The Geopark

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What is a geopark?

A geopark is a single, unified territory where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed under a holistic concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. Rather than fencing nature off, geoparks work with the communities who live there — using the area’s geological heritage to build understanding, local pride, and sustainable livelihoods through geotourism.

The best-known designation is the UNESCO Global Geopark label, awarded to territories that demonstrate outstanding geological heritage managed in partnership with their local communities.

An aspiring geopark in Shouf–Jezzine

The mountains between the Shouf and Jezzine hold a remarkable concentration of geological and ecological heritage: karstic limestone landscapes, cliffs and waterfalls, fossil-bearing rocks, and habitats sheltering wildlife from oak woodland flora to at least eight species of bats.

The Shouf–Jezzine aspiring geopark initiative works to bring this territory’s geosites under coherent protection and management — the first step on the long path towards international geopark recognition. Four geosites anchor the initiative today: El Qaleh, Jezzine Cliff, Chir el Joube, and Niha Fortress — explore them all on the interactive map.

Who is behind it

The initiative is part of BioConnect, a biodiversity-conservation project by ACE — the Association for Community & Environment, a Lebanese non-profit working at the intersection of geology, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. BioConnect’s work spans species research, geosite assessment, and developing the governance and legal frameworks that effective protection requires.

Learn more about our research and the fossil heritage of Jezzine.