Two entries from Lebanon

Nominated for inclusion in

New 7 Natural Wonders of the World
By Mario Najm
 The voting is on for the New 7 Natural Wonders of the World, and despite its
small size, Lebanon has been honored with two entries on the prestigious list:
Jeita Grotto and Cedars of Lebanon, Natural Conservancy Parks.

Both sites have remained in the top 77 for the time span allotted and are now
eligible for consideration by the New7Wonders of Nature Panel of Experts for
inclusion in the group of 21 finalist candidates.

100 million people are expected to vote their favorite natural wonder in
addition to six other wonders on the voting form. To vote for Lebanon, simply
log on to http://www.new7wonders.com and follow the easy-to-fill process.

Why do the world's natural wonders differ from the other grouping of wonders?
Simply, they were not man-made or improved upon by humans.

In fact, their sheer majestic presence and beauty humble humanity. That’s
why, the New7Wonders Foundation, which is the supporter of the
New7Wonders campaigns aims to document, conserve and honor monuments
and natural sites across the world under the motto: "Our Heritage is our
Future".

By bringing to the world the natural wonders that have spanned millennia
through film, television, the Internet and books, the New7Wonders Foundation
not only hopes to make the entire planet aware of the beauty of the world’s
man-made and natural heritage but also aims to alert everyone of the gradual
destruction and decay of these amazing sites.

Jeita Grotto

Created during the last Ice Age, Jeitta Grotto is a remarkable sight and has
drawn tourists to the Lebanese coast for over five decades.

Leaving every visitor in awe, the two caves that form Jeita Grotto have become
a place of pilgrimage for those fascinated by nature’s wonders.

Located at the heart of Nahr al-Kalb or Dog River valley in Jouneih, the grotto is
a compound of two limestone caves in which a 623-meter long river runs
through the lower cave.

Prehistoric man used the caves as shelter, but with the advent of the Ice Age,
its keepers sought refuge elsewhere.
The mixture of extremely cold weather conditions, humidity, water and
condensation created breathtaking limestone sculptures of cathedral-like
vaults of stalactites and stalagmites, stone curtains and fantastic rock
formations.
Experts declare that only a handful of caverns in the world approach the
astounding wealth or the extent of those of Jeita.

Opened in 1958 to the public, the lower galleries can only be visited by boat,
while the upper galleries, opened in January 1969, can be admired on foot.

The modern discovery of Jeita’s underground gallery dates to 1836. Its

discovery is attributed to Reverend William Thomson, an American missionary.

Thomson was said to have ventured almost 50 meters into the cave before
reaching the underground river.

To confirm its depths, he fired a shot from his gun and the ensuing deep
echoes made it clear that he had uncovered a cave of major importance.

Today, the Jeita Grotto offers visitors modern services and a harmonious
interaction with a fascinating natural phenomenon.

The grotto is captivating, and a day spent there leaves visitors in awe at
discovering a mystifying world in the heart of the earth.

Undoubtedly, it is one of the most impressive and interesting natural sites in

the world and well worth its weight in the ensuing competition.

Cedars of Lebanon

Internationally, Cedrus Libani (Cedar of Lebanon) or Arz el-Rab (Cedars of

God), as it is locally referred to, is a unique species of cedar (pine) native to
the mountains of the Mediterranean region, with particular emphasis on
Lebanon.

The Cedars Conservancy parks in Lebanon are also candidates in the New 7
Wonders of Nature competition.

The famed Cedars of Lebanon have played a significant role in many ancient
civilizations. The natives of Phoenicia, present-day Lebanon, used to lumber
the Cedars to build trade and military ships, and houses and temples.

Cedar Sawdust was found in the tombs of the pharaohs and it is believed the
bark of Cedar was a vital ingredient for ancient Egyptian mummification.

The Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh states that Lebanon’s Cedar forest was the
home of the gods. In the bible, the Cedar is mentioned 70 times.

The world over, from the Romans and Greeks to the Persians, Assyrians and
Babylonians, this precious and rare tree was the most requested wood for
religious and civil constructs.

So special is the Cedar tree in the mindset of the Lebanese that it has become
the national emblem and stands proudly in the middle of the Lebanese flag.

The Cedar tree was so highly demanded across the world that it led to
immense deforestation, which has almost rendered it extinct.

Today, only small remnants of the original forests survive. Only seven hectares
of the original forest remains at present.

This small area is said to contain the oldest and largest specimens - estimated
to be over 2,000 years old. However, the good news: Lebanon is now
expanding the Cedar’s population through a combination of replanting and
protection of natural regeneration.

The Cedars of God forest in Bsharri and the Barouk forest are national
reserves.

Bite-size Facts: Jeita Grotto

Where is it? Jounieh, in the Valley of Nahr al-Kalb (Dog River)
What is it? A compound of two limestone caves
What runs through it? A 623-meter long river
How was it formed? The action of water in the limestone has created
cathedral-like vaults of stalactites and stalagmites, stone curtains and fantastic
rock formations. The grotto surpasses every cave in this category across the
world.
When was it created? During the last Ice Age
Did ancient man know of the caves? Yes, since Paleolithic times.
When was it rediscovered? 1836
Who first rediscovered the grotto? Reverend William Thomson, an American
missionary.
When were the caves opened to the public? The lower galleries were
opened in 1958 and the upper galleries were opened in 1969.
What is there to see in the grotto? Two caverns on two levels. The lower
galleries are visited by boat. The upper galleries can be seen on foot.
What are the available facilities at the grotto? A Parking area. A short ride
up the mountain in one of four Austrian cable cars or transportation via a make-
shift “train” pulled by a small replica of a steam engine. Air-conditioned theater,
which has scheduled showings of a film about Jeita in several languages. The
facility also has several restaurants, snack bars and restrooms as well as
souvenir shops selling Lebanese handicrafts.
When is it open? Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday
through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed on Mondays, unless there is a
national holiday.
What tips do you have for me? Photography is not permitted inside the
caves. Keep your tickets with you throughout your visit.

Bite-size Facts: Cedars of Lebanon, Natural Conservancy Parks

Where can they be found? Bcharreh – 1,400 meters above sea level.
What is the scientific name for the tree? Cedrus libani
Does the trees have a local name? Yes, Arz el-Rab or Cedars of God.
What type of trees are they? Pine (Pinaceae)
When were they formed? Biblical times.
Did ancient man make use of the tree? Yes, for building ships and anything
of importance because of the tree’s amazing durability and reliability. Also used
for medicine and embalming in ancient Egypt.
Was the tree mentioned in ancient texts? Many, including mythology and
the Bible where the name appears 70 times.
Where the trees affected by lumbering? Yes, greatly so. Very few remain
today.
Are the remaining trees conserved? In 1998, the Cedars were added to the
UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
What is there to see at the Cedars? Seven hectares that contain the oldest
and largest specimens - estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
What are the available facilities at Bsharri? Chalets, restaurants, souvenir
shops, hiking, paragliding, and more. It is also the hometown of Gibran Khalil
Gibran (1883-1931) the Lebanese poet, writer and painter. A museum near his
place of burial in the rock-cut monastery of Mar Sarkis should not be missed.
When can the Cedars be seen? Everyday, all-year-round, at any time.
What tips do you have for me? Respect nature while you visit and try to
make time to stop over at the Gibran museum.