Chongqing University

Graduate Program
In Architecture

L A N D S C A P E E C O L O G Y

The Inspiration of Ecological Wisdom: Two

examples of environmental practice in
Syria

Final report presented

By

Master student: Sarah Omran

CQU L1800199

Professor: Xing Zhong – YUAN Jia

6/1/2020
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 Abstract
The different topographical, climatic and soil conditions are responsible
that Syria is home of large biodiversity. This report will talk about two
projects one is made by nature and other one is human made illustrate
how ecosystem concepts can be applied in the build environment. In
addition, define the environmental practices undertaken by Syria to
maintain these projects. These applications underscore the necessity of
ecological wisdom for regenerative design and planning for resilience.

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Table of contents
ABSTRACT
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Ecological wisdom concept and background
1.2 Syria background
1.3 Objective of the study
CHAPTER 2. A CASE STUDY OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA
(SABKHAT AL-JABBUL, A RAMASAR WETLAND IN SYRIA)
2.1 Background study.
2.2. Site context.
2.3. An age-old cultural landscape.
2.4. The unique biodiversity of Jabbul wetland.
2.5. What is the value of the Jabbul ecosystem?
2.6. International commitments: the Ramsar Convention.
2.7. Conservation Practices of Jabbul wetland.
CHAPTER 3. A CASE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AREA MADE BY HUMAN
(SEA ENVIRONMENTAL GARDEN-SYRIA)
3.1. Background study.
3.2. Site context.
3.3. Constrains of the site.
3.4. Features sustainable practices.
3.3. Conservation from urban landscape identity.
CHAPTER 4. CONCLOSION
REFERENCES

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Introduction
1.1 Ecological wisdom concept
Ecological practice is the action and process that humans involuntarily engage
themselves in with the aim to bring about a secure and harmonious socio-
ecological a condition that serves human beings’ basic need for survival and
flourishing. From ecological practice, humans acquired a distinctive master skill par
excellence, ecological wisdom that enables them to address and act well on
intractable socio-ecological issues that are crucial to their survival and flourishing.
While manifesting itself in a myriad of ecological and landscape projects and public
policy instruments that have been beneficent to both humans and other residents
on the earth. This invaluable intellectual asset of ecological wisdom continues to
evolve in the contemporary society of unprecedented socio ecological
transformations, inspiring advancement in modern science and stimulating
technological and engineering innovations for the greater good. Ecological wisdom-
inspired science and engineering is, therefore, the emerging transdisciplinary field
of scholarly inquiry that seeks novel insights, deliberately through the lens of
ecological wisdom, into contemporary socio-ecological issues, and aims to develop
innovative, prudent, and efficacious scientific and engineering solutions. This
research aims to highlight two projects in Syria, the first made by nature and the
second human-made. In addition, define the environmental practices undertaken
by Syria to maintain these projects.

Background of (Ecological) Wisdom Research

Recent decades have witnessed a renewed reflection on wisdom in the literature
of social sciences such as psychology, education, management sciences, rather
than in its traditional home disciplines of philosophy and religious studies (Gugerell
and Riffert 2011). As a subset of wisdom, ecological wisdom is a term that enjoys
less recognition in the literature. However, it manifests itself widely in
terminologies such as nature-inspired design, “green” policy and design,
biomimicry, sustainable design and planning, biophilic design, and others (e.g.,
Yeang 1995; Beatley 2000, 2010; Benyus 2002; McDonough and Braungart 2002).
Ecological wisdom is regaining broader recognition, and being proposed for use in
socio-ecosystem planning and management (Patten and Xiang 2015). Ecological

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wisdom is, in particular, relevant to the human and nature relationship. One of the
central problems confronted by design professionals, as well as by those
advocating a wise society more broadly. Today, urban sustainability faces stiff
challenges with the coupled effects of human and biophysical changes
(globalization). On one hand, a comprehensive approach is being called for to tackle
grand sustainability challenges. On the other hand, sciences and technologies—
considered as the solutions—are developing into increasingly compartmentalized
sub-disciplines that lack the holism necessary for tackling sustainability challenges.
Human civilization is at the crossroad in that deep ecological crises cannot be
alleviated simply through the accumulation and application of scientific knowledge.
The concepts of ancient ecological wisdom were developed in the absence of
modern scientific methods. Tao-de-jing, for instance, written by Laozi (c.a. 571 BC–
471 BC) distills the ecological wisdom of ancient Chinese and it remains influential
worldwide today in the fields of philosophy, planning and design, management,
and others (Feng 1991; She 1996; Cheng and Bunnin 2008). Urban areas have
become increasingly reliant on resources imported (or captured) from their
hinterlands (which have themselves become larger over the centuries).
Consequently, urban areas are “hotspots” within which to tackle sustainability
challenges.
Ecological Wisdom and Principles
Definitions of Wisdom and Ecological Wisdom
The Oxford Dictionary of English defines “wisdom” as “the quality of having
experience, knowledge, and good judgment.” It is one’s ability to make good ethical
and political choices.
Wisdom is considered as a personality trait, which is related to knowledge, whereas
the acquisition of knowledge does not guarantee the acquisition of wisdom
(Gugerell and Riffert 2011).
There is no unified definition of “ecological wisdom.” Norwegian philosopher Arne
Naess first put forth the concept of “ecological wisdom” based on his ecocentric
personal philosophies, ecosophies, combining the root words from ancient Greek
ecos Where Does Ecological Wisdom Come from? Historical … (household place)
and sophia (wisdom) (Drengson and Devall 2010).

