MAPPING APPLE TREES FUTURE LAND USE POTENTIAL AS A MEANS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION IN EAST-MEDITERRANEAN MOUNTAINS: MOUNT-LEBANON

Agricultural zonal migrations and altitudinal shifts of high chill requirements fruit trees such as apple is considered a way adaptation to climate change in mountain agriculture. This study examines near far future options (2050-2070) this local method four village clusters Mount-Lebanon, involving the expansion agricultural lands suitable regions under different degrees scenarios temperature increase precipitations regime fluctuation. A Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping calculation model was established for land evaluation which aims locate spaces where agriculture development indicators soil type, slope, temperatures, will be cultivation models. The does not seek exact delineation plots much location areas with trend relevance next 30 50 years. classification tool help Mount-Lebanon farmers growers adapting locally by choosing best spots migrate their crops to. Results showed that most viable, are already use production (mainly) 4 clusters, leaving small parcels variable agro-potentials developed favorable conditions. potential altitude exceeding 2000 meters validated studied area, especially since climatic irrigation conditions there can present serious challenges.