Lebanese Quarries: Wounds and Recovery

The article addresses the environmental condition of abandoned quarries in Lebanon, explaining how rock extraction activities leave negative impacts on soil, terrain, and vegetation cover. This results in the deterioration of ecological balance, increased risk of erosion, and changes in biological diversity. It clarifies that rehabilitating these sites requires implementing scientific strategies that include assessing slope stability, soil treatment, and the use of suitable plants such as alfalfa to help restore the affected soil’s fertility. The article also emphasizes the need for a clear national plan for quarry rehabilitation, as the success of these efforts depends on proper planning and field monitoring, and that modern research tools alone are not sufficient before actual on-the-ground implementation.