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ESTABLISHMENT OF THE
AL-SHOUF CEDAR NATURE RESERVE
The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve was created under Law No.532 on July 29, 1996. The reserve is managed by the Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve Committee in cooperation with the Al-Shouf
Cedar Society and under the supervision of the Ministry of Environment. |
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SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
The largest of Lebanon’s nature reserves, the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve stretches from Dahr Al-Baidar in the north to Niha Mountain in
the south. Blanketed with oak forests on its northeastern slopes and
juniper and oak forests on its southeastern slopes, the reserve’s most
famous attractions are its three magnificent cedar forests of Maasser
Ech-Chouf, Barouk, and Aain Zhalta-Bmahray. |
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These cedar
forests account for a quarter of the remaining cedar forest in Lebanon,
and some trees are estimated to be 2,000 years old. The size of the
reserve makes it a good location for the conservation of medium size
mammals, such as the wolf and the Lebanese jungle cat, as well as
various species of mountain birds and plants.
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The Al-Shouf Cedar Nature
Reserve is a popular destination for hiking and trekking, with trails catering
to all levels of fitness. Bird watching, mountain biking and snowshoeing are
also popular. From the summit of the rugged mountains, visitors will find a
panoramic view of the countryside, eastward to the Békaa Valley and Qaraoun
Lake and westward toward the Mediterranean.
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