Bekaa Wild Life

Ammiq  swamps… The magic of the Lebanese  nature and its diversity.

Ammiq swamps compose Lebanon’s largest wetland and an attractive tourist center in Lebanon. It is the private property of the Skaf family, which has preserved its nature and contributed to increasing its biodiversity.

The swamp consists of several small lakes close to one another that enlarge on spring water, rainwater and snow from the Barouq  Mountains. Unfortunately, this water was only enough for the month of July.

In 1994, the swamp was classified as an important area for birds in the Middle East by the World Bird Society. Research began over two years to discover biodiversity in this region. 250 species of birds were discovered, including rare birds, in addition to 23 species of mammals, 5 amphibious species and 53 species of butterflies along an area of 253 hectares.

After much research, the family found that the drought in July affected biodiversity and initiated the construction of dams from swamp soil without introducing other substances into the water. This led to the preservation of water wealth and an increase in biodiversity.

Dams not only delighted animals and plants, but they were a life factor for many farmers who took advantage of them to irrigate their crops in the plains adjacent to the swamp. However, global warming played an annual role in reducing the size of swamps despite intensive efforts.

Research is still going and working on discovering a new number of animals and plants in the hope of finding new species.

These swamps today add a charming aesthetic to Lebanon’s temperate nature and offer Lebanon’s charming nature to tourists from all over the world. The swamps also highlight the importance of preserving its environmental wealth in the Middle East.