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ecological wisdom—a wise person or society’s ethic, knowledge, ability, and grit to
do the right thing (or not do certain things), in socio-ecosystem planning, design,
and management, as manifested in time-honored projects, efficacious policy
instruments, and is informed by lessons learned.
Principles of Ecological Wisdom
Including reverence to nature, sustained relevance, holism, and practicality. These
principles are manifested in evidence-based, time-honored ecological projects and
effective policy instruments.

Reverence to Nature (Land Ethics)

Ecological wisdom starts with reverence for nature. Vehement love and concern
toward nature is the premier principle of obtaining ecological wisdom (Xu and
Nangong 2012). The way that humans express worship to nature varies across
cultures and religions. Buddhism prescribes that every living organism has the
potential to become a Buddha. Only with a respectful attitude to land (nature) can
one obtain wisdom and, therefore, a happy life. This land ethic is also shared by
Laozi’s naturalistic philosophy. Laozi’s concept of wuwei (no assertive action) is
another means of revering nature through active procrastination.

Sustained Relevance (Novelty)

Sustained relevance means that the breadth and depth of a particularly wise
ecological thought remain novel today. The sustained longevity of ideas, tenets,
and strategies of ecological wisdom often predates their time, by decades, if not
centuries. Li Bing had conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Dujianyan
irrigation project more than 2300 years ago. The success of Dujiangyan is attributed
to Li Bing’s tireless reconnaissance of the hydrological and ecological conditions,
and the flora and fauna of the site (Gu 2005). Geddes’ regional, ecological survey
approach predated the discipline of ecology, and he directly influenced the birth of
urban planning as a profession. Geddes’ “folk-work-place” concept proposed in
1915 was remarkably similar to today’s concept of sustainability (Steiner et al. 1988;
Talen 2005; Steinitz 2008). Qian’s Shan-Shui City theory has been widely accepted
and employed in China and generated fine contemporary examples such as the
Beijing Olympic Forest Park, home of the 2008 summer Olympics. In short, the

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principle of sustained novelty suggests that the significance of ecological wisdom is
(better) appreciated when placed in historical context.

Practicality (Actionability)
Aristotle’s idea of phronesis emphasizes the practicality of wisdom, that social
process constantly demands choices, and making the right choices demands
wisdom (Schwartz and Sharpe 2010). Likewise, ecological wisdom is distinctly
practical; it cannot be purely abstract or ethereal. In urban planning, phronetic
planning stands for the practical wisdom to make judgments on values and power
in order to inform particular and concrete planning decisions (Flyvbjerg 2004).
Ecological wisdom integrates science, technology, management, and culture and,
hence, goes beyond the philosophical level. Ecological wisdom is enhanced through
trial and error in practice. It includes lessons learned from failures. It is what people
need to understand about how they should, and should not, act in a real-world
context, in order to achieve socio-ecological sustainability (Xiang 2014a).

1-2 Syria background

Syria Location and Land use:
The Syrian Arab Republic (SAR) lies on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea,
with an area of 185,180 km2. It is situated between the latitudes 32° 19’ and 37°
30’ N and the longitudes 35° 45’ and 42° E. The bordering countries of Syria are
Turkey in the north, Iraq in the east, Jordan and Palestine in the south, and the
Mediterranean Sea and Lebanon in the west. The major cities of Syria are
Damascus, the capital; Aleppo, Homs and Hama, as well as Lattakia and Tartous
on the Mediterranean coast.
Syria occupies a relatively long coast of about 183 km on the Mediterranean Sea.
The National Census of 1999 estimated the population to be 16.1 million; about
half of them live in rural areas. The land usage distribution in Syria is as follows:
32.5% for cultivation, 45% as plains and pastures, 20% as uncultivated lands and
2.5% as forests. Therefore, the plains occupy the biggest part of the area, which
are used for grazing of sheep and less frequently for camels. The second major
part is an arable area that is cultivated by the private sector. The forests are

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mostly concentrated in the western region of the country and are represented by
a Mediterranean vegetation.

