Syria, located at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, possesses a unique natural heritage. Its position as a historical crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, combined with diverse topography and climatic conditions, has created a varied environment that has supported civilizations for millennia and features a wide array of landscapes and ecosystems.
Diverse Landscapes and Climates
Syria’s geography features a narrow coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea in the west. East of this plain, the Syrian Coastal Mountain Range, also known as the Al-Anṣariyyah Mountains, runs parallel to the coastline, reaching heights of up to 1,562 meters east of Latakia. Further south, the Anti-Lebanon Mountains mark Syria’s border with Lebanon, with Mount Hermon being the country’s highest point at 2,814 meters.
Beyond these western mountain ranges, the landscape transitions into a vast semi-arid steppe zone that covers approximately three-quarters of the country. This steppe region is characterized by grasslands and receives less rainfall than coastal areas, ranging from 250 to 500 millimeters annually. Eastward, the terrain becomes increasingly arid, leading to the Syrian Desert, which extends into the southeastern parts of the country.
Major river systems traverse Syria, providing water resources. The Euphrates River flows southeastward across the northeastern part of the country, originating in Turkey and forming Lake Assad, Syria’s largest lake, after a dam was built in 1973. The Orontes River, another significant waterway, flows northward through the Ghab Depression, a 64-kilometer long valley situated east of the Coastal Mountains, before emptying into Turkey and then the Mediterranean Sea. These varied landscapes create distinct climate zones: a Mediterranean climate along the coast with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; semi-arid conditions in the steppe; and arid desert climates inland with very low rainfall and high temperatures.
Rich Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna
Syria’s varied landscapes support a rich array of plant and animal life. The Mediterranean coastal and mountainous regions feature forests dominated by species such as pine, oak, and cypress trees. These areas also boast Mediterranean forests and shrublands, with species like carob, elderberry, and various junipers. Over 3,100 species of flowering plants have been recorded across Syria, influenced by European, Asian, and African vegetation zones.
The country’s desert and steppe regions host flora adapted to arid conditions, such as hardy shrubs, grasses, and acacia trees. Bulbous plants like tulips, fritillaries, and crocuses are also found in these semi-arid and arid areas. This diverse vegetation provides habitats for a wide range of fauna.
Syria’s fauna includes 125 species of mammals, 394 species of birds, 127 species of reptiles, and 16 species of amphibians. Notable mammals in the coastal forests include the Syrian brown bear and wolves, while desert and steppe regions are home to species like the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, and desert fox. Bird species are abundant, including migratory species that use coastal wetlands as stopover points. The red fox, striped hyena, and various gazelle species are also present.
Key Natural Regions
Syria features several distinct natural regions. The coastal areas of Latakia and Tartus are known for their sandy beaches, which serve as nesting sites for sea turtle species like the Loggerhead and Green turtle, both globally listed as endangered.
The ancient desert landscapes surrounding Palmyra, located in the central part of the country, represent a significant arid region. This area is characterized by rock and gravel steppe rather than pure sand desert, with elevations between 300 and 500 meters. Despite its aridity, when sufficient rainfall occurs, parts of the Syrian Desert can transform into green pastures suitable for grazing.
The volcanic plains of Jabal al-Druze, located in the southern part of Syria, present a unique geological formation. The wetlands along the Euphrates River, particularly around Lake Assad, form a distinct freshwater ecosystem. These wetlands are fed by the Euphrates and support a variety of aquatic life and migratory birds.
Human Impact and Conservation Initiatives
Human activities have influenced Syria’s natural environment. Agriculture, urbanization, and historical land use practices have led to changes in vegetation and wildlife across coastal areas, inland plains, mountains, and steppe lands. For instance, only about 3% of Syria’s land is forested, a decrease from 32% at the beginning of the 20th century. Overgrazing, soil erosion, and desertification are environmental concerns, with over 85% of agricultural land exposed to erosion.
Water resources have also been affected by human activities, including pollution from raw sewage and petroleum refining waste, affecting potable water supplies. The country has faced successive years of drought, exacerbating water scarcity. Despite these challenges, efforts toward environmental preservation are underway.
Syria has established 23 protected areas, covering approximately 1.28% of its total surface area, with a goal of increasing this to 10%. These protected areas include 5 wetlands, 3 coastal and marine areas, 13 forests, and 2 designated for endangered fauna. The National Strategy and Plan of Action for the Conservation of Biodiversity includes environmental considerations in development projects, focusing on protecting natural ecosystems and promoting the sustainable use of biological resources.