Numerous eco-tourism activities in Shuf Cedars last summer

Al Mustaqbal daily indicated that eco-tourism has become a catalyst for rural development in the Shuf area, particularly in the Shuf Biosphere Reserve, while highlighting the Mediterranean Experience of Eco-Tourism (MEET) project which has sought to publicize the traditions and uniqueness of the Mediterranean Basin countries. It should be noted, that the above project is funded by the EU through the ENPI-CBC Med program and targets, besides the Shuf reserve, the following natural sanctuaries: Jabal Mussa, Ehden forest, Tanooreen cedars and Tyre seashore. The project also seeks to develop the infrastructure in line with the newly- designed tourist packages and to train professionals on how to deal with foreign guests.

 

In the same vein, the Shuf Biosphere Reserve coordinator, Kamal Abu Assi, disclosed in an interview with As Safir that the Ministry of Environment has supported the rehabilitation of the infrastructure of the five beneficiary sanctuaries, including repair of trails, post signs, guesthouses and general amenities and services. “The project has provided those reserves with the opportunity to exchange expertise with other Mediterranean partners and to benefit from the assessment visits conducted by international experts in order to help build and expand the relevant capacities and facilities,” Abu Assi said. Similarly, the Director of the Shuf reserve, Nizar Hani, praised MEET activities that contributed to multiple festivities organized by the local municipalities in cooperation with the administration of the reserve. These activities included the Khraybet village trek in which some 250 hikers participated; Butmeh annual dinner; the mountain biking event which brought together some 150 bikers from all across Lebanon and the 3-day long ‘Shoof Lubnan Bil Barook’ festival which included an exhibition showcasing the traditional mooneh, apple production and craft work. In addition, the summer season witnessed as well the holding of the seasonal festival organized by Mristi municipality which was concluded with the ‘Jabalna’ festivity. (Al Mustaqbal, October 5, 2015)