Plan Shouf Reserve

REPUBLIC OF LEBANON
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
AL-SHOUF CEDAR
NATURE RESERVE
MANAGEMENT PLAN
2000 - 2005
Prepared by the Al-Shouf Planning Team of the Protected Areas Project:
Faisal Abu-Izzeddin IUCN Project Manager

Peter Hitchcock IUCN Senior Consultant
Lina Yamout Ministry of Environment, Project Counterpart
Assad Serhal Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Manager
Acknowledgements: The authors of this management plan would like to acknowledge

the help of the many contributors and to thank in particular the following:
Maha El-Kadi Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Assistant Manager

Simon Jahshan Protected Areas Project, Administrator/Finance
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REPUBLIC OF LEBANON
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT PLAN AUTHORIZATION
AL-SHOUF CEDARS NATURE RESERVE
2000-2005
I hereby AUTHORIZE the implementation of this MANAGEMENT PLAN

for the Al-Shouf Cedars Nature Reserve as the master plan for the
protection and management of the nature reserve. The
agency/committee responsible for the lawful management of this
reserve is obliged to operate within this plan.
No development which is contrary to this plan may be approved. All
subsidiary plans and decisions must comply with this plan. Copies of
this plan are to be widely distributed and publicly available.
Any proponent of a significant activity or development which is contrary

to this
plan may make submission calling upon the Minister to direct the
Director General of the Ministry of Environment to prepare a draft plan
and, following a period of Government and public consultation in
(Arabic and English) of
not less than 90 days, such draft may be submitted for consideration.
This plan remains in force until replaced by another authorized plan.
Review of this plan is due before April 2005
Signed: ………………………………………………….
Minister of Environment
3
Republic of Lebanon
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CONTENTS
Page
Foreword…………………………………………………………………………..5
Part 1.0 THE MANAGEMENT CONTEXT 6

The Protected Areas Project……………………. 6
Part 2.0 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN 7

2.1 Introduction……………………………………… 7
2.2 Planning Process………………………………… 7
2.3 Relationship to other Plans……………………… 6
Part 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE 11

RESERVE
3.1 Geographic Context ……………………..……. 11
3.2 Maps…………………………………………….. 12
3.3 Legal Status……………………………………… 13
3.4 Natural Heritage……………………………….. 14
3.4.1. Physiographic Characteristics…………………… 14
3.4.2. Biological Characteristics….…………………… 17
3.4.1. Plants……………………………………………. 17
3.4.2 Mammals……………………………………….. 19
3.4.3 Birds…………………………………………….. 20
3.4.4 Reptiles and Amphibians……………………….. 21
3.5 Cultural Heritage……………………………… 22
3.5.1 The Historic Significance of the Cedars of
Lebanon…………………………………………. 22
3.5.2. . 23
3.5.3. Historic Cultural Sites…………………………… 23
3.6 Contemporary Cultural Sites……………………. 25
Statement of Significance………………………
Part 4.0 A VISION FOR AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE 27

4.1. Management Principles………………………… 27
4.2. A Vision for the Future………………………… 29
4.3. Constraints on Achieving the Vision…………… 30
Part 5.0 OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND ACTIONS 31

5.1. Objectives……………………………………… 31
5.2. Policies and Actions……………….…………… 32
5.3. 5 Year Work Plan……………..……………….. 50
5
Part 6.0 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 56

6.1. Socio-economic context…………………………. 56
6.2. Tourism potential………………..……………… 57
6.3. Business Plan…………………………………… 58
6.4. Funding Plan……………………………………. 59
Part 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN 60

7.1. Annual Work-plan …………………………… 60
7.2. Plan Review Process………………………… 60
7.3. Monitoring of Implementation………………. 60
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 61
APPENDICES 64
Appendix 1 Law No 532
Appendix 2 Natural Heritage Charter
Appendix 3 Burra Charter
Appendix 4 Activities Table
Appendix 5 Plant Species List
Appendix 6 Mammal Species List
Appendix 7 Reptiles and Amphibians
Appendix 8 Bird Species List
Appendix 9 Contact List
6
FOREWORD
The formal establishment of protected areas to conserve important sites of natural
heritage is recent and heralds a new age in Lebanon - the rediscovery of the natural
landscape of this ancient land.
For thousands of years of its history Lebanon has been influenced and dominated by
foreign powers as it passed from one empire to another. Lebanon’s rich and varied
culture is therefore the product of all these influences, from the Sumerian, Babylonian,
Ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires to the more recent
French mandate.
What is remarkable is that despite the continuous use, and often abuse, of all its
natural resources, a few remaining areas still recall the natural splendor that was once
Lebanon.
However, with the rapid modernization of Lebanon these remaining natural areas are
being destroyed through haphazard development. So it is now, with a sense of
urgency, that we need to save the best examples of what is left of the original
landscapes - the mountains, the forests, the wildlife, the beaches, the snow fed rivers,
the caves, the valleys and the gorges.
The establishment of the first three natural protected areas namely Palm Islands
Nature Reserve and Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve (both established in 1992) and Al-
Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve (established in 1996) is just the beginning of what is
hoped will be a rediscovery and respect for the natural heritage of Lebanon. These
areas are distinctly Lebanon. They do not need any foreign imports of plants or
animals to “improve” them. All they need is for the Lebanese to adopt them, to help
protect them, and to pass them on to their children as something to be proud of.
This Draft Management Plan was developed by the Protected Areas Project, including
through the gradual process of management training workshops in 1997, 1998 and
2000. In these workshops the planning process was elaborated and information
regarding the protected areas was collected. After careful editing to make the
document more readable, it was printed and distributed to stakeholders in the Shouf
area for their comments and suggestions on the future management of their protected
area.
Finally, in 2000, the Draft Plan for Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve was reviewed and
revised and submitted for adoption by Government as the master plan for the
management of the Nature Reserve.
……………………
Director General
Ministry of Environment
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1.0 THE MANAGEMENT CONTEXT
1.1 THE PROTECTED AREAS PROJECT

LEB/95/G31/A/1G/99 Strengthening of National Capacity and Grassroots In-Situ
Conservation for Sustainable Biodiversity Protection, commonly known as the
Protected Areas Project, commenced on 15 November 1996 and is scheduled to end on
15 November 2001.
The Protected Areas Project is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF)
through the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with the technical and
administrative guidance of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and under the
execution of the Ministry of Environment in Lebanon.
The Project’s overall development objective is to conserve endemic and endangered

wildlife and their habitats, incorporate wildlife conservation as an integral part of
sustainable human development, strengthen the institutional capacity of government
agencies and non-governmental organizations and promote national reconciliation.
The day-to-day management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve has been
contracted by the Protected Areas Project to the Al-Shouf Cedar Society, a locally
based non-governmental organization, thereby involving local citizens in management
of the reserve on behalf of the people of Lebanon.
The role of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in the Protected Areas Project will be
achieved through recognized practices in planning and policy development for
management of the reserve, the establishment of a trained professional staff to manage
the reserve, the provision of appropriate facilities to protect the heritage values of the
area and to facilitating appropriate public use and enjoyment of the reserve.
By bringing together a natural resource (Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve), a local

management NGO (Al-Shouf Cedar Society), a supervisory Government Agency
(Ministry of Environment) and the financial and technical inputs of international
organizations and funds (GEF, UNDP and IUCN) - the project is on its way to
establishing a model partnership for the in-situ conservation of biodiversity.
8
2.0 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN
2.1 INTRODUCTION
This plan is to guide the management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. It has
formal application only to publicly owned lands within the designated boundaries of
the protected area. The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve comprises Government owned
lands and communal lands owned by the local Municipal Councils.
This plan is designed to provide all interested persons with a clear documentation of
the future management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. This is based on the
principle that the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is a part of the heritage of the people
of Lebanon and that they have a right to know how their heritage is to be managed.
The main users of the plan will be the Al-Shouf Cedar Society and its Management
Team who are entrusted to manage the reserve on behalf of the people of Lebanon.
The other main users of the plan will be the Ministry of Environment and the
Government Appointed Committee which the Governor is entitled to appoint, as
provided for in Article 11 of Law 532 of 24 July, 1996.
This is the first plan for the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve and is designed to apply
for five years by which time its performance will need to be reviewed. If
circumstances require, the plan can be reviewed at anytime within the five years. That
review will involve further public consultation to take into consideration the views of
the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, of local groups such as Municipalities
and NGOs, as well as involved and informed individuals.
2.2. PLANNING PROCESS
The plan has been prepared following a series of Training Workshops which were held
in 1997 and 1998 which covered a general survey of the natural and cultural values of
the protected area, the development of a vision for the future of the area, setting of
management objectives, the formulation of a set of rules or policies and the
programming of management initiatives aimed at achieving the adopted objectives.
The planning process has also involved preliminary consultation with a range of key
stakeholders to ensure that the plan is based on accurate information and where
possible accommodates the ideas contributed by others.
The planning process is documented in “Planning Guidelines”, a printed document

which was developed for the Protected Areas Project. A simplified outline of the
process is presented in Diagram 1.
2.3 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS
The Management Plan for Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve represents the “master
plan” for management of the reserve and operation of the management team. A range
of other management control and guidance plans have been or will be developed to
9
facilitate the conservation and management of the reserves. The intention is that all
such plans will be subsidiary to and consistent with the Management Plan. This
relationship is presented diagrammatically in the following table.
10
Diagram 1
THE PLANNING PROCESS
(Simplified)
UNDERSTANDING THE RESOURCE

(Vegetation, animals, landscapes, cultural values)
VALUING THE RESOURCE

(What is important, what is most important)
VISION
(What we would like to see)
OBJECTIVE
(What we will aim to achieve)
POLICIES
(The rules we will apply)
ACTIONS
(The things we need to do to achieve our objectives)
DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN

(Summary of vision, objectives, policies and actions)
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
(What do people think about our plan?)
FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

(Approved by Government)
MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
(The approaches we will use to implement the plan)
ANNUAL WORKPLANS
(The things we will do to implement the plan)
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MANAGEMENT PLAN AND OTHER PLANS
Protected Area
Management Plan
Financial & Cultural Natural Visitors and Users Community

Personnel Heritage Heritage Management Relations
Management Management Management Management
Business Site-Specific Rare/Threat Visitor Community

Plan Conservatn. Species Management Plan Relations
Plans Conservatn. Plan
Plan
Funding Introduced Environment

Plan Species Education Plan
Management
Plan
Sponsorship Research Interpretatn.

Agenda Agenda Plan
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF AL-SHOUF CEDAR
NATURE RESERVE
3.1 GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT
The dominant geographic feature of Lebanon is Mount Lebanon, a high mountain

range running north-south the length of Lebanon paralleling the Mediterranean coast.
The range reaches its highest point of over 3,000 meters at Qornet Al-Sawda.
The north-south orientation of the range maximizes the potential for precipitation from
the moist air streams from the Mediterranean. A classic orographic precipitation
pattern results with most of the rain falling on the Mediterranean approach side of the
range becoming snow at higher altitudes in winter, and with a rain shadow on the
eastern (Bekaa) side of the range. Snow may persist at altitudes above 2,000 meters
for up to 6 months of the year. Several small patches of permanent snow remains
through summer in the vicinity of Qornet el Sawda.
The steep western slopes of the southern extension of the Mount Lebanon range, that
includes the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, ensures that much of the precipitation is
gathered by fast flowing surface streams running directly to the Mediterranean.
However, the Mount Lebanon range comprises porous and cavernous limestone so
that a large proportion of the net precipitation percolates into the substratum to
eventually discharge as springs on the lower slopes. These spring discharges are
especially important on the eastern Bekaa Valley side of the mountains where there
are few permanent surface streams.
The precipitation on the western slopes of the Mount Lebanon range is adequate to
support a range of forest vegetation, including tall coniferous forest, whereas the lower
rainfall on the eastern slope (Bekaa) supports only low forest or woodland and scrub
of mainly broadleaf species. Precipitation as rainfall and snow on the western fall is
enhanced by atmospheric moisture and mist backing up against the range as a result of
on-shore air movement. The surface discharge of some perennial subterranean streams
is likely to have a local modifying effect on vegetation patterns and species
composition. Another major factor that influences the vegetation is the altitude of Al-
Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, the altitude of the reserve ranging from 1150 meters to
over2000 meters.
The mostly treeless summit of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve forms the skyline
of a large part of southern Lebanon and gains additional attention in winter with a
mantle of snow. The undeveloped landscape of the Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve contrasts
with the highly developed landscapes of the Bekaa Valley to the east and the Shouf to
the west.
Although much of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is grassland or shrubland, it is

likely that forest cover was more extensive in historic times. Rejuvenation of the
deforested areas is evident in some localities where withdrawal of grazing seems to
have been accompanied by the natural regeneration of cedars.
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3.2 MAPS TO BE INSERTED IN PLACE OF THIS PAGE

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3.3 LEGAL STATUS
Government legislation, Law No. 532 of 24 July 1996 (See Appendix 1) declared
“The communal lands of Niha, Jbeih, Mreste, Khraibe, Maasser, Barouk, Bmohreh,
Ain Dara, Ain Zahalta villages, in addition to the Government owned lands on the
eastern side of Barouk Mountain, a Nature Reserve.”
According to Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve Law 532, dated 24 July 1996, the legal
authority for managing the reserve is the Government Appointed Committee
comprised of volunteers and representatives of the municipalities who are appointed
for three years by the Governor of Mount Lebanon in consultation with the Minister of
Environment.
The Protected Areas Project document signed by the Council for Development and
Reconstruction (CDR) on behalf of the Government of Lebanon, dated 8th February
1996, gives the management responsibility of the reserve to the Al-Shouf Cedar
Society under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment.
The Kefraya-Maaser Shouf road, which passes through the reserve, is under the
authority of the Ministry of Public Works.
The presence of ancient ruins will require the assistance of the Department of
Antiquities.
The T.V. transmitters in the reserve are the subject of contracts with the Maaser
Municipality and are under the authority of the Ministry of Information.
The water rights, especially the Barouk water, are under the authority of Barouk Water
Office.
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3.4 NATURAL HERITAGE
3.4.1. PHYSIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
3.4.1.1. Geology
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is located along a mountain range known as the
Barouk Mountain, which is a southern extension of the Mount Lebanon Range. The
range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. The Beirut-Damascus highway and the
town of Jezzine define the north and south borders of the reserve.
The western slopes of the range face the Shouf region, the eastern slopes face Mount
Hermon and form the western escarpment of the Bekaa Valley.
The Bekaa Valley is considered to be the northern extension of the Great Rift Valley
in Africa.
The Barouk Mountain comprises rocks from the third geological era (Pliocene) which
has undergone major tectonic movement that divided Mount Lebanon into 2 parallel
parts; the eastern range is called the Anti-Lebanon, and the western range is called
Mount Lebanon. The two mountain ranges are separated by the Bekaa Valley, which
is composed of recent infill sediments. The main rocks are limestone.
3.4.1.2. Geomorphology
Further south from Dahr El Baidar is the highest peak on the range at 2000 meters.
The trend from north to south is for the eastern slopes to change from very steep to
less steep and for the western slopes to become increasingly steep. The top of the
Barouk range becomes increasingly narrow towards the south.
3.4.1.3. Soils
Physical characteristics of the soils are:
• Homogenous, belonging to the red brown Mediterranean soils formed on hard marl
limestone.
• derived from Jurassic, Balthonian, Callovian to Oxfordien – Portlandian marl
limestone
• Stone contents ranges from 80 – 90 %
From an erosion point of view these soils are in a state of equilibrium due to:
• High permeability
• Mask of calcareous fragments
• Good vegetative cover
• Good drainage
3.4.1.4. Hydrology
Precipitation in the watershed is the source of both surface streamflow and
groundwater. The major portion of this occurs as rain. Snowfall often occurs at the
upper elevations but snow seldom persists more than a few days and disappears before
the end of the rainy season.
16
Normally snow has little overall direct effect on stream-flow within the watershed.
However, on rare occasions warm rains falling on the snow-pack may result in rapid
melting and release of large quantities of water at a time when the soils are already
fully saturated. These conditions result in rapid runoff and floods.
A large proportion of the exposed surface rock in the Barouk region is cavernous,
fissured and broken limestone, and its porous condition makes it very permeable. This
results in much of the precipitation infiltrating with minimum surface runoff despite
the often-shallow soils and sparse vegetative cover. Water percolates downward
through the various formations and feeds the many large springs found on lower
slopes in the area. Such springs help maintain stream-flow during the April to
November dry season.
Surface water flows originating on the range are mostly seasonal but some are
perennial.
Underground water generates outflow rivers such as:
• Al Awali River, more commonly known as Al-Barouk river

• Damour River, known as Al-Safa river
The summit of the range is considered as a divide between two hydrological systems
because of the difference between the two slopes of the mountain. The eastern slope is
much steeper and favors surface stream flows, whereas the western slope is less steep
and favors ground water aquifers.
The rivers that flow in the valleys are the major source of agriculture irrigation and
supply a dozen Shouf villages with domestic water and some of the western Bekaa
villages. It is also the main source of water for the Ammiq Swamp in the Bekaa.
3.4.1.5. Karst
The whole of the Barouk Mountain is cavernous limestone, with many surface features
such as dolines indicating the underlying cavernous form of the mountain range. One
particularly noteworthy cave, estimated to be 700 meters long, is located near Niha
village. Villagers report an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites and that there is an
underground body of water.
3.4.1.6. Scenic Landscapes

