Indian Ambassador to Lebanon, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, signed on Friday a cooperation agreement with President of Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve, Mr. Charles Noujim, with the aim of supporting two important eco-friendly projects at the reserve.

The projects, funded by Government of India, include construction and furnishing of a reception cabin at Mrusti entrance of the reserve in addition to proceeding with the reforestation of one hectare area within the reserve by planting 800 cedar trees.

The agreement was signed at the reserve under the shadow of majestic cedar trees. Member of the Administrative Board of the Shouf Cedar Association Mrs. Noura Jumblatt, as well as Mayor of Mresti Mr. Nasser Zaidan and director of the reserve Mr. Nizar Hani were present.

The Shouf Biosphere Reserve is the largest reserve in Lebanon covering almost 5% of total land area and is home to the legendary cedar trees of Lebanon. These projects seek to boost tourism at the reserve and help in its ecological conservation.

“Cedar trees have lived for thousands of years. As long as these 800 cedars stand tall, they will bear testimony to the strong Indian-Lebanese friendship for the next thousands of years,” Ambassador Khan said in his speech.

Dr. Khan also offered the reserve administration and local municipality the chance to benefit from various training programs under India Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program launched by the Ministry of External Affairs of India.