Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR) is a unique melting pot of biodiversity and history, located in Kesrouan district, Lebanon. Jabal Moussa and surrounding villages became part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves under the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 2009.

As part of the MAB program, JMBR addresses human livelihoods improvement and nature conservation through participatory and adaptive management.

Natural heritage:

Although it is located in the midst of destructive human activities, JMBR remains pristine and rich in biodiversity. Its slopes are covered with dense forests and woodlands of oak, pine, and hop-hornbeam with an understory of several rare and endemic plant species. It was designated a Global Important Bird Area (IBA), with more than 137 migratory and soaring bird species recorded. Rare and threatened mammals, such as wolves, hyenas, and rock hyraxes, still thrive in this protected environment.

Cultural heritage:

Jabal Moussa portrays the interdependence of Man and Nature throughout history through various spiritual and archeological sites: Adonis Valley as a death site of god Adonis according to Phoenician mythology; Roman stairs along the Mountain’s Southern slope; rock carvings by the Roman Emperor Hadrian; ruins of an old village isolated in the mountain; Mar Geryes Monastery; and a Cross at the mountain summit.

The Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization, founded in 2007, with the aim to conserve the biodiversity and preserve the cultural heritage of Jabal Moussa and its surrounding villages.

Programs:

APJM activities and projects fall into one of the three categories below:

Ecotourism:

• Packages for guided hikes inside the reserve
• Local guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast

Conservation:

• Studies and scientific research projects
• Three local tree nurseries supplying seedlings for reforestation
• Degraded sites Rehabilitation
• “Tabsoun Tabsoun” environmental awareness kids book
• Flower and Tree Identification handbooks

Socio-Economic development:

• Production and marketing of “Jabal Moussa” food & handicraft product