DIRECTORY
Ministry of Environment, Republic of Lebanon
Lazarieh Center, 7th & 8th Floor, Block A-4 New, A4-Old, and A5
P.O.Box: 11/2727; Beirut-Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 976555
http://www.moe.gov.lb
NEW phone hotline for complaints or to report environmental abuse. Call: 1789
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation
Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW)
Corniche du Fleuve, 1st floor, Ro
Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: +961 1 569101 Electricite du Liban (EDL)
http://www.energyandwater.gov.lb http://www.edl.gov.lb
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Lebanese National Reserves
(There are plans to expand the national reserves in the near future to two more areas: in Akkar and Dinnieh, Lebanon.)
Bentael Reserve
Located in the foothills northeast of Byblos (Jbeil) is the pine forest that comprises the Bentael Nature Reserve. One of the smallest nature reserves in Lebanon, at 1.5km2, this reserve is noteworthy because of its history. Founded in 1981, this protected area was bequeathed to the Ministry of the Environment by the people of the village of Bentael. It was one of the first parks to be created in Lebanon and set an example for the need to conserve Lebanon’s natural areas. Visitors can access the reserve via one of two entrances: one near the village of Mechehlène and the other in the upper region of Bentael.
Bcharre, Cedars of the Lord Forest
Located in the northern region of Lebanon near the village of Bcharre (hometown of poet Khalil Gebran) and the famous Qaddisha Valley.
Horsh Ehden Reserve
Official website featuring news, events, projects, and photos of Horsh Ehden Reserve. Ricardus M. Haber, Lebanon's early environmental movement pioneer, helped establish this First National Reserve. In recognition of his major contribution to the creation of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, following his death on 1st Januray 2006, age 54, the Reserve named a nature path, the Riacardus Haber Path. To learn more about his writings and activities visit : www.ricardushaber.com and read an account of the creation of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reservein the section page, 'First Nature Reserve'.
+961 6 660120
Jabal Moussa Reserve
Official website about the Jabal Moussa Reserve.
Jabal Moussa is an outstanding Biosphere Reserve located in the Kesrouan-Jbeil area, Lebanon it is surrounded by Nahr Ibrahim and Nahr Ed-Dahab rivers, and is located 45 km away from Beirut. Jabal Moussa was designated in 2009 as the 3rd Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon as part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves under Man & Biosphere (MAB) program. Based on an AROCHA/Bird Life International study, JM was designated a Global Important Bird Area (IBA) after it had already received the designation of Protected Forest through a Ministry of Agriculture decision in 2008; and in February 2012, Jabal Moussa was declared a Natural Site by a presidential decree. Ecotourism is now increasingly popular in Jabal Moussa following a comprehensive project backed by the Italian Embassy.+961 9 643464
Palm Island Nature Reserve
Palm Islands Nature ReserveConsist of three islands: Sanani, Ramkine and Palm Island, located approximately 5.5km northwest of Tripoli. Nakheel (Palm), or Araneb (Rabbits) is the largest island, it has an area of 20 hectares. The name 'Araneb' (rabbits) comes from the great numbers of rabbits that were grown on the island during the time of the French mandate early in the 20th century. It is now a national nature reserve for green turtles, rare birds and rabbits. This marine ecosystem is one of the few remaining breeding grounds for the endangered Loggerhead Turtle. The islands are also a resting place for 156 species of migratory birds. They are distinguished by being the only place in Lebanon that has nesting sea birds. They are rich in beach flora and medicinal plants, and their coastal waters have an abundance of fish, sea sponges and other sea life.
The 9 Islands are:
• Al-Bakkar (The Cowman) island: (Commonly known as Abdul Wahab Island) is the closest island to the coastline, and can be reached by crossing a bridge.
• Al-Nakhl (Palm Tree) Island or commonly known as Al-Aranib Island (The Rabbits): is the second largest island and is declared a national fish preservation site.
• Al-Billan (named after a type of plant that grows on it): is the largest island and contains a small cavern on the west side.
• Al-Ramkin also known as Al-Fannar: El-Mina's farthest island, and has a lighthouse. The island was frequented by slain Prime Minister Rashid Karami, who sought refuge at the island for moments of peace and quiet.
• Sananee: is also a natural preserve where sea turtles lay their eggs.
• Al-Rmayleh: is one the smaller islands its name is derived from the existence of a small beach on it.
