Commonly known as Junipers, the Juniperus Excelsa is a tree species found in the Eastern Mediterranean and South Eastern Europe. In Lebanon, it grows at altitudes between 1500-2800m above sea level. The Juniperus Excelsa is classified as a species of least concern (LC) as part of the IUCN Red List.
However, in Lebanon, Juniperus Excelsa forests have been severely degraded due to human activities and the effect of human needs, and now scattered remains of trees are spread on the Lebanese mountains. In this context, SPNL initiated Hima Ma’abourAlAbyad at Upper AkkarHermel in collaboration with local Jaafar Tribe to protect the Junipers, Cedars & wildlife in the region, in addition to help alleviate poverty, promote more sustainable grazing & hunting practices, and for that established an SPNL Visitor Center in partnership with Yassin Jaffar , Mayor of JwarAlhasish.
