1. Introduction

Litani River, the largest water resource in Lebanon, connects Lebanese regions with different physiographic characteristics, such as mountains and plains, and spans from the interior to the coastal zone of the country. In addition, Litani River occupies the Qaraaoun Reservoir, the largest of its type in Lebanon, with a capacity of about 220 million m³. The river is an optimal nexus of water, agriculture, and energy. However, it has lately become a geo-environmental issue with certain challenges creating a severe impact on the water quality and quantity. It is a paradox that although several studies, projects, and researches have been conducted on the river and its basin to enhance its status, deterioration was still exacerbated. Recently, a national plan for the Litani River was prepared by the Lebanese government to mitigate the existing physical and anthropogenic stresses on the river water and to reduce its harmful effects on human health. This chapter aims to highlight the principal elements concerning the river and its status. It also introduces the other chapters in this book.