A Regional Baseline Assessment of Natural Vegetation Degradation in Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar Region, Northeastern Libya

Abstract

Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar in northeastern Libya represents one of the most ecologically significant Mediterranean ecosystems in North Africa, yet it has undergone progressive vegetation degradation over recent decades. This study presents a regional baseline assessment and synthesized case study of natural vegetation degradation, based on an extensive official multidisciplinary survey conducted by Omar Al-Mukhtar University. The assessment integrates multitemporal satellite imagery, GIS-based spatial analysis, and large-scale field investigations covering approximately 26,300 hectares across 55 representative sites distributed along three geomorphological terraces. Vegetation condition and degradation intensity were evaluated using internationally recognized indicators developed by FAO, UNEP, and IUCN, focusing on changes in canopy cover, vegetation density, regeneration capacity, and overall ecosystem vitality. Results reveal a substantial decline in natural vegetation compared with 1970s baselines. Evergreen forests dominated by Juniperus spp. experienced an estimated canopy cover reduction of 25–30%, shrublands declined by 15–20%, and rangeland productivity decreased by nearly 30%, while fire-affected areas expanded by approximately 40–50%. Degradation was most pronounced in coastal zones and the lower and middle geomorphological terraces, whereas selected upper terrace areas retained relatively better vegetation conditions. The observed patterns reflect the combined impacts of overgrazing, recurrent wildfires, land-use intensification, fragile soil conditions, and weak governance frameworks. This study offers a valuable reference framework for conservation planning, ecosystem restoration, and land degradation neutrality initiatives in Mediterranean environments under increasing climatic and anthropogenic pressures.