Al Chaquif national and archeological reserve project
I. BACKGROUND
El Chekif is one of the most important archeological sites in the area of Jabal Amel. The western historians called it the ?beaufort? which means the beautiful fortress. The Arabs called it ?El chekif Arnoun? in relation to the neighboring village. It was built since 900 years. It is 90 km far from Beirut and is situated on a small mountain 700 meters above sea level. It is surrounded from North and West by agricultural sloppy lands. It is also surrounded by poor villages.
According to the study of Bird Life International the area is an important one for immigrating birds because it is situated on the east path of the Mediterranean sea.
II. OBJECTIVES
The objective of the study is to declare Chequif fortress a natural reserve. The Project aims at protecting the area biodiversity and natural resources. The Project will include an eco-tourism component.
III. ACTIVITIES
? Undertaking an assessment study of the site
? Undertaking a technical study in order to formulate an orientation plan for the site
? Rehabilitation of the roads and natural paths
? Establishing birds watching points
? Rehabilitation of services in order to strengthen eco-tourism
? Putting signs
? Capacity building of the local communities and municipalities for the management of the Reserve
? Training of a team of tourist guides
? Training of the local community on rural products and handcrafts
? Production of brochures
El Chekif is one of the most important archeological sites in the area of Jabal Amel. The western historians called it the ?beaufort? which means the beautiful fortress. The Arabs called it ?El chekif Arnoun? in relation to the neighboring village. It was built since 900 years. It is 90 km far from Beirut and is situated on a small mountain 700 meters above sea level. It is surrounded from North and West by agricultural sloppy lands. It is also surrounded by poor villages.
According to the study of Bird Life International the area is an important one for immigrating birds because it is situated on the east path of the Mediterranean sea.
II. OBJECTIVES
The objective of the study is to declare Chequif fortress a natural reserve. The Project aims at protecting the area biodiversity and natural resources. The Project will include an eco-tourism component.
III. ACTIVITIES
? Undertaking an assessment study of the site
? Undertaking a technical study in order to formulate an orientation plan for the site
? Rehabilitation of the roads and natural paths
? Establishing birds watching points
? Rehabilitation of services in order to strengthen eco-tourism
? Putting signs
? Capacity building of the local communities and municipalities for the management of the Reserve
? Training of a team of tourist guides
? Training of the local community on rural products and handcrafts
? Production of brochures
Project Snapshot
Grantee:
Amwaj of the environment
Country:
Lebanon
Area Of Work:
Biodiversity
Grant Amount:
US$ 44,000.00
Co-Financing Cash:
US$ 56,000.00
Co-Financing in-Kind:
Project Number:
LEB/OP3/2/06/02
Status:
Satisfactorily Completed
SGP Country office contact
Mr. Adnan Georges Melki
Phone:
00961 1 382332
Fax:
00961 1 386570
Email:
Address
Lebanese Environment Forum. Ain El Rummanah, El Arid Road, Najjar building, 2nd floor
Beirut
Beirut
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