- Mayor : Roger Georges El Ashi
- Population : 3 900 inhabitants
- Region : Chouf
- Website : www.moukhtara.org / www.chouf.org
Member cities of the High Chouf Federation
14 cities are members of this federation: 12 current members and two awaiting the approbation of authorities. These 12 cities have municipalities. Total number of inhabitants in the region: 54 900. It must be added that two other villages, Ain Zhalta and Barouk, respectively have 6000 and 7500 residents.
The geographic situation
The Federation of municipalities of the High Chouf is located in the highest region of the Chouf (South part of Mount Lebanon) and spread over 260 million square meters. It is surrounded at the North by the Caza from Aley, at the East by the Casa from the Bekaa, at the South by the Caza from Jezzine and at the West by the sea. It is 52 km away from Beirut (by Damour-Deir el Kamar-Moukhtara), 12 km away from Jezzine (by Bater) and 15 km away from Kefraya-Bekaa (by Maaser el Chouf). Its altitude varies between 850 and 1950 m.
Natural resources
The major part of the greatest natural reserve of the country, that of the Cedars of the Chouf, in the middle of the federation of municipalities of high Chouf. It constitutes an environmental and ecological unique wealth in Lebanon. On the other hand, the region of high Chouf differentiates from other regions with its valleys and mountains that offer an exceptional land respecting the environment, local traditions and urbanism. The region has been the less affected by the sharp increase of concrete constructions.
Main activities
Economy
A remarkable fact in the area of high Chouf, there are no career plans, cities, industrial zones, commercial centre or banks. The region is considered as entirely rural. Small and medium companies (bookshops, supermarkets, shops, hairdressers etc.) are directly managed by their owners. Only 20% of the region’s companies employ a local workforce, never going over 3 employees (except for the NADA plant, – mineral water -, with 200 people). Another point to highlight, other activities, notably the olive oil presses, hire a limited number of seasonal workers, never more than 10 for each press. The agriculture sector is the biggest employer with 50% of the population that directly or indirectly depends on it. Harvesting offers each year many seasonal jobs. The Chouf reserve of Cedars is considered as the biggest touristic attraction of the region with more than 45 000 yearly visitors and 20 permanent employees. The restaurants of the region, which mostly depend on these visitors, are generally closed in winter.
Culture
The high Chouf has eight schools. Universities and technical schools do not exist in the region. Also, it is good to remind it, the French language is not very used. There is not any private or governmental hospital in the region. The only government hospital, the Ain wa Zein hospital, is 15 minutes away from Moukhtara by car. There are eight public free clinic and four private ones.
Associations
There are many associations, clubs and nongovernmental organisations in villages of the high Chouf. M. Walid Joumblatt, a native from Moukhtara, a member of the Parliament and former minister, is the president of the Progressive Socialist Party. The influence of this party is quite important in the region. Therefore, the association of progressive women, the liberal Scouts and the organisation of young progressives are present and flourish in all villages of the region. Some apolitical groups also take care of diverse activities.
Public transports
There is not any organisation that assures a transport service in the high Chouf. The only public transport that links Beirut to the region leaves from the village of Bekaata, 10 minutes away from Moukhtara by car. Most of the time, citizens hitchhike to join Bekaata.
Relations with other organisations
The federation maintains excellent relations with local authorities to move useful projects forward. It also succeeded in creating good relations with:
The European Commission: it offered to the Federation a technical aid of 250 000 euros to start a directing plan of regional development. This program, lasting for a year, began in March 2004. Then the Federation obtained from the Commission the financing of a concrete project of sustainable development. Another program also gave an aid of 700 000 euros to create an eco-touristic and agriculture infrastructure in the whole region.
The USAID (American agency for international development) financed the construction of 7 water treatment plants, of up to 3.5 million euros. It enabled to offer better conditions of environment protection. The project was delivered in September 2009.
Italy: the Federation obtained an aid of 1.2 million euros to reinforce project of infrastructure in all villages and contribution to the safeguard of the region’s heritage.
The Japan embassy: a financial aid of 100 000 euros to build a water tower and dig an artesian well.
The French Embassy: realisation of cultural activities.
UNDP, the UN program for development: creation of many fostering programs for the region.
World Bank: financially, of up to 700 000 euros, for a local project of development and that, in each village.
NGOs: setting-up of various activities in the agriculture and social fields.
Lebanon University: technical support to realise a study to make an inventory of archaeological and touristic sites of the region.
Local organisations: they contribute to the participation of civil society to the regional development. The economic, social and agricultural situation of the region of high Chouf necessitates a real support and a significant aid from local authorities. Indeed, one must help citizens to face the current situation and limit the havoc caused by migrations due to the job search outside the high Chouf. Also, it will be necessary to create new jobs to improve the economic situation of the region and find adapted financial mechanisms to foster the development of small and medium companies. The region of high Chouf has a real potential in fields of agriculture and environment, but the lack of financials means remains the main obstacle to a sustainable development of the region.