland by approximately 20%. In addition, various drainage ditches which had been cut into the marsh have been closed, increasing the water retention of the area. Four pools have been dug to provide more areas of permanent water through the driest period of the year. Negotiations with tenant farmers have resulted in the implementation of a program to restrict access to the most sensitive areas of the marsh; this has been done through the construction of barriers, gatehouses, and the digging of small ditches. Additionally A Rocha has developed close working relationships with the estate guards. The result has been significantly reduced hunting and disturbance by 4WD vehicles and litter from unauthorized picnickers. Finally, the number of goats on the estate has been greatly reduced, and a grazing regime implemented to ensure sustainable use of the wetland.

Elsewhere in Lebanon

Colin Conroy marking out the boundaries for ponds to be excavated at Tel al Akhdar

In 2005 A Rocha scientists from France, Lebanon and the UK discovered the Eastern Spadefoot Toad Pelobates syriacus at two sites in Lebanon, the first time the species had been found in the country. Following talks with the landowners of one of the locations, A Rocha has begun a programme of habitat restoration, including the digging of new ponds specifically for this rare creature. A scarce plant for Lebanon, Star fruit Damasonium alisma hopefully will also benefit from this new mini nature reserve.

Due to widespread recognition of A Rocha’s achievements at Aammiq its work has increasingly become national in scope. Scientific studies have been carried out and training courses given throughout the country aimed at supporting emerging wildlife conservation initiatives.

A Rocha continues to be involved in the training of key individuals in local communities and protected areas to better achieve and maintain the practical conservation of sites in Lebanon. A key development in this regard is the A Rocha Lebanon Bird Identification Course begun in 2001, with the training of scientific officers of major protected areas in Lebanon. Since then the course has been run for young people at Ebel Is Saqi in 2004 and Kfar Zabad in 2005, both as part of schemes linking nature conservation and eco-tourism. As new IBAs (Important Bird Areas) are declared, A Rocha’s bird identification course will form part of the awareness training for local groups in the designated areas.

For further information, contact us.