The Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) lies between longitude 35º 28’- 35º 47’ East and latitude 33º 32’- 35º 48’ North at an altitude ranging from 1200 to 1980 meters. It is located along a mountain range known as the Barouk Mountain, a southern extension of the Mount Lebanon Range, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The Beirut-Damascus highway and the town of Jezzine define the northern and southern borders of the reserve. The SBR covers an area of about 500 square km. that is equivalent to about 5% of Lebanon. A typical Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons where the average temperature of the warmest month (August) is 25 °C, and the coldest month (January) is 4 °C. The summers are warm and dry while the winters are cool and wet.
A new biodiversity survey conducted starting 2022 has confirmed the following: -Habitats: 44 out of which 42 are natural and semi-natural(vegetation man-made): forest & woodland, shrublands, grasslands, inland water and rocky habitats. -Flora: 997 species – Avians: 161 species including 6
globally threatened. – Mammalian: 26 wild non-volant species among which 2 vulnerable species. – Herptile: 31 species were detected (6 Amphibians, 25 Reptiles) including 2 endangered species. -Birds: 161 species including 6 that are internationally threatened.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is most famous for hosting one of the largest stands of Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani) in the country: 620 hectares of cedar forest, largely confined to the steeper and less accessible areas, and represent the natural southern limit of this tree. The Shouf is a nexus of many cultures, religions, and historical events all of which have left an imprint that makes the area’s cultural heritage as rich as its ecosystems.
Conservation
Good governance
Community benefits
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR) lies between longitude 35º 28’- 35º 47’ East and latitude 33º 32’- 35º 48’ North at an altitude ranging from 1200 to 1980 meters. It is located along a mountain range known as the Barouk Mountain, a southern extension of the Mount Lebanon Range, which runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The Beirut-Damascus highway and the town of Jezzine define the northern and southern borders of the reserve. The SBR covers an area of about 500 square km. that is equivalent to about 5% of Lebanon. A typical Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons where the average temperature of the warmest month (August) is 25 °C, and the coldest month (January) is 4 °C. The summers are warm and dry while the winters are cool and wet.
A new biodiversity survey conducted starting 2022 has confirmed the following:
– Habitats: 44 out of which 42 are natural and semi-natural (vegetation man-made): forest & woodland, shrublands, grasslands, inland water and rocky habitats.
– Flora: 997 species
– Avians: 161 species including 6 globally threatened.
– Mammalian: 26 wild non-volant species among which 2 vulnerable species.
– Herptile: 31 species were detected (6 Amphibians, 25 Reptiles) including 2 endangered species.
– Birds: 161 species including 6 that are internationally threatened The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is most famous for hosting one of the largest stands of Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani) in the country: 620 hectares of cedar forest, largely confined to the steeper and less accessible areas, and represent the natural southern limit of this tree. The Shouf is a nexus of many cultures, religions, and historical events all of which have left an imprint that makes the area’s cultural heritage as rich as its ecosystems.
Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve was among the first Green Listed sites in the MEWA region announced back in 2018, and one of the earliest Protected Areas in Lebanon. It is within Lebanon’s Protected Area network, with longstanding support from local communities, who have been actively engaged in its activities since its establishment. These include municipalities, local NGOs, farmers, beekeepers, schools, universities, and private sector entities.
The reserve collaborates closely with national authorities, including relevant ministries and municipalities, and has played a significant role in advocacy efforts, such as developing laws for OECMs and Geoparks. It effectively leverages its human and financial resources through structured planning and sound threat management, enabling the successful implementation of its conservation strategies.
The nature reserve has consistently demonstrated its commitment to conserving both natural and cultural heritage. It also collaborates with well-established scientists and ecologists from Lebanon and abroad, strengthening its research and conservation efforts.
A desk review highlights the site’s natural progression and positive development since its initial Green List application. The reserve’s history, active role in conservation at national and regional levels, and community engagement further support its re-nomination for the Green List.
The site representative confirmed that there is no “direct” danger on the site. The area is outside the war zone and there is no risk facing the values of the PA: the team is in place, as they all live in the region, the financial resources are available, and all equipment is in place. There are no exceptional challenges related to conservation. They have a protection plan that they are implementing (already uploaded in the MoV) which addresses the dangers and risks that regularly face the site.
As for the waiving of the site visit, it is important to point out that the threat is not in the Shouf. It is related first of all to the recommendations of countries forbidding traveling to Lebanon, and then the security at the airport and its surroundings. The Shouf team are traveling and taking part in meetings and conferences (example the Mediterranean Forest Week in Barcelona).
All requested documentation, is available in the MoV. Any additional request or confirmation will be reviewed and confirmed during the mid-term review and upcoming site visit.
In conclusion, Al Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve is recommended for Green List re-nomination.
