Once a thriving sanctuary teeming with life, the Ammiq Wetland now faces an uncertain future. The severe drought of February 2025 has left large sections of the wetland dry and lifeless, endangering its delicate ecosystem and the countless species that depend on it.
Nestled in the Bekaa Valley, the Ammiq Wetland is Lebanon’s largest remaining freshwater wetland and a site of international importance, protected under the Ramsar Convention. But this year, instead of the familiar sight of lush marshes and the sounds of migrating birds, visitors are met with cracked earth, dwindling pools, and a haunting silence.
📢 What can we do?
SPNL and other conservation groups are working on solutions like wetland restoration, sustainable water management, and climate adaptation strategies. But they need support and awareness to save this natural treasure!💚 Join the fight to protect Ammiq Wetland!
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A Paradise in Peril
“This is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” says Chadi Saad, Homat Al Hima Activist with the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL). “Ammiq has experienced dry spells, but this level of drought is unprecedented. If we don’t act now, we could lose one of Lebanon’s most important biodiversity hotspots.”
The wetland is a critical stopover for migratory birds, including rare and endangered species such as the ferruginous duck and the great spotted eagle. In past years, thousands of birds would gather here during migration, finding refuge in its waters. Now, they are forced to look elsewhere, struggling to survive in an increasingly inhospitable landscape.
The Ripple Effect
It’s not just wildlife that is suffering. Local farmers and communities have long depended on the wetland for water and irrigation. With wells running dry and crops failing, the economic toll is becoming just as severe as the environmental damage.
“ fields used to flourish with this water,” says Wassim Khatib, Manager of the Fish & Wildlife Unit at SPNL. “Now, we’re watching everything dry up. We fear for farmers livelihoods.”
SPNL, which has been leading conservation efforts in the region, is calling for urgent action. “We need immediate intervention,” says Khatib. “We need better water management policies, support for wetland restoration, and stronger commitments to combat climate change.”
A Call for Action
Experts warn that without intervention, Ammiq’s future remains bleak. Conservation organizations, including SPNL, are working on long-term solutions such as restoring water flow, promoting sustainable land use, and advocating for policy changes.
“This wetland is more than just a body of water,” says Khatib. “It’s a vital part of Lebanon’s natural heritage. Losing it would be a tragedy—not just for biodiversity, but for our people as well.”
The coming months will be critical. With climate change accelerating and water resources dwindling, the fate of Ammiq Wetland hangs in the balance. Whether Lebanon rises to the challenge remains to be seen, but for now, the fight to save this precious sanctuary is far from over.