Various elements of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve are clearly valued as scenic
landscapes. At the macro level, the rugged undeveloped ridge system which forms a
distinct skyline is seen from many areas outside the protected area. The scenic
landscape significance of this is greatly enhanced in winter with a cover of snow, and
is enhanced by the natural foreground of the protected area. To the east the grandeur
of the Bekaa valley, vividly patterned by the agricultural fields, contrasts with the
rugged starkness of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains further to the east. The Qaraoun
Lake punctuates the agriculturally patterned valley in the south.
At the local/precinct level several of the cedar stands, in particular the Maaser Al-
Shouf, are recognized as outstanding scenic landscapes, the larger cedars contributing
in a most distinctive way to the landscape. Individual trees can and do attract a lot of
17
positive response from visitors to the area. The aesthetic experience of seeing some of
the larger cedars is undoubtedly enhanced for the visitor by awareness of the important
part they played in the history of Lebanon.
Some of the rugged rocky karst topography of the upper montane areas has a
distinctive scenic beauty of its own. In summer, small grassy meadows persist in
doline depressions, and contrast with the surrounding starkness of the white and gray
limestone.
The western slope of the mountain, with the different patches of cedar forests gives
way to the surrounding villages with red tile roofs. On some days the Mediterranean
Sea may be seen from the summit of the mountain range.
18
3.4.2 BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
3.4.2.1 PLANTS
Appendix 5, Plant Species List, summarizes the results of the survey and inventory
work conducted by the National Council for Scientific Research (NCSR) on behalf of
the Protected Areas Project. Additional species may occur and future survey and
inventory is likely to increase the number of officially recorded species. A summary of
the inventory is provided in the table below.
Plants
Categories Number of
(After NCSR, Lebanon) species
A1 Nationally and globally threatened species 25
A2 Endemic species 50
B3 Rare species 12
B4 Species wholly or partly restricted to the eastern 211

Mediterranean region.
B5 Species restricted to specific areas in the reserve 10
B6 Species cut by local people 15
C7 Highland species 82
C8 Biological indicator species 70
C9 Species with economic value 65
D10 Common species 25
D11 Species found globally, or in Europe, Asia and 176

Mediterranean
Of a total of 471 species recorded by the NCSR survey, 25 species are nationally or
globally threatened and 12 species are classed as rare. A significant proportion (13%)
of species are Lebanon endemics and more than half (211) of the species are restricted
to the Eastern Mediterranean region. Some 20% of species are ‘highland’ species,
indicating the significance of the mountain tops for plant species conservation.
Forests in Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve represents only 5% of the total area of the
reserve and comprise mainly cedar and oak forests. With minor exceptions, the cedar
forests are located on the upper western slopes, oak occurring at lower elevations on
both aspects.
The main cedar forests cover a total area of 556 hectares, comprising:
19
• Maasser Al-Shouf 6 hectares

• Barouk 400 hectares
• Ain Zahalta / Bmohrai 100 hectares
and three smaller scattered cedar patches :

• Northeast near Ain Zahalta is to be found the only stand on the
Bekaa Valley side of the mountain range.
• South of Maasser Al-Shouf forest, known as Ibhul
• Further south in Niha Mountain.
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is the southern limit of Cedrus libani (Cedar of
Lebanon).
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3.4.2.2. MAMMALS
Appendix 6, Mammals Species List, summarizes the results of the survey and
inventory work conducted by the National Council for Scientific Research (NCSR) on
behalf of the Protected Areas Project. Additional species may occur and future survey
and inventory is likely to increase the number of officially recorded species.
Mammals
Categories Numbers
(After NCSR, Lebanon) of Species
A1 Globally threatened species. 12
A2 Locally threatened and in the process of local 3

extinction.
A3 Unique sub-species. -
B4 Species largely or entirely in the Middle East 20

region.
B5 Rare species. 9
B6 Species hunted. 21
C7 Species specific to Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve. -
C8 Biological indicator species. 6
C9 Species with economic value. 11
D10 Locally extinct species. 1
D11 Abundant species. 5
33 species of mammals were recorded by the NCSR as inhabiting the reserve.
Rare and threatened mammals

• 12 species are globally threatened.
• 3 are considered rare and threatened in Lebanon
• 6 are listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened species
A total of 21 of the 33 species of mammal are regularly hunted in Lebanon, including

9 of the 12 that are globally threatened.
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3.4.2.3 BIRDS
Appendix 7 Bird Species List, summarizes the results of the survey and inventory
the Protected Areas Project. Additional species may occur but were not encountered
on this survey. Further survey and inventory is likely to increase the number of
officially recorded species.
Birds
Categories Number
(After NCSR, Lebanon) of species
A1 Globally threatened species 4
A2 Regionally threatened or declining species 10
B3 Endemic sub species + monospecific species 42
B4 Rare breeders + Former breeders + possibly 17p

breeding species 10f, 10+
B5 Localized breeders 10
B6 Localized non-breeder 3
B7 Declining breeder 1
B8 Internationally important population passing 4

through Lebanon.
B9 Nationally threatened or declining species 59
C10 Extinct or probably extinct in Lebanon -
C11 Introduced species 1
C13 Species of economic value 71
D14 Species restricted wholly or largely to the Middle 7

East
D15 Species mainly concentrated in Europe under 19
unfavorable conditions
D16 Species mainly concentrated outside Europe 41
under unfavorable conditions
Of the 160 species of birds recorded by the NCSR, 4 are globally threatened species
and 10 are regionally or nationally threatened. 42 species are monospecific species. A
large number of species (59) are nationally threatened or declining species. Not
22
withstanding a national hunting ban, almost all bird species are regularly the subject of
substantial hunting pressure.
A bird feature of special note is that the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is on a major
migratory bird corridor between Africa and Europe/Asia. The reserve is not only
important for these birds in transit but is an excellent mountain site for observing the
migration.
3.4.2.4. REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS

Appendix 8 Reptile Species List, summarizes the results of the survey and inventory
the Protected Areas Project. Further survey and inventory is likely to increase the
number of officially recorded species.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Categories Number of
(After NCSR, Lebanon) Species
A1 Globally threatened species 1
A2 Regional and local species threatened in Lebanon 17
B3 Endemic species 2
B4 Rare species in Lebanon 2
B5 Only species of family, or only found in Al-Shouf -
B6 Species hunted and killed 11
C7 Species extinct in Lebanon -
C9 Species with economic value 1
D10 Abundant species 19
D11 Species found around the Mediterranean or -

Atlantic ocean
Of the total 24 species of Reptile and Amphibian Species recorded by the NCSR, 2 are
globally threatened species (a chameleon and a snake) and a total of 17 are regional
and local species which are threatened in Lebanon. Two are local endemic species.
One noteworthy species of snake recently recorded is Elaphe quatuorlineata, which

was the first record for Lebanon.
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3.5. CULTURAL HERITAGE
3.5.1. The Historic Significance of the Cedars of Lebanon

The Cedars of Lebanon have an almost magical place in history, not just in the history
of Lebanon, but of a number of neighboring countries and conquering empires.
The cedar forests of Lebanon enjoy the unique distinction as the oldest documented
forests in history. The cedars were important enough in the history of man to be
traceable to the very earliest written records, that of the Sumerians in the third
millennium BC. In the ancient Sumerian story, “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, one of the
oldest pieces of literature in the world, the Cedars feature prominently. Gilgamesh has
since been recognized as King Gilgamesh of history and in probability visited Mount
Lebanon.
It was the Phoenicians along the coast of present-day Lebanon and from such ancient
cities as Byblos, Tyre and Sidon who became the principal dealers in the timber of the
cedar. Indeed, the cedars made a special contribution to the development of the
Phoenician civilization by providing the timbers with which they developed their
famous sea-going merchant boats thus becoming one of the first, if not the first major
sea-going trading nation in the world.
The Phoenicians traded the cedar to Egypt, until Egypt in turn conquered the land of
the cedars and gained direct access to the forests, which were highly prized in the
building of temples and boats. Later the Babylonians took a similar interest in the
cedars and obtained them for use in building the fabled city of Babylon.
People around the world know of the cedars of Lebanon because of the numerous
references in the Hebrew texts of the Old Testament. The Bible records in some detail
how King Solomon, King of Israel, requested of King Hiram of Tyre to supply cedar
and to build a temple and a palace in Jerusalem.
In the 6th Century BC, Persian control of the Phoenician ports provided the Persians
with the means of assembling a navy for use against their enemies the Greeks who
were already embarrassing the Persians with their mobility in the Mediterranean as
they leased and copied the Phoenician triremes.
The expansion of the Roman Empire into Syria and Lebanon had its detrimental effect
on the cedars until the Emperor Hadrian installed the markers around the boundary of
the remaining forests and declared them as Imperial Domain. Specimens of these
markers have been preserved and held in museum collections.
The Ottoman Turks deforested all of the cedar growing areas within easy transport
distance of their Hijaz railway to provide fuel for their wood-burning engines. Only
the highest and most remote groves escaped damage.
In the modern day Lebanon the legendary cedar is still revered and remains prominent
in the minds of all Lebanese. The cedar features on the national flag, the national
airline, Government logos, the Lebanese currency and innumerable commercial logos.
24
It is the feature of books, poetry, post cards, posters and art. The Cedars of Lebanon
are truly an important part of the cultural heritage of the people of Lebanon.
3.5.2 Historic Cultural Sites

The setting of the Shouf is a nexus of many cultures, religions, and historical events,
all of which have left an imprint which makes the area’s cultural heritage as rich as its
ecosystems. The following are some major landmarks:
Qalaat Niha
The cave castle of Tyron Niha relates to one of the closing episodes of Prince
Fakhreddin II’s epic history and are the only remaining vestiges of a once
powerful fortress which was successively used by the Arabs, Crusaders, and a
number of princes of Mount Lebanon.
El Nabi Ayoub
A feretory was built on the hill above the village of Niha to honor Job’s
memory and hold his relics. Ayoub is the Arabic name of the prophet Job.
Qab Elias Castle

This once powerful Druze fortress served as a guardian outpost controlling the
road that linked Beirut to Damascus, and a marching post for the Druze and
Chehab rulers of the South Bekaa or Wadi Taym.
Mazar El Sit Cha’wane

El Sit Cha’wane is a famous figure in the Druze religion. Like Job in the Old
Testament, she was held up as a model of virtue and devotion. A feretory was
erected in her name.
3.5.3. Contemporary cultural sites and items.

In the Quercus forest of Dalboun, traces from the civil war remain and may be
interesting for future generations.
In the heights of the mountain, traces of old shelters for cattle and goats can be seen,
and can be of interest for visitors.
Summary
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, comprising 55,000 hectares represents the
largest protected area in Lebanon. Approximately 5% of the protected area is forest,
including 550 hectares of Cedrus libani, or about 25% of the total remaining cedar
forests in the country.
The whole of the protected area has been subject to a long history of grazing by
domestic stock and timber extraction. Despite the history of exploitation, the forest
communities are in relatively good condition and impacts of past use are not always
evident. Since grazing was halted in 1997, a spectacular regeneration of trees, flowers
and shrubs has occurred.
25
The Shouf has seen many cultures, religions, and historical events, all of which have
left an imprint on the landscape. The educational potential of the reserve is very
significant both for teaching natural history and human impacts on the landscape.
26
3.6. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Each of the main heritage values identified in the inventory was subjected to
evaluation to establish their relative conservation significance. The evaluation process
highlighted the scarcity of information at the national level for a number of natural
resources, particularly for the animal species. Not withstanding the patchiness of the
data available, a number of features of the reserve are clearly of great conservation
value, both at the national and in some cases at the regional (Middle East) level. Of
particular importance for the purpose of conservation management is:
• Cedar forests representing 25% of the remaining cedar forests in Lebanon.

• Mammal species of which 36% are globally rare or threatened.
• Located on the important intercontinental migratory route for birds.
• 5 % of plants are globally or nationally rare and threatened species.
At the landscape level, the reserve offers protection from urbanisation and
development of a mountain ridge which is a prominent part of the scenic landscape of
southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. With the spread of housing and urban
development and associated quarrying throughout much of Lebanon, the value of the
reserve as a protected landscape will continue to grow. The scenic landscape values of
the reserve are a legitimate cultural heritage value deserving protection and which is
totally compatible with protection of the natural ecological values of the reserve.
Given the relative accessibility of Al-Shouf, the area has been subject to a long history
of landuse activity, though little has been subject to cultivation. Traditional uses have
been primarily wood harvesting and sheep and goat herding. Goat herding was
allowed up to 1997 when the reserve was closed to this use.
As a product of past landuse and patterns that misused the environment, including
recent warfare, the landscape of Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve is extensively degraded. The
cedar forest remnants are largely confined to the steeper and less accessible areas,
particularly towards the higher altitude of the cedar range where trees tend to be wider
spaced and less attractive for timber harvesting. Many of the oak forests have been
subject to regular harvesting for firewood and charcoal production, resulting in
extensive areas of coppiced oak woodland and low forest.
In the 1960’s, some extensive reforestation was undertaken on some of the upper
western slopes. Reforestation was mainly with seedling cedars planted on artificial
terraces. The genetic origins of those plantings have been questioned and are subject
to ongoing research.
To capitalize on Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve as a protected area, a major effort in

rehabilitation will be needed. Without such rehabilitation existing rare and threatened
species may not survive and re-introduction of locally extinct species will not be
possible. Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve offers excellent opportunities for expansion
of the area of cedar forest by rehabilitation of previously forested areas. In the absence
of grazing by domestic stock, much of this rehabilitation can be achieved by natural
regeneration at minimal cost.
27
As the largest protected area in Lebanon, the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve has
special significance for the maintenance of natural processes and wildlife habitat. In
the context of the present protected area system, it represents the best prospect for the
long term conservation of the larger mammal species such as the wolf and striped
hyena. It also has the potential for re-introduction of some locally extinct species of
mammal such as the mountain gazelle.
The relatively large size of the reserve is not only an asset for wildlife conservation
but also offers the opportunity for providing for eco-tourism visitor use with a low
environmental impact. However, visitor use must at all times be carefully planned and
managed to have an acceptable low level of impact.
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve provides one of the more accessible opportunities
to visit and experience cedar forests in a natural landscape setting and is already
proving to be the most popular venue for such experiences.
28
4.0 A VISION FOR AL-SHOUF CEDAR

NATURE RESERVE
4.1 MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES
Past use and inadequate management has resulted in degradation of the natural and
cultural values of Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. Therefore the vision and the
objectives developed for this management plan require an improvement in the
environmental condition of these natural and cultural values.
Further, it will be necessary to ensure that any change which is externally imposed is
managed to achieve a positive outcome. Management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve is therefore essentially about initiating and managing change so that the
changes achieve the management objectives set out in this plan.
It is also recognized that various changes may occur during the life of the five years of
the plan. Some of these will occur naturally, some initiated as a part of management
and some imposed from outside the area and the plan. Unless the net result of these
changes is towards achieving the management objectives we will not achieve our
conservation objectives.
To maximize the chances of achieving those objectives, five guiding principles have
been adopted.
1. Natural Heritage Charter (NHC)

This document contains a set of basic principles, which have been developed to
guide the management of natural heritage sites to a standard adequate to maintain
the heritage values in the longer term. It has received international endorsements
and represents a convenient set of principles to guide the management of protected
areas in Lebanon. (See Appendix 2)
2. Burra Charter
The Burra Charter is a set of principles and standards which have been developed to
guide the management of cultural heritage sites to maintain the cultural heritage
values. The Burra Charter has the endorsement of ICOMOS-the International
Committee on Monuments. (See Appendix 3)
3. “No Net Detriment”

The ‘No Net detriment’ guiding principle is that all management or other activities,
actions or decisions should result in ‘No net detriment’ or deterioration to the
environmental values or condition of the protected area. (See Glossary)
4. “Net Benefit”
The guiding principle of net benefit is that all management or other activities,
actions or decisions should, as far as practicable result in a ‘net benefit’ or net
improvement in the environmental values, integrity or condition of the protected
area. (See Glossary)
29
5. Precautionary Principle
An internationally used environmental principle, which requires that lack of
scientific certainty should not be used as an excuse for not taking action to address
a known environmental problem. (See definition in Appendix 2)
30
4.2 A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
The vision for the year 2020 for the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is that it will be
widely regarded in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions as the premier
protected area because of its success in sustainable conservation. Such a reputation
can only be achieved by:
1. Conservation of Biodiversity
• No loss of species in 20 years of management
• Populations of all rare and threatened species are increased or sustained. Some
locally extinct species successfully reintroduced.
• Natural ecological processes are operating with minimal need for management
intervention.
• The landscape of the reserve is perceived as natural and is largely devoid of
evidence of human presence.
2. Management Excellence
• The managers of the reserve are known for their professional skills and
effectiveness in achieving conservation and management outcomes in a cost-
effective way.
3. Community Support
• The reserve has achieved a high level of community support. The immediate
surrounding communities are proud of their reserve and the prestige and income
that it has brought to their communities.
4. Financial Sustainability
• The managers of the reserve have developed a very successful model of financial
sustainability without compromising the heritage values of the reserve.
5. Visitors
• The reserve receives a high level of visitors but the quality of visitor experience
and satisfaction remains high and this is achieved with a minimal impact on the
values and integrity of the reserve.
• Independent evaluation has established that the visitor use of the reserve has been
achieved with a net benefit to the reserve and is seen as a model for other protected
areas.
6. Contribution to a National Protected Area System

• The success of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve has contributed to the political
and community support for the development of a comprehensive protected area
system for the whole of Lebanon.
31
4.3 CONSTRAINTS ON ACHIEVING THE VISION
The following is a list of the main constraints on realization of the vision for the Al-
Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
1. Funding
• Funds to pay the salaries for the Management Team.
• Funds to purchase equipment, vehicle facilities and their maintenance.
• Funds for on-going surveillance and monitoring of flora and fauna.
• Funds to reintroduce locally extinct species.
2. Research
• Incompleteness of resource inventories.
• No prior experience in captive breeding and release of mammals.
• Delay in the demarcation of reserve boundaries.
3. Community
• Uncertainty regarding private land ownership within and around the reserve.
• Increase of development pressures.
• Rise of community opposition.
• Increase of flora harvest for food and medicine.
• Return of illegal goat grazing.
• Return of wildlife poaching.
• Incompatible agricultural practices around the reserve boundaries.
4. Political
• Potential political instability in Lebanon and the region.
• Threat from existing and planned rock quarries
• Lack of enforcement of ban on hunting.
• Potential for lack of clarity of roles of Management Team, NGO and any future
Government appointed committee.
5. Natural
• Fires and their threat to the ecology of the area.
• Water scarcity within reserve resulting in wildlife movement to outside the reserve
and exposing wildlife to hunters.
6. Personnel
• Maaser Shouf-Kefraya road is inside the reserve and requires rangers to patrol it.
• T.V. station and building constructed inside the reserve.
• Skills, education, language, experience of reserve team.
• Tourism pressure is on the increase.
32
5.0. OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND ACTIONS
5.1 OBJECTIVES
The following objectives represent the principle aims for the management of Al-Shouf
Cedar Nature Reserve during the five-year life of the Management Plan, and are a
based on the preceding “Vision for the Future”.
Objective 1 - Natural Heritage.

