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Riparian ecosystems are more susceptible to declines in biodiversity than other terrestrial ecosystems. In Lebanon, riparian forests cover a surface area of 58 hectares, representing 0.04% of the total forest cover. Considering the existing number of permanent and seasonal streams and rivers in Lebanon, this percentage can be described as low. The privatization of lands adjacent to riverbanks has led to noticeable land cover changes in riparian areas. Major areas have turned into intensive agricultural and industrial activities, with a lack of urban planning regulation on important buffer zones and impacting natural resources and functions of riparian areas. In addition, as a result of the continuing political conflicts in the region, refugee settlements near rivers have added pressure on riparian ecosystems, hindering the proper implementation of rehabilitation/restoration measures. With current management still failing at enabling a proper ecological functioning of these areas, appropriate rehabilitation/restoration practices are needed considering a multi-scale approach.
This webinar will cover how to accurately plan riparian rehabilitation projects and develop customized rehabilitation plans targeting fauna and flora conservation and re-establishing riparian functions, in areas with limited resources, while taking into consideration the social norms and other political and economic limitations.
Speakers: Karma Bouazza has worked with the Lebanon Reforestation Initiative and the U.S. Forest Service International Programs since 2011. As a Native Nursery and Ecological Restoration Specialist, she has developed and supported projects in Lebanon, Jordan, Guinea, Zimbabwe, Morocco, and Rwanda. Mark Vander Meer is a principal partner with Watershed Consulting LLC, based in Missoula, Montana. Mark specializes in bridging the gap between current ecologic concepts and on-the-ground application. He has been a practicing restoration ecologist, forester, and soil scientist for 35 years.
Register: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6737576770473703440