Livelihood of people in the four villages targeted by the project is dependent mainly on livestock. However, the protected area land is being exploited by local communities for grazing and collection of firewood and medical plants which caused noticeable degradation of biodiversity in the protected area The project seeks to provide local community with alternative livelihoods to replace sheep breeding, including establishment of a cattle farm with natural grazing land outside the PA borders, in addition to dairy production facility, plantation of medical herbs, and providing the site with beehives for production of honey. Project activities also include marketing products among local community, Hassakeh residents, and visitors of Jabal Abdul Aziz Reserve.

Special attention will be given to vulnerable segments of the local community such as unemployed people and Women. Women will be actively involved in management and implementation of the project, and will received training on dairy production.