Bentael

Bentael Nature Reserve, founded in 1981 and officially declared in 1999 by virtue of law 11/99, owes its origin to the local desire to protect the private communal territory against human aggressions, especially the uncontrolled urban sprawl and the unorganized development of road networks BNR is the first unofficial reserve in Lebanon, covering an area of 110 ha and located 7 km away from Jbeil and 38 Km away from Beirut (. Extending between 250 and 800 m of altitude above sea level, this reserve is limited from the North by a public road and private property belonging to the village of Bentael, from the South by the river of Bentael, from the East by the Western boundary of the village of Hjoula and from the West by the villages of Eddeh and Bentael

BNR is located in the sub-humid bioclimatic level - temperate winter variant - and is characterized by a hot and humid climate of low and medium altitudes. It extends over the Thermo-Mediterranean and Eu-Mediterranean vegetation levels (Abi Saleh and Safi, 1988). It consists of a mosaic of ecosystems harboring two major forest types: an oak (Quercus calliprinos) stand on compact limestone, limited in the valley by the riparian forest of the Bentael River, and a planted pine forest (Pinus pinea) on sandstone.

The reserve is a sink for over 350 plant species belonging to 67 different families identified in BNR, including 60 medicinal species, 2 endemic (Lactuca triquetra and Teucrium montbretti ssp. libanoticum) and various species recognized as rare by the UNEP since 1996, of which, Drimia maritima. Rich in underground caves and nearly-permanent water basins, BNR is also a privileged refuge for animals. A preliminary observation showed the presence of foxes, jackals, hedgehogs and various rodents. The dry, sunny habitats are favorable for reptiles such as snakes, chameleons, geckos, etc. A list of animals inventoried in the reserve has been developed for guidance.

BNR gains specific attention for its avifaunal richness as well. The IBA report (A Rocha/SPNL, 2008b) indicates that BNR represents a bottleneck for soaring birds. 41 species of birds have been identified on site during the period 2005-2008 including blackbirds, chickadees, finches, warblers, the wheatear, the Chukar partridge, eagles, pelicans and cranes (A Rocha/SPNL, 2008b).

Recent studies show the existing of Kind of insects, 25 species of Amphibians, 25 of Reptiles, and 25 species of Mammals.

The aims of the BNR :

• Protecting the natural environment
• Conserving the natural resources to protect the reserve from the pollution
• Managing and conserving in a proper way by the BNR committee and the population in the Hourouf’s villages.

BNR is the first nature reserve in Lebanon and the smallest one and this privilege given by the god to Jbail citizens.

Inside the Reserve there are St. John’s rock-cut hermitage and chapel. This 12^th century dwelling is located 8m above the ground, and can be reached from the hiking trail. It is composed of three cavities. Researchers believe that the first one was used for habitation and as a refuge in case of attack, the second shelter is the remains of St. John’s chapel, and the third is a water reservoir approximately 2.5m deep and 2 m wide used to collect rain water.

-Partnerships with AL HOUROUF NGO, Edde Municipality, Green Square NGO, Byblos Echlogia, USEK and Balamand Universities.

 Many projects were executed in collaboration with national and international donor: USAID, AFD, FAO, LRI..

• Last executed project: Adventure Eco Park

The Adventure Eco park is installed at the village of Bentael at one of the main entries to the Bentael Nature Reserve. The concept is offering to all nature-lovers, adventure-seekers, children and youth the opportunity to live thrilling moments, performing unique outdoors sports and activities, in a green and friendly environment.

It is composed of the following:

• Reception kiosk and information center
• Mini Park and garden games for the children
• Adventure park games for the teen agers
• Book library that will contain more than 4000 books in different languages
• Electronic library and internet
• Kiosk to sell the local products from the different villages of Al-Hourouf
• Museum that is planned to include CVs for each type of insects, birds, plants, flowers, animals, etc,, that actually living and existing in the reserve
• Two WCs equipped with latest technology for sewage system, wastewater treatment machine, as well as a special road for handicaps
• Solar system
• More than 13 km of internal well manage trail with different level.
• Green Shell restaurant
• Special packages for students (Awareness, activities…)

Contacts:

Bentael Nature Reserve Office

Tel : 961 9 838982/

info@bentael.org

http://www.bentaelreserve.org

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