Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity

The conservation policies applied in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve have helped to protect the endemic cedar tree, Cedrus libani, the symbol of Lebanon [ ] 140 Revitalizing an ancient reserve The conservation policies applied in the SBR have helped protect the endemic Cedar tree, Cedrus libani, which is the symbol of Lebanon. They have also assisted in the recovery of carnivore populations such as the wolf, hyena and jackal. In addition, they have supported the reintroduc- tion of the nubian ibex, which was native to Lebanon until 1900, and the relocation of the rock hyrax, helping to restore the balance between herbi- vores and carnivores. About 290 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve and the Ammiq Wetland — a Ramsar Site and Important Bird Area and home to over 1,056 plant species. The region also contains 31 species of reptile including chameleon, tortoise and several spe- cies of snake, lizard, frog and toad. In 2017, various projects took place in biodiversity conservation, rural development, involvement of local communities, awareness raising and environmental education. Other activities included area restoration, ecosystem services, climate change mitigation, upgrading of manage- ment policies and reintroduction of selected native wildlife. The reserve has managed to engage the community in the area through diverse programmes to support rural entrepreneurs, women, youth and the unemployed by enhancing sustainable business practices and facilities that are linked to tourism, agriculture and traditional products. By helping with various activities to protect the reserve, they are able to enhance their knowledge, abilities and skills in protected area conser- vation and can become involved in ecosystem conservation, restoration and land rehabilitation. The SBR facilitates environmental awareness activities for university students, researchers and scien- tists who visit the reserve. Issues addressed include pollution, global warming, climate change, hunting, sustainable management of water resources and deforestation. Syrian refugees and children with special needs also engage with numerous environmental awareness-raising activities on subjects such as World Water Day, biomass management, old agricultural terraces and composting. C overing 166 km 2 , the Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR), with 30 per cent of the cedar forests remaining in Lebanon, has played a major role in biological diversity conservation for over 20 years. The Ministry of Environment is responsible for protection and restoration work in the reserve, which is one of the most important Lebanese sites for implementation of biological diversity projects contributing to the Convention on Biological Diversity objectives and Aichi Biodiversity Targets, the Sustainable Development Goals and other Multilateral Environmental Agreements. Kadisha Valley, Lebanon Ramy Kabalan on Unsplash Lebanon