Management Of Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve In Cooperation With Shouf Cedar Apac And Under The Umbrella Of Ministry Of Environment

Programs: Research & Monitoring Is to supply high quality scientific information and expertise to facilitate informed and responsible management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Society by undertaking, promoting and supporting appropriate scientific Research and monitoring. Environmental Awareness Is to introduce and make clear to greater number of local community the importance of preserving the nature and the ecosystem, in particular the reserved zones and to create the environmental motive among them. Eco-Tourism: The aim is to facilitate a rewarding visitor experience by the provision of secretarial opportunities and experiences, consistent with no degradation or net loss of heritage value of the reserve. The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve receives each year more than 20,000 visitors (60% Lebanese nationality and 40 % various foreign nationalities) through 3 entrances: 1-Entrance of Maaser Cedar forest (7 hectares). 2-Entrance of Barouk Cedar forest (400 hectares). 3-Entrance of Ain Zhalta-Bmouhray Cedar forest (110 hectares). 4-Niha Fort entrance (historical site) There are many eco-tourism activities: Walking, Hiking, Trekking, Bird watching, Animal observation, Biking, Climbing, Rape games, educational activities and others. Rural development program Al-Shouf Cedars Society has undertaken the Crafts Reviving and Evolving Project since February 1999, after that the Canadian Financial Fund had agreed on granting the project 25 thousand American Dollars for a period of one year. The project had since then contributed in granting aid to 53 families by purchasing from them raw materials and hand-made provisions, after having trained the villagers on the modern ways of preparing and conserving food. Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve show visitors the patrimony and traditions of the rural society through its food products such as marmalade, herbs, beverage, distilled waters and craftworks in the Environmental Awareness Center and in the sites where visitors are received on the gates of the reserve where these food are sold.