Climate:
The climate, in general, is a modified Mediterranean type. The modification is
mainly due to the change in the microhabitat as a result of man’s misuse of natural
resources. There are four distinct seasons in the year: a cool and rainy winter with
occasional snow, a hot and dry summer, and short and moderate spring and
autumn. The coastal areas have a mild climate, while the interior areas are rather
continental with cold winters where the temperatures drop to subzero oC and hot
summers of above 40oC. The long period of drought is one of the most important
ecological factors dominating the natural vegetation in the Mediterranean region.
The geographical latitude, altitudinal variation, the blocking effect of mountain
ranges and the distance from the Mediterranean Sea are among the factors that
modify and have an effect on the climate in Syria.

1-3 Objective of the study

1. To present a scientific analytic study about one of the wetlands in Syria, the
form, the unique biodiversity and the conservation Practices as an aspect of the
ecological landscape in Syria. Besides that, it examines its role nowadays in Syrian,
as well as its role in the future in the process of sustainable urban development.
2. Highlight the story of Damascene flowers and explore the cultural identity
that formed the landscape of Damascus- Syria by presenting an analytic study
about one of the ecological gardens in Damascus.

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CHAPTER 2: A CASE STUDY OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA
(SABKHAT AL-JABBUL, A RAMASAR WETLAND IN SYRIA)

2.1 Background study.

The Ramsar Convention (1971) in Article 1, defines wetland as “areas of marsh, fen, peat
land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is
static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salty, including areas of marine water the depth of
which at lowtide does not exceed six meters”.

According to URT (2014) wetlands are known to be nature’s water store on land.

“Sabkhat al-Jabbul” is a large, shallow wetland with seasonal saline and brackish
water bodies, surrounded by reed beds, rangelands and cultivated land. The
name “sabkha” refers to the fact that the water is salty and dries up during the
summer season. The Jabbul Sabkha is located 40 km southeast of Aleppo city.
Its importance as a staging and wintering area for water birds, particularly the
Greater Flamingo, was recognized as early as the 1960s (Savage, 1968).
This has led to its identification as an “Important Bird Area” (IBA) by BirdLife
International (Evans 1994), and its official designation in 1998 as a “Wetland of
International Importance” or “Ramsar site” under the Ramsar Convention.
A survey during the Syrian Wetland Expedition of 2004 led to its recognition as the

“Jabbul is the most important wetland in Syria and as one of the most important wetland
sites in the whole Middle East.”

most important wetland in Syria and as one of the most important wetland sites in
the whole Middle East (Murdoch et al, 2004). As the condition of the Sabkha
strongly depends on human activities in the surrounding areas, and as the condition
of the Sabkha influences the living conditions of the surrounding communities, the
Sabkha and the surrounding agricultural areas together is called the “Jabbul
agroecosystem”.
The natural resources of the Sabkhat al- Jabbul – including the Jabbul salt, surface
water, groundwater and shoreline rangelands -have always been considered a
significant economic asset.

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2.2 Site context.
DISCREPTION AND CLIMATE.
Sabkhat al Jabbul lies at an altitude of 312 masl south-east of Aleppo. It has a
moderate continental climate with a temperature range from 2 to 10°C in January
and 21 to 37°C in July. The average rainfall is 200–350mm, most falling between
October and April. The Sabkhat has formed in a closed basin of 5075 km2.

Figure 2. Map showing the position of Sabkhat al-Jabbul within Syria.

The sabkhat now consists of three semi-independent water bodies with markedly
different ecosystems whose water and salinity levels fluctuate independently:
-The northwestern lake (maximum surface area [msa] 47km2). This is the most
saline and is the official site for salt extraction. Its water comes from irrigation
channels and groundwater from the northern side of the lake. A state company
produces salt by evaporating lake water in cement ponds close to Jabbul village.

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-The central lake (msa 194km2). The largest lake. It is brackish in the north, inflow
from channels entering the north and the north-east corner seemingly resulting in
a local decline in salinity and saline in the south. The central lake has nine
permanent islands (whose total surface area is c18km2).
- The southeastern lake (msa 29km2). An earth dam controls water flow into the
central lake by culverts, the southeastern lake being at a higher elevation.
Paradoxically, the water level in the south-eastern lake apparently increases in the
summer. When the cotton-planting season begins in April.

