NATURE BOOK RECEIVES BEST BOOK AWARD FOR 2003 Nature Book by Najib Saab has received the 2003 Award of Beirut's 47th Arab-International Book Fair, for best design and production of the year. The book, published by Al-Bia Wal-Tanmia (Environment & Development) magazine, has been designed by Mohammad Hamade and printed in Beirut by Chemaly & Chemaly. It covers 22 nature sites across the Arab countries, in what Mohamed Kassas describes in his introduction as "an invitation to discover Arab nature in a fresh perspective."

Najib Saab receives the award from representative of PM Rafik Hariri minister of finance Fouad Seniora and minister of culture Ghazi Aridi.

Nature Book
A Journey Through Arabian Deserts, Mountains & Seas
Author: Najib Saab
Foreword by Mohamed Kassas
This is a most welcome publication that describes, in brief notes and rich photography, examples of biodiversity, notable sites and programmes of nature conservation in various Arab countries. It shows that what appears to be a vast desolate desert embraces sites of beautiful habitats and wonderful biota. Assembling a selection of the best photo features published in Al-Bia Wal-Tanmia (Environment & Development magazine), the book is an invitation to discover Arab nature in a fresh perspective.

In past days of transhumance, people had close knowledge of landforms, plants and animals and processes of nature. Their relationship with nature was so very intimate. Classic poetry is replete with adoration of nature and its plants and animals. With urbanization and modern life in cities, people seem to have lost this love-of-nature culture. This book quotes examples of projects that aim at bringing nature back to cities and to highways that connect them.

Conservation areas (ahmia) were parts of the landscape of the Arabian Peninsula all through history. These were lost in recent times. This book cites examples of nature reserves in various Arab countries, and notes the roles of governmental agencies and non-governmental bodies in this welcome revival.

In the past, hunting was a noble sport, a game between man and beast that satisfied the sportsmanship of hunter and did not destroy animal populations. By the advent of machine guns and four-wheel-drive cars, hunting became destructive onslaught. This book refers to several attempts at correcting this and regaining the balance of nature.

Nature Book is part of the welcome endeavours of Environment & Development magazine that has become, under the leadership of Najib Saab, an institution of environmental enlightenment in the Arab Region.
(photo: Saab signing his book at Beirut Book Fair)