Duration: 36 months (November 2022 – October 2025)
In an era where climate change poses an increasing threat to natural ecosystems and human communities alike, ResiLAND emerges as a crucial initiative to strengthen resilience through strategic planning, capacity development, and integrated land management. This ambitious project aims to establish effective mechanisms for reducing environmental risks and enhancing climate adaptability in Lebanon’s natural reserves, with a particular focus on Mount Hermon Natural Reserve (MHNR).
A Collaborative Effort for a Sustainable Future
ResiLAND is a collaborative initiative co-funded by the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS) and Istituto Oikos Onlus from Italy, alongside Al-Shouf Cedar Society (ACS) and the Association for the Protection of Jabal Moussa (APJM) from Lebanon. The project is also implemented in association with the Municipality of Rashaya, ensuring a localized approach that meets the specific needs of communities.
The project focuses on three key reserves in Lebanon:
- Shouf Biosphere Reserve (SBR)
- Jabal Moussa Biosphere Reserve (JMBR)
- Mount Hermon Natural Reserve (MHNR)
Among these, Mount Hermon Natural Reserve is of particular significance due to its unique biodiversity, strategic location, and vulnerability to climate change. The project aims to restore degraded landscapes, enhance sustainable land use practices, and build the resilience of local communities in this critical ecosystem.
Objectives: Strengthening Environmental and Social Resilience
The primary goal of ResiLAND is to develop mechanisms that improve planning and sustainable land management, enhancing the capacity of communities linked to Lebanon’s natural reserves in their fight against climate change. By integrating conservation efforts with socio-economic development, the project ensures a balanced approach that benefits both biodiversity and local livelihoods.
How ResiLAND Works: Key Strategies
ResiLAND employs a multi-faceted approach to achieving its goals:
- Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks: Advocating for improved policies and regulations for agro-forest landscape planning and management in Lebanon.
- Mountain Ecosystem Conservation: Promoting the adoption of good practices for managing both natural and human-influenced landscapes.
- Sustainable Energy Solutions: Facilitating knowledge transfer in renewable energy supply chains and sustainable services.
Specific Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The project seeks to ensure the conservation and sustainable management of mountain ecosystems in the three reserves, strengthening their ability to provide essential ecosystem services for biodiversity preservation and sustainable socio-economic development.
Key Outputs:
- Agro-Forestry-Pastoral Landscape Planning:
- Refining and integrating management plans to adapt to climate change.
- Implementing actions to restore ecosystem services in priority sites.
- Promoting biomass use for sustainable energy and climate risk reduction.
- Restoration and Environmental Management Interventions in Mount Hermon and Beyond:
- Adaptive management of 30 ha in SBR, 10 ha in JMBR, and 10 ha in MHNR.
- Restoration of abandoned stonewall terraces.
- Fire risk reduction measures.
- Production of bioenergy from biomass.
Key Results:
- 60,000 seedlings planted
- 50 ha of forest managed through thinning
- 50 ha with swales for water retention
- 5 compost units established
- 2,000 hectares of pastures restored
- Renewable Energy Supply for Public Buildings and SMEs:
- Strengthening the Kfarfakhoud briquette production center and establishing a new one in Jabal Moussa.
- Installing high-performance biomass stoves in Batloun Municipality and JMBR Visitor Center.
- Producing 3 million briquettes.
- Conducting two carrying capacity assessments.
- Installing ten renewable energy systems, including biomass heating, solar thermal, and photovoltaic systems.
Impact on Mount Hermon and Local Communities
ResiLAND is deeply rooted in community engagement and aims to empower local stakeholders, particularly in Mount Hermon, where land degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate vulnerability pose significant challenges. The project ensures the participation of municipalities, natural reserve management teams, and local organizations. Direct beneficiaries include:
- 499 trained individuals, 41% of whom are women.
- 200 farmers benefiting from terrace restoration.
- 691 farmers engaged in fire prevention activities.
- 180 farmers involved in water conservation and hydraulic work.
- 64 shepherds supported for pasture restoration.
Innovation and Sustainability in Mount Hermon
At its core, ResiLAND promotes:
- Community and stakeholder participation to ensure inclusive decision-making.
- Sustainable resource management balancing environmental conservation and economic development.
- Strengthening local and national forestry supply chains to support rural economies.
- Knowledge transfer and innovation, incorporating modern and traditional practices in forestry and biodiversity conservation.
- Land degradation prevention, reinforcing ecosystem resilience against climate impacts.
A Model for Future Conservation Efforts
By integrating landscape restoration, sustainable energy solutions, and community-driven conservation efforts, ResiLAND sets a precedent for climate resilience projects across Lebanon and beyond. Mount Hermon Natural Reserve, as one of the key focus areas, will benefit from direct restoration interventions, ensuring that this ecologically significant region can withstand climate pressures and continue to provide essential ecosystem services. This initiative not only protects biodiversity but also secures the livelihoods of those who depend on these natural ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable and climate-resilient future for generations to come.
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