Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa - Summer Program 2013
The Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit Organization, founded in 2007, with the aim to conserve the biodiversity and preserve the cultural heritage of Jabal Moussa and its surrounding villages Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR) is a unique melting pot of biodiversity and history, located in Kesrouan district, Lebanon. Jabal Moussa and surrounding villages became part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 2009.
As part of the MAB program, JMBR addresses human livelihoods improvement and nature conservation through a participatory and adaptive management.
Natural heritage:
Although it is located in the midst of destructive human activities, JMBR remains pristine and rich in biodiversity. Its slopes are covered with dense forests and woodlands of oak, pine, and hop-hornbeam with an under story of several rare and endemic plant species. It was designated a Global Important Bird Area (IBA), with more than 137 migratory and soaring bird species recorded. Rare and threatened mammals, such as wolves, hyenas and rock hyraxes, still thrive in this protected environment.
Cultural heritage:
Jabal Moussa portrays the interdependence of Man and Nature throughout history through various spiritual and archeological sites: Adonis Valley as a death site of god Adonis according to Phoenician mythology; Roman stairs along the Mountain's Southern slope; rock carvings by the Roman Emperor Hadrian; ruins of an old village isolated in the mountain; Mar Geryes Monastery; and a Cross at the mountain summit.
Programs:
APJM activities and projects fall into one of the three categories below:
Conservation:
• Studies and scientific research projects
• Three local tree nurseries supplying seedlings for reforestation
• Degraded sites Rehabilitation
• “Tabsoun Tabsoun” environmental awareness kids book
• Flower and Tree Identification handbooks
Ecotourism:
• Packages for guided hikes inside the reserve
• Local guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast
Socio-Economic development:
• Production and marketing of “Jabal Moussa” food & handicraft products
Join Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve for exciting hikes filled with beauty and serenity! To Book your hike, call us on 71-944 405; 09-643 464 or e-mail us on info@jabalmoussa.org - www.jabalmoussa.org - Facebook: Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve