Assessment of the coastal and marine ecological systems present in the area extending from the fishing port (Al-Yogoslafia) to Burj Islam: Latakia - Syria on the Syrian coast

Abstract

The Syrian coastal region is considered as a rich zone in both natural and human resources; it contains a wide diversity of ecological and social systems with different natural, cultural and economic values, in addition to the services that these systems provide to the local community and their importance in its sustainability and well-being.

This study was conducted from 01/04/2024 to 01/07/2024, on the area that extends from the fishing and touristic port (Al-Yogoslafia) to Burj Islam area. This area experiences rich biodiversity (in terms of species and ecosystems). It also includes a number of diverse terrestrial ecosystems, whether in terms of plant or animal diversity. In addition, the study area contains the Marine Protected Area of  Ibn Hani and the archaeological site of ​​Ugarit.. This region suffers from many pressures, because of a number of factors such as pollution from multiple sources, as well as the impact of climate change.

This study carried out an assessment of the existing ecological, social and cultural heritage systems in the region based on the results of the DPSIR approach.