Climate change and human activity threaten Libya nature reserve - in pictures

Libya's Ashaafean park became the country's first site to be added to Unesco's list of biosphere reserves last month. All photos: AFP
Libya's Ashaafean park became the country's first site to be added to Unesco's list of biosphere reserves last month. All photos: AFP
The park is now under threat due to climate change and human activity but authorities are hoping that the Unesco listing will help to protect its plant and animal life.
The park is now under threat due to climate change and human activity but authorities are hoping that the Unesco listing will help to protect its plant and animal life.
Ashaafean park was first designated as a nature reserve under former strongman Muammar Qaddafi in 1978.
Ashaafean park was first designated as a nature reserve under former strongman Muammar Qaddafi in 1978.
The 83,060-hectare biosphere reserve is home to about 350 plant species and has long been a sanctuary for rare or endangered species.
The 83,060-hectare biosphere reserve is home to about 350 plant species and has long been a sanctuary for rare or endangered species.
The park is in Libya's Nafusa mountain range and includes dry woodland, grassland and desert areas on the edge of the Sahara.
The park is in Libya's Nafusa mountain range and includes dry woodland, grassland and desert areas on the edge of the Sahara.
About 65,000 people live in the wider park area, with most of them making a living from traditional farming methods.
About 65,000 people live in the wider park area, with most of them making a living from traditional farming methods.