Horsh Ehden:Environment Minister Dr. Tamara El Zein visited the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, engaging in a comprehensive tour that included multiple stops in a few hours.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the visit started in the Ain El Bayda forest, where Dr. El Zein was greeted by Zgharta-Ehden Municipality President and Reserve Committee Chairman Eng. Pierre Zakhia Douaihy and Reserve Director Sandra Kossa Saba. The event was attended by several notable figures, including MP Tony Frangieh's representative, lawyer Boutros Frangieh, former Minister Ziad Makary, Acting North Governor and Zgharta District Commissioner Iman Al-Rafei, President of the Zgharta District Municipalities Union Eng. Bassam Haikal, North Engineers Syndicate President Shawki Feft, and Tripoli and North Doctors Syndicate President Dr. Ibrahim Al-Maqdisi. Diplomats and representatives from nature reserves, environmental organizations, and civil society groups were also present.
The program commenced with a breakfast, where speeches were delivered by the reserve committee chairman, reserve director, and the Environment Minister, all emphasizing the unique character, rich biodiversity, and ecological significance of Horsh Ehden.
Dr. El Zein participated in the release of a bird into the reserve with bird expert Michel Sawwan. The delegation, along with her team, then moved from Ain El Bayda to Ain El Naasa forest, where they sampled water from the spring and were briefed on its management plan.
Following a brief pause and a photo session by the reserve's only plane tree, the group proceeded to Jouaiyet Spring. Here, the minister visited the reserve's nursery, planted a cedar sapling named after her, and explored the nursery's facilities and seedlings.
The visit featured a scientific insect exhibition presented by Dr. Nabil Nemer and concluded with a luncheon in honor of the minister and guests, during which commemorative gifts were presented.
