UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Jabal Moussa
General information
The Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve which overlooks the Mediterranean sea to the west is a true mosaic of ecological systems broadly representing the “evergreen sclerophylic broussailles and forests” biogeographic region within a Mediterranean biome. A dominant feature of this biosphere reserve is its pristine world of steep, verdant mountainsides rising from a river lined with cool, aromatic sycamore trees to reach summits of statue-like karstic rocks. The mountainous relief gives rise to a number ofeco-zones, thus promoting diversity harbouring many species.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2009
Country
Lebanon
Total population
4715
Area
Surface
6,500.00 ha
Total terresterial area
6,500.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 34.0622 - Longitude: 35.7694
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
The Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve which overlooks the Mediterranean sea to the west is a true mosaic of ecological systems broadly representing the “evergreen sclerophylic broussailles and forests” biogeographic region within a Mediterranean biome.A dominant feature of this biosphere reserve is its pristine world of steep, verdant mountain sides rising from a river lined with cool, aromatic sycamore treesto reach summits of statue-like karstic rocks.The mountainous relief gives rise to a number of eco-zones, thus promoting diversity harbouring many species. The numerous valleys of Jabal Moussa generally run in a direction EN-WS.From a more aesthetic point of view, the various landscapes dominated by peaks and basins, offer wonderful limitless views that are not influenced by the geographical position alone but also by the variety of altitudes and the exposition of slopes in several directions.In the core area alone, it was possible to identify 14 phytoecologic groups and two agricultural types. In addition, Jabal Moussa is unique because it has not yet been touched by the uncontrolled urbanism, dissemination of roads, and quarries that have devastated other similar mountains.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The transition zone comprises about 54.5 % of the Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve, with the predominant land usebeing forest management, charcoal production, traditional agricultural activities, fruit trees plantation, grazing, quarrying and seasonal recreation.Within the low populated (c.8279 individuals) Jabal Moussa biosphere reserve., the local communities derive direct income from the sale of home made products.The local communities also derive direct incomes from rental of rooms or houses for visitors’overnight accommodation, cooking to supply healthy local food to participants of workshops that are conducted within villages, guiding tourists to visit the reserve, including the natural and historical monuments, and selling items frequently sought by tourists.