Figure 3. Map of Sabkhat al-Jabbul

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LAND USE, VEGETATION AND HABITATS
The sabkhat is surrounded by distinct
farming communities and systems
which have a significant impact on its
vegetation and habitats:
- Northern and western shores:
relatively densely populated
agricultural plains, intensively
cultivated throughout the year,
whose farmers rely heavily on
irrigation.
- Southwestern shores: mixed-
income from salt extraction,
agriculture, and off-farm activities.
- Southern shores: relatively poor
communities dependent on dry-land
farming ,sheep-rearing and off-farm
activities.
- Eastern shores: settled Bedouin
villages at low density that depend on
raising sheep and salt extraction.

FIG 4 , probabl the best viewpoint of the whole Sabkha.

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Northwestern lake: the shoreline is mostly bare, particularly along the steeper,
stonier stretches in the south, which have often been degraded by agricultural or
pastoral activities. Stands of Phragmites are now developing along the gentle
gradients of the north and west shore.
Along the northern shore of the central lake and the two major inflow channels;
here the water is less saline and there are now extensive reed beds, probably an
indication of water that is merely brackish. Areas of emergent vegetation, mainly
Rush Juncus spp, has spread rapidly in the last three years to cover several square
kilometers between the islands of Hamra and Jabbrin in the central lake. The
reedbeds and other emergent vegetation are very important for nesting and
feeding waterbirds.
Southern and western shores of the central lake: overgrazing along the shore-line
led to the disappearance of the native vegetation cover in some areas.
Eastern shore of the central lake: salty west winds result in small dunes and
salinisation of the land, preventing agriculture in a band about 1km wide along the
shore; this land is used mainly for grazing. Sand or ooze formations and the wet
interdunal areas generate unusual habitats and attract birds typical of steppe
environments.The islands: some Bedouin families have traditional grazing rights for
the larger islands , which in spring support large flocks of sheep. Where slopes are
steep, as on the central islands, kingfishers and other hole-nesting birds can find
breeding sites, but the shores are usually bare.
Huge colonies of birds breed on small bare islands or thinly vegetated islands in the
central lake and on small reedy islands in the south-eastern lake.
Southeastern lake: there are reedbeds along the southern shore and the channel
in the south-eastern corner. In December 2005 and March 2006, many of the reeds
appeared dead and waterbird numbers had fallen dramatically, though the reeds
along the channel were still healthy.

“A sabkha is formed in a natural depression, which collects storm flow from the surrounding
areas during winter, and dries out to form a saline-coated layer during the hot summer
period.”

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Figure5.Salt is an important local natural resource Figure 6. Reedbeds on the peaceful southern shore
of the Jabbul and has been collected for ages. of Hamrat lake.

Figure7.The introduction of irrigation has transformed the agricultural land-use in the northern and
northwestern parts of the Sabkha.

Figure8. Huge colonies of birds breed on s in the Figure9. From Jabbrin island towards Hamra islan
south-eastern lake. across the dyke

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2-3 An age-old cultural landscape:
The Jabbul ecosystem is characterized by a unique cultural landscape. First of all,
the traditional Syrian hospitality is still very much alive in this region, charming
every visitor who takes time to accept an invitation. The most characteristic feature
of traditional architecture is the local ‘adobe’ or ‘beehive’ houses. These houses
perfectly reflect the resources and needs of this harsh environment. The building
material can be found locally, and the houses are insulated against extreme
temperatures. In the villages with few labor opportunities, handicraft production
by women is common. A typical product of Jabbul village is loofah or vegetable
sponge, which is made from the sponge gourd.

Traditional village near the salt lake of Sabkhat

Al Jabbul

figure10. The traditional dome-shaped mud houses contribute to the unique cultural landscapes around the lake.

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2-4 The unique biodiversity of Jabbul wetland.
Global important bird biodiversity
Jabbul wetland is a unique and complex salt lake ecosystem, which
encompassesunique species and quantities of bird biodiversity, diverse aquatic and
terrestrial flora, and numerous species of fish and mammals. The strategic location
of Sabkhat al-Jabbul on the African-Eurasian flyways. Global important bird
biodiversity Sabkhat al-Jabbul is a rare ‘hotspot’ for bird biodiversity because of
sheer numbers – The largest number of birds can be observed during the migration
and wintering seasons. Although there are significant variations over the years for
certain locations depending on the water levels and the degree of human
disturbance. From the conservation point of view, the most significant is the
presence of at least six globally threatened or near-threatened bird species* (as
defined by BirdLife International), and the presence of internationally important
numbers of several bird species at Jabbul. They include: the greater flamingo
(Phoenicopterus roseus), Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), Dalmatian
pelican* (Pelecanus crispus), White-headed duck* (Oxyura leucocephala), common
shelduck (Tadorna tadorna), northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), Marbled Duck*
(Marmaronetta angustirostris), ferruginous duck* (Aythya nyroca), greater white-
fronted goose (Anser albifrons) black-necked grebe (Podiceps nigricollis), little stint
(Calidris minuta), greater spotted eagle* (Aquila clanga), and pallid Harrier* (Circus
macrourus). The Iraq babbler.

