ABSTRACT
Lebanon was still suffering the aftermath of the civil war when the UNESCO MAB Programme began to be implemented, with the designation of its first biosphere reserve (BR) in 2005, Shouf BR; followed by Jabal Al Rihane in 2007, and Jabal Moussa in 2009. Through studying the evolution of BR implementation nationally, this chapter presents original findings on how the implementation of biosphere reserves has influenced the practice of sustainability locally. We utilize a qualitative approach that includes informal interviews, a desk review of internal documents and national reports, and a questionnaire administered to local BR staff. We present stories and reflections from local actors in the two BRs who responded to our questionnaire: Shouf and Jabal Moussa. Pertinent findings include: (1) generally successful BR implementation is mainly attributable to very active governing local NGOs; (2) prioritization of local needs over international MAB directions; (3) thematic collaborations with Mediterranean BRs beyond the formal ArabMAB network; and (4) challenges pertaining to local legislation and land tenure issues. We conclude that the establishment of BRs in Lebanon has generally facilitated the circulation of sustainability principles and practices locally, partially through the revival of traditional land management practices.
