Sustainability | Biodiversity: Ashaafean Biosphere Reserve, Libya

Designated as a Nature Reserve by Libyan authorities in 1978, Ashaafean Park achieved a significant milestone on October 25, 2021, when it became the first Libyan site classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Located in the Nafusa mountain range, a two-hour drive south of Tripoli, the park encompasses diverse landscapes, including semi-arid forests, grasslands, and desert regions where mineral and vegetal strata form natural contour lines.

The Ashaafean Biosphere Reserve can leverage satellite imagery for effective ecosystem management, biodiversity conservation and sustainable management.

Benefits to biodiversity

Satellite imagery could be instrumental in the management of the Ashaafean Biosphere Reserve. It would enable the monitoring of land cover changes, identifying threats such as deforestation and encroachment. The imagery could assist in mapping and analysing the distribution of plant species, including rare and endangered plants, aiding in conservation efforts. It can provide valuable information on habitat quality and changes, facilitating targeted wildlife conservation strategies. Additionally, satellite imagery can help assess the impact of human activities on the reserve, supporting sustainable development initiatives. By providing a comprehensive and up-to-date view of the area, satellite imagery plays a crucial role in understanding and preserving the biodiversity of the Ashaafean Biosphere Reserve.

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History of the Ashaafean Biosphere Reserve

The massif overlooks the coastal plain, separated by an escarpment that reaches an impressive peak height of 350 meters above sea level. Spanning across 83,000 hectares, the Biosphere Reserve harbours a rich variety of 350 plant species, including rare and endangered medicinal and aromatic plants. The endemic fauna includes twenty species of birds, reptiles, and mammals, some of which are listed on the IUCN Red List, such as the striped hyena, the Testudo Graeca tortoise and the Houbara bustard.
The classification of Ashaafean as a Biosphere Reserve aims to promote sustainable development, protect ecosystems, and support research and education endeavours. The classification as a Biosphere Reserve aims to promote sustainable development and protect ecosystems, while supporting research and education.