Figure11. Jabbul is an important Figure12. Jabbul harbours one Figure13. Purple

wintering site for whiteheaded ducks of the few remaining colonies gallinule
(Oxyura leucocephala) of greater flamingo (Porphyrio
(Phoenicopterus roseus) in the porphyrio)
Middle East.

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A unique flora adjusted to saline conditions
Along the lakeshores and on the islands, the saline Salorthid soils host more than
50 species of ‘halophytes’ (salt-tolerant plants). Other plant types that can be
observed at Jabbul include ‘xerophytes’ (plants adapted to dry habitat) and
‘hydrophytes’ (water plants). Some important plant species have been found that
were not previously recorded in Syria: shrub-like glasswort (Arthrocnemum
fruticosum), Halopeplis perfoliata and mamoncillo (Aeluropus lagopodoides).
Tamarisk (Tamarix macrocarpa), a tree species previously considered extinct in
Jabbul. Reed-beds of giant reed (Arundo donax) and bulrush (Scirpus littoralis and
Scirpus maritimus). Several of the locally available plant species have beneficial
ecological and (potential) economic uses, such as:
-Ecological functions: The halophyte shorelines are important feeding and resting
areas for a number of bird species, while the reed-beds are crucially important as
safe feeding, breeding and resting areas for a wide range of birds, notably herons,
ducks and typical reed birds. Aquatic plants, such as ruppia (Ruppia maritime),
coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), and brittle waternymph (Najas minor) can
provide food for many aquatic animals and birds.
-Rehabilitation of soil salinity: Some of thehalophytes such as common glasswort
(Salicornia europeae) and Halopeplisperfoliata can endure high salinity (exceeding
70 dS/m). Some species such as tamarisk (Tamarix macrocarpa and Tamarix
tetragyna), Syrian mesquite (Prosopis farcta), mamoncillo (Aeluropus lagopoides),
and Aeluropus littoralis canbe used for rehabilitating salt-affected soils. Some
species can also be used as Fuel and timber.
-Pollution mitigation: Some aquatic plants such as ruppia (Ruppia maritima),
coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), bulrush (Scirpus littoralis and Scirpus
maritimus) and brittle waternymph (Najas minor) are very effective in reducing the
level of pollution, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals caused by urban
sewage water and industrial wastes. These plants reduce the heavy metal
concentrations in sediment by selective absorption in their plant material. However,
when the concentrations of heavy metals in the plants become too high, they can
be poisonous to animals.

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Table 1. Assessment of some type of plant compositions in Jaboul lake

Types of plants Size Form Color

all plant size Giant reed is a although
groups (tree, large, clump- there
small tree, forming, are different
shrubs and bamboo-like, green
ground perennial grass shades in
covers) with elongated the
rhizomes. composition,
seasonal and
colour effect
is not
sufficient
Arundo donax
all plant size halophytic annual although
groups (tree, dicot which there
small tree, grows in various are different
shrubs and zones of green
ground intertidal salt shades in
covers) marshes. the
Salicornia composition,
europaea is seasonal and
highly edible colour effect
is not
sufficient
Salicornia europea
all plant size Scirpus are often brown
groups (tree, rhizomatous or greenish
small tree, perennial herbs, brown
shrubs and with 3-angled
ground stems and flat
covers) grass-like leaves.
The flowers are
in clusters of
small spikelets,
992 Some species
Scirpus litoralis can reach a
height of 3 m

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2.5 What is the value of the Jabbul ecosystem?
Table 2. The actual and potential benefits from Jabbul ecosystem and its
beneficiaries.
Jaboul Intrinsic value' Local Syrian society International
Ecosystem (uniqueness) communities community
resources
Land and Abundant Food and Agricultural Agro-tourism
water water is a rare income products Carbon
resources asset in dry Employment Research sequestration
areas from
agriculture
Healthy living
environment
Jabbul salt Famous Income Raw product Salt-tourism
'Jabbul salt' Employment for industrial
Sense of place use Salt-
tourism
Research
Birds Unique bird Income from Environmental Eco-tourism
biodiversity eco-tourism awareness & Research
education
Eco-tourism
Fish Unique fish Research Research Research
population
adapted
to brackish
water
Flora Unique Forage Medical Eco-tourism
halophyte Medicinal and plant& edible plants
population edible plants Environmental Research
awareness & carbon
education sequestration
Research
Reedbeds Vast Water Clean water Eco-tourism
'reedscapes purification fish Eco-tourism Research
propagation Carbon sequestration
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 Scenic Unique Relaxation and Relaxation Relaxation
landscapes wetland inspiration and and
landscape in 'Sense of place' inspiration inspiration
dry areas Income from
eco-tourism
Local culture, Rich history Income from Cultural Cultural
handicrafts and and culture Cultural tourism tourism
historic sites
tourism

