Established in 1999, Al Yammouneh Nature Reserve reaches an altitude of 2000m above sea level. Stretching from a starting altitude of 1200m, and situated on the north-east slope of the intersection of ‘Al-Mukamel’ mountain and ‘Manitriya’ mountain, this natural reserve is renowned and reputable for its diversity of Juniper trees and plants. The Reserve is outlined and represented by its lush green trees and vegetation which cover approximately 30% of the total surface area.
In Arabic, Yammouneh translates to ‘Little Sea.’ It was given its name due to the existence of the Yammouné Lake. The Natural Reserve is abundant with water and has 84 springs, 4 all-year-round rivers, and 2 seasonal rivers. It is considered one of the most beautiful and glamorous spots for nature visitors in the Bekaa North region of Lebanon because of its natural green oasis beauty amid a sequence of dry and dusty mountains. This is also because of the charming and alluring greenery and natural springs, which amount to more than 45 branches fanned out and dispersed providing natural water all over the town, not to mention its beautiful fruit gardens containing dozens of unique fruit breeds.
Furthermore, the territory is estimated to be around 14000 hectares which is home to nearly 1700 unique species of herbs, and over 150 medicinal plants, some of which do not grow anywhere else in the country. It is also a refuge for the migrating birds and the only haven dwelling for the Golden Fish locally, which are exclusive to the waters of Yamouna. As part of the research, results show that there are 32 plant species that were analyzed in France and contain internationally unknown chemicals, in addition to three important medicinal plants that cure leukemia, clean gravel and kidney sand. The reserve also includes species of animals that have grown extinct around the rest of Lebanon.
In 134 AD, Roman Emperor Adriano announced the town of Yamouna, a natural reserve and banned the chopping of trees by agreement regarding the sculpted rocks amid the archaeological excavations in the suburbs. Adriano’s large castle was built here and only ruins of it remain today, in addition to Phoenician, Roman and Arab antiquities. In the year 1999, a decree was circulated stating Al-Yamouna fields as a natural, archaeological, and scientific reserve.
Yammouneh nature reserve withstood extensive research studies by professionals in the Lebanese university. The research study covered the natural elements and wealth of the town, specifically the monuments, wildlife, nature, water. It is Important to mention that the variety of ecosystems in the reserve resulted in the creation of a variety of natural and ecological systems of significant importance and it is likely to find plants of cold, semi-desert, aquatic and other atmospheres, all in the same location.
