Lebanon’s Christian community is experiencing the impacts of climate change in their treasured forest and valley regions

In Lebanon, Christian congregants gathered in a forested mountain area to celebrate the Feast of the Transfiguration at a small chapel from the mid-19th century, surrounded by towering cedar trees. As the sunset cast a yellow glow through the cedar branches, Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi of Lebanon’s Maronite Church delivered a sermon from a wooden podium, followed by hymns sung in Arabic and Aramaic.

The cedar trees hold a special place in Lebanese Christian tradition, symbolizing resilience against harsh mountain winters. These trees, mentioned 103 times in the Bible, also represent national pride, featured on Lebanon’s flag.

This serene setting in northern Lebanon contrasts sharply with the recent clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli troops along the Lebanon-Israel border, amidst the broader Israel-Hamas conflict. The Lebanese government has accused Israel of using incendiary weapons, including white phosphorus, causing extensive damage to olive trees and crops along the border. This has raised concerns among local farmers about potential soil contamination.

However, the cedar forests face a different threat – climate change. Rising temperatures pose a significant risk to the biodiversity and heritage of these forests, particularly the Cedars of God Forest. Situated near Bcharre, at an elevation of about 2,000 meters, this forest overlooks the sacred Kadisha Valley, a historical refuge for Christians featuring monasteries hidden among its dense foliage and rugged terrain. UNESCO has recognized both the forest and the valley as World Heritage Sites, attracting hikers and environmentalists worldwide.

Despite the area’s religious significance, the changing climate, exacerbated by government mismanagement, endangers the ecosystem. Environmentalist Charbel Tawk from Bcharre warned of the potential decline in the valley’s rich biodiversity in the coming decades.

Lebanon has been grappling with the impacts of climate change, evident in reduced rainfall, rampant forest fires, and severe summer heatwaves. In Bcharre, temperatures have soared above 30 degrees Celsius, unusual for this mountainous region.

The Kadisha Valley’s monasteries, like the medieval Qannoubin Monastery, have felt the heat. Nuns there recall cooler summers, contrasting sharply with current conditions that necessitate increased electricity for comfort.

The cedar trees themselves are under threat. Aphids, thriving in warmer temperatures, are damaging the trees by feeding on their bark and leaving secretions that lead to mold. Normally controlled by bees, these aphids are now more prevalent and persistent due to the warmer weather, posing a risk to cedar growth.

Efforts have been made to adapt to these changes. Charbel Tawk’s organization has planted cedars at higher altitudes, with a significant survival rate, but the threat of wildfires looms.

Local leaders and environmental activists are calling for comprehensive studies on temperature changes and biodiversity impacts. However, Lebanon’s severe economic crisis has limited the state’s capacity to address these challenges.

Conservation efforts continue, with the Maronite Church enforcing strict rules to protect the Cedars of God forest and local initiatives working towards preservation. The Friends of the Cedar Forest Committee, for example, monitors cedar trees closely, using sensors to measure environmental conditions.

However, the valley’s ecosystem faces additional challenges. The proliferation of cypress trees disrupts the ecological balance, overshadowing other species and affecting the valley’s flora and fauna.

Protective measures for the valley, including restrictions on grazing and wood collection, have inadvertently harmed its biodiversity. The departure of residents following its designation as a heritage site has led to unchecked vegetation growth, increasing fire risks.

Father Hani Tawk, reflecting on the situation, emphasized the community’s deep connection to nature and their responsibility to preserve this heritage for future generations.