UNESCO

MAN & BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME

International Coordinating Council

25th Session, Paris 27-30 May 2013

Reports on Actions undertaken by member states/ Regional and Thematic MAB Networks in

the context of MAB

COUNTRY REPORT OF LEBANON

(2012-2013)

Prepared by

MAB NATIONAL COMMITTEE IN LEBANON

The National MAB Committee adopted this year the initiative of using the existing Biosphere Reserves in the

country for training public and youth on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. The

Committee conducted several field scientific studies in the biosphere reserves. The president of the

Committee professor Georges Tohmé and his wife professor Henriette offered, the Jabal Moussa Biosphere

Reserve, two courtesy studies that resulted into two books: “Guide des belles fleurs de la Réserve de

Biosphère de Jabal Moussa” and “Guide des arbres, arbustes, arbrisseaux et fougères de la Réserve de

Biosphère de Jabal Moussa”. Professor Ghassan Jaradi, SG of the MAB Committee is assisting the Union of

Dounnieh municipalities and the Friends of Horsh Ehden NGO to nominate two new biosphere reserves

so that the total number of biosphere reserves will be five in a small country not exceeding 10450 km2.

Furthermore, the Committee participated in the meeting of ArabMAB Network and the workshop on

Green Economy during 12-13 April 2013 in Jordan and contributed to enrich the participants with the

experience of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve in sustainable development. During this meeting Lebanon

National MAB Committee was elected to remain in the Bureau of the ArabMAB Network.

As for the progress within the three declared Biosphere Reserves in Lebanon, the Rihane BR that is

located in the south of Lebanon is submitted to a temporary political regime due to its location at the

political tension line. Even though, it is active in reforestation and establishment of nurseries based on

native trees for reforestation and rehabilitation of deteriorated areas. The other two “Shouf BR and Jabal

Moussa BR” are hereinafter reported:

Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve

Report for the years 2012-2013

Report prepared by the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM)

Upon the request of the National MAB Committee

May 2013

1- Current status of the Biosphere Reserve

Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR) is located in Kesrouan District, Lebanon, on the shoulders of

the western slopes of Mount Lebanon Chain (34° 03’ 43.93” N, 35° 46’ 09.84” E), overlooking the

Mediterranean Sea to the West. It covers an area of 6,500 hectares, at an altitude ranging between 350 m

and 1,700 m. Jabal Moussa (JM) and surrounding villages became part of the UNESCO Network of

Biosphere Reserves under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 2009.

The managing body of the BR is a small but fervent NGO, the Association for the Protection of Jabal

Moussa (APJM). APJM has well adopted and internalized the MAB concept, and has evolved from initially

focusing on nature conservation solely, to addressing both conservation and livelihood improvement.

Today, APJM is sustaining the lives of many locals and is engaging them in the conservation actions: local

specialized staff is recruited and employed; the ecotourism infrastructure, originally backed by the

Italian Cooperation, is completely community-based (local guards, guides, guesthouses, bed-and-

breakfast); native tree nurseries, sponsored by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS),

create income to locals from land rental and maintenance; local products sold under Jabal Moussa brand

name are generating substantial income for non-working women.

Figure 1: Guides training Figure 2: Local women producing jam to be promoted under “Jabal Moussa” brand name

Figure 3: Lunch at a local guesthouse Figure 4: Jabal Moussa women cooking in Tawlet Souk Tayeb

2- Current research projects within the MAB

In line with its logistical function as a Biosphere Reserve, JMBR has been used as a site for

multidisciplinary research. Studies have ranged from biodiversity to socio-economic and their findings

have been channeled into ensuring the sound management of the reserve. Currently, JMBR is hosting

more specific research studies, including:

A study on biodiversity of ants, carried out by a young student pursuing her Master’s degree at the

“Université libre de Bruxelles”, in collaboration with the Lebanese University; and

A study on the phenotypic and genotypic diversity of oak species found in Jabal Moussa, conducted by

Dr Magda Kharrat (University of Saint Joseph) and Dr Jean Stephan (Lebanese University).

Prospective studies will be carried out in Jabal Moussa, chosen as pilot site for the FFEM (Fonds

Français pour l’Environnement Mondial) funded project, “Maximize the production of goods and

services of Mediterranean forest ecosystems in the context of global changes”.

