Biosphere reserves

This report explores the role of gender in the division of labour and cultural practices in Lebanon’s Shouf region. The document includes a review of women’s economic and household contributions, obstacles women face in accessing economic opportunities, and recommendations for strengthening women’s roles in the local economy.

Volcanoes are true wonders of the planet; they are central to the formation, evolution and sustenance of biological systems; they form some of our deepest and most significant cultural attachments to the land; and they attract large numbers of visitors for their aesthetic appeal.

This guidebook features the natural and cultural wealth of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve. Inspiring photographs take us on a memorable journey to discover the stunning beauty of the Reserve's fauna and flora. The guide promotes the conservation of our natural, historical, and cultural heritage, and suggests activities that visitors can enjoy within the Reserve and in surrounding villages. 

If the cedars of Lebanon could take they would tell a story of human greed and ignorance going all the way back to the Epic of Gilgamesh. With Gilgamesh's well-documented exploitation of the cedar forests began the age of the conspicuous consumption of Lebanon's natural resources -- which proved so popular that the destruction never stopped but in fact worsened as one civilization was defeated and another took its place.

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Lebanon. This field guide provides visitors with a broad introduction to the reserve and serves as a guide for hikers, bikers, nature lovers, students, and people escaping the crowded life of big cities. It sheds light on the remarkable biodiversity, beauty, and cultural heritage of the reserve and introduces the visitor to a more responsible and sustainable form of ecotourism.