Monzer_Bouwadi

The largest of Lebanon nature reserves, Shouf Biosphere Reserve or AL-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve stretches from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in the south. blanketed with oak forests on its northeastern slopes and juniper and oak forests on its southeastern slopes the reserves most famous attractions are its three magnificent cedar forests of Maasser Al-Shouf , Barouk and Ain Zhalta - Bmohary . These Cedar forests account for a quarter of the remaining cedar forest in Lebanon , and some tress are estimated to be 2,000 years old. The size of the reserve makes it a good location for the conservation of medium size mammals such as the wolf and the Lebanese jungle cat, as well as various species of mountain and plants. The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with trails matching all levels of fitness. Bird watching, mountain biking and snow shoeing are also popular. From the summit of the rugged mountains, visitors will have a panoramic view of the countryside, eastward to the Beqaa Valley and Qaraoun Lake, and westward toward the Mediterranean. Vision A world class Biosphere Reserve where natural and cultural heritage are conserved, resources are treated as wealth, investment receives due care, and development is controlled by citizens, businesses, and the managing authority. Objective First Objective: "Taking Care of the Capital" Second Objective:"Empowering the Management Team" Third Objective:"Supporting the Shareholders" Fourth Objective:"Putting the SBR on the Global Map" Why is the SBR important? Covers an area of 50,000 hectares, equivalent to about 5% of the overall area of Lebanon, making it one of the largest mountain protected areas in the Middle East Home to over 70,000 people living around the core zone of the reserve and belong to 24 different municipalities that stretch out over 2 Muhafazat (Districts) 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 520 species of plants, 25 internationally and nationally threatened species, 48 plants endemic to Lebanon/Syria/Turkey, and 14 rare species 250 bird species, many of them attracted to the Ammiq wetland 31 species of reptiles and amphibians including chameleon, tortoise, and several species of snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads 28,000 people visited in 2004, however after the 2006 war the number dropped to 14,000, but rebounded to 40,000 in 2009 70 different products are made by members of the local community (women) using traditional methods, and are on sale in visitors centers managed by the SBR 13 permanent and 8 temporary staff make up the SBR Management Team, all of whom are residents of the Shouf region