Climate change threatens Lebanon's legendary cedars

Lebanon's majestic cedar trees have withstood the test of time for centuries but climate change is threatening the country's most treasured symbol.

Used by various civilisations throughout history for their strong and durable wood, Lebanon's cedars are now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List" as a "heavily threatened" species.

Local experts and environmentalists warn that global warming could have a negative impact on the cedars.

"Enough talking about the need to preserve the cedars, it's time for action. We must preserve the trees now," said Nizar Hani, scientific coordinator of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in the mountainous Shouf area southeast of Beirut.

"All indications are that if the current climatic changes continue, the cedars could be in danger."

Lebanon's largest reserve, where 25 percent of the country's 2,000 hectares (nearly 5,000 acres) of cedar trees are located, was established in 1996, stretching from Dahr al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south.

Some of the reserve's cedar trees, which belong to the pine family and have needle-like leaves bearing seeds in scaled clusters, are estimated to be 2000 years old.

"The melting of snow on mountains as a result of climate change would lead to the disappearance of the cedars in Lebanon," said Wael Hmaidan, executive director of the League of Independent Activists, or IndyAct, a non-governmental organisation which focuses on environmental issues.

"We need to tackle climate change and limit its effects before it's too late."

Snow is a must for the tall evergreen cedars, which have a natural range from 1,200 to 1,800 metres (from 4,000 to 5,900 feet) above sea level. Warmer temperatures would push the trees higher up in order to grow and develop.

"If there is no combination of rain, snow and frost for several consecutive days, the seeds of the cedar won't be disseminated. We also need cold treatment for the seeds to be able to germinate," said Fady Asmar, a consultant and expert in Mediterranean forests.

"They also need summer mist, which compensates for water needs. Any change in these conditions for several consecutive years might eventually lead to the death of trees."

Lebanon's cedars were heavily deforested for thousands of years, and the remaining trees are now kept in protected areas.

Deforestation accounts for around a fifth of global emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

It is said the Phoenicians used the tree for building trade and military ships, as well as houses and temples, while their resin was key to the ancient Egyptians for mummification.

It is also believed that King Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem was built from Lebanon's cedars, which were designated as the dwelling of the gods in the Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh. Three other species of cedar exist in Turkey, Cyprus, Morocco and Algeria as well as Afghanistan and India.

"The rainy season was bad this year ... We can't easily control climate conditions," said Hani.

Drought was blamed for the infestation of a wood wasp called Cephalcia Tannourinensis that ravaged cedars in Tannourin village in northern Lebanon several years ago.

"This (wasp) lives with the cedars in the same environment. But warm weather and rising temperatures have extended its life cycle from once a year to three times a year, leading to the problem of Tannourin," said Hani.

"Such pests become very active when temperatures increase."

While Hmaidan warned that global warming could "transform Lebanon into a desert," Asmar said the effects of climate change in the long run can not yet be measured.

"Unfortunately, Arab countries are not exerting enough efforts like the rest of the world to face climate challenges," Hmaidan said.

"They are not considering their long-term interests and do not realise the dangers of climate change ... which might transform Lebanon into a desert."

However, Asmar said there was not enough data available to sound the death knell of the trees at this time.

"The changes are not obvious yet," he said. "The trees here could adapt to the new conditions."

In Lebanon, the majestic tree is a symbol of the country's identity, and it stand proudly in the centre of the national flag.

It is also the symbol of a number of political parties such as the Christian groups, the Phalange and Lebanese Forces.

"The cedars are an integral part of our culture and heritage," Hani said. "And we are fighting to preserve them through reforestation, by building water reservoirs and by promoting public awareness."

Hani, whose reserve works under the umbrella of the environment ministry and gets support from several local, regional and international agencies, said Druze leader Walid Jumblatt has played a leading role in helping preserve the trees.

"He has provided political, financial and moral support," Hani said.

Residents of the Shouf region, a Druze stronghold, said that during Lebanon's devastating 1975-1990 civil war, Jumblatt, who chairs the Shouf Cedar Society, built sand ditches and planted landmines around the cedar forest in the area to protect it.

"Our only message right now as far as the cedars are concerned is preservation, preservation and more preservation," Hani said. "These trees could face extinction unless we quickly address the problem of climate change."