Syria Today | Lajat designated as UNESCO biosphere reserve

Lajat designated as UNESCO biosphere reserve

Lajat, a natural area on the Syrian-Jordanian border distinguished by its basaltic and arid earth, was one of 22 new sites added to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO) World Network of Biosphere Reserves on May 30. It is the first time an area in Syria has been included on UNESCO’s world biosphere reserve list.

Lajat and Jabel Moussa in Lebanon were the only two sites in the Middle East to be added to this year’s list, which now recognises 26 sites in the Arab world and 533 globally as biosphere reserves.

Lajat “offers significant opportunities for developing ecologically sustainable human activity, through existing rotation grazing schemes, landscape restoration and excavations and development of the Lajat archaeological ruins”, a statement from UNESCO said. “Lajat also provides educational opportunities to illustrate the importance of fauna and flora in local life and economy, as well as the interdependence of cultural and biological diversity.”

Syria, like other countries with sites on the agency’s biosphere list, will receive funding from UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme and support in implementing conservation, development and research-based projects.

A total of 22 sites from 17 countries were added to this year’s list, including Lagunas de Montebello in Mexico, Fuertenventura in the Canary Islands, Mount Myohyang in North Korea, Vhembe in South Africa and Nokrek, Similipal and Pachmarhi in India.