Review of the Ecological and Environmental Conditions of Mount Hermon and the Baqa Valley: Analysis from the Beginning of the World to the Present Day

Mount Hermon and the Baqa Valley represent one of the most ecologically and environmentally complex regions in the Eastern Mediterranean. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the region’s ecological history, geological evolution, biodiversity, hydrological systems, human-environment dynamics, and conservation policies from prehistory to the present day. By synthesising interdisciplinary research, the study identifies the pivotal role of Mount Hermon’s unique topography and microclimates in supporting high levels of biodiversity and ecological endemism. At the same time, it highlights increasing threats from anthropogenic pressures, climate change, habitat fragmentation, and inadequate environmental governance. The study reveals a troubling trajectory of environmental degradation, driven by political instability, unregulated development, and unsustainable land and water use practices. Nevertheless, the region offers significant opportunities for transboundary conservation and ecological resilience through collaborative policy frameworks and community-based resource management. Recommendations include integrated watershed governance, the creation of ecological corridors, and the reinforcement of environmental education and local stewardship. The article underscores the importance of regional cooperation and adaptive policy responses in safeguarding the ecological heritage of Mount Hermon and the Baqa Valley in an era of rapid environmental and climatic change.