About Us

Our story

Needs client input. The source document describes the geosites and the conservation work, but it does not contain a formal organisation profile, founding story, or mission statement. The draft below is assembled from the project’s stated goals and activities. Please review, correct, and expand — and confirm how the organisation (ACE) and the BioConnect project should be described and named. (I can research the BioConnect project background for you if you’d like — just say the word.)

Geosites are geological sites that stand out for their uniqueness and outstanding aesthetic value. In southern Lebanon, the geosites of the Shouf–Jezzine area are not only visually captivating but hold real scientific, educational, and geotourism value — playing a crucial role in conserving the geoheritage of the region.

Our work spans four remarkable sites — El Qaleh, Jezzine Cliff, Chir el Joube, and Niha Fortress — where geology and biodiversity are deeply intertwined. We document their key biodiversity features, protect the habitats and formations that sustain them, and open them up responsibly to visitors so that their story can be shared and their future secured.

Our approach

We follow the model that defines geoparks worldwide — pairing protection, education, and sustainable development, with local communities at the centre. Conservation only succeeds with the support and involvement of the people who live alongside these sites, so our programs are designed to benefit local livelihoods as much as the landscape.

Our mission

To conserve the geoheritage and biodiversity of the Shouf–Jezzine geosites, and to build sustainable geotourism that connects local communities to the extraordinary natural and geological history on their doorstep.

Our key programs

• Awareness and protection. Awareness sessions and legal advocacy to protect the sites from quarrying, unmanaged development, and hunting, and to secure recognition and protection by national and local authorities.

• Habitat and land rehabilitation. Rehabilitating abandoned terraces and fields to preserve biodiversity and restore the working landscape.

• Sustainable agriculture and Geofood. Reintroducing traditional agricultural techniques and crops — including edible and medicinal plants — and promoting the Geofood concept, which links food produced on the site to its geology.

• Geotourism and interpretation. Developing trails, signage, audio guides, field trips, and workshops so visitors of all backgrounds can learn about the region’s geology, ecology, and paleontology.

• Wildlife conservation. Protecting flagship and endangered species — from the rock hyrax and wildcat to at least eight species of bats — and reducing pressures such as hunting.