Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve covers about 5% of the overall area of Lebanon and extends along the ridge of the western chain of Mount Lebanon from Dahr-el Baidar in the north to Jezzine in the south and overlooks both the Bekaa valley to the east and the Shouf valley to the west. The mostly treeless summit of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve forms the skyline of a large part of southern Lebanon.

 

   

Ecological Characteristics

With some of the highest mountains in the Middle East, the region provides a full wealth of ecosystem services including wildgenes pool, freshwater storage, climate mitigation, hydro-geologic balance, andaesthetic/leisure value. It hosts the largest stands of Lebanese Cedars, one of the World’s great tree icons, as well as rich flora and plenty of medicinal plants with high potential economic value. It is home to 520 species of plants, 25 internationally and nationally threatened species, and 48 plants endemic to Lebanon.

Interesting wildlife with a good potential for restoration through the reintroduction of charismatic species such as Ibex, Gazelle, Vultures etc. It is a a crossroads for bird migration, strategically located on the routes between Europe, Africa, and West Asia. Over 250 bird species recorded in the Biosphere Reserve, many of which are recorded from the Ammiq wetland. 

Its 50,000 hectares of surface, which make SBR on of the largest protected areas in the Middle East and the East Mediterranean, with 620 hectares of Cedar forest.

 

 

 

Socio-Economic Characteristics

• 70,000 people living around the SBR, whose territory is shared by 24 different municipalities belonging to 3 different Districts.
• Rural Development: 70 different products made by members of the local community (mainly women) using traditional methods. Recipes are available on sale in the visitors centres managed by the Reserve.
• Ecotourism Management: Interpreter/guiding, visitorsafety, eco-tourism activities, guest houses- Environmental education

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Last updated: October 2018