---

At the present time, rural regions in developing countries such as Lebanon rely heavily on agriculture for their continued existence, but this does not generate sufficient employment or income to encourage the indigenous population to remain. Thus, poverty and lack of opportunity are seen as the major reasons for the rural exodus. However,in many such countries, rural regions are rich in natural and cultural resources, offering alternative or additional opportunities for improving the social and economic condition for local people. But in seeking to capitalise on these, it is important to avoid inappropriate development which ignores or impairs the cultural and natural resource heritage. So,in looking forward, this book explores the potential of ecotourism as a means of reducing out-migration by improving social and economic conditions for the rural population in a sustainable manner. It advocated the need to reduce rural poverty through the introduction of sustainable ecotourism based on a rural livelihood management framework.

---

Jaoudat Edward Abou-Jaoude has a PhD, a M.arch. and a DESS. He studied Architecture and Urban Planning at the Universities of SUNNY Buffalo NY, Balamand LB and Newcastle Upon Tyne UK. He is currently working as a Senior Architect and Urban Planner at The Council for Development and Reconstruction (CDR), Beirut, Lebanon.

---