Despite the scourge of war, Sabkhat al-Jabbul joins the NetWork of Mediterranean Ramsar Site Managers (MeRSiM)

We’re pleased to officially welcome Sabkhat al-Jabbul Nature Reserve, from the Syrian Arab Republic, as the newest member of our NetWork of Mediterranean Ramsar Site Managers (MeRSiM).

Despite the scourge of war in the country and its resulting human suffering and devastation on infrastructure and ecosystems, there is a desire and hope from those responsible for nature to improve the health of wetlands. This desire has been translated into joining Sabkhat al-Jabbul, represented by the National MedWet Focal Point in Syria, to our network, thereby joining 30 Mediterranean wetland managers, which reflects confidence in this young network. 

We are thrilled that the Syrian Arab Republic is now a part of our network. We are excited to build with the manager of Sabkhat al-Jabbul and other members to improve the understanding of their wetlands, share knowledge and best practices among them, and achieve good results on the ground.

About Sabkhat al-Jabbul Nature Reserve

A large, permanent saline lake surrounded by semi-arid steppe, the Sabkhat al-Jabbul is an important staging, wintering and breeding area for large numbers of waterbirds; it regularly supports more than 1% of the world population of Greater Flamingo. Within the site, land use is limited to salt production. The surrounding areas are used primarily for agriculture and livestock grazing. The lake has been identified as an Important Bird Area. (Source: Ramsar Site Information Sheet, 1998)