• Al-Ashak (lovers) island also known as El-Tenieh (the second).
• Al-Telteh (the third): is a flat rocky island midway between the coastline and the farthest island, Al-Ramkin.
• Al-Rabha (the fourth) also known as Al-Maatih (the cut off): is the smallest island and is used as a docking place by fishermen while out at sea.
Shnanir Nature Reserve
One of the two newest national reserves approved by Parliment. Located in Kesrouan region.
Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve (Barouk)
Information about the Shouf Cedars Reserve (largest reserve in Lebanon and first Man & Biosphere Reserve). Also info about the environmental NGO called Al Shouf Cedar Society which works on sustainable management of the Protected Areas.
Maasser el Chouf, Lebanon
+961 5 350 250/150
[email protected]
website: www.shoufcedar.org
Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve
Established in Feb. 1999 as a National Reserve, it is a 600 hectare forest with a dense 80% of the trees being Cedars of Lebanon. Located about 85 km from Beirut. Much research and discovery has been done here to identify and manage the insect (Cephalsia tannouriniensis) which was "attacking" these precious trees. This link is to the official website featuring news, events, projects, and photos of Tannourine Reserve.
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
Recognized as “wetlands international importance” by Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The reserve’s artesian wells are the source of fresh water. The wells date back to the time period when Tyre was one most important city states along Phoenician coast. Besides the many species of plants and marsh birds that flourish in this delicate environment, the reserve is a nesting site for the endangered Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles. Visitors will enjoy exploring this coastal reserve on foot, by bicycle, or with snorkels and diving equipment.
Wadi Hujeir Reserve
One of two of the newest national reserves approved by the Parliment. Located in Marjayoun, region of southern Lebanon.
+961 6 660120
Lebanese Environmental NGOs, Clubs, Groups, and Businesses
About Fauna in Lebanon
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
American Friends of the Lebanon Mountain Trail
Amis des oiseaux du liban
Association for the Protection of Makmel Mountain
Autopooling
Baabda Forest
Baldati.com
Beirut by Bike
Beirut Green Project
Blue Lebanon
Clean Lebanon
Club des Science
CO2 Neutral, Beirut
d2w Lebanon (biodegradable plastics)
Dlebta Village vert
Ehden Spirit
Esprit Nomad
Fauna of Lebanon
Flora of Lebanon in pics
Footprints Nature Club
Green Hand (environmental department)
Green Patriot (Blog)
Greenocratic Organization
IndyAct Org
Jabal Moussa
Jabalna
Jouzour Loubnan
Juniperus Excelsa- Lezzab
Lebanon CLEAN & GREEN (group)
Lebanon CLEAN & GREEN (fan page)
Lebanon Eco Movement
Lebanon from Above
Lebanon Green Team
Lebanon Mountain Trail
Metal Ma Shelta (anti-littering)
Mishmish, Akkar, N. Lebanon
Mister-Tanak (Mr. Can), re-cycling for aluminum cans
OBBA-- Operation Big Blue Association
SEPT (Save Energy, Plant Trees)
Souk Tayeb
Stop Shooting Birds... in Lebanon
Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve
Tripoli Carfree City
We want Recycling in Lebanon (FaceBook Community)
Zebdine... an eco-village (group)
Zero Waste
(There are plans to expand the national reserves in the near future to two more areas: in Akkar and Dinnieh, Lebanon.)
Bentael Reserve
Located in the foothills northeast of Byblos (Jbeil) is the pine forest that comprises the Bentael Nature Reserve. One of the smallest nature reserves in Lebanon, at 1.5km2, this reserve is noteworthy because of its history. Founded in 1981, this protected area was bequeathed to the Ministry of the Environment by the people of the village of Bentael. It was one of the first parks to be created in Lebanon and set an example for the need to conserve Lebanon’s natural areas. Visitors can access the reserve via one of two entrances: one near the village of Mechehlène and the other in the upper region of Bentael.
Bcharre, Cedars of the Lord Forest
Located in the northern region of Lebanon near the village of Bcharre (hometown of poet Khalil Gebran) and the famous Qaddisha Valley.
Horsh Ehden Reserve
Official website featuring news, events, projects, and photos of Horsh Ehden Reserve. Ricardus M. Haber, Lebanon's early environmental movement pioneer, helped establish this First National Reserve. In recognition of his major contribution to the creation of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, following his death on 1st Januray 2006, age 54, the Reserve named a nature path, the Riacardus Haber Path. To learn more about his writings and activities visit : www.ricardushaber.com and read an account of the creation of the Horsh Ehden Nature Reservein the section page, 'First Nature Reserve'.
