It was officially announced that the Patriarchs’ Garden in Al-Diman has been designated a sanctuary within the Qadisha Valley.
The Qadisha Valley is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The announcement was made during a ceremony held under the patronage of Environment Minister Tamara Al-Zain.
Religious, official, and environmental figures also attended the event.
This step aims to strengthen the protection of the valley’s natural, cultural, and spiritual heritage.
In addition, it seeks to support biodiversity and encourage local communities to manage natural resources sustainably.
During the ceremony, Al-Zain stressed the importance of combining nature conservation with sustainable development.
She also highlighted the role of nature reserves in empowering local communities.
According to Al-Zain, these communities can help preserve natural resources for future generations.
For his part, Archbishop Joseph Naffah highlighted the exceptional value of the Patriarchs’ Garden.
He noted its unique combination of natural, cultural, and spiritual importance within the Qadisha Valley.
The ceremony also marked the launch of the “Al-Diman Appeal.”
The initiative supports community-led efforts to protect nature and preserve local ecosystems.
Moreover, it aims to strengthen the protection of forests, water resources, and endangered species.
The declaration represents another important step toward protecting the Qadisha Valley.
It also strengthens cooperation between municipalities, environmental organizations, religious institutions, and local communities.
Together, these efforts can contribute to a more sustainable future for the valley.
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