To achieve a high level of protection, conservation, rehabilitation and management of
bio-diversity, scenic landscape ecosystems, habitats and natural processes essential to
their preservation as natural heritage resources for future generations.
Objective 2 - Cultural Heritage.

To achieve a high level of protection, conservation and management of cultural
heritage resources within the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
Objective 3 - Community Support

To build community support for the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve and its
management plan.
Objective 4 - Education and Research

To build long term support for the protected area by provision of appropriate
educational and research opportunities and services.
Objective 5 - Recreation and Visitor Management

To facilitate a rewarding visitor experience by the provision of recreational
opportunities and experiences, consistent with no degradation or net loss of heritage
values of the reserve.
Objective 6 - Financial Sustainability

To develop long term sources of funding that will allow Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve to support its management programs.
Objective 7 - Staff Training and Institution Building

To achieve efficient and effective management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
by a professional and well trained management team as well as institution building of
the Al-Shouf Cedar Society.
Objective 8 - Planning and Controlling Development

To adopt effective and responsible development plans and controls in Al-Shouf Cedar
Nature Reserve.
Objective 9 - Research and Monitoring

To facilitate informed and responsible management by undertaking, promoting and
supporting appropriate scientific research and monitoring.
33
5.2 POLICIES and ACTIONS
Policies and related Actions are presented below. The actual effect of these policies
on a range of Activities are illustrated in the Activities Table at Appendix 4.
OBJECTIVE 1 - NATURAL HERITAGE
TO ACHIEVE A HIGH LEVEL OF PROTECTION, CONSERVATION, REHABILITATION

AND MANAGEMENT OF BIODIVERSITY, SCENIC LANDSCAPE ECOSYSTEMS,
HABITATS AND NATURAL PROCESSES ESSENTIAL TO THE CONTINUED WELL BEING
OF AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE.
POLICIES
POLICY 1.1 Management Principles: Management will be in accordance

with the principles of the Natural Heritage Charter .
(See Appendix 2)
POLICY 1.2 Inventory Database: An inventory of all plants and animals

recorded in the reserve will be compiled and classified and
entered in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
POLICY 1.3 Native Species Protection: All native species and

communities of plants and animals will be protected and
conserved, priority being given to the most threatened and
rarest species. In the case of native animal species which
become pests for neighboring landholders, a culling program
may be implemented on the boundaries of the reserve.
POLICY 1.4 Species in Rehabilitation: All native species of plants and

animals used in landscaping and rehabilitation of the reserve
will be propagated from local material or from sources which
can be guaranteed genetically identical to populations in the
reserve.
POLICY 1.5 Introduced species: All introduced species of plants and

animals will be eradicated where practicable, consistent with
any cultural heritage considerations.
POLICY 1.6 Non-target Species: Prior to eradication activities of

introduced species all reasonable efforts will be made to
investigate, recognize and prevent threat to non - target
species or individuals.
34
POLICY 1.7 Non-native species: No species of plants or animals which

are not native to the protected area will be introduced to the
protected area. No domestic animals will be permitted to visit,
graze or reside in the reserve. Horses on approved trail rides
may be allowed by permit.
POLICY 1.8 Import of soil: No soil or other material which may contain
organic matter, especially seeds, will be introduced to the
protected area.
POLICY 1.9 Geo-diversity: No rock or soil material will be excavated or

removed from the reserve except where required for activities
authorized under this plan, such as professional archaeological
excavations and visitor facilities.
POLICY 1.10 Import of materials: No rock, soil or other inorganic material

will be introduced to the protected area except where
authorized under this plan (e.g. building material for visitor
facilities)
POLICY 1.11 Excavation: Major excavation in soil will be undertaken only

subject to prior archaeological investigation or presence of an
archaeological professional at the time of excavation.
POLICY 1.12 Archaeological excavations: All archaeological excavations

will be undertaken in accordance with this management plan.
POLICY 1.13 Boundary marking: Priority will be given to permanent

marking of the boundary of Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve,
with particular urgency being given to those sections of the
boundary adjacent to proposed public access points or
proposed private development outside the reserve.
POLICY 1.14 Rehabilitation: All damaged landscape and vegetation will,

where practicable, be rehabilitated subject to appropriate
evaluation of cultural heritage and other values.
POLICY 1.15 Rehabilitation: Rehabilitation priority will be given to those

areas where the benefits of rehabilitation are greatest from a
conservation perspective, such as damaged vegetation which
is habitat to threatened species.
POLICY 1.16 Reforestation: Reforestation of the vegetative cover will

utilize natural processes instead of mechanical intervention
such as the natural regeneration of cedars into cleared lands
instead of planting seedlings.
35
POLICY 1.17 Development control: No development which is not essential

to the management of the reserve will be permitted within the
reserve, except where there are no feasible alternatives outside
the reserve and the level of environmental impact is
acceptable.
ACTIONS
ACTION 1.1 Management Plan: Give priority to implementation of this

management plan.
ACTION 1.2 Training: Conduct training workshops for all participants in

management of Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve on the theory
and practical application of the policies and standards
applying to the achievement of Objective 1 (Natural Heritage)
ACTION 1.3 Rare or Threatened Species: Develop and implement a Rare

and Threatened Species Conservation Plan.
ACTION 1.4 Introduced Species: Develop and implement Introduced

Species Management Plan.
ACTION 1.5 Boundary Delineation: Complete boundary demarcation and

marking of Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
ACTION 1.6 Rehabilitation: Develop and implement a “Rehabilitation

Plan” which sets relative priorities for rehabilitation and
reforestation of the reserve.
ACTION 1.7 Rehabilitation of Quarries: Develop and implement a

Quarry Closure and Rehabilitation Plan for the quarries in the
North Zone of the reserve.
ACTION 1.8 GIS: Develop and maintain a Geographic Information System

(GIS) for data management.
36
OBJECTIVE 2 - CULTURAL HERITAGE
TO ACHIEVE A HIGH LEVEL OF PROTECTION, CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT

OF CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCES WITHIN THE AL-SHOUF CEDAR RESERVE.
POLICIES
POLICY 2.1 Management principles: Cultural heritage management will

be in conformity with the principles of the Burra Charter.
POLICY 2.2 Cultural item protection: All man-made structures,

objects and artifacts dating from before 1920 encountered
within the reserve are protected, shall not be collected or
removed without authorization and will remain the
property of the Government of Lebanon.
POLICY 2.3 Cultural item rehabilitation: No existing or past building or

structure dating from before 1920 will be repaired,
rehabilitated, restored, resurfaced or painted without prior
professional investigation and overall compliance with the
Burra Charter.
POLICY 2.4 Objects and artifacts: All objects and artifacts dating from
before 1920 encountered in authorized and unauthorized
excavations will be assumed to be the property of the
Government of Lebanon, through the Director of Antiquities,
unless and until proven otherwise.
POLICY 2.5 Internal procedures: The Reserve Manager will be

responsible for developing an internal procedure, in
consultation with the Director of Antiquities and the Ministry
of Environment, which will provide for a routine process for
assessment of cultural heritage values which may be
encountered in proposed management activities such as the
construction of a footpath or road.
POLICY 2.6 Archaeological permit: All archaeological investigations in

the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve will require an application
in writing for a Research Permit. (see policies on research)
37
ACTIONS
ACTION 2.1 Conservation Plan: Prepare a Cultural Heritage Conservation

Plan and determine priorities for conservation.
ACTION 2.2 Research Agenda: Incorporate cultural heritage research

needs in the Preferred Research Agenda (See Objective 8).
ACTION 2.3 Promotion of Research: Establish contact with relevant

research institutions to promote scientific research and
investigation of cultural and historical sites and values in Al-
38
OBJECTIVE 3 - COMMUNITY SUPPORT
TO BUILD COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE

AND ITS MANAGEMENT PLAN.
POLICIES
POLICY 3.1 Community Relations Strategy: All community relations

activities and programs will be guided by a Community
Relations Strategy.
POLICY 3.2 Sense of Pride: Community relations strategies and activities

will promote a sense of local and national pride in the Al-
POLICY 3.3 Promotion: All promotions of the reserve in the community

will be consistent with the management plan and avoid
creating unrealistic and undeliverable expectations.
POLICY 3.4 Neighbors: High priority will be given to maintaining

ongoing communications with neighbors of the protected area.
POLICY 3.5 Right to Know: The principle of “the community has the
right to know” will be adopted.
POLICY 3.6 Ethical Communications: All communications with

individuals and organizations in the community will be ethical
and non-discriminatory at all times.
POLICY 3.7 Partnership with Community: The concept of working with

the community in partnership will as far as practicable be the
basis of all dealings with the community, especially the local
community. The current community development programs
initiated by the Al-Shouf Cedar Society, in partnership with
local communities, to create and promote alternative
employment in local communities, will be continued and
adapted as needed.
POLICY 3.8 Local priority: Where appropriate and cost effective, priority
will be given to purchasing of goods and services and
employment recruitment from the local community.
39
ACTIONS
ACTION 3.1 Community Relations Plan: Develop a Community

Relations Plan (CRP) to guide and prioritize work with and in
the community. This should include partnership with the
community in developing economic benefits from the reserve,
addressing of problems perceived to be caused by the reserve
such as damage by wild boars, etc…
ACTION 3.2 MOU with Municipalities: Negotiate Memoranda of

Understanding (MOU) with all local Municipal Councils for
the purpose of establishing a working partnership on matters
relating to the reserve.
40
OBJECTIVE 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
TO BUILD LONG TERM SUPPORT FOR THE PROTECTED AREA BY PROVISION OF

APPROPRIATE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES.
POLICIES
POLICY 4.1 Environmental Education: The provision of environmental

education facilities and services in Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve will be guided by an Environmental Education Plan
prepared in consultation with professional educators.
POLICY 4.2 Educational Resources : Continue to upgrade the educational

resources component of the Protected Areas Project including
preparation of training manuals and the conduct of teacher
training seminars.
ACTIONS
ACTION 4.1 Environmental Education Plan: Prepare an environmental

education program in consultation with professional educators
and review at least annually.
ACTION 4.2 Educational Resources: Construct and install infrastructure

and acquire materials needed to support the Environmental
Education Plan.
ACTION 4.3 Educational resources: Finalize the educational materials

with Friends of Nature and distribute to educators in Lebanon.
41
OBJECTIVE 5 - RECREATION AND VISITOR MANAGEMENT
TO PROVIDE A REWARDING VISITOR EXPERIENCE BY THE PROVISION OF

RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND VISITOR EXPERIENCES, CONSISTENT WITH
NO DEGRADATION OR NET LOSS OF HERITAGE VALUES OF THE RESERVE.
POLICIES
POLICY 5.1 Recreation and Tourism: Recreational and tourism use in

Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve will be guided by a Visitor
Management Plan
POLICY 5.2 Recreation and Visitor Management: Visitor management

will at all times be consistent with meeting conservation
objectives and at no time will contravene key conservation
policies and objectives. Recreational activities will be
managed to have minimal environmental impact and, as far as
practicable, contribute to conservation programs for the Al-
Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve in some tangible way.
POLICY 5.3 Access as a Privilege: As far as practicable, visitor use is to

be represented as a privilege and not an unconditional right.
Visitors will be encouraged to recognize that the privilege to
visit is accompanied by certain obligations regarding behavior
and minimization of environmental impact.
POLICY 5.4 Visitor Regulation: Visitor access and activities may be

regulated in accordance with conservation objectives and
policies, including where necessary, periodic closure of
access.
POLICY 5.5 Promotion of Use: Promotion of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature

Reserve will be consistent with the management plan and the
type of recreational activities preferred under the plan.
ACTIONS
ACTION 5.1 Visitor Management Plan: Develop a Visitor Management

Plan which includes eco-tourism management.
ACTION 5.2 Maaser Shouf Entrance: In consultation with the local

community implement the Maaser Al-Shouf Entrance as per
the plans and guide lines prepared by the landscape architect.
42
ACTION 5.3 Plan New Entrances: In consultation with the local

community, conduct planning and feasibility studies for the
opening of new visitor entrances at
Barouk
Ain Zahalta / Bmohraii
Ain Zahalta Victoria
Horsh Dalboun
Kefraya
ACTION 5.4 Information Center Study: Conduct planning and feasibility

studies for establishment of an Information Center in Barouk
village.
ACTION 5.5 Visitor Conduct: Prepare a Visitor Code of Conduct and

promote in appropriate ways.
ACTION 5.6 Socio-economic Study: Conduct a study to document the

socio-economic benefits of recreation and eco-tourism and
promote awareness of the results to build support for the
reserve.
43
OBJECTIVE 6 - FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
TO DEVELOP LONG TERM SOURCES OF FUNDING THAT WILL ALLOW OF THE AL-
SHOUF CEDAR RESERVE TO SUPPORT ITS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM.
POLICIES
POLICY 6.1 Business Plan: To ensure that Income and Expenditure

management is soundly based, a Business Plan will be
developed and maintained.
POLICY 6.2 Sustainable Funding: Every effort will be made to secure a

sustainable flow of funding to support the management
program for the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
POLICY 6.3 Strategy: The generation of funding and other resources will
be guided by a properly considered and documented Funding
Strategy.
POLICY 6.4 Funding Diversification: Planning for financial support will

adopt the principle of funding diversification to increase the
security of such funding by avoiding dependence alone on one
source from either the public or private sector.
POLICY 6.5 User pays Principle: The ‘User-pays principle’ will be

progressively introduced to ensure that the main beneficiaries
of the protected area are contributing equitably towards the
cost of the provision of services and facilities.
POLICY 6.6 Cost-benefit Analysis: All proposals for commercial

activities and income generation by the Local Management
NGO will be subject to a cost/benefit analysis which includes
the costing of staff time.
POLICY 6.7 Code of Conduct: All fundraising and other resourcing will
be undertaken in a totally lawful and ethical way, guided by a
‘Code of Conduct’, with all funds being publicly accountable.
POLICY 6.8 Funding Priority: Priority will be given to establishing

recurrent funding sources in preference to single
contributions.
POLICY 6.9 Donations: Donations for specific projects should as far as

possible cover all costs of the project and a component of its
operation and maintenance during the first year.
44
POLICY 6.10 Non-financial contributions: Non-financial contributions to

management will be sought to complement fund contributions.
These may include goods, services and discounts. All non-
financial contributions will be subject to the same public
accountability as financial contribution.
POLICY 6.11 Volunteers: The services of volunteers, whether as

individuals or as groups, will be encouraged. The time that
such volunteers spend in the reserve is to be considered as a
non-financial contribution.
ACTIONS
ACTION 6.1 Business Plan: Develop a 10 year Business Plan to provide a

sound basis for financial management. Review annually.
ACTION 6.2 Resources and Income Plan: Develop a Funding Plan for the
Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve which includes income
generation, sponsorship and donations of money, goods and
services.
ACTION 6.3 Code of Conduct: Develop a ‘Code of Conduct’ to guide

fund raising and income generation to ensure that all such
activities are ethical and responsible. The code should include
identification of the circumstances in which it would be
appropriate and inappropriate to accept funding and other
contributions.
ACTION 6.4 Volunteers: Develop a policy and program for the

introduction of volunteers both as a means of providing
opportunities for community involvement and to supplement
financial resources.
ACTION 6.5 Sponsorship Agenda: Develop and maintain an “Agenda” for

sponsors that lists, explains, and estimates the cost of projects
that are important for Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
45
OBJECTIVE 7 - STAFF TRAINING AND INSTITUTION BUILDING
TO ACHIEVE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE AL-SHOUF CEDAR

NATURE RESERVE THROUGH A WELL TRAINED MANAGEMENT TEAM AND
INSTITUTION BUILDING OF THE AL-SHOUF CEDAR SOCIETY.
POLICIES
POLICY 7.1 Protected Areas Project: The Al-Shouf Cedar Society

and the management team will be mindful of the important
responsibility they have in the Protected Areas Project in
testing the model of protected area management by a non-
governmental organization, and be aware of the national
and international implications of their performance.
POLICY 7.2 Staff Recruitment: As far as is practicable, staff recruitment

will be conducted with the objective of recruiting the best
qualified persons available.
POLICY 7.3 Team Management:, Co-operation among the team

members, with maximum delegation, will be adopted as
the most cost-effective management model.
POLICY 7.4 Terms of Reference: The roles of all personnel

participating in management of the reserve will be
formalized in a set of “terms of reference” to be jointly
developed and maintained by the Al-Shouf Cedar Society
and the Management Team
POLICY 7.5 Employment Equal Opportunity: Personnel management

will adopt the merit principle for employment and have regard
for the principles of Employment Equal Opportunity
POLICY 7.6 Health and Safety: Occupational health and safety issues
relating to staff will be given high priority.
ACTIONS
ACTION 7.1 Training: Draft and implement a Training Program for the
AL-Shouf Cedar Society and management team personnel
46
ACTION 7.2 Performance Agreement: Develop a performance

agreement between the Al-Shouf Cedar Society and the
Manager of the Management Team to clarify the
respective roles of all personnel participating in
management of the reserve.
ACTION 7.3 Training Workshops: Design a series of training workshops

for selected members of the Ministry of Environment,
Ministry of Agriculture, Management Teams of the protected
areas, and participating researchers to upgrade their basic
skills and assist them in the preparation of management plans.
ACTION 7.4 Institution building: Develop an “Institution Building

Plan” for Al-Shouf Cedar Society and staff.
47
OBJECTIVE 8 - PLANNING AND CONTROLLING DEVELOPMENT
TO ADOPT EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND CONTROLS IN

AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE.
POLICIES
POLICY 8.1 Management Principles: Management will be in accordance

with the principles of the Natural Heritage Charter and the
Burra Charter.(see Appendices 2 and 3)
POLICY 8.2 Planning: Priority will be given to implementation of this

Management Plan.
POLICY 8.3 Planning Methodology: Planning methodology will be

adopted wherever practicable to achieve optimum outcomes to
management problem-solving.
POLICY 8.4 Monitoring: Monitoring will be designed to facilitate

informed periodic review of this management plan.
POLICY 8.5 Subsidiary Plans: The management plan will be

complemented by the preparation of soundly developed plans,
programs and actions.
POLICY 8.6 Development Controls: No development will be permitted in

Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, except where consistent with
the approved management plan.
POLICY 8.7 Applications for Development: No externally initiated

development proposal will be approved unless it can be
demonstrated that no feasible alternative sites exist outside the
protected area and that the environmental impact is
acceptable. The proponents of such proposals must evaluate
alternative locations outside the reserve prior to formally
making application for access to the reserve.
POLICY 8.8 Environmental Impact Assessment: (EIA). All proposals for

development will be subject to environmental impact
assessment. For externally initiated proposals it will be the
responsibility of the proponent to arrange for the preparation
of the initial impact assessment. For internally initiated
proposals it will be the responsibility of the managing agency
(Local Management NGO) to arrange for the preparation of
the EIA.
48
POLICY 8.9 No Net Detriment: All development proposals will require

the proponent to address how the principle of “No Net
Detriment” is to be achieved.
POLICY8.10 Net Benefit: All development proposals will be investigated

and evaluated for the potential to provide “Net Benefit” to the
Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve..
POLICY 8.11 Compliance with Plan: All development proposals are to be

assessed for compliance with the management plan and such
assessment is to be documented and made available on
request.
POLICY 8.12 Minister has Final Word: If for any reason a development is
proposed which is inconsistent with the management plan, that
development cannot be approved prior to the Minister of
Environment making a decision about whether she/he is
prepared to amend the management plan to allow the proposed
development.
POLICY 8.13 Appeal Against Decision: Any appeal against a decision by

the Local Management NGO in respect of a development, by
the proponent or a third party, will be made to the Minister of
Environment.
ACTIONS
ACTION 8.1 Training: Conduct training workshops for staff on

management methodologies in particular on strategic
planning, the fundamentals of scientific methodology,
environmental impact assessment and project management.
ACTION 8.2 Monitoring plan Implementation: Establish a simple

monitoring program to monitor the implementation of the
Management Plan.
ACTION 8.3 Process: Develop and document a simple process to guide

response to development proposals (internal and external)
which would include the conduct of environmental impact
assessment.
ACTION 8.4 Development Control Plan: Prepare a “Development Control

Plan”, listing prohibited and preferred landuses and
developments for the reserve and adjacent lands. This would
be primarily for the purpose of guiding the local Municipal
Council.
49
OBJECTIVE 9 - RESEARCH AND MONITORING
TO FACILITATE INFORMED AND RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT BY UNDERTAKING,

PROMOTING AND SUPPORTING APPROPRIATE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND
MONITORING
POLICIES
POLICY 9.1 Management Principles: Research will be in accordance

with the principles of the Natural Heritage Charter and the
Burra Charter.(see Glossary)
POLICY 9.2 Research Permit: All research projects within the reserve
will require a research permit that is issued by the reserve
manager. The application for such a permit should describe
the objectives, research methodology, field operations, and
on-site environmental impact.
POLICY 9.3 Permit Conditions: A set of core conditions will be

developed and will apply to all research permits. The
Manager of Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve may negotiate
changes to the proposed research to achieve a greater level of
acceptability and benefit for the nature reserve.
POLICY 9.4 Research Agenda: A Research Agenda will be developed and

maintained for the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. The
Research Agenda will detail and prioritize research needs to
support the management objectives and priorities of the
reserve
POLICY 9.5 Unauthorized Research: All research conducted in the

protected areas without a permit is unauthorized. Any
researcher responsible for unauthorized research activities in
the protected area may forego the right to be granted a
research permit on other occasions.
POLICY 9.6 Termination: Permits may be terminated at any time where

there has been a clear breach of permit conditions.
POLICY 9.7 Permanent records: The Reserve Manager will maintain

permanent collections of all research results and will annually
prepare a summary of all research conducted under permit in
the protected area
50
POLICY 9.8 Monitoring Program: A monitoring program that is closely

linked with the Field Studies component will measure
progress on the flora and fauna of each of the protected areas
for the duration of the Protected Areas Project. This
Monitoring Program will be executed by Green Line (GL)
utilizing both the GIS and GPS tools available to them.
POLICY 9.9 Assistance to Researchers: Financial and other assistance for

research may be offered for research projects listed on the
Preferred Research Agenda.
POLICY 9.10 Research Dispute: Any disputation regarding a decision

about an application for a research permit will be referred to
the Ministry of Environment.. If the dispute remains
unresolved, the applicant may appeal for arbitration to the
National Council of Scientific Research.
POLICY 9.11 Socio-economic studies: In order to measure the direct and

indirect benefits to local communities as a result of the
presence of protected areas, it is necessary for qualified
economist / graduate students to conduct socio-economic
studies.
ACTIONS
ACTION 9.1 Procedures: Develop and implement Procedures and Permit

forms for research activities.
ACTION 9.2 Preferred Research Agenda: Prepare a Research Agenda

which prioritizes research needs for the reserve.
ACTION 9.3 Promote the Research Agenda: Promote the Research

Agenda to research institutions and potential sponsors.
ACTION 9.4 Workshops: Conduct workshops for interested researchers to

explain research policies for the reserve.
ACTION 9.5 dies: Assist the economists/graduate

ng the necessary surveys to determine the
ed areas to the local economy.
ACTION 9.6 m: Assist the staff of Greenline to

itoring of. Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve.
51
5.3 THE 5 - YEAR WORK PLAN
A list of all actions identified, by objective and priority rated. (very high, high,
medium, low)
ACTION No. ACTION REQUIRED PRIORITY
OBJECTIVE 1 - NATURAL HERITAGE
1 Management ve priority to implementation of this Very High

Plan: anagement plan.
2 Training: onduct training workshops for all Very High

rticipants in management of Al-Shouf
Cedar
ature Reserve members of the Local
anagement NGO and Management Team on
e theory and practical application of the
licies and standards applying to the
hievement of Objective 1 (Natural
eritage).
3 Rare or evelop and implement a “Rare and Very High

Threatened hreatened Species Conservation Plan”.
Species:
4 Introduced Develop and implement “Introduced Species High

Species: Management Plan”.
5 Boundary omplete boundary demarcation and marking Very High

Delineation: Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve.
6 Rehabilitation Develop and implement a Rehabilitation Plan Medium

hich sets relative priorities for rehabilitation
and reforestation of the reserve.
1.7 Rehabilitation Develop and implement a ‘Quarry Closure High
of Quarries: and Rehabilitation Plan’ for the quarries in
the North Zone of the reserve.
1.8 GIS: Develop and maintain a Geographic Very High

Information System (GIS) for data
management.
52
OBJECTIVE 2 - CULTURAL HERITAGE
1 Conservation epare a Cultural Heritage Conservation Low

Plan: an and determine priorities for
nservation.
2 Research corporate cultural heritage research needs Medium

Agenda: the Preferred Research Agenda (See
bjective 8).
3 Promotion of tablish contact with relevant research Medium

Research: stitutions to promote scientific research
d investigation of cultural and historical
es and values in Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
eserve.
OBJECTIVE 3 – COMMUNITY SUPPORT
1 Community evelop a Community Relations Plan to Very High

Relations uide and prioritize work with and in the
Plan: mmunity. This should include
rtnership with the community in
veloping economic benefits from the
serve, addressing of problems perceived
be caused by the reserve such as damage
y wild boars, etc…
2 MOU with egotiate Memoranda of Understanding Very High

Municipalities MOU) with all local Municipal Councils
r the purpose of establishing a working
rtnership on matters relating to the
serve.
53
OBJECTIVE 4 – EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
1 Environmental epare an environmental education Very High

Education ogram in consultation with professional
Plan: ucators and review at least annually.
2 Educational Construct and install infrastructure and Very High

Resources: acquire materials needed to support the
Environmental Education Plan.
3 Educational Finalize the educational materials with Very High

Resources: iends of Nature and distribute to
ucators in Lebanon.
4 Field Studies: Assist researchers from the NCSR to Very High

conduct and complete their flora and fauna
surveys
5 Monitoring Assist the staff of GL to conduct regular Very High

Program: monitoring of all the protected areas
6 Socio- Assist the economists/graduate students in Very High

Economic conducting the necessary surveys to
Study: determine the benefit of the protected areas
to the local economy
OBJECTIVE 5 – RECREATION AND VISITOR MANAGEMENT
1 Visitor evelop a Visitor Management Very High

Management an which includes eco-tourism
Plan: anagement.
2 Maaser Shouf consultation with the local community

Entrance: mplement the Maaser Al-Shouf Done
ntrance.
3 Plan New consultation with the local community, Very High

Entrances: nduct planning and feasibility studies
r the possible opening of new visitor
trances at Barouk Ain Zahalta Victoria
n Zahalta/Bmohraii Horsh Dalboun
d Kefraya.
4 Information onduct planning and feasibility studies High

Center Study: r an Information Center in Barouk
llage.
54
5 Visitor epare a Visitor Code of Conduct and High

Conduct: omote in appropriate ways.
6 Socio-Economic onduct a socio-economic study to High

Study: cument the socio-economic benefits of
creation, eco-tourism and research and
omote awareness of the results for the
urpose of building support for the
serve.
OBJECTIVE 6 – FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
1 Business Plan: evelop a 10 year Business Plan to Very High

ovide a sound basis for financial
anagement. Review annually.
2 Resources and evelop a Resources and Income a Very High

Income Plan: unding Plan for the Al-Shouf Cedar
ature Reserve. Which includes income
neration, sponsorship and donations of
oney, goods and services.
3 Code of evelop a ‘Code of Conduct’ to guide Very High

Conduct: nd raising and income generation to
sure that all such activities are ethical
d responsible. The code should include
entification of the circumstances in
hich it would be appropriate and
appropriate to accept funding and other
ntributions.
4 Volunteers: evelop a policy and program for the High

introduction of volunteers both as a
means of providing opportunities for
community involvement and to
supplement financial resources.
5 Sponsorship evelop and maintain a “brochure” for Very High

Brochure: onsors that lists, explains, and
timates the cost of projects that are
mportant for Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
eserve.
55
OBJECTIVE 7 – STAFF TRAINING AND INSTITUTION BUILDING
7.1 Training: Draft and implement a Training High

Program for the AL-Shouf Cedar
Society and the management team
personnel
7.2 Performance Develop a performance agreement Medium

Agreement between the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve and the Manager of the
Management Team to clarify the
respective roles of all personnel
participating in management of the
reserve.
3 Training Design a series of training workshops High

Workshops: for selected members of the Ministry of
Environment, Ministry of Agriculture,
Management Teams of the protected
areas, and participating researchers to
upgrade their basic skills and assist
them in the preparation of management
plans.
7.4 Institution Develop an “Institution Building High

Building: Plan” for Al-Shouf Cedar Society
and staff.
OBJECTIVE 8 – PLANNING AND CONTROLLING DEVELOPMENT
1 Training: onduct training workshops for staff on Very High

anagement methodologies in
rticular on strategic planning, the
ndamentals of scientific methodology,
vironmental impact assessment and
oject management.
2 Monitoring Plan tablish a simple monitoring program Very High

Implementation: monitor the implementation of the
anagement Plan.
3 Development evelop and document a simple process High

Assessment guide response to development
Process: oposals (internal and external) which
ould include the conduct of
vironmental impact assessment)
56
OBJECTIVE 9- RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
9.1 Procedures: Develop and implement Procedures and On-going

Permit forms for research activities.
2 Research epare a Preferred Research Agenda Very High

Agenda: RA) which prioritizes research needs
r the reserve.
3 Promote omote the Research Agenda to Very High

Research search institutions and potential
Agenda: onsors (as part of Sponsorship
ospectus)
4 Workshops: onduct workshops for interested High

searchers to explain research policies
r the reserve.
5 Socio-economic ssist the economists/graduate students High

Studies: in conducting the necessary surveys to
determine the benefit of the protected areas
to the local economy.
eenline to Medium
nduct regular monitoring of Al-
houf Cedar Nature Reserve.
5.4 ANNUAL WORKPLAN
One of the important means by which the Management Plan will be implemented is by
preparation of an Annual Workplan for implementation by the Management Team. It
is essential that these Workplans are based on the Management Plan.
The budget process will closely conform to the Management Plan, in particular with
the Actions section of Part III. It is recognized that the budget and other constraints
may necessitate temporary departure from the order in the list of actions. However,
every endeavor will be made to maintain the order of activities set out in the plan.
57
6.0 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
6.1 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT
In the relatively short time since the end of the Lebanese civil war there has been a
major pulse of development, especially in the rebuilding and modernisation of Beirut.
Many Lebanese nationals have returned from overseas to contribute to the re-building
of Lebanese society. Lebanese citizens are now enjoying a new degree of affluence
and a degree of freedom to travel around the country unknown during the civil war.
One consequence is that the Lebanese rural landscape is now much more accessible
from the cities, both for exploitation and aesthetic and recreational appreciation.
The economic expansionism of Lebanon has brought with it many threats to the
natural landscape, especially the threat from urban development and major quarries.
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve has already been impacted by several such
quarries. Indeed, there are large quarries in the northern section of the Al-Shouf Cedar
Nature Reserve, all established prior to the establishment of the reserve but continuing
to operate. Additional quarries will continue to represent an on-going threat to the
Lebanese rural landscape and in particular the Al-Shouf.
One of the aftermath’s of the Lebanese civil war was unexploded mines in parts of the
country, including parts of the Al-Shouf. The limited placement of mines north of the
Maaser Shouf - Kefraya road had been removed by 2000. However, reportedly
extensive mine placements in the Niha Mountain (south of the Maaser Shouf-Kefraya)
remain, a factor that will limit public access to the Niha Mountain section for the
foreseeable future.
Lebanese citizens appear to be in the process of an increasing interest in re-

discovering the remaining natural landscapes of their country for recreational and
tourism purposes. This is particularly the case with the remnant cedar forests, the
cedar being such a hallowed icon of Lebanon. As the larger cities become increasingly
congested, that trend towards re-discovery of the rural landscape is likely to continue.
Subject to political stability, it is likely that Lebanon will continue to enjoy an

expanding economy and with it an expanding tourism and recreation industry.
58
6.2 TOURISM POTENTIAL
The mostly treeless summit of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve forms the skyline
of a large part of southern Lebanon and gains additional attention in winter with its
mantle of snow. The undeveloped landscape of the Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve contrasts
with the highly developed landscapes of the Bekaa Valley to the east and the Shouf to
the west. The mountains also contain small remnants of forest, especially cedar
forests. Public roads provide ready access to several parts of the Al-Shouf.
As such, the mountains provide an attraction for people seeking out the undeveloped
landscape. The most accessible of the cedar forests is the small but attractive Maaser
Shouf forest on the Maaser Shouf - Kefraya road which was opened to limited public
access in the late nineteen nineties. Since then, visitation has grown rapidly to in
excess of 50,000 in the 1999 season.
The rate of increase in the level of visitation is just one indicator of the visitor demand
for recreational and tourism access to public lands in Lebanon, in particular to cedar
forests. There is every reason to believe that the Al - Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve will
continue to have appeal to visitors, including as tourists, both national and
international.
The challenges for the management of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve will be not
how to attract visitors but how to manage the anticipated increased visitation in such a
way that the ecology of the reserve is not impaired and similarly, that the quality of
the visitor experience is not impaired but is enhanced. Only in this way can tourism
to the reserve be managed to the long term benefit of the reserve. Sound planning and
sound management will be the means by which tourism will be demonstrated to
benefit the reserve.
Great care will need to be taken to avoid conflicts between tourism, especially
international tourism, and other legitimate local and national uses such as
environmental education and specialised nature based activities such as bird-watching.
These issues will be addressed in the preparation and periodic review of a Visitor
Management Plan.
Great care will need to be exercised in avoiding creation of a tourism market which is
not easily regulated and which could create conflict with the primary conservation
objectives of the reserve. In particular, it is critically important to avoid acquiescence
to establishment of any overnight accommodation for tourism or tourism related
purposes.
There is also a risk of inappropriate tourism promotion leading to unmet expectations

of visitors leading to public criticism of the reserve. It is therefore important that the
managers of the reserve avoid promotion of undeliverable experiences.
59
6.3 BUSINESS PLAN
The Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve Management Plan 2000-2005 requires the preparation
and annual review of a 10 year Business Plan (See Section 2.3 of this plan for
relationship between the two plans)
The Business Plan makes a number of assumptions and predictions which may prove
to be unachievable, at least in the shorter term. However, the Business Plan 2000-2010
should form the basis for a revised plan to be brought into operation as a matter of
priority.
The need to regulate the level of visitation to the reserve, together with the seasonality
of the access, means that the opportunity for revenue raising will be limited and will
fluctuate from month to month. Placing too much emphasis on fund raising from
visitor access fees is problematic and may lead to unfulfilled revenue estimates.
As indicated in the Management Policies, it is particularly important for the Al-Shouf

Cedar Nature Reserve to diversify the sources of funding, which includes avoiding
heavy reliance on visitor entrance fees.
Similarly, much of the management work that needs to be undertaken in the reserve is
bio-diversity conservation and not related to the provision of most visitor experiences.
It is therefore arguable that visitors should not be expected to pay for conservation
management aspects of the reserve.
The Funding Plan for the nature reserve needs to be regularly and carefully reviewed
to ensure that the return on investment of staff time and any re-investment of funds is
maximised and conversely that staff time commitment to fund raising is balanced
against the management demands of the reserve.
To facilitate fine tuning of both the Business Plan and the Funding Plan, it will be
important for management to accurately monitor performance of both plans from the
very beginning of the plans being operational.
The Annual Review of the Business Plan should be conducted in conjunction with the
annual review/preparation of the:
• Annual Workplan
• Budget and
• Funding Plan
60
6.4 FUNDING PLAN
A Funding Plan has been prepared for Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. This plan
requires the regular review and implementation of the Funding Plan.
The Funding Plan 2000 is to provide the basis for fund raising towards the financial
sustainability of the reserve. However, it must be emphasised that all fund raising
undertaken must be consistent with the Management Plan, in particular with the
protection and maintenance of the important natural heritage values of the reserve.
Fund raising should not be limited to external funding but will of necessity include
making a case for regular funding from Government to at least cover those
conservation activities directed at protection and management of National Heritage
values. Funding commitments and forecasts should be developed at least three years in
advance to avoid short-term fund raising with the attendant uncertainty for
management personnel.
The Management Plan requires the preparation of a Fundraising Code of Conduct to

ensure that fund raising is guided by ethical considerations at all times. Part of that
Code must include public accountability for funds raised in order to maintain public
confidence in the fundraising personnel.
Management personnel are encouraged to recognize the importance of fund raising

and effective financial management in overall achievement of management objectives.
61
7.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