+961 6 660120
Jabal Moussa Reserve
Official website about the Jabal Moussa Reserve.
Jabal Moussa is an outstanding Biosphere Reserve located in the Kesrouan-Jbeil area, Lebanon it is surrounded by Nahr Ibrahim and Nahr Ed-Dahab rivers, and is located 45 km away from Beirut. Jabal Moussa was designated in 2009 as the 3rd Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon as part of the UNESCO Network of Biosphere Reserves under Man & Biosphere (MAB) program. Based on an AROCHA/Bird Life International study, JM was designated a Global Important Bird Area (IBA) after it had already received the designation of Protected Forest through a Ministry of Agriculture decision in 2008; and in February 2012, Jabal Moussa was declared a Natural Site by a presidential decree. Ecotourism is now increasingly popular in Jabal Moussa following a comprehensive project backed by the Italian Embassy.+961 9 643464
Palm Island Nature Reserve
Palm Islands Nature Reserve
Shnanir Nature Reserve
One of the two newest national reserves approved by Parliment. Located in Kesrouan region.
Al-Shouf Cedar Reserve (Barouk)
Information about the Shouf Cedars Reserve (largest reserve in Lebanon and first Man & Biosphere Reserve). Also info about the environmental NGO called Al Shouf Cedar Society which works on sustainable management of the Protected Areas.
Maasser el Chouf, Lebanon
+961 5 350 250/150
[email protected]
website: www.shoufcedar.org
Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve
Established in Feb. 1999 as a National Reserve, it is a 600 hectare forest with a dense 80% of the trees being Cedars of Lebanon. Located about 85 km from Beirut. Much research and discovery has been done here to identify and manage the insect (Cephalsia tannouriniensis) which was "attacking" these precious trees. This link is to the official website featuring news, events, projects, and photos of Tannourine Reserve.
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
Recognized as “wetlands international importance” by Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. The reserve’s artesian wells are the source of fresh water. The wells date back to the time period when Tyre was one most important city states along Phoenician coast. Besides the many species of plants and marsh birds that flourish in this delicate environment, the reserve is a nesting site for the endangered Loggerhead and Green Sea Turtles. Visitors will enjoy exploring this coastal reserve on foot, by bicycle, or with snorkels and diving equipment.
Wadi Hujeir Reserve
One of two of the newest national reserves approved by the Parliment. Located in Marjayoun, region of southern Lebanon.
+961 6 660120
Lebanese Environmental NGOs, Clubs, Groups, and Businesses
Name | Description | Contact Information |
ALMEE (Lebanese Association for Energy Saving and for Environment) |
Active for over 15 years this organization works primarily in technical areas that help save energy and protect the environment in Lebanon and Mediterranean region. Involved with numerous international organization projects and programs. Their website also makes available numerous articles written in both French and English. | |
Al-Shouf Cedars | Information about the Al Shouf Cedars Reserve (largest reserve in Lebanon) and Al Shouf Cedar Society | Al-Shouf, Lebanon |
Amwaj of the Environment (meaning, Waves) |
A non-profit, non-governmental association working for protection of the environment, conservation, and awareness within society | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 791252 |
Animal Encounter | Non-profit educational center for Lebanese wildlife preservation located in Aley, Lebanon which began May, 1993 in collaboration with the Green Line Association. Has many visitors annually, especially student groups. | Aley / Ras El-Jabel +961 3 667355 or +961 5 558724 |
Association for Forest Development and Conservation (AFDC) | Non-governmental organization, whose objectives are: fighting forest fires and desertification; advocacy and environmental education; as well as sustainable human development | Jdeideh Office +961 1 898475 Ramlieh Office +961 5 280430 |
Bahr Loubnan- Liban Mer (meaning, Lebanese Beach) |
Non-profit, non-governmental organization focused on cleaning the Lebanese coastline, preventing marine pollution and preserving marine bio-diversity | |
Barouk National Reserve | Blog dedicated to the Barouk National Reserve in the Shouf region. Contains information and photos. | |
Beeatoona (meaning, Our Environment) |
Non-governmental organization formed in 2008 aiming to promote good environmental practices and sustainable development among Lebanese and Arab communities | Beirut, Lebanon |
Cedar Box Team, Lebanon | Special edition of 10,452 cedar boxes to plant a cedar on every kilometer in Lebanon. Website features concept, how to order, and contact details. | |
