The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

The Annotated Ramsar List: Libyan Arab Jamahiriya

The Annotated Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

The Convention on Wetlands came into force for the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya on 5 August 2000. The Libyan Arab Jamahiriya presently has 2 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 83 hectares.

site; date of designation; region, province, state; surface area; coordinates
site; date de désignation; région, province, état; superficie; coordonnées
sitios; fecha de designación; región, provincia, estado; área; coordenadas

Ain Elshakika. 05/04/00; Darnah; 33 ha; 32º46'N 021º21'E. National Park. An hypersaline coastal sebkha with limestone rock formations to the south, dunes and mudflats with extensive shrubs from west to east. The site has two connections to the sea, and at high tide seawater reaches the sebkha during winter and raises the water level to about one meter, but freshwater springs decrease the salinity to some degree. Part of Kouf National Park, the site is an important wetland for migratory and resident waterbirds and has great potential for ecotourism and birdwatching. Ramsar site no. 1026. Most recent RIS information: none.

Ain Elzarga. 05/04/00; Darnah; 50 ha; 32º47'N 022º21'E. National Park. A small natural sebkha or depression with at least one natural connection to the sea, wet all year round but with increasing water levels and salinity during summer. The sebkha, with mudflats and salt marsh community, is surrounded by dunes from east to west and rocky hills to the south and east. The site is one of the most important wetlands in the area of the Kouf National Park for migratory waterbirds. The birdwatching and ecotourism potential is considerable but undeveloped. Unsustainable hunting and destruction of vegetation, especially during summer, are considered threats. Ramsar site no. 1027. Most recent RIS information: none.

For further information about the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, please contact the Ramsar Convention Secretariat, Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland (tel +41 22 999 0170, fax +41 22 999 0169, e-mail ). Posted 29 May 2000, updated 2 May 2005, Dwight Peck, Ramsar.