7.1. PLAN REVIEW PROCESS
The preparation of this draft management plan is a requirement of the Protected Areas
Project of Lebanon. Following the receipt of comments on this Draft Management
Plan, the revised plan will be submitted for Minister of Environment approval in 1999.
In keeping with international practice, the plan will be subject to extensive review
within 5 years of ministerial approval. That review will involve community
consultation. Prior to review of the plan, the managing authority will have prepared an
independent report on performance measured against the objectives.
7.2. MONITORING OF IMPLEMENTATION
The Al-Shouf Cedar Society (or other committee or agency lawfully responsible for
the area) will be responsible for regular review of the implementation of the
management plan approved by the Minister. They also need to report to the Minister
the results of their assessment of progress and make any recommendations they see
necessary to improve progress in implementation.
If the Governor of Mount Lebanon during the term of this plan, appoints a
Government Committee for the reserve (or other committee or agency lawfully
appointed), will be expected to, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment to:
• Periodically meet with the Al Shouf Cedar Society and their Management Team
(or other committee or agency lawfully responsible for the area) to establish
progress and problems encountered by the Society in implementation of the plan.
• Periodically, in the company of the Al Shouf Cedar Society, (or other committee
or agency lawfully responsible for the area) inspect the reserve to observe the
condition of the reserve and compliance with the management plan
• Prepare annual reports to the Minister, incorporating the report presented during
the relevant year from the Al Shouf Cedar Society (or other committee or agency
lawfully responsible for the area) and any other information relevant to the
implementation of the plan.
• Make recommendations to the Minister on any changes necessary to improve the
compliance with and implementation of the plan.
62
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Biodiversity The natural biological diversity, including, but not limited to
the diversity of species, plant communities and natural
associations of plants and animals. But see the Natural
Heritage Charter.
Burra Charter A document which provides a set of principles to guide the

management of cultural heritage sites. It was developed by
Australia ICOMOS and has been endorsed by the
international organization of ICOMOS. A copy of the Burra
Charter is Attachment … of this plan.
Code of Conduct A set of rules to govern the conduct of a person or

organization to ensure that conduct stays within pre-defined
limits. Often relates to matters of ethics and proprietary. E.g.
a visitor code of conduct would be a set of rules which
should guide the behavior of visitors to a protected area. A
code of conduct generally is a guide rather than an
enforceable regulation.
Community ‘Right- The right of a community to have information about activities

to-Know.’ and decisions that are supposedly being taken on their behalf.
In the case of protected areas, which are described as being
part of the community’s heritage, the community is entitled
to know what decisions are being taken about the
management of their heritage.
Cultural Heritage Heritage may be defined as the places and things that a
people or community regard as part of their inheritance and
which they consider worthy of protection. Cultural heritage is
mainly those places or objects which are man-made as
distinct from natural.
Eco-tourism A type of tourism which is primarily nature-based. Variously

defined but the essential parts are:
Minimal impact on the natural heritage
Preferably positive benefits to protected areas
Minimal detrimental impact on local community
Preferably positive benefits to local community
Increases visitor awareness, appreciation and support for
ecological conservation.
Endemic Species A species found only in a given area. For

example, a Lebanon endemic is a species found only in
Lebanon.
63
EEO Equal Employment Opportunities - a set of guidelines for

application of the merit principle in the workplace. The
actual contents may vary from place to place but usually aim
to ensure that all employees or staff are treated fairly and
equally without regard to such things as race, religion, gender
or marital status. The merit principle from which it is derived
is simply that jobs, employment, tasks, promotions etc. are
awarded on merit, to the person most qualified for a task, job
etc.
Geo-diversity The natural non-living geological and geographic diversity,

by definition, exclusive of biodiversity. But see Natural
Heritage Charter.
GIS Geographic Information System. (GIS) Usually a computer

based system for storing and processing geographic
information. A GIS usually has the capability of presenting
the information in a map form, including as interactive
overlays of information. E.g. vegetation map over geology
map.
ICOMOS International Committee on Monuments and Sites [CHECK]
Karst A term used to describe the distinctive surface and

underground landscape associated with weathered limestone.
Karst is characterized by such features as caves, underground
drainage, discharge of surface streams to underground voids
and caves.
Local Managing The locally based NGO which has been

NGO given official delegation or responsibility for day-to-day
management of a protected area under the Protected Areas
Program.
MOU Memorandum of Understanding: A document negotiated

between two or more organizations or individuals (commonly
only 2 parties) to record any matter on which the parties have
been able to ‘come to an understanding’ or agreement. An
MOU may be a few lines or many pages in length. An MOU
may be periodically updated to reflect any progress in
additional matters of agreement.
Natural Heritage Heritage may be defined as the places and things that a
people or community regard as part of their inheritance and
which they consider worthy of protection. Natural heritage is
that part of heritage which is derived from nature as distinct
from man-made features or human contrived things.
64
Natural Heritage The Australian Natural Heritage Charter. A set of protected

Charter area management principles aimed at a precautionary
approach to protection of natural heritage values. It has been
internationally recognized and is available on the Internet.
Copy is at Attachment2
‘Net Benefit’ The protected area management principle by

Principle which any management action or decision is directed at
delivering a net benefit to the protected area, preferably an
improvement to the values, integrity or condition.
Precautionary An internationally used environmental principle which

Principle requires that lack of scientific certainty should not be used as
an excuse for not taking action to address a know
environmental problem. For example, if a species is
threatened with extinction, lack of certainty about what is
causing the threat should not be a reason for inaction. It is
often more widely interpreted in converse for management of
protected areas - if you don’t know or understand the impacts
of a proposed action or development, avoid that action or
decision. But see the Natural Heritage Charter.
Rare Species A species which is very uncommon, either naturally or as a

result of human impacts.
Threatened Species A species which is seen to be threatened with possible

extinction if the threat is not removed or controlled. A
species may be classified as threatened, even if it is not yet
rare.
‘User-pays The management principle that seeks to transfer the cost of

Principle’ provision of certain services or infrastructure (e.g. visitor
facilities) to the people who use and/or receive the most
benefit from those services.(e.g. visitors to a protected area
being expected to contribute financially to the services or
facilities which they enjoy.
Appendix 1
LAW 532
1850 - Official Gazette - No. 33

Dated 29/7/1996
Law No. 532
Establishing a natural protected area (Al-Shouf Cedar)
The Cabinet has ratified and the President has issued the following law.
Single Article - The proposed law that aims to establish a natural protected area (Al-
Shouf Cedar) has been legalized as it has been amended by the Committee of
Administration and Justice.
This law is considered valid as soon as it is published in the official gazette.
Baabda on July 24, 1996

Signature: Elias Hirawi
Issued by: The President of the Republic

President of the Cabinet
Rafik Al-Hariri (signature)
President of the Cabinet

Rafik Al-Hariri (signature)
Law
Establishing a Natural Protected Area “Al-Shouf Cedar”
First Article:
The public properties of the villages of Niha, Jbaa, Mresti, Khreibeh, Maaser, Barouk,
Bmohray, Ain Darah and Ain Zhalta are considered as Natural Protected Area in
addition to the properties of the east side of Barouk Mountain, the mentioned public
properties are located within the borders shown below:
North: Public properties of Ain Darah town

East: The borders of the public properties of the following villages:
Niha, Jbaa, Mresti, Maaser, Barouk, Bmohray, Ain Zhalta and Ain Darah of
the east side of Barouk Mountain.
South: Borders of the public properties of Niha town via Jezzine.
East: Borders of the private properties of the villages of Niha, Jbaa, Mresti,
Khreibeh, Maaser, Barouk, Bmohray, Ain Darah and Ain Zhalta
66
Second Article:
Aiming to preserve the wood, plant and animal wealth in the natural protected area;
hence cutting , investing or industrializing trees of seedlings within the protected area
is prohibited by law whatever their kinds.
The Third Article:

Livestock (cattle) are not allowed to enter the protected area aiming to protect its soil
and plants.
The Fourth Article:

It is prohibited to take away and remove any yields or produces from the protected
area such as removing or drawing out stones or sand or metal or water, or grass or
flowers or herbage or green leaves or natural fertilizers from the wood land , or the
various seeds or other fruits and the other produces or contents of the protected area
unless for scientific research which aims to improve the ecology of the protected area.
The Fifth Article:

It is prohibited to do or perform any act that may lead to trouble in the protected area
ecosystem and in particular:
1. Setting fire or burning the grass and others such as plants and natural wastes which
exist in the protected area or (within) less than 500 meters of its border.
2. Wild hunting in the protected area or within a distance less than 500 meters of its
border.
3. Camping in the protected lands or throwing the wastes etc…….
4. Every act that may damage the protected area or deforms its natural sights or
destroys its resources.
The Sixth Article:

Every text law and all the operative international agreements are applied within the
protected area, and in particular those which focus on the environment protection, the
wood values and the natural beauty.
The Seventh Article:

The grass (herbs) and the cut or industrialized wood are confiscated and sold by
auction to the benefit of the protected area committee where those materials are
extracted. The violators are judged and taken to prison for a period ranging between
three months and three years and with a fine equal to two million five hundred
Lebanese pounds for each cut tree and one hundred thousand Lebanese pounds for
each kilogram of wood or firewood and two hundred thousand for each industrialized
box and one hundred and fifty thousand Lebanese pounds for each kilogram of any
industrialized substances.
The Eighth Article:

Each person who permits cattle to get into the protected area is punished by a fine
equal to two hundred fifty thousand Lebanese pounds per head and put into jail for a
period ranging from two to six months.
67
The Ninth Article:

Each person that breaks, spoils or transfers any of the protected land produce or
removes the border signs is punished by a fine ranging from one hundred thousand
Lebanese pounds to one million Lebanese pounds and enter the prison for fifteen days
to six months.
Each person who sets fire in the protected area is punished by entering the prison for a
juration ranging from one month to two years. Punishment must meet with the
damages estimated by the court. In the case of there being two punishments for the
same offense with different texts, the extreme punishment is applied.
The Tenth Article:

In all circumstances, and in addition to the above mentioned punishments it is judged
that, the taken or cut wood material that was used to commit the breach must be
returned and the saws, axes, cutters, the other devices, materials and the transportation
means must be confiscated. The confiscated materials and fines are to be returned to
the mentioned protected area committee.
The Eleventh Article:

By a resolution issued by the Governor of Mount Lebanon (Mouhafez) and after
consulting the Minister for Environment a committee of seven volunteer members is
appointed for three years to insure the protection and controlling works and make
available the studies and scientific research in order to ecologically rehabilitate the
land.
Appointing the members of the protected land must take into consideration the
representation of the area municipalities and those who have in-depth experience in
ecology.
The Twelfth Article:

This law is considered valid as soon as published in the official gazette.
Appendix 2
AUSTRALIAN
NATURAL HERITAGE
CHARTER
© Australian Committee for IUCN 1996
Permission is granted to reproduce part or all of the publication for non-commercial

purposes subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgement of the
source. Copyright for the design of this publication remains with the Australian
Heritage Commission.
Published by the Australian Heritage Commission in association

with the Australian Committee for IUCN
GPO Box 528
SYDNEY NSW 2001
Australia
National Library of Australia cataloguing-in-publication data:
Australian Natural Heritage Charter for the conservation of places of natural

heritage significance: standards and principles.
ISBN 0 642 26420 1.
1. Conservation of natural resources – Australia. 2. Nature

conservation – Australia. 3. Biological diversity conservation –
Australia. I. Australian Heritage Commission.
333.720994
Designed by George Mackintosh

Production art by David Heacock
Printed by Goanna Print
Reformatted for use in Lebanon by Peter Hitchcock 2000 (Reproduced in full)
2
Contents
Preamble 3
Purpose 3
Ethos of the Charter 4
How to use the Charter 5
Parns
PART A Definitions
Alphabetical reference to the definitions 6
Values 7
Degradation and disturbance 9
Conservation processes 9
Actions 10
Part B Conservation Principles
Basis of conservation 11
Conservation policy 12
Removal of elements 12
Part C Conservation Processes
Regeneration 13
Restoration 13
Enhancement 13
Reinstatement 14
Preservation 14
Modification 14
Maintenance 14
Part D Conservation Practice
Obtaining information about a place 15
Conservation policy 16
Conservation plan 16
Consultation 16
Records 16
Monitoring 16
Background
Development of the Charter 17
Purpose of the Charter 18
Administration and Future Review 18
Address for copies and comments 18
3
Preamble
IUCN (the International Union The Australian Natural Heritage Charter was adopted in
for the Conservation of Nature
and Natural Resources) is now December 1996 following a two-year period of extensive
known as the World national consultation. At that time the Australian Committee for
Conservation Union. IUCN accepted responsibility for the promotion, promulgation,
The Charter is not intended to
provide a detailed process for administration and future review of the Charter. The Charter
describing places for the purpose is for use by all Australian organisations and individuals.
of listing them on heritage
registers.
The Charter is not intended to

URPOSE
provide a detailed process for PURPOSE
describing places for the purpose
of listing them on heritage The purpose of this Charter is to assist everyone with an
registers. interest
in the significance and conservation of natural heritage to
make soundly-based decisions on conservation of that heritage.
It is intended to achieve a uniform approach to conservation
of places of natural significance in Australia that can be applied
to public and privately-owned places, to terrestrial, marine or
freshwater areas, and to protected and unprotected areas.
4
ETHOS OF THE CHARTER

This Charter encompasses a wide interpretation of
natural heritage and is based on respect for that heritage.
It acknowledges the principles of inter-generational equity,
existence value, uncertainty and precaution.
Inter-generational equity means that the present

generation should ensure that the health, diversity and
productivity of the environment is maintained or
enhanced for the benefit of future generations.
The principle of existence value is that living

organisms, earth processes and ecosystems may have
value beyond the social, economic or cultural values
held by humans.
The principle of uncertainty accepts that our

knowledge of natural heritage and the processes
affecting it is incomplete, and that the full potential
significance or value of natural heritage remains
unknown because of this uncertain state of knowledge.
The precautionary principle is that where there are

threats or potential threats of serious or irreversible
environmental damage, lack of full scientific certainty
should not be used as a reason for postponing measures
to prevent environmental degradation.
Natural heritage incorporates a spectrum of values, ranging from

existence value at one end through to socially-based values at
the
The concept of natural heritage
other. The fundamental concept of natural heritage, which most used here recognises the role
clearly differentiates it from cultural heritage, is that of dynamic Indigenous people have played
ecological processes, ongoing natural evolution, and the ability in Australian landscapes for at
least 50 000 years and possibly
of ecosystems to be self-perpetuating. At the cultural end of the much longer.
spectrum, clear separation of cultural and natural values can
be difficult, and more than one layer of values may apply to
the same place.
5
C O N S E R VAT I O N P R A C T I C E
How to use the

Australian Natural
Heritage Charter
Obtain and study evidence Identify and contact people
about the place from: or groups who know about,
Documents and studies care for, or have an interest
Local knowledge and experience in the place.
The definitions,
conservation principles What do we know about
and conservation the place? Who else may be able to help?
processes described in Articles 4, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 Article 32
Parts A, B and C of the
Charter provide the
Determine the natural Assess the physical condition
basis for conservation significance of the place. and management realities.
decisions. Part D draws What are the constraints and
these elements together Why is it significant? opportunities which will influence
to describe the procedure Articles 2, 5, 6, 7 conservation of the place?
Article 2
for conservation practice.
Important
Develop a conservation policy.
The steps need to What policies are needed to conserve the natural values of the place?
How will they relate to other management issues?
be taken in this order Articles 6, 7, 8, 9, 29
Each step is a discrete Determine the conservation processes which will be used.
stage How will the conservation objectives be met?
Articles 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23
Monitoring is a
fundamental element Decide on responsibilities for decisions,
of conservation approvals and actions.
Article 30
practice
Formulate the conservation plan.
How will we make it happen?
Article 30
Implement the conservation plan.

What actions does the conservation plan require?
Articles 30, 31, 32, 33, 34
Monitor the results and consider any new information.

