This article is part of an extensive storytelling series delving into Lebanon’s gems, best practices, successes, and unique features, with a special focus on environmental issues and protection. The series strives to portray Lebanon through the lens of its places and people.

Article:  Rouba Boustany
Photos: Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve

Lebanon’s biosphere reserves stand as living proof of the country’s rich natural heritage, offering sanctuaries for biodiversity and climate resilience. Spanning vast areas across the nation, these reserves, including the Arz Shouf Biosphere Reserve, are vital in safeguarding Lebanon’s forests, water sources, and wildlife. Covering 50,000 hectares—an astonishing 5% of Lebanon’s total area—Arz Shouf is the country’s largest protected reserve and a crucial part of UNESCO’s global network of biosphere reserves. With six key entrances, it stretches from the Ain Zhalta-Bmohray forests in the north to the ancient Niha Fortress in the south, preserving Lebanon’s iconic cedar forests and diverse ecosystems.

Mr. Nijad Saed Eddine, Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve Field coordinator

At the heart of this conservation effort is Engineer Nijad Saeed Eddine who has been instrumental in advocating for sustainable forest management and land restoration, emphasizing the need for a balance between scientific expertise and community-driven conservation.”The reserve is more than just trees and land. It is a refuge for diverse species, a lifeline for local communities, and a symbol of Lebanese heritage,” he says.

The biosphere is home to native trees such as wild apple, hawthorn, and the Lebanese oak, which have thrived in these mountains for centuries. However, with climate change accelerating shifts in rainfall patterns and pushing forests to higher altitudes, preservation efforts have become more urgent than ever.

Like many natural reserves worldwide, Lebanon’s biospheres face significant threats, including deforestation, illegal logging, poaching, and increasing wildfires. “This year alone, we witnessed a drastic decline in rainfall. January, usually our wettest month, saw almost no precipitation,” Nijat explains. The consequences of climate change are undeniable, and proactive forest management is the only way forward.

Yet, conservation is not a solitary battle. The reserves actively involve local communities, who serve as the first line of defense against environmental threats. Sustainable agricultural programs encourage toxin-free farming, supporting the cultivation of traditional Lebanese crops like figs, pomegranates, and apples. Moreover, awareness campaigns educate residents on responsible harvesting to protect endangered plants like thyme and gundelia.

The reserves also pioneer innovative biomass management strategies. Deadwood and fire-prone materials are collected and transformed into eco-friendly fuel briquettes, reducing the need for traditional firewood and mitigating wildfire risks.

Among Arz Shouf’s many initiatives, the “Eternal Cedars” project has left a profound mark. Visitors can adopt a cedar tree, contributing to reforestation while commemorating personal milestones—a tribute to loved ones, a celebration of new life, or a meaningful gift. To date, over 30,000 cedars have been adopted, reinforcing Lebanon’s green legacy.

One of Nijat’s most inspiring experiences was the creation of the wildfire response training program. “Four years ago, we trained 25 young men and women in emergency intervention,” he recalls. “Today, they are the first responders when fires break out, arriving even before we do.” This grassroots dedication showcases the strength of community-led conservation and the hope that future generations will continue to safeguard Lebanon’s natural treasures.

Despite Lebanon’s economic and environmental struggles, the country’s biosphere reserves remain a beacon of resilience. They embody the harmonious coexistence of people and nature, where conservation efforts protect not just wildlife but also the cultural and environmental heritage of an entire nation. In the face of climate change and increasing environmental pressures, the commitment of those working in Lebanon’s biospheres ensures that the cedars and green lands of Lebanon will stand tall for centuries to come.