Ammiq Wetlands: The Most Significant Ecological Treasure in the Bekaa Valley

The Bekaa Valley, that vast and boundless land, resembles a carefully assembled puzzle where colors blend in perfect harmony, forming a breathtaking natural masterpiece. The closer we approach its vantage points, the more it astounds us with its grandeur, stretching endlessly beyond sight. Then, like an open embrace, it welcomes visitors from every entrance, inviting them to dive into its depths—through its lands and crops, its villages and people, its history and fortresses, its restaurants and culinary treasures, and its unique ecological significance.

A Valley That Feeds, Sustains, and Inspires

This vibrant valley, teeming with agriculture and wildlife, is the lifeline that nourishes our people and strengthens our economy. It is also a destination that beautifully reflects Lebanon’s rural traditions and rich cultural and natural heritage. Additionally, the Bekaa is renowned for its diverse industries, most notably its world-class winemaking tradition that dates back thousands of years, alongside the production of dairy products. With an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level and a temperate climate for most of the year, the valley provides ideal conditions for cultivating vineyards, grains, citrus fruits, potatoes, and more. It represents nearly half of Lebanon’s agricultural land, sprawling over 4,280 square kilometers, nestled between the Western and Eastern Lebanon mountain ranges.

Exploring West Bekaa: A Sanctuary of Life

Today, our journey takes us to West Bekaa, which descends from the heights of Mount Barouk, covering an area of over 470 square kilometers. It includes the lands of Ammiq and its vital wetlands—one of the region’s most ecologically significant areas. This haven serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa, adding an exceptional ecological dimension to its importance.

The wetlands are a spectacle of nature, where it feels as if you’ve stepped into a festival of colors and melodies—a landscape where life sways to the rhythms of chirping birds, croaking frogs, flowing water, and the rustling of diverse plant species.

A Legacy of Conservation

These lands are owned by the Skaf family, who have dedicated themselves to preserving their cleanliness and ecological balance. Visitors can explore the wetlands on foot or by bicycle, making them an ideal destination for families and nature lovers of all ages. Most of these photos were captured just two weeks ago.

Ammiq Wetlands: Lebanon’s Largest and Most Vital Wetlands

The Ammiq Wetlands are among the largest and most significant wetlands in Lebanon and the Middle East. Once covering a much larger area, they have been shrinking year after year due to climate change. However, this year’s abundant rainfall has revived parts of the landscape—so much so that some trails remain submerged in water even this month, forcing us to adjust our route away from the river. This river winds through tree-lined pathways, where trees had suffered from drought last year—a challenge I previously mentioned in an Instagram post.

Spanning an area of 280 hectares, the wetlands were designated in 2005 as part of UNESCO’s Shouf Biosphere Reserve, which includes the Shouf Cedar Reserve, Ammiq Wetlands, and 22 surrounding villages. I previously shared insights about this reserve in my article last week: "From the Shouf’s Natural Wonders to Its Majestic Cedar Forests."

Ammiq is also listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, boasting a rich ecosystem that encompasses forests, farmlands, rivers, mountains, and springs. This unique diversity makes it home to a wide range of amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and butterflies, as well as nearly 252 species of birds—a true paradise for birdwatchers from Lebanon and beyond.

The Buffaloes and the Storks: A Natural Partnership

Here’s a snapshot of a group of buffaloes grazing in these lands and cooling off in the waters under the summer heat. These buffaloes share a fascinating symbiotic relationship with storks, creating a remarkable example of nature’s interconnectedness.

Migratory Birds: The Sky’s Endless Travelers

Migratory birds are among nature’s greatest wonders, traveling distances of up to 14,000 kilometers from Europe, where they breed in spring, to Africa, where they seek refuge in winter. Yet, this arduous journey is fraught with dangers, especially as they pass over Lebanon—a critical 200-kilometer flyway, which has sadly been one of the most perilous migration routes.

However, Lebanon has recently taken serious steps to protect these migratory birds, launching campaigns to prevent illegal hunting and raising awareness about the importance of allowing birds safe passage. Some of the most secure havens for these birds include Shouf Reserve, Aammiq Wetlands, and Horsh Ehden. Here’s a shot of a migratory bird flock I encountered during my last adventure in the Falougha region.

The Role of Birds in Nature’s Balance

Like everything in nature, birds give more than they take. They protect crops from harmful pests by feeding on insects such as worms and brown locusts. Sadly, Europe has seen a drastic decline in bird populations since the 1980s, disrupting the delicate ecological balance and forcing farmers to rely on chemical pesticides—a destructive cycle that harms both the environment and human health.

A Global Effort to Protect Migratory Birds

In response, environmental organizations worldwide have mobilized to protect migratory birds, leveraging technology to track their routes and ensure their safety. In Lebanon, conservation groups are working tirelessly to establish safe migratory corridors. Last month, even the President of Lebanon issued a special postage stamp in honor of these birds, supporting awareness campaigns and conservation efforts.

Join the Journey!

We continue to hope for the day when everyone recognizes the importance of preserving our environment—starting with ending littering, preventing unintentional wildfires, and avoiding the construction of dams at the expense of natural ecosystems that have long been home to Lebanon’s ancient trees and wildlife.

Until we meet again on another adventure, you can follow my journey live today and tomorrow on:

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