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This article is from the Lebanon FAQ, by Alaa Dakroub dakroub@leb.net with numerous contributions by others.

13. Cedars Of Lebanon: B. Occurrence 2- North Lebanon Mountains

a- Bsharri

Although this is the most famous of the ancient cedar
forests in Lebanon, it is not very well preserved,
with only 375 of the ancient trees still standing.
This forest has been recently reopened to visitors and
is used as a tourist attraction to the great detriment
of the trees themselves. Branches are still being
chopped off and used to make souvenirs to sell to
tourists, despite representations to the contrary.
These cedarwood trinkets can be readily bought off
street vendors around the Bsharri cedars.

The Friends of the Cedars Committee in Bsharri has
done some good work by planting several thousand new
cedar seedlings in the last few years, and by trying
to investigate the cause of the disease attacking many
of the trees. However, these efforts are still
inadequate to ensure the continued preservation of
this once great forest. This requires closing it up
to all visitors, except for special occasions, and
putting it under the strict control of experienced and
well trained forest rangers.

The land of this forest is the property of the
Maronite Church. However, a church is situated in the
midst of the forest and a main asphalt road passes
under some of the ancient trees. This situation is
also detrimental for the preservation of this
magnificent forest.

b- Ehden Forest

Also situated in north Lebanon, this forest has a
great number of Fir (Abbies spp) and several other
species of trees, besides Cedrus Libani. This forest
has been recently declared a protected area by the
Lebanese government, under law No. 121 of 9 March,
1992, as a result of pressure from several
environmental organizations, including SPNL.

 

Continue to:

• prev: 13. Cedars Of Lebanon: B. Occurrence 1- Chouf Mountains
• Index
• next: 13. Cedars Of Lebanon: B. Occurrence 3- Other Stands of Cedars

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