Throughout history, as it passed from one empire to another, Lebanon had been influenced by foreign powers. Lebanon's rich and varied culture is therefore the product of various influences, from the Sumerian, Babylonian, Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, byzantine and Ottoman empires to the more recent French Mandate.
What is remarkable is that despite the continuous use, and often abuse of all its natural resources, a few remaining areas still recall the natural splendor that was once Lebanon. However, with the rapid modernization of Lebanon, these remaining natural areas are being destroyed through haphazard development. So it is now, with a sense of urgency, that we need to save the best examples of what is left of the original landscape - the mountains, the forests, the wildlife, the beaches, the snow fed rivers, the caves, the valleys and the gorges.

The establishment of protected areas is just the beginning of what is hoped will be a rediscovery and respect for the natural heritage of Lebanon. These areas are distinctly Lebanon. They do not need any foreign imports of plants or animals to improve them. All they need is for the Lebanese to adopt them, to help protect them, and to pass them on to their children as something to be proud of.

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