Have we been successful in our objectives?
Can we make any changes to improve results?
Have there been changes in the external environment or the management
or use of the place which indicate a need to review the conservation plan?
Article 34
6
Definitions
A
ALPHABETICAL REFERENCE TO THE DEFINITIONS
In this Charter, words for which a definition is provided are
printed in italics.
Biological diversity , biodiversity . . . .1.3 Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.13

Community . . . . . . . . . . . 1.14 Indigenous species . . . . . . 1.10
Community diversity . . . . . 1.4 Introduced species . . . . . . 1.11
Conservation . . . . . . . . . . 1.22 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Conservation management Modification . . . . . . . . . . 1.28
measures 1.31 Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . 1.32
Degradation . . . . . . . . . . 1.20 Natural integrity . . . . . . . 1.9
Disturbance . . . . . . . . . . 1.21 Natural significance . . . . . 1.2
Earth processes . . . . . . . . 1.17 Organism . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.12
Ecological processes . . . . . . 1.16 Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1
Ecosystem . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.15 Preservation . . . . . . . . . . 1.27
Ecosystem diversity . . . . . . 1.5 Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.29
Enhancement . . . . . . . . . 1.25 Regeneration . . . . . . . . . . 1.23
Evolutionary processes . . . 1.18 Reinstatement . . . . . . . . . 1.26
Genetic diversity . . . . . . . Restoration . . . . . . . . . . . 1.24
1.7 Species diversity . . . . . . . . 1.6
Geodiversity . . . . . . . . . . Succession . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.19
1.8
GENERAL
Article 1. For the purpose of the Charter the following
definitions apply.
GENERAL
1.1 Place means a site or area with associated ecosystems ,
which are the sum of its geo-diversity , biological diversity
and natural processes.
7
VA L U E S
VALUES
1.3. This definition is 1.2 Natural significance means the importance of ecosystems,
essentially
the same as that used in biological diversity and geodiversity for their existence value,
‘The National Strategy for or for present or future generations in terms of
the Conservation of Australia’s
Biodiversity’ to which all their scientific, social, aesthetic and life-support value.
Australian Governments
are signatory.
1.3 Biological diversity(also known as biodiversity ) means
the variety of life forms: the different plants, animals and
micro-organisms, the genes they contain, and the
ecosystems they form. It is usually considered at four levels:
genetic diversity , species diversity , ecosystem diversity and
community diversity.
1.4 Community diversity means the variety of communities

in an area.
1.5 Ecosystem diversity means the variety of ecosystems in

an area.
1.6 Species diversity means the variety of species and their

relative abundance in an area.
1.10. Special classes of 1.7 Genetic diversity means the variety of genetic
indigenous species, often
defined in legislation by terms information contained in the total genes of individual
such as threatened species, plants, animals and micro-organisms in an area.
vulnerable species, or
endangered species, have not
been defined in this Charter. 1.8 Geodiversity means the range of earth features including
geological, geomorphological, palaeontological, soil,
hydrological and atmospheric features, systems and earth
processes.
1.9 Natural integrity means the degree to which a

natural system retains its condition and natural rate
of change in terms of size, biological diversity ,
geo-diversity and habitat.
1.10 Indigenous species means a species that occurs at a place

within its historically known natural range and that
forms part of the natural biological diversity of a place.
8
1.11 Introduced species means a translocated or alien species 1.11. Introduced species
occurring at a place outside its historically known include those that have
been translocated to a
natural range as a result of intentional or accidental dispersal place from elsewhere in
by human activities. Australia, and those that
are genetically modified.
1.12 Organism means any living being.
1.13 Habitat means the structural environments where an

organism lives for all or part of its life.
1.14 Community means all the living parts of an ecosystem.
1.15 Ecosystem means the dynamic interaction between the

complex of organisms that make up a community with
their non-living environment and each other.
1.16 Ecological processes means all those processes that

occur between organisms, and within and between
populations and communities, including interactions
with the non-living environment, that result in
existing ecosystems and bring about changes in
ecosystems over time.
1.17 Earth processes means the interactions, changes and

evolutionary development of geodiversity over time.
1.18 Evolutionary processes means genetically-based

processes by which life forms change and develop
over generations.
1.19 Succession means the natural changes over time where

one community is replaced by another.
9
DEGRADATION AND DISTURBANCE

1.20. A degraded ecosystem
will usually require human 1.20 Degradation means any decline in the quality
intervention to recover.
of natural resources or the viability of ecosystems ,
caused directly or indirectly by human activities.
1.21 Disturbance means accelerated change caused

by human activity, or extreme natural events.
1.21. Inclusion of the concept of

natural disturbance is problematical,
but it is necessary because
conservation decisions are often
needed after natural
extreme ‘catastrophic’ events.
Human modification of the natural
environment often contributes to the
‘catastrophic’ effects.
CONSERVATION PROCESSES
The appropriate use of these
processes is described in Part C. The
term ‘rehabilitation’ has not been
used in this Charter because it is
widely used in other land
management contexts which are not
necessarily connected with natural
heritage conservation.
1.22 Conservation, may, according 1.22 Conservation means all the processes and
to circumstance, include actions of looking after a place so as to retain its
conservation management measures,
regeneration, restoration,
natural significance and always includes protection ,
enhancement, reinstatement, maintenance and monitoring .
preservation or modification, or a
combination of more than one of
these.
1.23. Assisted regeneration, 1.23 Regeneration means the recovery of natural

where there is some assistance by integrity following disturbance or degradation .
human intervention to accelerate the
process of recovery, e.g., by
removing threatening processes, may
be justified under the same principles
as those for restoration.
1.24 and 1.26. 1.24 Restoration means returning existing habitats
The time frame that would apply to to a known past state or to an approximation of the
the past state as reference for
restoration and reinstatement is not
natural condition by repairing degradation , by
specified; this should be removing introduced species , or by reinstatement .
determined for each situation
through the conservation policy.
10
1.25 Enhancement means the introduction to a place of

additional individuals of one or more organisms, species
or elements of habitat or geo-diversity that naturally exist
there.
1.26 Reinstatement means to introduce to a place one or

more species or elements of habitat or geo-diversity
that are known to have existed there naturally at a
previous time but that can no longer be found at that
place.
1.27 Preservation means maintaining the bio-diversity

and/or an ecosystem of a place at the existing stage of
succession, or maintaining existing geo-diversity .
1.28 Modification means altering a place to suit proposed

uses which are compatible with the natural significance
of the place.
ACTIONS
1.29 Protection means taking care of a place by
maintenance and by managing impacts to ensure that
natural significance is retained.
1.29 Protection means taking care of a place by

maintenance and by managing impacts to ensure that
natural significance is retained.
1.30 Maintenance means the continuous protective care

of the biological diversity and geo-diversity of a place
and is to be distinguished from repair. Repair involves
restoration and reinstatement .
1.31 Conservation management measures means the

techniques for achieving conservation of biological
diversity and geodiversity and may include physical
intervention, binding legal agreements, planning
instruments, land acquisition and the like.
1.32 Monitoring means ongoing review, evaluation and 1.32. Monitoring is used to
assessment to detect changes in condition of the natural allow review of decisions
assisted by knowledge of the
integrity of a place, with reference to a baseline effects of conservation
condition. processes and actions.
11
Conservation
B Principles
BASIS OF CONSERVATION
Article 2. The aim of conservation is to retain the

natural significance of a place.
Article 3. The best Article 3. Conservation is based on respect for

conservation ecosystems, biological diversity and geo-diversity, and
often involves the least work,
and conservation should not be
should involve the least possible physical intervention to
undertaken unless adequate ecological processes, evolutionary processes and earth
resources are available to processes .
ensure
that the place is not left in a
disturbed or vulnerable state.
Article 4. Conservation should make use of all the

disciplines and experience that can contribute to the
study and safeguarding of a place. Techniques employed
should have a firm scientific basis or be supported by
relevant experience.
Article 5. Conservation of rare, Article 5. Conservation of a place should take into

threatened or vulnerable species consideration all aspects of its natural significance
or declaration of a protected
area for specific purposes may
without unwarranted emphasis on any one aspect at the
conflict with the conservation expense of others.
of
other aspects of biological
diversity or geo-diversity and
decisions should be guided by a
conservation policy based on
the natural significance of a
place.
See also Article 10.
12
CONSERVATION POLICY
Article 6 The conservation policy appropriate to a

place should first be determined by an
understanding of its natural significance and
should state the desired future condition of
the place.
Article 7 A statement of natural significance is central

to the conservation policy and conservation
strategy for a place. A statement of natural
significance is central to the conservation
policy and conservation strategy for a place.
Article 8 The conservation policy should determine

uses that are compatible with the natural
significance of a place.
Article 9 The conservation policy should include

consideration of ecological processes that
extend beyond the stated
boundaries of a place.
REMOVAL OF ELEMENTS
Article 10 Elements of geo-diversity , habitat elements, Article 10. Accepted

organisms and species, which contribute to protocols
for scientific collecting
the natural significance of a place and its should be
ecosystems , should not be removed from a observed where they exist,
place unless this is the sole means of ensuring and
their survival, security or preservation and is provision for scientific
consistent with the conservation policy. collecting
should be incorporated in the
conservation plan where
appropriate. Refer also to
Articles 26 and 30.
Article 11 The destruction of elements of habitat or geo- Article 11. An example is

diversity, which form part of the natural poisoning or draining a water
body to eliminate an
significance of a place, is unacceptable unless introduced species of fish
it is the sole means of ensuring the security of where the poisoning or
the wider ecosystem. draining may threaten
downstream areas or the
integrity or evolutionary
processes of the ecosystem.
13
C REGENERATION
Article 12. Article 12. Regeneration does not include physical
(i) See also the note at Article intervention, but includes monitoring and
1.23 concerning assisted
regeneration.
may include conservation management
(ii) ‘Conservation management of measures of a non-physical nature.
a non-physical nature’ may
include actions such as placing a
protective covenant on a title to
land, reserving the place as a
nature reserve or placing
interpretative signs at the place
about its natural significance.
RESTORATION
Articles 13 and 17. In Article 13. Restoration is appropriate only if there is
considering restoration and sufficient evidence of an earlier state to
reinstatement, the length of time
that has passed since the
guide the conservation process and if
existence of the ‘earlier state’ returning the ecosystem to that state
will influence decisions on reveals the natural significance of that
conservation policy and process place.
and will be a matter of judgement
by the practitioner for each place.
ENHANCEMENT
Article 14. Examples of Article 14. Enhancement is appropriate only if there
enhancement include: is evidence that the introduction of
raising the numbers of a
species to that needed for a viable
additional habitat elements or individuals
self-perpetuating community; of a species which exist at that place are
returning an element of necessary for, or contribute to, the
habitat that has been seriously conservation of the
depleted, e.g. adding gravel natural significance of the place.
material to expand the shallows
and riffles of a stream that has
been deepened or mined.
Article 15. Where organisms are introduced to a
Article 15. This means that place for the purpose of enhancement the
genotypes different to the local
genotype of a species at a place
individuals introduced to the place
should not be introduced to it should not alter the natural species
unless it is necessary for diversity or genetic diversity of the place
restoration or preservation of if that would reduce its
the natural significance. natural significance.
Article 16. Enhancement should be limited to a
Article 16. This refers to existing minor part of biological diversity or geo-
natural systems and is not an
argument against the creation of
diversity of a place and should not
new habitat following mining etc. constitute a majority of the ecosystem, or
habitats or earth features of the place.
14
REINSTATEMENT
Article 17 Reinstatement is appropriate only if there is Article 17. Reinstatement is
evidence that the species or habitat elements similar in concept, but not
the same as, reconstruction
or earth features, which are to be introduced, of a cultural place.
have existed there naturally at a previous
time, and if returning them to the place
contributes to restoration of the natural
significance of that place, and if processes
threatening to their existence at that place
have been discontinued.
PRESERVATION
Article 18. Preservation is appropriate where the Article 18. There may be
natural significance of a place is its existing situations where the
conservation strategy for
stage of natural succession or the existing protecting natural
state of its geo-diversity . significance is to maintain
the ecosystem of a place at a
particular point
Article 19. Preservation should be limited to the in its succession, e.g.
minimum intervention, or the change of preservation may be an
appropriate conservation
maintenance actions, needed to suspend the process for the locality of the
natural earth processes or processes of Wollemi pine in New South
succession and where that intervention or Wales, thought to be a
change will not adversely affect surrounding surviving relic of a previous
ecosystems . climatic environment.
MODIFICATION
Article 20. Modification is acceptable where the
conservation of a place cannot otherwise be
achieved and where modification does not
substantially detract from its natural
significance and where the modification will
not adversely affect surrounding ecosystems
Article 21. Modification should be limited to that which Article 21.

is essential to a use for the place, such use See Articles 6-9.
being determined in accordance with the
conservation policy.
Article 22. Records should be kept of those aspects of

natural significance unavoidably damaged,
lost or displaced in the process of
modification of a place to allow their future
reinstatement or to guide future restoration.
MAINTENANCE
Article 23. Maintenance should be consistent with the
conservation process(es) adopted for a place
and should not detract from its natural
significance.
15
Conservation
D Practice
OBTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT A PLACE
Article 24. Article 24 Work or other conservation action or processes at
(i) The minimum a place should be preceded by research, and
information required
before work or other
review of the available physical, oral,
conservation action or documentary and other evidence about the
processes are existing biological diversity ,geo-diversity and
commenced at a place ecosystems including evidence from Indigenous
is identification of its people.
natural significance.
Article 25. If the place Article 25 Evidence of the existing biological diversity ,
appears to have geo-diversity, and any other significant features
features of cultural
heritage significance,
of the place(such as cultural heritage) should be
reference may also be recorded before any intervention in the place.
made to the Australia
ICOMOS Charter for
the Conservation of
Places of Cultural
Heritage Significance
(known as the ‘Burra
Charter’).
Article 26. The study Article 26. Study of a place may require some intervention to
should be designed so provide the data essential for deciding the natural
as to provide
appropriate data.
significance of a place and the conservation
policy and strategy. In these cases the intervention
should be carried out with minimal impact on the
biological diversity and geo-diversity of the place
and the intervention actions should be recorded.
Article 27. Intervention is justified where it is needed to

secure evidence about to be lost or made
inaccessible through necessary conservation or
other unavoidable action.
Article 28. Investigation that requires physical disturbance

of a place may be permitted if it will create, or
add substantially to, a body of knowledge and
provided that it is consistent with the conservation
policy of a place.
16
CONSERVATION POLICY
Article 29 A written statement of the conservation Article 29. See also Articles
policy should be prepared setting out the 6-9. The statement of
conservation policy should
natural significance and the proposed be of as high a quality as
conservation procedure together with the possible, and prepared or
justification and supporting evidence. reviewed by a person with
appropriate experience,
knowledge or professional
qualifications.
CONSERVATION PLAN
Article 30 A conservation plan should be prepared, Article 30. The conservation
incorporating the conservation policy, plan may be a component of
a more broadly-based
stating the conservation process(es) that will management plan for a range
be used, naming the organisations and/or of land uses for the place,
individuals responsible for policy decisions, e.g., a farm plan, a plan of
stating the conservation outcomes that the management for a reserve or
conservation plan is intended to achieve, and a land or vegetation
rehabilitation program.
outlining the monitoring program for the
conservation .
Article 31. Appropriate expert direction and supervision

should be maintained at all stages of the
work, a log kept of
new evidence, and additional decisions
recorded as amendments to the conservation
plan.
CONSULTATION
Article 32. Consultation with individuals or Article 32. The benefits of
organisations with an interest in the natural consultation include the
contribution of additional
significance or future use of a place is knowledge or experience
always a desirable component of concerning a place.
conservation practice.
RECORDS
Article 33. The records required by Articles in this Part Article 33. Public knowledge
and Article 22 should be placed in a of the natural significance of
a place can cause degradation
permanent archive and made publicly by an increase in visitors or
available unless there is an over-riding illegal or inappropriate
indication that this may cause a potential removal of items contributing
threat to the natural significance of the to natural significance.
place.
MONITORING
Article 34. Monitoring , which allows review of the Article 34. Monitoring
effectiveness of conservation programs and should be designed and
conducted so as to identify
re-examination of the appropriateness of changes relevant to the
decisions, is a fundamental element of conservation program.
conservation practice.
CO
17
N S E R V AT I O N P L A N
Background
DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHARTER
This Charter was developed over a two-year period in consultation with key people
and organisations in the nature conservation community around Australia. An initial
round of consultation during 1995 resulted in the Interim Australian Natural Heritage
Charter (January 1996). A second round of national consultation during 1996 further
refined the Interim Charter. The Australian Natural Heritage Charter was adopted in
December 1996.
The Charter was developed with funding from the Australian Heritage Commission. A
national Steering Committee provided perspectives of the Australian Committee for
IUCN (World Conservation Union), the Australian Heritage Commission,
the Australian Local Government Association, the Australian Nature Conservation
Agency, the Environment Institute of Australia and Indigenous people. Steering
Committee members were Pam Eiser, John Heath, Theo Hooy, Mary Lou Morris,
Meg Switzer, John Pritchard and Lisa Florian. The project consultant who developed
the Charter was Lorraine Cairnes of Fathom Consulting, Sydney.
The Charter relates closely in its general structure and logic to that of the Australia
ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (‘Burra
Charter’)—and can be used in conjunction with the Burra Charter for places which
have both natural and cultural values.
18
PURPOSE OF THE CHARTER

The purpose of the Charter is to assist everyone with an interest
in the significance and conservation of natural heritage in
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It can be applied to public
and privately-owned places, to the land of traditional Indigenous
owners, to very large or very small areas, to national parks
and unprotected areas, to areas of international, national or
local significance, and to farms and mining leases. It is for
non-government and government organisations, land owners,
land managers, decision makers, voluntary groups, professional
practitioners and everyone with a role in conservation of
Australia’s natural heritage.
ADMINISTRATION AND FUTURE REVIEW

This Charter is administered by the Australian Committee
for IUCN which promulgates and distributes the Charter,
monitors and collates the views of users, and will undertake
a review and updating process of the Charter at periods
not exceeding five years.
ADDRESS FOR COPIES AND COMMENTS

The address for obtaining copies of the Charter or for submitting
comments is:
Australian Committee for IUCN
Postal GPO Box 528, Sydney, New South Wales 2001, Australia
Fax (02) 9262 3768; Int: +61 2 9262 3768
E-mail aciucn@ozemail.com.au
All comments received will be considered during the first

five-yearly review in 2001.
Appendix 3
THE ‘BURRA CHARTER’

