The Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR), located in the Kesrouan District of Lebanon, on the shoulders of the western slopes of the Mount Lebanon chain, overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the West. It covers an area of 6500 hectares, at an altitude ranging between 350 meters in the North-West and 1,700 meters to the South-East.
The Jabal Moussa mountain presents an exceptionally rich biodiversity, with several endemic flora species such as Salvia peyronii, Cyclamen libanoticum, Erica sicula subsp. libanotica, and Alkanna leiocarpa.
Initially mobilized to prevent the construction of a road that threatened the heart of the mountain, Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM) has since been highly inspired by the Man and Biosphere Program following the designation of Jabal Moussa as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (BR) in 2009.
As a result of over15 years of dedicated work, Jabal Moussa has been transformed from a threatened mountain into a thriving protected area and acclaimed ecotourism destination, recognized as a Global Important Bird Area, an Important Plant Area, and a Key Biodiversity Area.
UNESCOMED Center, the headquarters of Abertis Foundation, talked to President Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa about the role of Biosphere Reserves in conflict zones and these were their answers:
Biosphere Reserves that are effectively protected by local communities and authorities over years of joint practice with BR management, represent the last best hope for humanity to conserve and carefully develop its diverse and magnificent natural and cultural heritage.
In areas of conflict, the more acute the turmoil, the less attention may be given to long-term preservation considerations and the more overwhelming immediate livelihood concerns may become. For this reason, developing the conservation instinct of local communities, through consistently participating in setting the management and action plans of Biosphere Reserves over years of cooperation and coordination, is essential. This conservation instinct to benefit the community as a whole will often tend to prevail over individualistic need (or greed).
Practice makes perfect and can overcome panic…
The Mediterranean network of Biosphere Reserves brings together communities with great cultural affinities living in exceptional, connected natural environments. Countries or MAB committees benefitting from socio-economic stability can come to the help of Biosphere Reserves in turmoil by actions such as: a) Better understanding the nature of their needs; b) Structuring technical support around such needs; c) Developing and co-funding specific projects to cover such needs; d) Most importantly, dialoguing and spreading relevant communication about the challenges faced in order to keep BR management teams motivated and heard.
Finally, in areas of conflict such as ours, UNESCO World Heritage sites enjoy a lot of awareness and added protection…it would be very relevant if UNESCO would also seek to protect biosphere reserves in a similar approach.
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