Used by various civilisations throughout history for their strong and durable wood, Lebanon's cedars are now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's "Red List" as a "heavily threatened" species.

Local experts and environmentalists warn that global warming could have a negative impact on the cedars.

"Enough talking about the need to preserve the cedars, it's time for action. We must preserve the trees now," said Nizar Hani, scientific coordinator of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in the mountainous Shouf area southeast of Beirut.

"All indications are that if the current climatic changes continue, the cedars could be in danger."

Lebanon's largest reserve, where 25 percent of the country's 2,000 hectares (nearly 5,000 acres) of cedar trees are located, was established in 1996, stretching from Dahr al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south.

Some of the reserve's cedar trees, which belong to the pine family and have needle-like leaves bearing seeds in scaled clusters and are estimated to be 2,000 years old.

"The melting of snow on mountains as a result of climate change would lead to the disappearance of the cedars in Lebanon," said Wael Hmaidan, executive director of the League of Independent Activists, or IndyAct, a non-governmental organisation which focuses on environmental issues.

"We need to tackle climate change and limit its effects before it's too late."

Snow is a must for the tall evergreen cedars, which have a natural range of 1,200-1,800 metres (4,000-5,900 feet) above sea level. Warmer temperatures would push the trees higher up in order to grow and develop.

"If there is no combination of rain, snow and frost for several consecutive days, the seeds of the cedar won't be disseminated. We also need cold treatment for the seeds to be able to germinate," said Fady Asmar, a consultant and expert in Mediterranean forests.

"They also need summer mist, which compensates for water needs. Any change in these conditions for several consecutive years might eventually lead to the death of trees."

Lebanon's cedars were heavily deforested for thousands of years, and the remaining trees are now kept in protected areas.

Deforestation accounts for around a fifth of global emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

It is said the Phoenicians used cedars for building trade and military ships, as well as houses and temples, while their resin was key to the ancient Egyptians for mummification.