ICOMOS Australia Charter for the
Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance
The Burra Charter (Marquis-Kyle, Walker, 1992) offers the following conservation
principles:
Article 2: The aim of conservation is to retain the cultural significance of a place and
must include provision for its security, its maintenance and its future.
Article 3: Conservation is based on a respect for the existing fabric and should
involve the least possible physical intervention. It should not distort the evidence
provided by the fabric.
Article 4: Conservation should make use of all the disciplines which can contribute to
the study and safeguarding of a place. Techniques employed should be traditional but
in some circumstances they may be modern ones for which a firm scientific basis
exists and which have been supported by a body of experience.
Article 5: Conservation of a place should take into consideration all aspects of its
cultural significance without unwarranted emphasis on any one aspect at the expense
of others.
Article 6: The conservation policy appropriate to a place must first be determined by

an understanding of its cultural significance.
Article 7: The conservation policy will determine which uses are compatible.
Article 8: Conservation requires the maintenance of an appropriate visual setting: e.g.,

form, scale, color, texture and materials. No new construction, demolition or
modification which would adversely affect the setting should be allowed.
Environmental intrusions which adversely affect appreciation or enjoyment of the
place should be excluded.
Article 9: A building or work should remain in its historical location. The moving of
all or part of a building or work is unacceptable unless this is the sole means of
ensuring its survival.
Article 10: The removal of contents which form part of the cultural significance of the
place is unacceptable unless it is the sole means of ensuring their security and
preservation. Such contents must be returned should changed circumstances make this
practicable.
2
Article 11: Preservation is appropriate where the existing state of the fabric itself
constitutes evidence of specific cultural significance, or where insufficient evidence is
available to allow other conservation processes to be carried out.
Article 12: Preservation is limited to the protection, maintenance and , where

necessary, the stabilization of the existing fabric but without the distortion of its
cultural significance.
Article 13: Restoration is appropriate only if there is sufficient evidence of an earlier

state of the fabric and only if returning the fabric to that state reveals the cultural
significance of the place.
Article 14: Restoration should reveal anew culturally significant aspects of the place.
It is based on respect for all the physical, documentary and other evidence and stops at
the point where conjecture begins.
Article 15: Restoration is limited to the reassembling of displaced components or

removal of accretions in accordance with Article 16.
Article 16: The contributions of all periods to the place must be respected. If a place
includes the fabric of different periods, revealing the fabric of one period at the
expense of another can only be justified when what is removed is of slight cultural
significance and the fabric which is to be revealed is of much greater cultural
significance.
Article 17: Reconstruction is appropriate only where a place is incomplete through

damage or alteration and where it is necessary for its survival, or where it reveals the
cultural significance of the place as a whole.
Article 18: Reconstruction is limited to the completion of a deleted entity and should
not constitute the majority of the fabric of the place.
Article 19: Reconstruction is limited to the reproduction of fabric, the form of which
is known from the physical and/or documentary evidence. It should be identifiable on
close inspection as being new work.
Article 20: Adaptation is acceptable when the conservation of the place cannot
otherwise be achieved, and where the adaptation does not substantially detract from its
cultural significance.
Article 21: Adaptation must be limited to that which is essential to a use for the place
determined in accordance with Articles 6 and 7.
Article 22: Fabric of cultural significance unavoidably removed in the process of

adaptation must be kept safely to enable its future reinstatement.
Article 23: Work on a place must be preceded by professionally prepared studies of

the physical, documentary and other evidence, and the existing fabric recorded before
any intervention in the place.
3
Article 24: Study of a place by any disturbance of the fabric or by archaeological

excavation should be undertaken where necessary to provide data essential for
decisions on the conservation of the place and/or to secure evidence about to be lost or
made inaccessible through necessary conservation or other unavoidable action.
Investigation of a place for any other reason which requires physical disturbance and
which adds substantially to a scientific body of knowledge may be permitted, provided
that it is consistent with the conservation policy for the place.
Article 25: A written statement of conservation policy must be professionally

prepared setting out the cultural significance and proposed conservation procedure
together with justification and supporting evidence, including photographs, drawings
and all appropriate samples.
Article 26: The organization and individuals responsible for policy decisions must be
named and specific responsibility taken for each such decision.
Article 27: Appropriate professional direction and supervision must be maintained at

all stages of the work and a log kept of new evidence and additional decisions
recorded as in Article 25 above.
Article 28: The records required by Articles 23, 25, 26 and 27 should be placed in a
permanent archive and made publicly available.
Article 29: The items referred to in Articles 10 and 22 should be professionally

catalogued and protected.
Appendix 4
ACTIVITIES TABLE
AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE
MANAGEMENT PLAN 2000-2005
NORTH ZONE
(North Of Maaser Shouf - Kefraya Road)
Activity/Development No Permit Permit Prohibited

Required required by Plan
Photography - Amateur
Photography - Professional
Bird-watching
Walking - tracks/off tracks
Picnicking
Skiing
Mountain biking On formed roads Off roads
Educational group visits Booking needed
Camping
Fires (all fires) Except for

mgt. purposes
Research
Wood, soil, rock collecting
Grazing of domestic animals Fire managmt.

purposes only
5
Quarrying - new
Roads - new
Roads - minor upgrade Impact Assess.
Hunting and trapping
Private vehicles Public roads only
Commercial bus concessions
Buildings
Buildings- public overnight.

6
AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE (Contd.)
NIHA MOUNTAIN (SOUTH) ZONE

(south of Maaser Shouf - Kefraya Road)
Activity/Development No Permit Permit Prohibited by

Required required Plan
All Walking Access DANGER*

MINES
Photography - Amateur
Photography - Professional
Birdwatching
Walking on tracks
Picnicking
Skiing DANGER*
Mountain biking On roads Off roads
Educational group visits
Camping
Fire (light or maintain)
Wood, soil, rock collecting
Grazing of domestic stock Short term fire

management.
New Quarrying
Roads - minor upgrade Impact Assess.
Roads - new
Hunting and trapping

7
NIHA MOUNTAIN (SOUTH) ZONE (contd.)
Motorized private vehicles Public roads only
Commercial bus concessions
New buildings - Private
Buildings- public overnight.
Research
* Extensive parts of the Niha Mountain section of Al-Shouf Nature Reserve contain
buried land mines.
8
Appendix 5
PLANT SPECIES LIST

FOR AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE
Based on inventories conducted by the National Council for Scientific Research.
LEGEND
A1: THREATENED SPECIES AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LEVELS
A2: ENDEMIC SPECIES
B3: RARE SPECIES
B4: SPECIES THAT ARE WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY RESTRICTED TO EAST MEDITERRANEAN
REGION
B5: LOCALISED SPECIES WITHIN THE RESERVE
B6: SPECIES THAT ARE PREFERABLY CUT BY LOCAL PEOPLE
C7: HIGHLAND SPECIES
C8: BIO-INDICATOR SPECIES
C9: ECONOMIC SPECIES (MEDICINAL (M), FODDER (F))
D10: COMMON SPECIES
D11: WIDESPREAD SPECIES IN THE WORLD OR EUROPE OR ASIA AND AROUND THE
MEDITERRANEAN.
INVENTORY
PRIORITIES A A B B B B C C C D D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
PINACEAE
Cedrus libani + + +
CUPRESSACEAE
Juniperus oxycedrus + + M + +
Arceuthos drupacea + + + + +
POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)
Themeda trianda syriaca +
Hyparrhenia hirta + F +
Phalaris brachystachys +
Phalaris bulbosa + +
Stipa bromoides + F +
Stipa barbata + F +
Oryzopsis miliacea F + +
Oryzopsis holciformis blancheana + +
Milium pedicellare + +
Milium trichopodum + +
Heleochloa acutiglumis + +
Alopecurus anthoxanthoides + +
Phleum montanum + + + F
Phleum nodosum + +
Gastridium ventricosum + F +
Eragrostis pilosa + + +
Corynphorus deschampsioides + +
Pilgerochloa blanchei + + F
9
Trisetaria flavescens F +
Arrhenatherum elatius + + + + F +
Arrhenatherum palaestinum + F +
Arrhenatherum kotschyi + + + +
Melica inaequiglumis + + F +
Melica ciliata laxiflora + F +
Cynosurus coloratus + F +
Dactylis glomerata hispanica + F +
Poa diversifolia + + F
Poa silvicola + +
Poa persica alpina +
Briza maxima + F +
Bromus tomentellus + + F
Bromus tectorum + +
Bromus japonicus + +
Agropyron panormitanum + F +
Agropyron libanoticum + F +
Heteranthelium piliferum + +
Aegilops ovata +
Taeniatherium crinitum + F
CYPERACEAE
Cyperus flavescens + +
Scirpus holoschoenus +
Blysmus compressus + +
Carex stenophylla +
Carex divisa + +
Carex flacca + +
JUNCACEAE
Juncus capitatus + +
LILIACEAE
Colchicum decaisnei + + +
Colchicum hierosolymitanum +
Colchicum brachyphyllum +
Asphodelus microcarpus + M +
Asphodeline brevicaulis druzorum +
Gagea anisanthos +
Gagea peduncularis +
Gagea micrantha +
Gagea reticulata +
Tulipa aucheriana westii +
Tulipa lownei +
Tulipa montana +
Fritillaria crassifolia + +
Fritillaria libanotica +
Scilla hyacinthoides + +
Scilla cilicica +
Ornithogalum billardieri + +
Ornithogalum neurostegium + F
Puschkinia scilloides libanotica +
Hyacinthus orientalis +
Bellavalia macrobotrys +
Bellavalia hermonis +
Bellavalia flexuosa +
10
Muscari neglectum +
Muscari commutatum F +
Allium rotundum +
Allium affine + +
Allium arvense + +
Allium stamineum +
Allium rupicolum + + +
Allium feinbergii +
Allium libani +
Allium trifoliatum +
AMARYLLIDACEAE
Sternbergia clusiana + +
Ixiolirion tataricum B + +
IRIDACEAE
Iris histrio +
Romulea bulbocodium +
Romulea nivalis +
ORCHIDACEAE
Cephalanthera longifolia + +
Epipactis consimilis + + +
Ophrys fuciflora + +
Orchis anatolica + + +
Orchis tridentata + + +
Orchis romana libanotica + + + +
Anacamptis pyramidalis + +
Himantoglossum affine + + + +
SALICACEAE
Salix libani +
BETULACEAE
Alnus orientalis +
FAGACEAE
Quercus infectoria latifolia +
Quercus brantii look + +
Quercus calliprinos + +
SANTALACEAE
Osyris alba +
ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Aristolochia altissima + + + +
Aristolochia poecilantha + +
Aristolochia scabridula + +
POLYGONACEAE
Rumex nepalensis +
Polygonum kitaibelianum + F
Polygonum cognatum +
Polygonum cedrorum +
Atraphaxis billardieri +
CHENOPODIACEAE
Chenopodium foliosum +
Atriplex lasiantha + +
AMARYNTHACEAE
Amarynthus retroflexus +
PHYTOLACCACEAE
Phytolacca pruinosa + +
11
CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Telephium imperati orientale + +
Herniaria incana +
Paronychia echinata + +
Minuartia meyeri +
Minuartia globulosa +
Minuartia intermedia +
Minuartia hamata + +
Arenaria leptoclados +
Holosteum umbellatum +
Cerastium dichotomum +
Cerastium inflatum +
Cerastium brachypetalum roeseri +
Silene aegyptiaca + + + +
Silene italica +
Silene longipetala +
Silene damascena + + +
Silene makmeliana +
Silene libanotica + +
Velezia rigida +
Dianthus strictus multipunctatus + + +
Dianthus strictus subenervis +
Dianthus micranthus + +
Dianthus libanotis + +
Dianthus karami +
BERBERIDACEAE
Berberis libanotica + M + +
PAEONIACEAE
Paeonia mascula + + + +
RANUNCULACEAE
Delphinium peregrinum + +
Consolida rigida + +
Anemone blanda +
Myosurus minimus +
Ficaria ficaroides + + M
Ranunculus hierosolymitanus + +
Ranunculus cuneatus + +
Ranunculus schweinfurthii +
PAPAVERACEAE
Glaucium leiocarpum + +
Fumaria asepala + +
Papaver umbonatum +
Hypecoum imberbe +
Corydalis rutifolia + +
Corydalis solida brachyloba +
BRASSICACEAE (CRUCIFERAE)
Gardaria chalepensis +
Biscutella ciliata + +
Thlaspi brevicaule +
Thlaspi microstylum + +
Isatis lusitanica (aleppica) + +
Peltaria angustifolia + +
Barbarea minor + + +
Nasturtium macrocarpum +
12
Cardamine graeca + +
Erophila setulosa + + +
Arabis verna + +
Arabis aucheri + +
Arabis caucasica + +
Erysimum repandum +
Erysimum goniocaulon +
Anchonium billardieri +
Alyssum contemptum + +
Alyssum mouradicum + +
Alyssum repens + +
Alyssum stribrnyi + +
Alyssum baumgartnerianum + +
Alyssum condensatum + +
Alyssum murale + F +
Fibigia eriocarpa + +
Clypeola jonthlaspi +
Hesperis pendula + +
CRASSULACEAE
Umbilicus erectus +
Sedum tenuifolium + + +
Rosularia libanotica + +
ROSACEAE
Rosa canina M +
Rosa glutinosa + +
Rubus tomentosus +
Rubus collinus +
Prunus ursina +
Prunus mahaleb +
Prunus prostrata +
Prunus microcarpa +
Amygdalus korschinskii + +
Pirus syriaca +
Sorbus flabellifolia + +
Sorbus torminalis +
Crataegus azarolus +
Crataegus monogyna M + +
Potentilla geranioides syriaca +
Geum urbanum + M +
Poterium spinosum +
FABACEAE (PAPILIONACEAE)
Lupinus hirsutus +
Spartium junceum M +
Cytisus syriacus + + +
Ononis natrix F + +
Ononis adenotricha + F
Ononis pusilla + +
Trigonella berythea + +
Trigonella spinosa + +
Trigonella brachycarpa aucheri + +
Medicago minima F +
Medicago falcata + +
Medicago sativa + + F +
Medicago x varia +
13
Medicago lupulina F +
14
Trifolium plebium + + +
Trifolium pauciflorum +
Trifolium medusaeum +
Trifolium fragiferum + +
Trifolium physodes + + F +
Trifolium speciosum + +
Trifolium boissieri +
Trifolium campestre + +
Anthyllis maura + + +
Hymenocarpus circinatus +
Lotus tenuis + + +
Lotus corniculatus alpinus + M +
Lotus gebelia + F
Lotus angustissimus + +
Securigera securidaca +
Colutea cilicica + + + M
Astragalus emarginatus +
Astragalus pinetorum + +
Astragalus gummifer M + +
Astragalus echinus + + F
Astragalus zachlensis +
Astragalus cruentiflorus +
Astragalus drusorum maroniticus +
Astragalus sofarensis + +
Astragalus coluteoides + +
Astragalus hermoneus +
Hippocrepis unisiliquosa +
Vicia narbonensis + + +
Vicia tenuifolia +
Ervum orientale +
Lathyrus nissolia + +
Lathyrus hierosolymitanus + +
Lathyrus digitatus + + + F
Lathyrus inermis + +
Lathyrus libani + + +
GERANIACEAE
Erodium acaule + + +
Erodium cicutarium + +
Erodium gruinum + +
Geranium libanoticum +
Geranium libani +
LINACEAE
Linum nodiflorum +
Linum pubescens + +
Linum bienne M + +
POLYGALACEAE
Polygala supina +
ANACARDIACEAE
Rhus coriaria M +
ACERACEAE
Acer tauricolum +
EUPHORBIACEAE
Euphorbia aulacosperma +
15
MALVACEAE
Alcea kurdica coelesyriaca +
Alcea digitata + +
HYPERICACEAE (GUTTIFERAE)
Hypericum hircinum + +
Hypericum thymifolium +
Hypericum scabrum + +
Hypericum libanoticum +
Hypericum montbretii + +
CISTACEAE
Helianthemum ledifolium +
Halimium umbellatum syriacum +
RHAMNACEAE
Rhamnus punctata +
Rhamnus cathartica M +
THYMELAEACEAE
Daphne oleoides + + +
APIACEAE (UMBELLIFERAE)
Chaerophyllum macrospermum + + +
Anthriscus lamprocarpa +
Scandix pecten-veneris + +
Scandix stellata +
Torilis leptophylla + +
Turgeniopsis foeniculacea +
Turgenia latifolia F +
Pimpinella tragium +
Danaa cornubiensis + +
Hippomararthrum boissieri +
Lecoquia cretica +
Sison exaltatum +
Foeniculum vulgare + M +
Cnidium orientale + +
Bupleurum gerardii +
Bupleurum linearifolium irregulare + +
Peucedanum depauperatum + +
ERICACEAE
Rhododendron ponticum + + +
brachycarpum
PRIMULACEAE
Cyclamen coum + +
Cyclamen persicum +
Androsace maxima +
PLUMBAGINACEAE
Acantholimon libanoticum + +
Acantholimon ulicinum + +
STYRACACEAE
Styrax officinalis + M
APOCYNACEAE
Vinca libanotica + M
GENTIANACEAE
Blackcstonia perfoliata + +
CONVOLVULACEAE
Convolvulus dorycnium oxysepalus +
Convolvulus scammonia + + M
16
Convolvulus libanoticus + F
17
CUSCUTACEAE
Cuscuta approximata +
Cuscuta planiflora +
Cuscuta balansae +
Cuscuta monogyna +
BORAGINACEAE
Cynoglossum nebrodense + +
Onosma frutescens +
Onosma sericia + +
Brunnera orientalis + +
Myosotis refracta + +
Symphytum palaestinum +
LAMIACEAE (LABIATAE)
Ajuga tridactylites palaestina + + +
Teucrium stachyophyllum +
Teucrium scordioides +
Teucrium polium + M +
Scutellaria tomentosa +
Scutellaria brevibracteata + +
Scutellaria utriculata +
Lavandula stoechas M +
Marrubium radiatum +
Nepeta italica +
Nepeta curviflora + +
Nepeta cilicica + +
Sideritis libanotica + +
Lallemantia iberica + +
Prunella vulgaris + M +
Prunella orientalis + +
Eremostachys laciniata + + M
Phlomis brevilabris +
Phlomis chrysophylla +
Phlomis rigida +
Lamium striatum + + +
Lamium amplexicaule +
Lamium truncatum + +
Ballota saxatilis +
Stachys hydrophylla +
Stachys distans + F +
Salvia multicaulis + +
Salvia tomentosa +
Salvia microstegia + +
Salvia viscosa +
Micromeria myrtifolia + M +
Micromeria graeca +
Calamintha rotundifolia + +
Ziziphora canescens + +
Ziziphora capitata +
Origanum ehrenbergii + + +
Origanum syriacum + + M +
SOLANACEAE
Solanum dulcamara + M +
Datura stramonium + M +
Hyoscyamus reticulatus +
18
SCROPHULARIACEAE
Verbascum orientale +
Verbascum tiberiadis +
Verbascum cedreti +
Verbascum tripolitanum +
Verbascum gaillardotii + +
Verbascum leptostachyum +
Anarrhinum orientale +
Kickxia sieberi +
Linaria chalepensis + +
Scrophularia rubricaulis +
Veronica polifolia + +
Veronica syriaca + +
Veronica cymbalaria + +
Veronica orientalis +
Parentucellia latifolia + +
OROBANCHACEAE
Orobanche camptolepis +
RUBIACEAE
Rubia aucheri +
Sherardia arvensis + +
Crucianella macrostachya +
Crucianella ciliata + +
Asperula arvensis +
Asperula glareosa + +
Asperula libanotica +
Asperula breviflora +
Galium incanum + +
Galium libanoticum + +
Galium verum M +
Galium peplidifolium + + +
Galium hierosolymitanum +
Galium murale +
Galium verticillatum +
Cruciata coronata +
CAPRIFOLIACEAE
Lonicera etrusca +
Lonicera nummulariifolia + +
VALERIANACEAE
Valeriana dioscoridis + +
Centranthus longiflorus + +
Valerianella dactylophylla + +
Valerianella echinata +
DIPSACACEAE
Morina persica + + +
Cephalaria stellipilis +
Cephalaria cedrorum +
Scabiosa argentea +
Scabiosa palaestina +
CUCURBUTACEAE
Bryonia multiflora +
Bryonia syriaca +
19
CAMPANULACEAE
Campanula cymbalaria + +
Campanula stricta libanotica + +
Campanula peregrina + +
Asyneuma rigidum + +
Legousia pentagonia +
ASTERACEAE (COMPOSITAE)
Eupatorium cannabinum M +
Pulicaria auranitica + + +
Gnaphalium luteo-album + +
Helichrysum c. conglobatum + + + +
Helichrysum pallasii + +
Filago anatolica + +
Tagetes minuta +
Achillea kotschyi +
Anthemis tinctoria discoidea +
Anthemis cretica cassia + +
Tanacetum cilicium +
Tanacetum aucheri + +
Doronicum orientale + +
Senecio vernalis + +
Senecio doriiformis doriiformis + +
Siebera pungens +
Carlina involucrata libanotica +
Notobasis syriaca + +
Ptilostemon diacantha +
Onopordum cynarocephalum +
Serratula pusilla +
Centaurea triumfetti +
Lapsana communis ramosissima +
Leontodon tuberosus +
Leontodon asperrimus +
Picris strigosa +
Tragopogon longirostris +
Tragopogon buphthalmoides + +
Scorzonera cana +
Scorzonera mollis +
Taraxacum syriacum + +
Taraxacum officinale + + + M +
Taraxacum aleppicum +
Steptorhamphus tuberosus +
Cicerbita mulgedioides + +
Cephalorrhynchus tuberosus + +
Crepis hierosolymitanum +
Crepis reuteriana +
20
Appendix 6
MAMMAL SPECIES LIST
FOR AL-SHOUF NATURE RESERVE
LEGEND
A1: GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES B6: SPECIES THAT ARE PERSECUTED BY LOCAL PEOPLE
A2: LOCALLY THREATENED SPECIES C7: SPECIES RESTRICTED TO AL-SHOUF CEDAR RESERVE
A3: ENDEMIC SUBSPECIES C8: BIO-INDICATOR SPECIES
B4: SPECIES THAT ARE MAINLY OR C9: ECONOMIC SPECIES
WHOLLY RESTRICTED TO MIDDLE EAST D10: EXTINCT SPECIES
B5: RARE SPECIES D11: COMMON SPECIES
INVENTORY (Based on inventories conducted by the National Council for Scientific Research.)
Priorities A A A B B B C C C D D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
INSECTIVORES
Erinaceus europaeus concolor + + + + +
Crocidura russula + +
CHIROPTERA
Rhinolophus ferrumequinum ferrumequinum + + + +
Rhinolophus hipposideros minimus + + + + +
Tadarida teniotis + + +
Myotis blythi omari + + + +
Pipistrellus pipistrellus pipistrellus + + + +
Pipistrellus kuhli ikhawanius + + + +
CARNIVORES
Canis aureus syriacus + + + +
Canis lupus pallipes + + + + +
Vulpus vulpus palaestina + + + +
Martes foina syriaca + +
Vormela peregusna syriaca + + +
Mustela nivalis +
Meles meles canescens + +
Hyaena hyaena syriaca + + + +
Felis silvestris tristrami + + +
Felis chaus + +
Caracal caracal schmitzi ? + + +
ARTIODACTYLS
Sus scrofa lybicus + +
Dama dama ? +
LAGOMORPHA
Lepus capensis syriacus + + +
RODENTIA
Sciurus anomalus syriacus + + +
Hystrix indica indica + +
Eliomys melanurus + +
Spalax leucodon ehrenbergi + + +
Apodemus mystacinus mystacinus +
Apodemus sylvaticus +
Cricetulus migratorius cinerascens +
Meriones tristrami tristrami +
Microtus nivalis hermonis +
Microtus guentheri guentheri + + +
21
Appendix 7
AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILE LIST FOR AL-SHOUF

