Welcoming Ammiq Wetland to the MedWet Managers Network!

We are delighted to welcome Ammiq Wetland as the newest member of the MedWet Managers Network! With this addition, Ammiq becomes the third Ramsar site in Lebanon, joining the Palm Islands Nature Reserve and the Tyre Coast Nature Reserve to officially become part of our growing community of wetland site managers across the Mediterranean.

Located in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, Ammiq Wetland is the country’s largest remaining freshwater wetland and a site of immense ecological and cultural significance. It serves as a vital stopover for migratory birds and home to over 250 bird species, along with diverse flora, amphibians, and dragonflies. The wetland also supports traditional agriculture and grazing practices, deeply entwining nature with local livelihoods and knowledge.

Co-managed by IndyACT and the Skaff family, the private landowners of the Ammiq wetland, Ammiq’s protection model is a testament to what long-term commitment to conservation, community engagement, and sustainable practices can achieve. IndyACT also co-manages the Palm Islands Nature Reserve, further showcasing their integral role in Lebanon’s wetland protection efforts.

Ammiq has long been a beacon for nature lovers, researchers and educators. It has hosted various educational programs, birdwatching events, and youth activities, in collaboration with local and international organisations like A Rocha Lebanon and the Association of Bird Conservation in Lebanon (ABCL). However, the wetland faces mounting threats—from unsustainable water use, harmful land practices, and biodiversity loss to limited community involvement—worsened by Lebanon’s ongoing political, security, and economic instability. Still, the site’s dedicated team continues to improve resource management, reduce agricultural impact, engage the local community, and strengthen governance and conservation practices, aiming to position Ammiq as a model for wetland ecosystem conservation with broad recognition.

We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Ammiq team, exchange knowledge and experiences, and support one another in our shared mission to protect Mediterranean wetlands. Their deep-rooted work and on-the-ground expertise will no doubt enrich the MedWet Managers Network and strengthen our collective efforts across the region.

Welcome to the Network, Ammiq!