Bio-diversity

I. PROJECT BACKGROUND Bantael Reserve was the first reserve to be declared in Lebanon. Since its establishment as a Reserve no scientific study has been undertaken. Till now no information concerning the flora in the Reserve is available. Due to the deterioration of the socio-economic conditions, inhabitants use the flora. II. AIM OF THE PROJECT The Project aims at surveying the flora within Bantael Reserve, increasing community awareness on the benefits and the use of the plants and promoting eco-tourism. III. OBJECTIVES The Project objectives are to: Study the biodiversity at the Reserve especially medicinal and aromatic plants Elaborate in partnership with the inhabitants a basis for improving their economic conditions without harming the plants of the Reserve Establish a database for the plants of the Reserve especially aromatic and medicinal plants Exchange of information with other Reserves Promote eco-tourism inside the Reserve IV. ACTIVITIES 1. Survey the plants of the Reserve especially aromatic and medicinal plants. The Project focuses on the benefits of these plants. It will document oral information passed from generation to generation. 2. Organize awareness and educational sessions on the importance of these plants and how to preserve them. Participants will include Bantael inhabitants and the inhabitants of other villages, members of CBOs, students in environmental clubs. 3. Organize a series of meetings in order to set standards of work and plan of action All bodies concerned will be involved in all the phases of the process. 4. Organize training programs of environmental guides The training program will focus on: How to guide visitors within the Reserve Continuous flora monitoring on short and long term 5. Establish a scientific database 6. Produce a CD and a checklist that will allow to recognize the plants on short and long term 2500 CDs will be produced. Results will also be published in newspapers, journals. TVs will be encouraged to cover the Project. 7. Disseminate information on ecotourism within the Reserve through the media, tourism companies and tourism programs in Lebanon.

Lebanon