Bio-diversity

I. PROJECT BACKGROUND The Project is situated near the village of Ras Baalbeck in North Bekaa. This area is characterized by an arid land and a dry climate. The Green Plan in Lebanon established a forest in 1964 on a bare land of 350 denums near the village of Ras Baalbeck. The village used to be surrounded with vine and apricot orchids. However, nowadays most of the inhabitants especially farmers have immigrated to the cities. The orchards plantations have therefore disappeared. Due to negligence, the Green Plan Forest was subject to tree cutting (for Christmas c`elebrations), overgrazing, irresponsible hunting behavior and haphazard garbage disposal. Mines are also present in the Forest. Immediate action is needed in order to stop the loss of this Forest. II. AIM OF THE PROJECT The Project aims at establishing a green area in an arid area through the rehabilitation of the Green Plan Forest. III. OBJECTIVES The Project objectives are to: 1. Initiate a local dialogue among all parties concerned on the importance of the Green Plan Forest 2. Conserve the forest 3. Contribute in reducing climate change 4. Contribute in decreasing land degradation 5. Contribute in biodiversity conservation 6. Contribute in combating desertification 7. Disseminate environmental awareness 8. Control grazing and hunting 9. Increase green spaces mainly for women and children IV. ACTIVITIES 1. Initiate a local dialogue among all parties concerned on the importance of the Green Plan Forest 2. Demine the forest 3. Collect garbage 4. Demarcate the boundaries 5. Organize awareness sessions 6. Limit grazing through the initiation of a dialogue with the shepherds 7. Control hunting through the initiation of a dialogue with the bird hunters 8. Follow-up with all parties concerned in order to limit grazing and control hunting 9. Implement reforestation campaigns in coordination with youth associations and schools 10. Provide irrigation water for the seedlings for the first 3 years 11. Maintain the site and follow-up on the maintenance process in coordination with the Forest Tree Department at the Ministry of Agriculture. 12. Assign a guard for the Forest. This will be done by the municipality. 13. Assign observers for the Forest. This will be done by the NGOs and the local community. V. BENEFICIARIES The direct beneficiaries will be the inhabitants of Ras Baalbeck and neighboring villages. VI. EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS/BENEFITS Expected achievements from this Project are: 1. The rehabilitation a green area in an arid land 2. The initiation of environmental awareness activities 3. Provision of a place for children to play 4. Provision of an enjoyable place for family outings 5. Contribute to climate change

Lebanon