Jabal Moussa "JM", a typical Mediterranean mountainous landscape, lying on the foothills and high peaks of the Mount Lebanon Chain is located at the heart of Eastern shores of the Circum- Mediterranean Basin.

The Basin is considered a reservoir of plant diversity and has been shown to contain hot spots that are recognized in some countries as relics. Located at the heart of one of the 34 recognized world ‘hotspots’ for conservation priority, Lebanon harbors 2600 plant species with a high percentage of endemic plant species (12%) among which 221 are broad endemics and 90 are narrow endemics.

species with a high percentage of endemic plant species (12%) among which 221 are broad endemics and 90 are narrow endemics.


A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

In February 2009, the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa Association celebrated the declaration of JM a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. JM, imprinted by biological footprints, cultural history and social mingles, extends on 1250 ha and over altitudes ranging from 500 to 1500 meter. It is home to more than 20 tree species and 250plant species. The area gathers Mediterranean, Montane and Supra- Mediterranean vegetation communities. The mountainous area, dominating two rivers [Nahr Eh Dahab and Nahr Ibrahim], reflects a typical Mediterranean landscape sheltering mosaics of plant communities. These communities represent a nature refuge harboring mixed and/ or pure patches of Hop horn beam, alder and Storax populations and Turkey oak and kermes oak and Calabrian pine tree species. The hop horn beam and the alder are spontaneous, endemic and occupy limited surface areas in Lebanon. The past civilizations and new societies have imprinted the villages with historical records showing anthropogenic activities and a long history of human interaction with forest in this part of the Mediterranean region. Historical records integrate ancient wells, carved rocks, mosaics, ruins of Roman thermes, abandoned terraces, old charcoal production sites, old mulberry trees from the last century when sericulture was at its peak, old wine presses and old Lebanese houses that are made from arcades and stones. The residents of villages depend heavily on agriculture [mainly olive groves, grape and apple orchards, cereals and vegetables], charcoal production and pastoral farming and/or pastoral transhumance as a source of income.


Recognizing the environmental degradation threatening JM area, the Association for the Protection of JM, was founded in May 2007. This Lebanese Non-Governmental organization was established to protect the mountain and its surroundings from quarrying, over grazing, hunting and illegal woodcutting practices. At present, the association is investing much effort to protect the site while providing an environment-friendly alternative for nature lovers/city dwellers at the heart of Mount Lebanon chain to enjoy the beauty of natural, cultural and historical prints inherited from old civilizations.

Richness of Biodiversity

JM mountainous landscape embraces high biodiversity richness. The diversity indices varied from 25 to 65 plant species per 400 m2 which in comparison with other biodiversity-rich areas is amongst the highest. This is also applicable for the richness in mammal's species. The region is shelter to 11 endemic plant species among which 4 are specific to Lebanon and 7 are endemic to Lebanon, Syria and Turkey. Nine observed species figure on the list of species to be protected. Few of the plants are categorized as peculiar to the Mediterranean region. The richness in bulbous species, among which many are of broad and narrow endemism, pinpoints the importance of conserving the area and considers it as a refuge for species listed nationally and internationally of great importance. The Mountain is a land mark for 13 species of mammals including wolves, hyenas, foxes, jackals, stone martin, weasels, wild cats, badgers, hedgehogs, hyrax, wild boars, porcupine, squirrels and small mammals such as rodents and bats [Expert Mounir Abi-said]. It has been found a bottleneck site where at least 20,000 storks or raptors or cranes regularly pass during spring or autumn migration.

A Rocha – a Non-Governmental Organization specialized in birdsreported a total of 13,000 and 27,000 to 41,000 soaring birds were observed at JM during spring and autumn respectively. Several species that are known for their scarcity on migration through Lebanon have been noted from Jabal Moussa, including Bonelli’s Warbler, Wood Warbler and Garden Warbler. The organization stated that bird species observed at JM are considered biome restricted species that are only found in a certain type of habitat in a particular geographical area.