2-6 International commitments: The Ramsar Convention

Ramsar: is an intergovernmental treaty which provides a framework for national
action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands
and their resources. There are presently 158 countries which have signed the
Convention, with 1755 wetland sites, totalling 161 million
hectares. Ratifying countries of the Ramsar convention are
committed to preserve their wetland areas, maintain their
ecosystems and promote their wise and sustainable use.
‘Wise use’is defined as the “sustainable utilisation to the
benefit of people in a way compatible with the
maintenance of the natural properties of the ecosystem”.
Syria signed the Ramsar convention in 1998, and the Ministry of Irrigation was the
governmental body assigned to implement the commitments towards the
Convention.“Jabbul farmers supported the concept of establishing a Haram”
Mainstreaming biodiversity conservation in other sectors. Legislation in other
sectors should have due regard to the needs for protected areas. This is especially
relevant to legislation in the following:
• Land use planning and urban development.
• Nature, historic and cultural conservation.
• Pollution control.
• Use of water resources.

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• Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining and gravel extraction.
• Any geographically-focused legislation which might help in managing the area.
• Activities of other statutory bodies, utilities and public service providers,
especially infrastructure development and rural livelihood improvement pro-
grammes.

2-7 Conservation Practices of Jabbul wetland

Towards sustainable and wise use of natural resources
Interventions in irrigated and dryland areas:
• Water-use efficient techniques are practised.
• Fertilizer applications are adapted to the available nutrients in the irrigated fields
and in irrigation water.
• A ban on the use of non-treated sewage water for food crops is implemented.
• Integrated pest management methods are practised in irrigated areas.
• Sustainable intensification and diversification options are practised in rainfed
areas.
Community-based activities:
Close and constructive collaboration between (future) Nature Reserve staff, local
communities, local councils and NGO's regarding the protection of the Sabkha and
the sustainable use of natural resources. If case of natural resource conflicts, these
stakeholders work together.
• Jabbul website on-line
• Hunting and harmful fishing methods controlled by the local authorities, police,
and community guards
New legislation and policies:
Start fulfilling the Ramsar obligations for Jabbul wetland such as:
• Identification and legal adoption of water quality norms for water that is
discharged into the lake.

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• A ban on pesticides with high adverse effects on the environment and human
health
• A ban on new solid waste dumps in the Jabbul basin
• Rules to protect reed-beds
• A ban on the introduction of exotic fish species Socioeconomic development
• Design an environment-friendly poverty-reduction strategy for remote areas
Promotion of sustainable intensification and diversification options for irrigated
and rainfed agriculture.
• Farmers with valuable local environmental knowledge hired as rangers and
guides for eco-tourists.
• Stimulation of (in) formal women's groups, e.g. handicraft production and
commercialization.
• Basic infrastructure for the (south)-eastern side of the Sabkha, e.g. drinking water
and a weatherproof bridge at the Hamrat outlet.
• Solution found for land inundations at the south-west of the Salt lake.
• Official registration of all villages on city council maps.
Example Use of biomanipulation
A technique known as biomanipulation has been used to further the establishment
of clear water. This technique involves the temporary removal of planktivorous fish
to one side of an artificial barrier. Numbers of zooplankton on the other side of the
barrier build up with the predation pressure removed. Zooplankton, particularly
water fleas Daphnia sp., graze algae, so promoting improved light conditions within
the water and encouraging aquatic plant growth. Experiments using giant ‘cobweb’
brushes, acting as artificial plants, have shown that providing predatorfree refuges
for zooplankton enhances the return to clear water and establishment of aquatic
macrophyte communities.

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CHAPTER 3- A CASE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AREA MADE
BY HUMEN (SEA ENVIRONMENTAL GARDEN-SYRIA)
2-1 Background study
Damascus, capital of Syria. Located in the southwestern corner of the country,
Damascus is widely believed to be the
oldest continuously inhabited city in
the world, with evidence of habitation
dating back at least 11,000 years. Its
location and persistence have made
the city a nexus for civilizations come
and gone. Today its metropolitan area
is home to about 2.5 million people.

