UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory
UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserves Directory
Meeting
The meeting gathered representatives from municipalities, local stakeholders and youth community to present the historical and cultural landmarks in the area. Eng. Dominique Chouetier, UNDP Project officer, presented the conservation status of Mount Hermon and Rashaya highlighting endemic plants and wild relative species as well as the importance of the area for migratory birds as well as agricultural varieties. Dr. Antoine Harb introduced the temples and archeological sites found in the three districts of west Bekaa, Rashaya and Zahle while introducing the specificity of Lebanon and linking the temples to the famous Temple of Baalbek. Dr. Chamoun introduced the study executed by students on Rashaya as part of community services assignments at the Lebanese American University (LAU). He expressed the full engagement of LAU to serve the community and to follow up on the study initiated in the area as required for UNESCO designated site’s application. Ms. Maalouli presented the cultural activities organized in Rashaya and she shed the light on yearly initiatives and activities that involve kids and youth in the area. At the end of the meeting, it was agreed by all participants to organize a meeting in West Bekaa in early July 2018, to better introduce the concept of the Biosphere Reserves and UNESCO designated sites and the benefit that they could bring at the economic and social levels. The upcoming meeting will provide an opportunity for the local communities and stakeholders to make their voice heard about moving forward in the designation process and about their major concerns and get their initial endorsement. UNDP-SLMQ project recognizing the value of potential sites in the area, expressed a willingness to make available all studies performed by the project and to be partners in boosting the whole process. UNESCO Bureaux in Cairo and Beirut will be ready to provide any technical support needed to make the whole process a success.
