New guidelines for stone pine forests management by FAO

The Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched guidelines for the management of stone pine forests in Lebanon.

The forest management guidelines integrate measures to enhance resilience of the pine forest against severe weather events and pests, as well as actions required for addressing the current problem of pine losses. Marie Louis Hayek, Program Assistant at FAO, said that these guidelines comprise pruning methods, regulations of thinning treatment, regeneration methods, new plantations and grafting techniques, as well as integrated pest management.

A serious problem of pine loss and empty pine seeds was reported in many areas since 2009. This is severely impacting pine nut production and consequently the livelihoods of the concerned rural communities.

According to FAO, the stone pine forests in Lebanon stretch over an area of 12,000 hectares (10,000 square meters).