The pristine source waters of the Al-Kabir River, originating from underground springs and mountaintops, peacefully flow towards the Mediterranean Sea. The river forms a natural border between northern Lebanon and southern Syria, the waters face a variety of threats during their short journey west. The scientists of both countries have joined forces to use modern remote sensing technologies to find practical solutions for the transboundary water management of Al-Kabir’s waters.

A strong belief in the importance of community involvement formed a centerpiece for the research conducted by scientists from the Lebanese National Council for Scientific Research (NCSR) and the General Organization of Remote Sensing (GORS) in Syria, together with researchers from Canada’s CadhamHayes Systems Inc. (now Canadian Environmental Assistance). The research aimed at gathering scientific data on the Al-Kabir River basin, known as the Akkar watershed. This data would be used to create higher levels of awareness among the people of both countries on the importance of conserving the watershed. Two public awareness workshops have been held, one in Lebanon and another in Syria. During these workshops, the scientists revealed disturbing results that were emerging from their remote sensing studies and sampling that was being conducted on the watershed. Although not suffering in quantity, the Al-Kabir waters were severely suffering in quality. The researchers used remote sensing and GIS to provide maps on the watershed’s drainage, geology, land use, soil erosion, utilities, settlements, roads, and railways. Water and sediment samples were also routinely taken from a large number of sites on both the Syrian and Lebanese sides of the Al-Kabir River.

Source : http://www.islam-online.net