Right now of the 12 months, a number of reserves are primed to welcome guests at no cost.
In Lebanon, regardless of the place you go, and wherever you set foot, you’re greeted by a mesmerizing and enchanting panorama, particularly when exploring Lebanon’s wealthy pure reserves. It’s extensively acknowledged that Lebanon is famend for its beautiful nature and the abundance of its pure reserves, that are presently totaling 18. Yearly, on March tenth, Lebanon celebrates Pure Reserves Day the place many actions are held in varied reserves in Lebanon.
On this event, Caretaker Minister of Setting Dr. Nasser Yassin introduced that “Lebanon’s pure reserves will open their doorways at no cost on Sunday, March tenth, 2024, welcoming nature fanatics, college students, golf equipment, associations, residents, and residents curious about spending an exquisite day getting acquainted with Lebanon’s reserves and its pure richness.”
The next reserves are able to welcome guests at the moment of the 12 months: Arz el-Shouf, Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve, Horsh Ehden, Bentael, Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Tyre Coast Nature Reserve, Al-Yamoune, and Mount Moussa Biosphere Reserve. Let’s take you on a fast journey to discover these reserves:
1. Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve:
It’s the biggest amongst Lebanon’s nature reserves, its magnificence stretches from Dahr Al-Baidar within the north to Niha Mountain within the south. The reserve’s most well-known points of interest are its three cedar forests of Maasser Al-Shouf, Barouk, and Ain Zhalta. These cedar forests account for 1 / 4 of the remaining cedar forest in Lebanon, with some timber estimated to be 2,000 years outdated.
Should you’re an avid hiker, health fanatic, mountain biker, or perhaps a snowshoeing lover, Al-Shouf Reserve is the right vacation spot, boasting in style trails and breathtaking views. It hosts 32 species of untamed mammals of which 9 are thought of to be uncommon on the worldwide ranges.
2. Tannourine Pure Reserve:
Tannourine Nature Reserve is dwelling to one among Lebanon’s largest cedar forests. Eighty p.c of the timber within the forest are cedars, and with 70,000 historical timber, it’s thought of an actual gem. This reserve is a haven for birds like eagles and owls, and also you would possibly spot animals like hyenas and boars. There are additionally a lot of springs and lakes to discover.
It’s thought of a beautiful spot for pure lovers, and those that like journey for as you hike, you would possibly uncover cool caves and uncommon flowers, like mountain tulips. The land is rocky and hilly, with steep slopes the place cedars develop sideways.
3. Horsh Ehden:
Horsh Ehden is a main instance of Lebanon’s and the Mediterranean’s pure ecosystem, identified for its abundance of Cedars and different native plant species. This various Nature Reserve spans over 450 hectares and holds important significance for the nation on account of its unparalleled biodiversity.
Encompassing three distinct bio-geographic zones, the forest is dwelling to a wide range of mammals, birds, and crops, together with some which can be nationally uncommon and endangered, such because the imperial eagle and wolf.
4. Bentael:
Bentael is a noteworthy pure reserve on account of its wealthy historical past. Established in 1981, It was one of many first reserves to be created in Lebanon and set an instance for the necessity to preserve Lebanon’s pure heritage.
As one among Lebanon’s earliest reserves, it served as a pioneering mannequin for the preservation of the nation’s pure heritage. It’s a favourite spot for chook fanatics. It additionally attracts hikers and nature lovers in search of to immerse themselves in its fascinating pure environment.
5. Tyre Coast Nature Reserve:
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve is Lebanon’s largest sandy seaside, offering a haven for guests and a house for various plant and animal species. Amongst its inhabitants are endangered loggerheads and inexperienced sea turtles, in addition to the Arabian spiny mouse.
This reserve holds important ecological significance. It options freshwater estuaries and is derived that meet the ocean, nurturing a definite interface between freshwater and marine environments. Moreover, it serves as a significant nesting floor for sea turtles and stands because the final and largest remaining sandy seaside in Lebanon.
6. Al Yammoune Nature Reserve:
Al Yammoune Nature Reserve, derives its title, “Yammoune,” from the “little sea,” referring to the Yammoune Lake inside its bounds. Alongside the lake’s shores lie the remnants of a Roman temple, including to the world’s historic attract.
This reserve boasts a various array of juniper timber, thriving at altitudes starting from 1,200m to 2,000m above sea stage. Guests can take pleasure in trekking, mountaineering, and even cross-country snowboarding.
7. Jabal Moussa:
Nestled on the western slopes of the Mount Lebanon Chain, within the Kesrouan District of Lebanon, lays Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR) providing beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea to the west. JMBR presents a wealthy cultural and pure heritage, it helps a variety of plant and animal life, making it a haven for biodiversity.
Notably, Jabal Moussa and its surrounding villages have been granted membership within the UNESCO Community of Biosphere Reserves below the Man and Biosphere (MAB) program in 2009. Working throughout the framework of the MAB program, JMBR is devoted to enhancing human livelihoods and preserving nature by integrating pure sciences, social sciences, economics, and schooling.
The Ministry of Setting, together with the above reserve committees, has ready an inventory of actions and occasions to have a good time this nationwide day. These occasions will contain inviting college students from colleges and universities to go to the reserves. Don’t miss this chance to discover Lebanon’s stunning nature at no cost this weekend. All of us want nature to heal.
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