Butterflies of the Damour River Valley: A Call for Conservation
The Damour River Valley is a biodiversity hotspot teeming with vibrant butterflies and diverse wildlife. The village of Jahiliyeh, located within this lush valley, boasts a unique ecosystem composed of riverine woodlands and upland mixed broadleaf forests, making it an essential area for conservation efforts. Recognizing the ecological importance of this region, the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and Al-Shouf Cedar Society (ACS) are actively advocating for the official designation of the Damour River Valley as a Natural Park under the framework of Lebanon’s Protected Areas Law No.130 of 2019.
The Ecological Significance of the Damour River Valley
The Damour River Valley is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, with butterflies serving as key indicators of environmental health. These delicate pollinators play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance, contributing to the pollination of native plants and supporting a thriving food chain. However, their habitats are increasingly threatened by urban expansion, pollution, and climate change, underscoring the need for immediate conservation actions.
The Legal Framework: Protected Areas Law No.130 of 2019
Enacted in 2019, Lebanon’s Protected Areas Law No.130 provides a comprehensive legal foundation for the protection and management of the country’s natural areas. This law, composed of 23 articles, aims to safeguard Lebanon’s biodiversity while promoting sustainable rural development and ecotourism. The law establishes four primary categories of protected areas:
- Nature Reserves: Strictly protected areas established on public or private land.
- Natural Parks: Large areas preserving landscapes, ecosystems, and biodiversity, often supporting sustainable ecotourism.
- Natural Landmark Sites: Areas with outstanding natural features requiring conservation efforts.
- Hima Sites: Protected areas that incorporate traditional land-use practices for sustainable resource management.
By advocating for the Damour River Valley’s designation as a Natural Park, SPNL and ACS aim to ensure the long-term protection of its diverse ecosystems while fostering sustainable tourism and community engagement.
Conservation Strategies and Sustainable Use
The law mandates the establishment of a volunteer committee to oversee each natural reserve, ensuring proper management and financial oversight. Furthermore, sustainable activities such as eco-tourism and regulated natural resource use can be permitted under specific conditions, provided they align with environmental protection goals and undergo Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) where necessary.
The Ministry of Environment plays a central role in funding and managing these protected areas. Contributions from public and private entities, as well as international conservation organizations, can be allocated to support the maintenance and development of nature reserves.
International Commitments and Related Conventions
Lebanon’s conservation efforts align with international agreements that seek to protect biodiversity and migratory species, including:
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): A global initiative aimed at conserving biological diversity and promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
- Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: Focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, particularly as habitats for waterfowl.
- Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA): Aims to protect migratory waterbirds across their flyways.
The Path Forward
Designating the Damour River Valley as a Natural Park under Law No.130 of 2019 will provide a legal framework for its protection, ensuring the conservation of its unique ecosystems and butterfly populations. This initiative will not only safeguard biodiversity but also promote sustainable livelihoods through ecotourism and environmental education.
The joint advocacy efforts of SPNL and ACS underscore the urgent need for governmental action to protect Lebanon’s natural heritage. Through strategic conservation planning and community involvement, the Damour River Valley can be preserved for future generations, serving as a beacon of sustainable development and ecological resilience in the region.
Photographs copyrights of Husein Ali Zorkot, Butterfly Garden Manager, SPNL
