Shuf Biosphere Reserve receives some 97 thousand visitors in 2016

The Shuf Biosphere Reserve Committee disclosed after a review meeting held last week that some 97 thousand people visited the natural reserve in 2016 with an increase of 14 thousand persons from 2015. Furthermore, the Reserve has implemented projects worth some USD one million to support and improve the infrastructure of eco-tourism and rehabilitate ecological systems, besides undertakings related to rural development, tourism marketing, environmental awareness and protection of biodiversity. Nizar Hani, manager of the Reserve, pointed out that during the past three years, nearly 160 hectares of land have been planted or transformed, bringing to mind the first prize won by the Reserve in the competition organized by UNDP in coordination with ABC Energy, LLC, for the best ecological building in the country. Hani also mentioned various other schemes implemented in cooperation with a large number of foreign and domestic organisations. This, he said, in addition to participation of the Reserve in a number of local events and festivities, exhibitions and workshops. (Al Mustaqbal, December 29, 2016)