Figure 14. Map of Syria in the Middle East

Character of the city:
Travelers to Damascus have been struck by the sight of aspens and poplars growing
along streams, of fruit (particularly apricot) and nut orchards, and of olive groves
and vegetable gardens. A popular story about the Prophet Muhammad’s journey
to Syria recounts that, upon seeing verdant Damascus, he refused to go in, as man
should only enter paradise once. In 1350 a European traveler, Ludolph van Suchem,
wrote of the city as “begirt with gardens and orchards and watered in and out by
waters, rivers, brooks, and fountains cunningly arranged to minister to men’s
luxury.” While the accelerated and often disordered growth of the city since World
War II has sharply raised the ratio of buildings to trees and open space, the fertile
belt of irrigated land adjacent to the city.
Climate:
Damascus has a cold desert climate .due to the rain shadow effect of the Anti-
Lebanon mountains. and the prevailing ocean currents. Summers are dry and hot
with less humidity. Winters are cool and somewhat rainy; snowfall is infrequent.

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 Figure 15. Paintings show the charechter of Damascus

Story of Damascene flowers

-Rosa × damascene: Its name is from its original homeland, Damascus, which the
Greek poet Savo dubbed the Queen of Flowers and mentioned by the Greek
historian Homer in the epics of the Iliad and Odyssey, as the English poet
Shakespeare mentioned in one of his plays by saying (as beautiful as the beauty of
the Damascus rose) Its expressive appearance suggests hope, self-confidence,
harmony and depth of meditation, and the rose symbolizes the concepts of love
and sincere emotions. Damascene rose is an aromatic rose characterized by its
strong penetrating aroma and is considered one of the most important roses of the
East and interferes in the composition of famous, precious and precious fragrances,
characterized by its softness and sweetness that represent the symbol of the scent
of the real rose and the effect and attraction and perfumes that are extracted from
the rose or damascene rose of the best species in the world.
" Rosa × damascene begins to bloom in May ... Roses harvested with hands are used
to give flavor to tea, drink, jam, pastries, medicines and cosmetics," said UNESCO.
-Jasmine flower: This flower has a high moral value ,as for the Syrians, where it
became a symbol of Damascene after it was linked to the history of the Levant and
spread in the groves of its Ghouta and on the veranda of its homes and near the
walls of its old houses, Poets sang with jasmine, sang it and hung on the porches of
homes, covering the drawers of houses, their entrances and thresholds. In the city
of Damascus, the smell of jasmine perfumed the evening, alleys and lanes until it
became known as the city of jasmine.

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Figure 16. Beautiful hotel open to the sky Filled with Figure 17.can see jasmine in old roads in
fragrant jasmine and other plants Damascus

Figure 18. Garden of Damascus National Museum Figure 19. Beautiful traditional old Damascus
Umayyad Castle Gate courtyard house open to the sky Filled with
fragrant jasmine and other plants

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jasmine is a small tree belonging to the olive family, and reaches a length of several
meters. It always blooms from April and continues until November.
Jasmine flowers are an essential raw material in the famous perfume industry,
while its health value is high when treating widespread diseases and pain due to its
multiple medicinal properties.And jasmine oil is an expensive essential oil.

2-2 Site context

The environmental garden of SEA in Damascus is a green space in the middle of the
city that intends to promote the environmental awareness in the community of
Damascus. The facilities in the garden have different functions as fund raising
resource, environmental resource center and community space.
The area of the park is about 1,000 square meters and the cafe area is about 170
square meters and has terraces.
The concept:
. Reviving and deepening the link between man and his renewable natural
resources
. On the shoulder of Damascus Castle, along its old lanes, lies the first ecological
park in Syria, the garden that brought together all the plants of the Damascene
environment.

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 Figure 20. The center of the garden

The park consisting of thirty islands with stunning views, each of them contains a
special type of plants, including: "Shadow Plants Island, Rocky Plants Island, Old
Ornamental Island, Forest Island, Water Island, Ghouta Crops Islands, Fruit Tree
Island," and many others. The garden center has the main seating area, where
wooden seats are distributed to allow the visitor to see the river and the whole
park, which has an ambitious goal that combines the environmental, educational
and recreational functions for the neighborhood and a cultural landmark for visitors.
For the sub-corridors designed to divide the place into small islands each island
planted with several varieties of one species.

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 Figure 20. One of the corridors in the garden

Plants and their compositions in the park are the most important visual elements
of the park designs especially regarding seasonal changes. Accessibility, design,
maintenance and plant richness and distribution affected the health-related
attributes and aesthetic value of the space.
Table3. Assessment of some plant compositions in the garden
Plant compositions
The mixture of hot colours ( red,
yellow,orange) add warmth to a scene,
can be seen from the park café and
enjoy the beautiful view specially in
sunlight.

