A Forest at Risk: The Pine Processionary Caterpillar’s Devastating Impact on Lebanon

Lebanon, often referred to as "Green Lebanon," owes much of its lush landscape to its pine trees. In fact, around 13% of Lebanon’s total land area is covered with forests, and a significant portion of this is made up of pine trees. These trees didn’t grow here naturally—they were introduced by ancient civilizations and have since spread across the country. By the time of the French Mandate in the early 20th century, pine trees were deliberately planted throughout Lebanon for timber, pine nut production, and reforestation efforts. Over time, these trees became a symbol of Lebanon's green landscape, their needle-covered branches creating the iconic carpet-like effect that many of us associate with the country’s scenic beauty.

Pine trees have long provided not only beauty but also an essential economic resource through pine nut harvesting. They are one of the reasons Lebanon is still seen as "green," despite rapid urbanization. However, this critical part of the country's identity is under severe threat from an unexpected and destructive force: the pine processionary caterpillar.

A Story of Defoliation

Across Lebanon, towns and villages that once thrived under the canopy of majestic pines are now seeing their trees devastated. Areas like Bkassine, Jezzine, and Kfardebian are facing some of the most visible damage. Entire pine forests have been stripped of their needles, leaving behind bare, dying trees. In some cases, more than half of the pine forests in these regions have been affected, with the caterpillars multiplying unchecked and causing extensive defoliation.

One of the main reasons for the sudden spike in pine processionary caterpillars is the disruption of their natural predators. Unlicensed hunting has drastically reduced bird populations, many of which feed on these pests. Additionally, the heavy use of pesticides and poisons to protect agricultural crops has inadvertently killed off other natural predators like parasitic wasps and insects that could help control the caterpillar population. These factors have created the perfect environment for the caterpillars to thrive, leading to the current crisis.

Why This Matters

Pine trees make up a large part of Lebanon's greenery and are some of the country’s most important carbon sinks. They help regulate air quality, support biodiversity, and prevent soil erosion. If the pine processionary caterpillar continues its unchecked devastation, the environmental consequences will be severe. The rapid loss of pine trees will not only affect Lebanon’s iconic landscape but will also significantly impact the country’s climate. Without these trees, the effects of deforestation will be felt in our daily lives—from poorer air quality to increased soil degradation, and perhaps most critically, an acceleration of climate change's local impact.

Furthermore, municipalities in Lebanon have largely been inactive in addressing this growing threat. In districts like Jezzine, where some of the country’s largest and most scenic pine forests are located, there has been little coordinated action to manage or control the infestation. Without intervention, these forests face an uncertain future, and Lebanon stands to lose a key part of its natural heritage and ecological balance.

A Practical Solution

There is still hope for Lebanon's pine forests. Several approaches can be taken to manage the pine processionary caterpillar problem and prevent further damage.

Another critical step is to reintroduce and protect natural predators that can keep the caterpillar population in check. Several bird species, such as great tits (Parus major) and blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), are known to feed on pine processionary caterpillars. However, unlicensed hunting has decimated the populations of these and other insect-eating birds. Controlling illegal hunting is essential for restoring the natural balance. Enforcing hunting regulations more strictly, especially in areas like Jezzine and Kfardebian, can help create a safer environment for these birds to thrive.

In addition, the introduction of parasitic wasps and other insects, which naturally target caterpillars, can provide an eco-friendly and sustainable solution. Municipalities can take the lead in launching biological control programs that prioritize the use of these natural methods over harmful pesticides.

Finally, raising public awareness about the damage caused by pesticides and the importance of bird conservation can go a long way. By working together, municipalities, farmers, and communities can implement these solutions and prevent further devastation of Lebanon’s precious pine forests.

It’s not too late to save Lebanon’s pine trees, but coordinated action is necessary. Protecting these forests means protecting a vital part of Lebanon’s landscape, identity, and environmental health for future generations.

Barbar, Z. (2019). "The Pine Processionary Moth: A growing threat to Lebanon's forests." Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture.

• This document offers insights into the rise of the Pine Processionary Moth and provides data on affected regions.

1. FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). (2020). "The Mediterranean Pine Processionary Moth: Impacts on forests and health."

   • A detailed report on the spread of the moth across the Mediterranean, including a section on Lebanon.

2. Chalak, L., Maalouf, F., & Talhouk, S. (2011). "Challenges in biodiversity conservation in Lebanon." Lebanese University.

   • This paper discusses Lebanon’s biodiversity challenges, focusing on threats like deforestation and pest infestations.

3. BirdLife International. (2020). "Bird species of Lebanon: Conservation and Threats."

   • Includes sections on illegal bird hunting and the impact on natural pest control, specifically mentioning species like the Eurasian Hoopoe and Common Cuckoo.

4. Lebanese Forest Authority. (2023). "Impact of Uncontrolled Bird Hunting on Ecosystems in Lebanon."

   • A governmental publication highlighting the negative impacts of hunting on bird populations and pest control.

5. Al-Hussein, M., & Nakhoul, H. (2021). "Climate change and pest outbreaks: The case of pine forests in Lebanon." Lebanese Environment and Development Observatory.

   • This research links climate change to the recent spike in pine pests, including the Pine Processionary Caterpillar.

6. Lari, J. (2022). "Pesticides, Predators, and Pests: The Crisis in Lebanon's Pine Forests." Environmental News Lebanon.

   • A news article discussing the use of pesticides, the decline in bird populations, and the infestation of pine forests.