De la patrimonialisation du karst libanais : étude du site Unesco de la vallée de la Qadisha, Nord-Liban

A critical gap in the UNESCO World Heritage inscription of the Qadisha Valley, Lebanon, has been identified: despite its status as one of the country's most significant karst landscapes, geological and spéléological values were marginalized in favor of cultural, historical, and religious significance. Analysis reveals that while the valley's rich history—including its role as a refuge for Maronite hermits since the 5th century and its deep ties to tourism—dominated its 1998 UNESCO listing, systematic spéléological studies highlight substantial untapped geopatrimonial potential. This oversight underscores the need for a more balanced approach in heritage valorization, integrating karst-specific attributes into future conservation strategies.

Pasquier, J. (2010). De la patrimonialisation du karst libanais : étude du site Unesco de la vallée de la Qadisha, Nord-Liban. Karstologia : Revue de Karstologie et de Spéléologie Physique, 55(1), 39–48. https://doi.org/10.3406/karst.2010.2669