From the Apennines to the Shouf: New paths to protect nature and community well-being
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve in Lebanon and the Aterno Valley in Italy share some of the most critical challenges of our time: sustainable management of natural resources and combating climate change.
We aim to create a bridge between Italy’s successful experiences and Lebanon's specific needs. The goal is to find innovative and effective solutions that increase local economic opportunities while protecting the ecosystems in these regions, which are as precious as they are fragile.
Key areas
The Aterno Valley
Much of the Middle Aterno Valley, where the Model Forest of the same name is located, is part of the Sirente Velino Regional Nature Park, home to the rich biodiversity of the central Apennine ecosystem. This region is characterized by a strong integration of agricultural, forestry, tourism, and artisanal activities within a low-density population context, affected by depopulation and aging demographics. The area has extensive forest cover and well-preserved historical villages, creating a complex "mosaic" landscape with diverse land uses, varying altitudes and exposures, and a range of historical imprints.
The Shouf Biosphere Reserve
Covering approximately 50,000 hectares, it is the largest protected area in Lebanon. The Reserve hosts rich biodiversity and provides essential resources for the country's population, such as water, raw materials, fertile soil, and clean air.
In recent years, the climate crisis, combined with unsustainable land management, has seriously damaged ecosystems, impacting an already fragile economy that relies primarily on agriculture.
A new participatory approach to revitalize the Region’s economy and protect nature
To counter the negative effects of climate change and support local agro-ecosystems, we are promoting the integration of best practices for natural resource management within the Shouf Reserve, based on models already tested in Abruzzo, across three key sectors:
1. Sustainable water management
We are introducing tools for water resource management based on the Water Framework Directive model, including the River Contract, a voluntary, participatory planning tool designed to protect and enhance riverine areas.
Our efforts include specialized training for key local stakeholders, direct exchanges with Italian partners, and the creation of resources for water management, such as a “White Paper.”
In parallel with these initiatives, we are carrying out restoration work on the catchment basins around the Awali River to improve distribution efficiency and reduce water losses.
2. Small-scale agricultural practices
We are strengthening local agricultural supply chains for small producers by adapting the experiences of the “Slow Food” rural network and the Aterno Valley Model Forest. The goal is to shorten the supply chain and add value to local production.
To achieve this, we are creating a catalog of local products to promote the economy and foster selling through dedicated online sales channels. We are also facilitating specific agreements between 40 farmers and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve.
Additionally, we are providing endowment funds to enhance local market access for agricultural entrepreneurs and to make family-owned farms more sustainable.
3. A Model Forest to boost the local economy
We are enhancing agro-forestry landscapes through the creation of a Model Forest inspired by the Aterno Valley Model Forest, where stakeholders collaborate to improve areas such as the biomass supply chain. This initiative will make the Shouf the first Middle Eastern member of the International Model Forest Network.
We are also working to equip two public buildings in the Reserve with biomass heating systems, fueled by raw materials sourced from the sustainable management of surrounding forests and agricultural lands.
Knowledge trips to Abruzzo and Lebanon, workshops, exchange visits, and field missions are essential opportunities to replicate best practices, creating connections that extend beyond the project's completion.
The partners
The connections within the network of partners aim to strengthen a knowledge exchange system that will continue beyond the project's conclusion.
Municipality of Fontecchio
The Municipality of Fontecchio is committed to the sustainable management of natural and cultural heritage. The promotion of the Model Forest, adherence to the principles of the Faro Convention, the Fontecchio Charter with environmental associations, a strong commitment to the Sirente Velino Regional Nature Park, and trust in the River Contract have been the ideal foundations for broader international collaboration with development cooperation actors and civil society, through a multi-stakeholder approach. https://comune.fontecchio.aq.it/
Istituto Oikos
It is a non-profit organization operating in Europe and in the South of the World to protect biodiversity. Oikos promotes responsible management of natural resources and the adoption of sustainable lifestyles as tools for social and economic development and for fighting poverty. Since 2018, it has worked in Lebanon in the area of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, aiming to balance the needs of the local population with those of the environment, preserving the Reserve's resources in terms of water, raw materials, and fertile land, while encouraging the local economy. www.istituto-oikos.org
Ilex
Located in the Municipality of Fontecchio, Ilex owns and manages an environmental education centre and collaborates with the Municipality on environmental awareness and rural development actions. Ilex worked with the Municipality on publishing the "Fontecchio Charter" on protected areas and organizing the international conference on the UNESCO Faro Convention. https://ilexitaly.com/
Leaf Lab
A cooperative focused primarily on rural development projects through systemic actions, cooperation projects, and supply chains. Through research, training, and technical consulting, Leaf Lab promotes sustainable development models in the agro-forestry sector in mountain areas. It has also contributed to the promotion of the Model Forest by implementing the Strategic Plan and the Forestry Commission.
Al Shouf Cedar Society
A member of the Protected Areas Committee (APAC), which manages the Shouf Biosphere Reserve under the authority of Lebanon’s Ministry of Environment (MoE). ACS has numerous collaborative alliances with public institutions at both the local and national levels and it is internationally recognized for its long-term programmes in sustainable agriculture and forest landscape restoration. www.shoufcedar.org
The project "From the Apennines to the Shouf: migrations of experiences and knowledge across the Mediterranean" is implemented by the Municipality of Fontecchio in collaboration with Istituto Oikos, Ilex, LeafLab, and the Al Shouf Cedar Society, with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.