3- Awards & Grants:

In 2013, Jabal Moussa won the first prize of The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Award for Environmental

Management that recognized the “Best Arab environmental practices for sustainable development in the

face of emerging challenges in Jabal Moussa Reserve, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve”.

In 2012, UNESCO Lebanon funded the preparation of the JMBR 10-Year Management Plan, and MAVA

Swiss Foundation funded its development. The Management Plan was developed in response to the

requirements of the UNESCO MAB program, and aims to ensure the effective short and long-term

implementation of the three underlying functions of biosphere reserves.

MEPI (Middle East Partnership Initiative) funded the SIFOHR project, which aimed at promoting and

sustaining rural income-generating initiatives in food and handicraft production. In the 6 months that

followed the project closure, the local products were sold out and reordered more than twice, generating

income to 45 women of about 25,000$.

4- Publications:

Publications are one of APJM’s favorite means of communication, used for education, awareness and

dissemination of valuable information. Apart from the small booklets developed and being distributed,

three books were published between 2012 and 2013:

« Tabsoun Tabsoun »:

“Tabsoun Tabsoun!” (Hyrax Hyrax!) is a book for kids,

written by Najib Kassar. This book is the first of a series

(The adventures of Tabsoun) that aims at introducing the

youngsters to the natural heritage found in Jabal Moussa

and the importance of conserving it. 25,000 copies of the

book are being distributed on a national level to all Grade 2

students in public schools, an initiative backed by Rotary

Club - Beyrouth, Murex and Cimenterie Nationale.

Figure 5: Tabsoun Tabsoun book

Two books on flora:

“Guide des belles fleurs de la Réserve de Biosphère de Jabal Moussa” is a guide to the flowers of

Jabal Moussa, written by Professors Georges and Henriette Tohmé, - publication announced on the

UNESCO website (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/about-us/single-

view/news/flowers_guide_of_the_jabal_moussa_biosphere_reserve_lebanon/). This book is an efficient

tool used for the identification of Jabal Moussa’s beautiful, endemic and rare flowers. “Guide des arbres,

arbustes, arbrisseaux et fougères de la Réserve de Biosphère de Jabal Moussa”, is a guide to Jabal

Moussa’s trees, written by the same authors, and is currently under production. The publishing of both

guides was financed by Byblos Bank.

5- Events:

APJM has organized and participated in many events for educational or visibility purposes, and is

regularly updating the supporters, whether on the website (http://www.jabalmoussa.org/news-our-

events-lebanon), the Facebook Group (Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve), the Twitter account

(@Jabal_Moussa), or through emailing (info@jabalmoussa.org).

6- Other activities:

APJM is developing rehabilitation plans for two degraded sites inside the reserve: an abandoned

limestone quarry (backed by HSBC Bank) and a damaged part of the roman stairs (backed by Banque

Libano-Française).

APJM is one of the 9 members of the Lebanon Native Tree Cooperative. APJM has three native tree

nurseries currently being rendered state-of-the-art with the support of LRI - Lebanon Reforestation

Initiative (organized by the US Forest Service).

APJM has become a very active member of the IUCN National Committee and had a key role in

developing its National Programme and its launching during the AFED (Arab Forum for Environment

and Development) 5th annual conference, in the presence of Julia Marton-Lefèvre, director general of

IUCN, who visited JM.

APJM has acquired new levels of legal protection for JM: in February 2012, a Presidential Decree

was issued, identifying and classifying Jabal Moussa a Protected Natural Site; and in January 2012, the

Roman stairs were designated a “historic site of cultural importance” according to a decision issued

by the Ministry of Culture and Higher Education.

Figure 6: Native tree nurseries Figure 7: Julia Marton-Lefèvre’s visit Figure 8: Roman stairs

1. Current Status of the Biosphere Reserve:

The Shouf Biosphere reserve (SBR) is important nationally and internationally because it covers an area

of 50,000 hectares which is equivalent to about 5% of the overall area of Lebanon, making it one of the

largest mountain protected areas in the Middle East. It is home to over 70,000 people living around the

core and buffer zone of the reserve and encompasses 24 different municipalities that stretch out over 3

Muhafazat (Districts). The SBR also boasts 620 hectares of Cedrus libani forest, the largest expanse of this

species in Lebanon and 25% of the remaining cedar forests in the country. In modern day Lebanon, the

legendary cedar is still revered and remains prominent in the minds of all Lebanese. It is featured on the

national flag, national airline, government logos, Lebanese currency and innumerable commercial logos.

