Horsh Ehden, Natural reserve in North Governorate, Lebanon.
Horsh Ehden is a protected forest reserve on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lebanon, covering three distinct biogeographic zones across elevations between 1200 and 2000 meters. The woodland contains cedar, fir, and juniper trees arranged in separate zones that reflect the changing climate and soil conditions at different heights.
The forest was established as a protected reserve by Lebanon's Ministry of Environment in 1992 to safeguard the diverse ecosystems of northern Mount Lebanon. This designation aimed to preserve the rare forest types and the plants and animals that depend on them for survival.
The forest contains cedar trees that hold deep meaning for Lebanese people and represent a core part of their national identity. Visitors walking through this woodland can sense the cultural connection between the land and the people who have valued it for centuries.
The reserve has marked hiking trails and parking facilities at the entrance, with guided tours available through the different forest zones. Bring sturdy footwear and water for your visit, as trail conditions can vary depending on the season and recent weather.
The reserve shelters more than 1000 plant species concentrated in a relatively compact area. This remarkable plant diversity on such a small piece of land makes it one of the richest spots for native flora in the entire country.
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