Cultural and Eco-tourism

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Nahr El Jaouz, Lebanon
Development of a Regional Natural Park

The richness of the natural and cultural resources of the valley of Nahr El Jaouz, shed light on the importance of developing a natural park in the valley. The national master plan has recommended the creation of six "Regional Natural Parks" in Lebanon, among them the Valley of Nahr El Jouz.

The overall objective of the project is to enhance the economic and sustainable development of the region.

The specific objectives of the project include:

• Protection, Restoration, and Management of the Natural Heritage and its resources (landscape, water, waste, natural heritage, geology and archeology, etc.)

• Development and valorization of local resources

• Promotion and application of the following concepts:

- Participatory Approach
- Eco citizenship
- Communication & Information

• Creation of job opportunities to minimize the emigration of locals

Services include:

• Develop a pre-feasibility study that include 1) Data Collection (physical & socio-economic environment, historical background, cultural heritage, infrastructure, existing activities, future projects planned by the central and local authorities, existing relevant legislations, 2) Data Analysis, 3) Definition of the different stakeholders and 4) Dialogue between the different concerned parties (central government, local parties, land owners, NGO's, etc.)

• Develop the Terms of References of a feasibility study & conduct the Feasibility Study (general program, impact on the environment, analysis of the institutional framework, etc.)

• Develop Terms of References for technical studies

• Execution and Management of the Project

• Developing funding mechanisms