Previous project : Important Bird Area research and conservation

Important Bird Area research and conservation

From March 2005 to February 2008, with funding from the MAVA trust, scientists and bird experts from A Rocha Lebanon and SPNL (BirdLife’s national partner in Lebanon) conducted the most extensive bird research project ever undertaken in Lebanon. Over 30 sites were surveyed, through the seasonal cycle, for bird and other biodiversity importance. 320 site visits were conducted totaling over 3000 hours in the field. All data was submitted to BirdLife International and 11 sites were found to satisfy BirdLife’s rigorous criteria for designation as ‘Important Bird Areas’ (9 of global significance and 2 of regional significance) more than trebling the IBAs identified in the country from 4 to 15.

Following IBA designation, Support committees were formed at each site. Members were trained in bird identification and monitoring and site management statements were developed.

A concluding workshop was held at the Ministry of Environment on April 2^nd 2009 where results were presented, future plans outlined and the Lebanon IBA leaflet launched.

Full details on methodology, sites, criteria met, Lebanon’s importance for migrating birds and much more can be found in the following pages:

*To download any of these documents right click on the link and select “Save Target As…” and choose a location.

• Leaflet: IBA Brochure English Important Bird Areas in Lebanon 2009 (English)
• Press Release: The Identification and Conservation of New IBA in Lebanon Project
• ARL-SC-08-1-Final-Report-to-the-MAVA-board-on-the-Identification-and-Conservation-of-New-IBA-in-Lebanon-Project-March-2005-February-2008