Driving factors that shaped the vegetation throughout history in El-jabal El-akhdar region, Libya: an approach to assimilate the past, understand the present, and anticipate the future

Abstract

The successful management and sustainable conservation of El-Jabal El-Akhdar region's unique ecosystem requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors that have shaped it over time. This overview work aims to review, analyze, and understand the natural and anthropogenic historical factors that drive the current state of the region's ecosystems, focusing on vegetation as a key indicator. The study reveals that vegetation is the primary natural resource linked to the activities of the local population, cultural heritage, and economic and social practices. Environmental changes throughout history, including geological eras, political and economic events, and demographic and cultural changes, have significantly impacted vegetation and wildlife in the region. Moreover, during the last two million years, human presence has profoundly impacted the ecosystems, particularly regarding wildlife and vegetation. The study concludes that the ecosystems are presently in a transitional phase, shaped mainly by human activities, into a new and different state. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping the ecosystems is critical for their future conservation and the maintenance of biodiversity.