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 Good appeal viewed from the castle
and the river. there is no formal effect
in eye level except background trees

Cool and pastel colours can be seen in

the separate places rregular form, add
comfort feelings

regular forms are planted the edges of

the area, strong pink colour add shock
to the area

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2-3 Constrains of the site
For anyone walking in the ancient streets of the Levant to hear the footprints of a
bell that will not be heard before in the world, as it passes through the western wall
of "Damascus" castle near many historical, civilizational and cultural monuments in
"Damascus", he finds a museum of flowers that recreates the chapters of the
ancient history of "Damascus".
Wadi Barda is considered one of the most important summer resorts of the
Damascene family, because of its shades and cool air, in addition to its great river.

Figure 21. Map showing the position of the garden

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The campuses of the two branches of the river
that pass in the garden in the past are orchards,
and there was a café on its end.
With the urban development, the area turned
into a dump, and then it turned into a garage,
here came the idea of the association The Syrian
Environment, by converting this landfill into an
environmental garden, combining all the
acclimated plant balance with the Damascene Figure 22. the area before the
garden was a dump
environment.

2-4 Features sustainable practices:

The garden has an integrated environmental system, by not using pesticides except
when absolutely necessary, and using organic fertilizer closest to the environment
and nature, in addition to a modern irrigation system, as there is a water well for
the garden, and a cafeteria was built within the garden, taking into account
environmental conditions, and providing environmental foods. As for its visitors,
there are large numbers of visitors from the Syrian Association for Documentation
and Discovery, and many schools that attend their students to introduce them to
the environment and university students as well, such as students of the College of
Science and Agriculture who visit the park to see plants that are not present except
in them, and students of the Faculty of Architecture to benefit From the shape of
the islands and their design, as visited by tourists at a very high rate, the garden

Figure 23. some students and children visit the garden

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2-5 Conservation from urban landscape identity

Figure 24. view from barada river

The interior corridors of the park are designed

to allow the visitor to see the river on the one
hand and to navigate the entire site on the
other.
It is noteworthy that the surroundings of the
garden covered with jasmine Damascene, and
there is a special island of jasmine; What gave
authenticity Damascene style.

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CHAPTER 4- CONCLOSION
Inspired by the ecological wisdom underlying the environmental practices in Syria
this report proposes and verifies the Human-Natural Intergraded Ecological
Planning, Learning that:
- Ecological wisdom is the key of ecological practice; it enables a person, a
community or an organization to make ethical judgement and take
circumspect actions in particular circumstances of ecological practice.
- If wetland conservation and local development can be combined in an
effective way, Sabkhat al-Jabbul could easily become a “Syrian success story
in the Middle East”.
- The importance of the green public areas based on their social, cultural,
environmental and economic values, in addition to the use of the vegetation
cover, different types of trees, and water features, beside the art workings
and constructions which enhance the identity of the place and the culture of
the societies.
- Plants should be assessed according to not only species and composition, but
also functional characteristics in contributing urban landscape and human
life quality.
- According to space-mass analysis, as trees and native plants increase in the
composition, mass effect also increases in visual value of the planting
composition.

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REFERENCES
- Al Nimeh M. (1997). Ramsar information sheet on Sabkhat al-Jabbul Nature
Reserve. http://www.wetlands.org/rsis/
- D’Altan P. (2007). Dynamics of Sabkhat al-Jabbul gleaned from satellite
imagery and maps. Iinternal research document. ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria.
- Wetland Inspection Division (undated). National strategic and operational
framework for man aging Uganda wetlands: Policy, legislation and action
plan. Wetland Inspection Division, Uganda Ministry of Water, Lands and
Environment, Kampala, Uganda.
- N. KABISCH, S. QURESHI, D. HAASE:. Human–Environment Interactions in
Urban Green Spaces. A Systematic Review of Contemporary Issues and
Prospects for Future Research. Environ Impact Assess Rev, 50, 25 (2015).
- Innovative Approaches to Socio-Ecological Sustainability
http://www.springer.com/series/15217
- Wang X, Xiang W-N (2016) Ecological wisdom for urban sustainability: doing
real and permanent good in ecological practice. Landscape Urban Plann
155:1–2
- H. NORDH, K. OSTBY: Pocket Parks for People. A Study of Park Design and
Use. Urban for Urban Gree, 2 , 12 (2013).
- Country Environmental Profile Syrian Arab Republic – Max Kasparek &
Marwan Dimashki April 2009.
- USAID (2000). Environmental education and communication for a
sustainable world, Handbook for international practitioners. Washington, DC,
USA.

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