It is the feature of books, poetry, post cards, posters and art. The cedars of Lebanon are an important part

of the natural and cultural heritage of Lebanon.

Government legislation, Law No. 532 of 24 July 1996 declared “The communal lands of Niha, Jba’a,

Mrousti, Khraibe, Maasser, Barouk, Bmohreh, Ain Dara, Ain Zhalta villages, in addition to the Government

owned lands on the eastern side of Barouk Mountain” a Nature Reserve. The SBR is under the authority of

the Lebanese Ministry of Environment (MOE), which manages it through the Appointed Protected Area

Committee (APAC) that includes among its members the Al-Shouf Cedar Society (ACS), the Mayors of the

larger villages, and independent environment experts. APAC liaises with the reserve’s Management Team,

which deals with the Reserve’s day-to-day management and planning. In July 2005, UNESCO declared the

Shouf Biosphere Reserve, an area of approximately 50,000 hectare – or 5% of the total area of Lebanon.

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve contains core zones, buffer zones, and a transition zone:

1- Core zone of the SBR is about 161 sq km. The main conservation objectives of the core zone are the

protection and rehabilitation of the SBR’s natural and cultural values.

2- Buffer zone of the SBR is about 54 sq km. It surrounds the core zone(s) where only activities

compatible with the conservation objectives can take place.

3- Transition zone (development zone) of the SBR is about 233 sq km. It includes all the villages

surrounding the SBR where sustainable resource management practices are promoted.

A large number of local, national, and international stakeholders play an important role in the

development of the SBR as supporters, partners, contractors, beneficiaries, and providers of technical

and financial assistance. The management team of the SBR will convene a series of workshops to present

a summary of the SBR Management Plan 2012-2017 to all stakeholders. Comments will be noted and

incorporated in the upcoming SBR Management Plan.

Over the past ten years (2002-2012) the SBR designed and implemented a portfolio of projects for a total

budget of almost US$ 2,000,000. Most of these projects have focused on grassroots rural development,

awareness raising, environmental education, and training. Because most of efforts of the SBR

management team focused on developing socio-economic projects, the conservation side was largely

neglected. A priority for the future is to obtain funding for activities addressing conservation/restoration

of biological diversity in the SBR which is the “capital” on which development must be built, and to

broaden the traditional pool of donors.

Staffing

A number of staff concerns were reviewed in preparation of this management plan:

1- Financial Stability: due to the limited allocations that the MOE provides for staff salaries, the Al-Shouf

Cedar Society (ASC) has to provide the balance of their salaries through income it earns from entrance

fees and donations.

2- Professional Qualifications: most of the staff of the SBR are well qualified and have performed

admirably under very difficult situations. However, not all the staff are sufficiently qualified to carry out

their duties satisfactorily, and they would benefit from training courses.

3- Staff Numbers: At present, 13 permanent and 8 temporary staff members make up the SBR

management team, all of whom are residents of the Shouf region. This number is far too small for the

large area covered by the SBR. It is estimated that double that number (26 permanent and 16 temporary

staff) will be required during the next few years to adequately manage the reserve, protect its valuable

resources, and handle an increasing number of visitors.

The shouf cedar reserve has four entrances: Barouk Cedar Forest, Maaser Al Shouf Cedar Forest,

AinZhalta Cedar Forest, and Niha Fortress. It receives around 70,000 visitors during the year of 2012.

2. Current research projects with the MAB:

MAVA Project: Mediterranean Mosaics - Strengthening the Resilience of Mediterranean

Landscapes to Socio-Economic and Climate Change.

During its current phase, which is funded by MAVA foundation, shall run between 2012 and 2015,

the project will:

Design and implement pilot restoration plans to increase the resilience of river and forest ecosystems, creating joint ventures between the private sector, the civil society, and the public sector. These plans will be supported by the design a forest bird monitoring programmes. The

work will also include the development of sustainable bio-energy plans based on forest biomass and agriculture waste to increase resilience to climate change exacerbated risks (forest fires, drought) while improving ecosystem management and creating job opportunities. Design innovative strategies to strengthen sustainable tourism development in the rural communities in/around the protected areas and create participated visions in pilot villages of the protected areas, following the "Landscape Design Statement". Build an extended network of partners among public administrations, private sector, NGOs and community groups, to ensure expansion and continuity of the work.

