A Critical Evaluation of Ecological, Environmental, and Legal Consequences of Cedrus libani Afforestation and Monoculture Plantations in Lebanon: The Case of Mount Sannine

Ramy Maalouf

Cedrus libani (Cedar of Lebanon) is ecologically and culturally significant, but vulnerable due to historical decline and ongoing threats. This has driven extensive afforestation and reforestation efforts in Lebanon. Initiatives like the Sannine Project, however, often utilize large-scale monoculture plantations, frequently as afforestation on land without confirmed historical dense forest cover. This study critically evaluates this approach, synthesizing peer-reviewed literature, project-related public communications and reports, data from the authors' botanical surveys of the affected Sannine area, and relevant legal frameworks.. Our analysis indicates that monocultures, particularly when implemented with damaging techniques like heavy machinery on these often naturally open mountain habitats, pose significant ecological risks. These include soil degradation (exacerbated by allelopathy), altered hydrology, suppression of native understory, substantial biodiversity loss (especially unique endemics adapted to open habitats), and reduced ecosystem resilience. Furthermore, such projects reportedly proceed without mandatory prior Environmental Impact Assessments, violating Lebanese law and undermining effective environmental governance. These practices contradict sound ecological restoration principles that prioritize biodiversity, ecosystem function, and site-specific appropriateness ("beyond hectares"). We conclude that a fundamental shift towards mixed-species, ecologically sound planting, guided by site-specific assessments, robust monitoring, adaptive management, and strict legal compliance, is essential for the sustainable restoration of C. libani and the protection of Lebanon's vital mountain landscapes, recognizing the importance of conserving existing non-forest habitats.