CEDAR NATURE RESERVE
LEGEND
A1: GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIES
A2: REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY THREATENED SPECIES
B3: ENDEMIC SPECIES
B4: RARE SPECIES IN LEBANON
B5: MONOSPECIFIC SPECIES AND/ OR RESTRICTED SPECIES TO AL SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE
B6: PERSECUTED SPECIES
C7: EXTINCT SPECIES FROM LEBANON
C8: BIO-INDICATOR SPECIES
C9: ECONOMIC SPECIES
D10: COMMON AND WIDESPREAD SPECIES
D11: SPECIES THAT ARE FOUND AROUND THE ATLANTIC OR THE MEDITERRANEAN
INVENTORY (Based on inventories conducted by the National Council for Scientific Research.)
Priorities A A B B B B C C C D D
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
PHIBIA
dela
Salamandra + + +
infraimmaculata
infraimmaculata
ra
viridis + + +
Rana levantina + + + +
Hyla savignyi + + +
TILIA
Testudinidae
Testudo graeca terrestris + +
konidae
Hemidactylus turcicus ? + + +
Ptyodactylus puiseuxi ? + + +
maeleonidae
maeleo chamaeleon + + + +
midae
dakia stellio stellio + +
rtidae
Lacerta laevis laevis + +
Lacerta kulzeri + +
Lacerta media + + +
Ophisops elegans + +
cidae
Ablepharus budaki +
budaki ?
Mabuya vittata +
22
bridae
Coluber jugularis + + +
asianus
Coluber najadum ? + +
Coluber rubriceps + + +
Elaphe quatuorlineata + + +
Malpolon monspessulana + + +
Natrix tessellata + + + +
tessellata
ridae
ra palestinea ? + + +
ra libetina ? + + +
23
Appendix 8
BIRD LIST FOR AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE

A(1)= Globally threatened species (Collar et al, 1994)
A(2))= Regionally threatened or declining species (Evans, 1994): species which are threatened or
declining throughout all or large parts of their range in the Middle East
B(3)= Endemic (sub species) + Monospecific species
B(4)= Rare breeders +Former breeders (F) + possibly breeding species(P) (Ramadan-Jaradi &
Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999)
B(5)= Localized breeder (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999).
B(6)= Localized non breeder (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999)
B(7)= Declining breeder (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999)
B(8)= Internationally important population passing in Lebanon (Evans, 1994)
B(9)= Nationally threatened or declining species.(Persecuted, Extirpated) (Ramadan-Jaradi &
Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999)
C(10)= Extinct or probably extinct from Lebanon (Tohmé & Neuschwander, 1974), (Ramadan-Jaradi
& Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999).
C(11)= Introduced species (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, 1997).
C(12)= Bio-indicators (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, in prep.)
C(13)= Economic species (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, in prep.)
D(14)= Species restricted wholly or largely to the Middle East (Evans, 1994)
D(15)= Species which are mainly concentrated in Europe but with unfavorable conditions (Tucker et
al., 1997).
D(16)= Species which are mainly concentrated outside Europe but with unfavorable conditions in
Europe (Tucker et al., 1997).
Number following scientific name =(1) Species on Appendix 1 of the Bonn Convention, (2)Species on
Appendix 2 of the Bonn Convention
V= vagrant species
Priorities D D D C C C C B B B B B B B A A
PELECANIDAE 1 1 1 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
6 5 4
Pelecanus onocrotalus(1) + + +
CICONIIDAE
Ciconia ciconia(2) + + + + +
Ciconia nigra(2) + + + + +
ACCIPITRIDAE
Aquila clanga + + + + +
Aquila heliaca(2) + + P + +
Falco naumanni(2) + + + F + +
Aegypius monachus(2) + + + + +
Accipiter brevipes(2) + + + + F + +
Pernis apivorus(2) + + +
Neophron percnopterus(2) + + + F +
Gyps fulvus(2) + + + + pF +
Aquila pomarina(2) + + + +
Falco cherrug(2) + + + +
Falco biarmicus(2) + + + p +
Hieraaetus pennatus + + + + + +
Circaetus gallicus + + + + +
Falco eleonorae + + + +
Circus aeruginosus + + p
Accipiter nisus + + + p
Aquila chrysaetos + + + pF
24
Hieraaetus fasciatus + + + +
Falco peregrinus + + + p
Milvus migrans + + +
Circus pygargus + +
Accipiter gentilis + +
Buteo rufinus + + +
Falco columbarius + +
Falco tinnunculus + +
Aquila nipalensis + +
Buteo buteo +
Falco subbuteo +
PHASIANIDAE
Alectoris chukar + + +
Alectoris graecea + + +
Coturnix coturnix + +
GRUIDAE
Anthropoides virgo(2) + + +
Grus grus(2) + + +
SCOLOPACIDAE
Scolopax rusticola + + + +
COLUMBIDAE
Columba palumbus + + p
Streptopelia turtur + + +
Columba livia +
CUCULIDAE
Clamator glandarius + + + +
Cuculus canorus + + + +
TYTONIDAE
Tyto alba + + + +
STRIGIDAE
Asio otus + + p
Strix aluco + + +
Athene noctua + +
Otus scops + +
CAPRIMULGIDAE
Caprimulgus europaeus + +
APODIDAE
Apus pallidus + + + +
Apus melba + +
Apus affinis + F
Apus apus +
ALCEDINIDAE
Halcyon smyrnensis + p
MEROPIDAE
Merops apiaster + p +
CORACIIDAE
Coracias garrulus + + p
UPUPIDAE
Upupa epops +
PICIDAE
Dendrocopus syriacus + + +
Jynx torquilla + +
25
ALAUDIDAE
Melanocorypha calandra + + +
Calandrella rufescens + + +
Melanocorypha bimaculata + +
Calandrella brachydactyla + +
Alauda arvensis + F
Galerida cristata +
Lullula arborea +
Eremophila alpestris
HIRUNDINIDAE
Ptyonoprogne rupestris + +
Riparia riparia + + p
Hirundo rustica + +
Hirundo daurica +
Delichon urbica +
MOTACILLIDAE
Anthus cervinus +
Motacilla flava + + +
Motacilla cinerea + + +
Anthus similis +
Motacilla alba +
Anthus campestris +
Motacilla alba +
Anthus trivialis
Anthus pratensis
Anthus spinoletta
PYCNONOTIDAE
Pycnonotus xanthopygos + + +
TROGLODYTIDAE
Troglodytes troglodytes
PRUNELLIDAE
Prunella modularis
TURDIDAE
Oenanthe pleschanka + p +
Oenanthe isabellina + +
Turdus pilaris + +
Monticola saxatilis + +
Luscinia luscinia +
Saxicola rubetra +
Irania gutturalis + + + F
Oenanthe lugens + p
Turdus philomelos + +
Turdus iliacus + +
Turdus viscivorus + +
Oenanthe hispanica + +
Oenanthe finschii + +
Oenanthe oenanthe +
Oenanthe deserti +
Turdus torquatus +
Turdus merula +
Phoenicurus phoenicurus +
Saxicola torquata +
Monticola solitarius +
26
Cercotrichas galactotes
Erithacus rubecula
Luscinia megarhynchos
Phoenicurus ochruros
SYLVIDAE
Sylvia melanothorax + + +
Sylvia rueppelli + p +
Phylloscopus sibilatrix F +
Hippolais languida + +
Hippolais olivetorum + +
Phylloscopus sibilatrix F +
Hippolais icterina +
Regulus regulus + +
Sylvia borin + +
Sylvia hortensis + +
Sylvia conspicillata +
Sylvia cantillans +
Sylvia melanocephala +
Sylvia nisoria +
Sylvia curruca +
Sylvia communis +
Hippolais pallida +
Sylvia atricapilla
Phylloscopus bonelli
Phylloscopus collybita
Phylloscopus trochilus
MUSCICAPIDAE
Ficedula albicollis +
Muscicapa striata +
Ficedula hypoleuca
PARIDAE
Parus lugubris + + +
Parus ater + +
Parus major +
SITTIDAE
Sitta neumayer
TICHODROMADIDAE
Tichodroma muraria + + p
ORIOLIDAE
Oriolus oriolus + + + + +
LANIIDAE
Lanius nubicus + +
Lanius minor +
Lanius senator +
Lanius collurio +
Lanius isabellinus
CORVIDAE
Garrulus glandarius + +
Corvus corone cornix +
PASSERIDAE
Passer hispaniolensis + +
Passer domesticus +
Petronia petronia
27
FRINGILLIDAE
Fringilla montifringilla + +
Serinus pusillus +
Serinus serinus +
Serinus syriacus(1) + + +
Carduelis spinus +
Rhodopechys sanguinea + +
Carduelis carduelis +
Carduelis cannabina +
Carduelis chloris
Fringilla coelebs
C.coccothraustes
Emberizidae
Emberiza cineracea + + +
Emberiza hortulana + + +
Emberiza melanocephala + +
Emberiza caesia +
Miliaria calandra +
Emberiza cia +
Emberiza citrinella
28
Appendix 9
KEY CONTACTS
Ministry of Environment, Lebanon: UNDP, Lebanon
Tel: +961 (0)4 522222 United Nations House,
Fax: +961 (0)4 525080 Riad Solh Square, Beirut,
E-mail: info@moe.gov.lb PO Box 11-8575
http://www.moe.gov.lb Tel: +961 (0)1-981301, 981311
Fax: +961 (0)1-981521, 981522
E-mail: registry@undp.org.lb
Ministry of Agriculture, Lebanon: National Council for Scientific

Tel: +961 (0)1 455630/1/2/3/4/5/6 Research, Lebanon:
Fax: +961 (0)1 455475 Tel: +961 (0)1 822 665
E-mail: Fax: +961 (0)1 822 639
E-mail: nachra@ncrs.edu.lb
IUCN: IUCN Publications Services Unit:

Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196, Gland, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge,
Switzerland CB3 ODL, U.K.
Tel: 41-22-999-00-01 Tel: 44-1223-277894
Fax: 41-22-999-00-10 Fax: 44-1223-277175
E-mail: mail@hq.iucn.org E-mail: info@books.iucn.org
World Commission on Protected The Society for the Protection of

Areas, IUCN: Nature, Lebanon
Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196, Gland, Sadat Street, Sadat Tower, 8th Floor,
Switzerland Beirut.
E-mail: wcpa_sc@indaba.iucn.org Tel: 01-801-577
Fax: 01-801-576
E-mail: spnl-eic@cyberia.net.lb
World Conservation Monitoring Manager, Al-Shouf Cedar Nature

Centre: Reserve:
219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3
ODL, U.K. Tel: 03-349812
Tel: 44-1223-277314 Fax: 05-503230
Fax: 44-1223-277136 E-mail: arzshouf@cyberia.net.lb
E-mail: info@wcmc.org.uk
29
Manager, Palm Islands Nature Manager, Horsh Ehden Nature

Reserve: Reserve:
Tel: 06-204525 Tel: (0)3 389973

Fax: 06-615938 Fax:03-389973
E-mail: epc@cyberia.net.lb E-mail: Fohe@cyberia.com.lb
Faisal Abu-Izzedin Peter Hitchcock (IUCN Consultant)

Consultant, (Formerly Project Manager, Old Cassowary Consulting
Protected Areas Project, Lebanon) P.O. Box 4993
Muakassa Bldg. Cairns, Tropical North Queensland
Ain Mreisseh Street Australia 4870
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +61 7 40381118
Tel: +961 (0)1 363561 Fax: +61 7 40381255
Fax:+961 (0) 363 561 Mob: 0419 795 841
Mob: +961 (0) 3 737 484 E-mail: oldcass@ozemail.com.au
E-mail: faisal_consultant@hotmail.com
Professor John Marsh (IUCN

Consultant)
Department of Geography
Trent University
Ontario
Canada
Tel: 705 748 1643

Fax: 705 748 1215
E-mail: jmarsh@trentu.ca

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REPUBLIC OF LEBANON

Prepared by the Al-Shouf Planning Team of the Protected Areas Project:

Faisal Abu-Izzeddin IUCN Project Manager

Acknowledgements: The authors of this management plan would like to acknowledge

Maha El-Kadi Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Assistant Manager

MANAGEMENT PLAN AUTHORIZATION

AL-SHOUF CEDARS NATURE RESERVE

I hereby AUTHORIZE the implementation of this MANAGEMENT PLAN

Any proponent of a significant activity or development which is contrary

This plan remains in force until replaced by another authorized plan.

Review of this plan is due before April 2005

Part 1.0 THE MANAGEMENT CONTEXT 6

Part 2.0 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN 7

Part 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE 11

Part 4.0 A VISION FOR AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE 27

Part 5.0 OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND ACTIONS 31

Part 6.0 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 56

Part 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN 60

1.0 THE MANAGEMENT CONTEXT

1.1 THE PROTECTED AREAS PROJECT

The Project’s overall development objective is to conserve endemic and endangered

By bringing together a natural resource (Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve), a local

2.0 THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

2.2. PLANNING PROCESS

The planning process is documented in “Planning Guidelines”, a printed document

2.3 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS

UNDERSTANDING THE RESOURCE

VALUING THE RESOURCE

DRAFT MANAGEMENT PLAN

FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Financial & Cultural Natural Visitors and Users Community

Business Site-Specific Rare/Threat Visitor Community

Funding Introduced Environment

Sponsorship Research Interpretatn.

3.1 GEOGRAPHIC CONTEXT

The dominant geographic feature of Lebanon is Mount Lebanon, a high mountain

Although much of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve is grassland or shrubland, it is

3.2 MAPS TO BE INSERTED IN PLACE OF THIS PAGE

3.3 LEGAL STATUS

3.4 NATURAL HERITAGE

3.4.1. PHYSIOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Underground water generates outflow rivers such as:

• Al Awali River, more commonly known as Al-Barouk river

3.4.1.6. Scenic Landscapes

3.4.2 BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

A1 Nationally and globally threatened species 25

B4 Species wholly or partly restricted to the eastern 211

B6 Species cut by local people 15

C8 Biological indicator species 70

C9 Species with economic value 65

D10 Common species 25

D11 Species found globally, or in Europe, Asia and 176

• Maasser Al-Shouf 6 hectares

and three smaller scattered cedar patches :

A2 Locally threatened and in the process of local 3

B4 Species largely or entirely in the Middle East 20

C7 Species specific to Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve. -

C8 Biological indicator species. 6

C9 Species with economic value. 11