Cedar Environmental (waste management) | Home of the Dynamic Composting Technology, specializing in building material recovery facilities for the recycling of municipal solid waste. | Bickfaya, Lebanon +961 4 981590 |
Cedars Forever | Lebanese organization committed to the preservation and reforestation of the Cedars of Lebanon, and environmental awareness | Kaslik, Lebanon +961 9 210968 |
Clean Lebanon | Prominent and active organization, with volunteers, and committees to tackle various environmental issues in Lebanon. Group has a special song online, in Arabic, as a national environmental anthem | |
Earth Time Group, Lebanon (environmental consulting firm) |
Privately owned firm for consulting and contracting services in earth sciences | Beirut, Lebanon +961 3 945217 |
Ecobatt (Battery recycling) |
Project launched by Beatoona (Lebanese non-governmental organization). Project aims to spread awareness about the environmental hazards of improperly disposed used household batteries. | Beirut, Lebanon |
ELARD - Earth Link and Advanced Resources Development (consultants) |
Provides assistance to engineering companies, industries, and public agencies in finding solutions for problems related to management and protection of the earth's resources and environment | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 512121 |
Entotox Public Health (pest control) |
Offers pest management and disinfecting services to commercial and residential properties in Lebanon | Jounieh, Lebanon +961 4 520640 |
Envirotech Lebanon (consulting & servicing) |
Provides professional environmental consulting and servicing to private and public sector organizations | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 840401 |
Ghanem Development & Trading (GDT) | GDT is the leading supplier of d2w oxo-biodegradable additive which converts the plastic to an environmental friendly plastic to make the plastic degrade in about 3 years time instead of 400 years! | Beirut, Lebanon +961-1-257598 Jihad N. Ghanem mobile: 961-3-340320 |
Green Cedar Lebanon | Lebanese organization committed to the preservation and reforestation of the Cedars in Lebanon. They launched a cedar-shaped jewelry and green Lebanon book to fund-raise for reforestation project. | |
Greendot | Lebanese company which has specialized in importing and promoting solar energy solutions and environmental friendly products in Lebanon since 1995. | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 567660 |
Green Lebanon | ||
Green Line | Independent non-political environmental group, very active with many environmental issues (Name comes from the term used during the war, for the destroyed "no-man's land" dividing east and west Beirut, where green wild vegetation grew through the rubble and ruined streets) Nice positive name, with a new noble cause. | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 752142 |
GREENPEACE-Lebanon | Activities and campaings of this international organization to protect the Meditteranean environment in Lebanon | |
Happy Planet, Lebanon | Website and programs launched by BankMed which ensure awareness to children thorough their school and families about ways to ensure human and environmental well-being in Lebanon | |
IBSAR (Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures) | American Univ. of Beirut (AUB) pioneering center focusing on Nature Conservation and uses multifaceted approaches to improve the environment and social change. The center is made up of faculty, researchers, and students. There are several video clips about their work and projects on the "Video Clips" section of this website. They also have a program and part of their website for children, called BIOKIDS. | |
International Center for Sustainable Development and Studies (ICSDS) | A center located in Lebanon which promotes sustainable development and environmental awareness in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa region) | Beirut, Lebanon +961 3 521132 |
Jouzour Lebanon Team (meaning, Roots of Lebanon) |
Group's aim is restoration and promotion of Lebanese woodland forests in arid regions of Lebanon | +961 1 429666 |
Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation Project | Provides free, practical advice to business and public sector organization to help reduce energy use | |
Lebanese House Establishment for the Environment (LHEE) | Non-governmental organization which seeks to encourage the participation of youth in the environmental development process in Lebanon | |
Lebanese Museum for Marine and Wildlife | Located in the center of the ancient city of Tyre, Lebanon is a museum with more thank 1,000 marine species and wildlife on display. The museum is a private venture of Ms. Jeanine Yazbeck - housed in a beautiful traditional Lebanese house dated from the 1800s. | Jdeidet El-Metn +961 7 343016 |
