UNESCO MAN & BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME. International Coordinating Council COUNTRY REPORT OF LEBANON ( ) Prepared by

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1 UNESCO MAN & BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME International Coordinating Council 25 th Session, Paris May 2013 Reports on Actions undertaken by member states/ Regional and Thematic MAB Networks in the context of MAB COUNTRY REPORT OF LEBANON ( ) 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 km 2. Furthermore, the Committee participated in the meeting of ArabMAB Network and the workshop on Green Economy during 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:

2 Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve Report for the years 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.

Jabal Moussa (JM) and surrounding villages became part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 2009.

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.

backed by the Italian Cooperation, is completely community-based (local guards, guides, guesthouses, bed-andbreakfast); native tree nurseries, sponsored by the United Nations Office for Project

3 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 ( N, 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 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-andbreakfast); 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.

4 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

This book is an efficient tool used for the identification of Jabal Moussa s beautiful, endemic and rare flowers.

The publishing of both guides was financed by Byblos Bank.

5 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 ( 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 ( the Facebook Group (Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve), the Twitter account (@Jabal_Moussa), or through ing (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) 5 th 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%

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).

6 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.

7 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 to all stakeholders. Comments will be noted and incorporated in the upcoming SBR Management Plan. Over the past ten years ( ) 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 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)

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

8 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.

9 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: ( ) 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.

10 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

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

A Proposed Framework for the Development of Joint Cooperation On Nature Conservation and Sustainable Tourism At World Heritage Natural sites.

Introduction: A Proposed Framework for the Development of Joint Cooperation On Nature Conservation and Sustainable Tourism At World Heritage Natural sites Between The tourism industry and the UNESCO, World