Cedar Trees That Defy Time.. How Does Lebanon Protect Its Green Treasures?

Editor’s Note: "Earth Call" is an editorial series from Afaq News committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet and the solutions to address them. Rolex, through its "Evergreen" initiative, has partnered with Afaq News Network to raise awareness and knowledge about key sustainability issues and inspire positive action. Dubai, United Arab Emirates - In the heart of the enchanting nature of northern Lebanon, majestic trees stand tall in the Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of God Forest, which hold a special place in the hearts of the people, including Qozhaya Hanna, the development and production secretary of the Friends of the Cedar Forest Committee, who grew up in a family of farmers that loves nature.

Hanna, who was raised near the Cedars of God Forest in Bsharri, said in an interview with Afaq News in Arabic: "This forest holds a sacred status in the region." This cultural and religious dimension paved the way for the inclusion of the Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of God Forest on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998. Despite its environmental significance, this green treasure has suffered degradation due to several factors, including deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change, which has led to the emergence of deadly diseases and pests.

Hanna, who has been with the committee for about 20 years, explained that the impact on one tree reflects on the entire ecosystem, adding that the imbalance in turn affects the biological system in the region, especially the animals. Regarding the committee's efforts to protect the cedar forest, Hanna pointed out that several measures have been taken, including closing the forest for five consecutive years in the past to treat sick trees, building special pathways for visitors, and planting the surrounding areas.

He added: "The forest existed on the slopes of semi-arid mountains... Therefore, in cooperation with the municipality of Bsharri, an area of more than 6 to 7 million square meters was made available to the committee, which has been primarily planted with cedar trees, along with some accompanying deciduous trees, to restore the natural balance of the forest." "Living Legends" The cedar trees are among the prominent landmarks that Lebanese photographer Charbel Sakr, who hails from the town of Bsharri in Lebanon, is keen to document with his camera whenever he gets the chance.

Sukkar said: "For me, (these trees) embody strength, resilience, and beauty, and my goal is to show the world what I see when I look at them, as they represent living legends rooted in sacred soil." During every visit to his hometown, the Lebanese photographer makes sure to bring his drone camera to capture diverse scenes of the area's beauty, affirming: "The Qadisha Valley and the Cedars of God are not just locations on a map, but they represent belonging, and they remind me that everything in nature is interconnected, from the smallest ant to the tallest cedar, and that our roots, like theirs, dig deep into the earth and extend across generations."