About Us
Our story
Content to be verified.
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.
Who’s behind the geopark
This website — and the geopark initiative it presents — is an output of BioConnect, a biodiversity-conservation project working towards effective management and governance of sites of ecological importance in Southern Lebanon.
BioConnect is a project of ACE, the Association for Community & Environment (ace4ce.org) — a Lebanese non-political, non-profit association established in 2014, working at the intersection of geology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. ACE’s mission is mainstreaming science and the environment in decision-making through better understanding, protection, and valorization of natural resources.
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.