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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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MOUNT CARMEL |
 © Photo: Mount Carmel BR |
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| General Description |
The Mount Carmel massif is situated in the northwestern part of the country, rising from the Mediterranean Sea to about 500 meters above sea level. The mountain is rich in its biological, geological and geomorphologic diversity with contrasting landscapes, a mixture of agricultural areas and prehistoric and archaeological sites. Mount Carmel is mainly covered with Mediterranean oak shrubland (Quercus calliprinos) and locally some mixed pine (Pinus halepensis) forests. Its batha and garrigue vegetation as well as coastal zones are of special interest from a conservation point of view. Most parts of the mountain have been long used by man, thus natural ecosystems have undergone overgrazing, cutting and burning for centuries. The marketing of local products and tourism (about 2 million visitors per year) are major economic activities in the biosphere reserve, providing income for its 200,000 inhabitants (1996). Several visitor centers offer excursions and educational programmes. |
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| Major ecosystem type | Evergreen sclerophyllous forests, woodlands or scrubs | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Mediterranean shrub-land forest dominated by Quercus calliprinos; mixed pine forest with Pinus halepensis; coastal plain and sea shore; woodland with Quercus ithaburensis and Ceratonia siliqua; agroecosystems; forestry ecosystems | |||
| Location | 32°40'N; 35°00'E (at central point) | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 26,600 | |||
| Core area(s) | 1,400 | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | 18,500 | |||
| Transition area(s) when given | 6,700 | |||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | 0 to +500 | |||
| Year designated | 1996 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Nature and National Parks Protection Authority | |||
| Last updated: 1/29/2002 |
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