Lebanon CLEAN & GREEN (LCG) | Comprehensive resource website about all environmental groups and activities in Lebanon only. Includes a directory, media, and articles, map and photos. Open format which welcomes contribution of information, additional materials, links, and photos from the public. | |
Lebanon Environment | A collaborative effort of influential environmental advocacy member to increase public awareness and activism on important environmental issues related to Lebanon. Began with college students in 1988. | |
Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) | An association promoting and sustaining a national Lebanese Mountain Trail that begins in the village of Qbaiyat in the north of Lebanon, through a total of 26 villages in its 440 km (275 mi.) trek, and ending in the southern village of Marjaayoun. Builds eco-tourism, supports environmental and cultural appreciation, and promotes hiking. The first national trail of its kind, linking old routes with new, the LMT blazes forth as a positive force. | |
Liban Trek | Founded in January, 1997 it is the first eco-tourism company in Lebanon | +961 1 329975 |
MORES (Management of Resources and Environmental Solutions) | Environmental consulting firm, providing services in the field of earth sciences, engineering, resource management, capacity building, and institutional development. | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 756464 |
National Campaign for Solid Waste Management | Site in Arabic, campaign supported by GreenPeace | |
Nature Care Association (NCA), Lebanon | Non-governmental organization that provide solutions for rural poverty and environmental degradation in Lebanon | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 500040 |
Operation Big Blue Association (OBBA) | Non-governmental organization formed in 1997 for environmental awareness and protection | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 |
Paul Abi Rached Songs (singer, environmental activist) |
Armed with songs to promote awareness, change, and environmental responsibility among the Lebanese society, especially with the youth | |
Purple Reef | PURPLE REEF ORGANIZATION is a non-governmental organization (NGO) registered under Lebanese Law # 1358, for the protection and conservation of Lebanon’s coastline and reef. PURPLE REEF acts in partnership with divers and environment enthusiasts to defend the underwater environment and raise awareness to reduce the risks that threaten the existence of our ecosystems | [email protected] 961-3-933707 P.O. Box 16-7150 Achrafieh, Beirut, Lebanon |
Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) | Non-profit, non-governmental organization aiming to protect nature, birds, and biodiversity in Lebanon | |
Surf and Turf Lebanon (cleaning service) |
Beach cleaning company offers sand and coastal cleaning services for public and private beaches in Lebanon | Beirut, Lebanon +961 1 747244 |
Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve | Official website featuring news, events, projects, and photos | |
T.E.R.R.E. Liban | Environmental organization headed by activist Paul Abi Rashed working through campaigns for awareness, eco-citizenship, and preserving nature. Sings and promotes change among the Lebanese youth. Site is in English, French, and Arabic. See also info about his songs at: http://www.paulabirashe.com | Baabda, Lebanon +961 5 923060 |
Trees4Lebanon | Organization for reforesting parts of Lebanon | |
Wild Lebanon | Environmental website about Lebanon's unique biodiversity and habitats. Great site for kids too. | |
Youth Environment Parliment (YEP), Lebanon | An awareness program for Lebanese students about environmental problems in Lebanon |
Internet- Blogs, FaceBook Groups & Pages related to Lebanon's Nature
About Fauna in Lebanon
Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve
American Friends of the Lebanon Mountain Trail
Amis des oiseaux du liban
Association for the Protection of Makmel Mountain
Autopooling
Baabda Forest
Baldati.com
Beirut by Bike
Beirut Green Project
Blue Lebanon
Clean Lebanon
Club des Science
CO2 Neutral, Beirut
d2w Lebanon (biodegradable plastics)
Dlebta Village vert
Ehden Spirit
Esprit Nomad
Fauna of Lebanon
Flora of Lebanon in pics
Footprints Nature Club
Green Hand (environmental department)
Green Patriot (Blog)
Greenocratic Organization
IndyAct Org
Jabal Moussa
Jabalna
Jouzour Loubnan
Juniperus Excelsa- Lezzab
Lebanon CLEAN & GREEN (group)
Lebanon CLEAN & GREEN (fan page)
Lebanon Eco Movement
Lebanon from Above
Lebanon Green Team
Lebanon Mountain Trail
Metal Ma Shelta (anti-littering)
Mishmish, Akkar, N. Lebanon
Mister-Tanak (Mr. Can), re-cycling for aluminum cans
OBBA-- Operation Big Blue Association
SEPT (Save Energy, Plant Trees)
Souk Tayeb
Stop Shooting Birds... in Lebanon
Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve
Tripoli Carfree City
We want Recycling in Lebanon (FaceBook Community)
Zebdine... an eco-village (group)
Zero Waste