Jabal Moussa in Kesrouan, a model for supporting local communities and women

Al Diyar newspaper published an article highlighting the socio-economic significance of eco-tourism, and chose for that purpose Jabal Mussa natural reserve (APJM) which is located in Kesrwan-Jbail area. Speaking to the newspaper, Media and Eco-tourism Officer of the Jabal Mussa association, Christel Abu Chabake Al Hawa, outlined the three-tier program of the reserve which consists of eco-tourism, reviving and preserving the environmental heritage and a program targeting local communities and aiming at building their capacities, increasing their income and enhancing their welfare. Al Hawa described some of the projects carried out by APJM, mainly the agricultural nurseries located in nearby villages of Mashati, Kuhmoz and Yahshoush. The association, she maintained, rents land from the locals and employ them in the planting of seeds and other agricultural activities. Moreover, APJM assisted in the creation of additional jobs, like for example, forest and tour guides, who are trained in tourism workshops. Al Hawa added that the organisation all seeks to revive the concept of guesthouses and cafes in order to financially benefit inhabitants of nearby villages. Guesthouses, for example, provide accommodation and meals as well as tour bookings to visitors at a set price. Another project launched by APJM is a socio-economic initiative involving more than 50 women who are active in the production of traditional Lebanese food, Mooneh, like thyme (zaatar), kishk (dried labneh), jams, as well as handicrafts. For that purpose it has established a local production unit in the town of Gebalah, in cooperation with Al Habal Bila Danas nunnery. APJM is responsible for marketing the agro-food and handicraft items with profits being returned to the working women. As to the role of public institutions in supporting the Reserve, Al Hawa revealed that it was almost nil, aside from that of the Ministry of Tourism who assists the association through promoting APJM website, and inviting it to participate in various marketing exhibitions. (Al Diyar, 2 March 2015)