AFD/FFEM Project : Appui Aux Réserves Naturelles du Liban

Appui à la gestion et à l'administration de la réserve

Protection de la biodiversité et aménagements de la réserve : Plan d'aménagement opérationnel

Accueil des visiteurs et sensibilisation Activités socio-économiques et développement local

1- Programme de gestion participative des pâturages 2- Plan de développement touristique 3- Filière complète sur les plantes aromatiques

GTZ project: Restoration of income generation affected by the war to support conservation of Shouf Biosphere Reserve

Output 1: Enhanced capacities of the biosphere administration to enforce regulations

Output 2: Recovery of revenues of people living in the transition area of the Shouf Biosphere

Reserve

Output 3: Strengthening eco-tourism

Output 4: Project management and dissemination of results

Italian Cooperation Project: An integrated project of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve including Conservation, and Evolving of the Eco-Tourism and Awareness programs

Conservation and forest fire fighting Development of Eco-tourism and environmental awareness Management support of the Reserve

3. Awards and Grants received:

Takreem International Jury Board commented Shouf Biosphere Reserve on November 30, 2012

for the Environmental Development and sustainability award.

4. Publications/Studies:

Ecotourism strategy: (2010, updated 2012)

The goals of ecotourism in protected areas should always focus on conserving the environment, enhancing the quality of life for local communities, and improving the tourism product and service in a way that the ecotourism activity becomes a successful operation leading to socioeconomic benefits.

Trail of the Barouk river valley: (2011-2012)

This booklet is a brief introduction to the rich natural and cultural attractions of the villages of the

Higher Chouf as well as to the recreational activities available, in particular the hiking trails. The

Federation of Municipalities of the Higher Chouf (F.M.H.C.) welcomes you in our region and wishes

you a memorable visit.

شجرة وخبرية (A Tree and A Story) 2012:

It’s established through the environmental awareness program that the Shouf Biosphere Reserve

implement with the surrounding public schools of Niha villages stretching from as far south as Ain

Zhalta north.

Tawlet Ammiq – Eco-Restaurant for Biosphere:

« Ammiq Eco-Restaurant » is funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

and has been constructed in collaboration with Al Chouf Cedar Society and A Rocha. It is located in

the largest Nature Reserve in Lebanon, in the West Bekaa, in Ammiq village. Its high

environmental performance features and architecture contribute to the conservation of natural

resources and to the biodiversity of the region. Ammiq Eco-Restaurant officially opened its doors

on May 13th, 2012 and is operated by “Tawlet Ammiq”.

5. Events (Annual Local Festivals):

Barouk Festivals

Mokhtara Festivals

Green Orient Group

Khreibeh Festivals

Mresti Festivals

JABALNA Festival

6. Other Activities:

The link between tourism and protected areas is becoming more important as tourism activities are relying more on natural heritage combined with cultural heritage. At the same time protected areas are also becoming more interested in the role of tourism in supporting conservation initiatives. Ecotourism is a field that is very dependent on effective and efficient planning. Tourism in and around protected areas must become a tool for conservation that contributes to the quality of life and economic opportunities of local communities. Tourism packages help to fulfill these goals by introducing the visitor to the uniqueness of the attractions, and at the same time benefit the local communities directly. All the discovery packages proposed in our Eco-tourism Strategy are composed of 2 days 1 night, with a large choice of activities and destinations. They are designed to encourage ‘slow travel’ allowing the visitor to have a more authentic experience and a better understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. They are composed of 1 day hiking in the Biosphere reserve + 1 overnight in the guesthouse + 1 cultural tour at the villages. Most of these packages are for the summer season (mid April – mid October), but a good number of them are feasible in winter, whether or not they are combined with snow activities.

What can you do in the reserve? Hiking: more than 230km of hiking trails in the mountain or next to the river Biking: 20 bicycles are available in the villages surrounding the reserve

Donkey riding: 4 Donkeys are available Snowshoeing: 19 snowshoes are available Villages cultural tour Villages local festivals Taste the traditional

End of the report