in 2016, you're hiking for food heritage

lebanontrail.org

SECTION NAME

In 2016, You’re Hiking for Food Heritage

دوما "لؤلؤة الجبل" تنضم إلى درب الجبل اللبناني

FormatIon de Formateurs

Keep runnIng, avedIs

tenth anniversary reflections on the Birth of the Lmt

We’re dIscussIngtHe Lmt over dInner tonIgHt

The LMT Gone AcAdeMic

V O L U M E NO. 5O C TO B E R 20 16

The MAGAZine oF The LeBAnon MoUnTAin TRAiL ASSociATion

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[2] LeBAnon MoUnTAin TRAiL SocieTY lebanontrail.org

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AndqetEl Qoubaiyat

Tashea

El Qemmamine

Kfar BbnineBqaa Safrine

Ehden

Qadisha

Bcharre

BazaounTannourineEl Faouqa

El Aaqoura

Afqa

Faraya

Kfardebiane

El Mtain

Falougha

Ain Zhalta

El Barouk

NihaAaitanit

Jezzine Kaoukaba Bou Arab

Rachaiya

HasbaiyaMarjaayoun

MaaserEch-Chouf

Baskinta

Sour

Saida

Beirut

Jbeil

Tripoli

PReSidenT’S MeSSAGe

470km Trail Distance

600 - 2000m Elevation Profile

27 Sections

The TRAiL cRoSSeS

1 World Heritage Site

2 Biosphere Reserves

4 Protected Areas

75 Villages & Towns

how ARe YoU invoLved wiTh The LMT? how did YoU know ABoUT The LMT?These are questions that every friend of the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) will ask another.

MY SToRYIt all started in 2010, when a friend asked me to join the Thru Walk for a weekend. A couple of months later, I became a member then a board member in 2011-2012.I thought I would be organizing hiking trips along the Lebanon Mountain Trail but then I got to know more about the LMT Association (LMTA), especially when I served the association as president from 2015-2016.

The LMTA is not a tour operator that organizes hiking tours. Since its inception in 2007, it has been prominent in promoting responsible tourism for the protection of natural, cultural and historical heritage in rural areas, by working on a number of programs, including trail and community development as well as youth education. These programs aim at the preservation and improvement of the trail and of the communities along it by empowering local people and raising their economic and social status.Two annual hiking events are organized by the LMTA in order to promote the trail, and to bring revenue to guesthouses and local communities.

In 2015-2016, the LMTA achieved significant advances in all of its programs. Here’s what the association has been up to since we last wrote about our projects in October 2015:

Trail Program• The LMTA has renewed signposts on the “Baskinta Literary Trail” (BLT) side-trail after small modifications were performed.• 30 additional kilometers of the trail have been blazed.• 60 hikers joined the Fall Trek in October 2015, while 180 joined the Thru Walk in April 2016. $25,000 and $65,000 were injected into local communities during these two months respectively. • A new LMT-side trail to Douma was launched in August, in collaboration with the municipality and the local communities.

Community Development Program• The LMTA has added 19 new places to stay, has introduced seasonal menus promoting local specialties and has offered hosts expert training to ensure the provision of quality services to guests.• Three guesthouses were renovated in Ain Zhalta, Rachaiya and El Aaqoura. In addition, guesthouse owners were invited to help prepare last year’s annual gala dinner.• In Akkar el Aatiqa on section 1 of the LMT, a survey of the church of Sergius and Bakhous has been carried out by the LMTA’s development team, to evaluate its status and provide medium/long term recommendations for its preservation. In addition, a mapping of heritage sites was carried out in 6 sections of the LMT, including the preliminary localization and assessment of around 18 sites in these sections.• The LMTA developed a calendar of events in collaboration with selected tour operators to promote food heritage on the LMT and increase the flow of visitors.

Education Program• In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the LMTA’s education team organized two workshops for 65 health educators, school supervisors, coordinators and teachers from 27 public schools, to introduce them to the Water Awareness Teacher’s Guide, which was developed by the LMTA after studies carried out on the springs along the LMT.• The LMTA launched the “Trail To Every Classroom” project in four public schools and one private school, selected from different villages along the LMT.

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EHMEj SIDE TrAIL

bkASSInE SIDE TrAIL

bASkInTA LITErAry TrAIL

The LeBAnon MoUnTAin TRAiLPReSidenT’S MeSSAGe

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Volume No.5 / OCT 2016

• 42 children aged between 10 and 12 took part in three editions of the Abtal Al Bi’a (Environmental Championship Program). As ambassadors for a better environment, the children were invited to launch environmental initiatives in their communities and recruit others to start making a difference.

And we are not done! More projects and activities have been launched, the following of which are due to be accomplished in the coming year:

Trail Program• Preparations for the launch of two new side-trails in collaboration with local municipalities and communities.• Updating LMT maps, taking into account segment loss, modification or addition over the last 9 years, as well as adding the attractions that have been mapped along the LMT since 2007.

• Individuals and associations may now adopt a section of the trail, taking responsibility for its maintenance and development, as well as providing direct or indirect financial sponsorship. The LMTA has already recruited 20 adopters and 7 co-adopters who are undergoing specific technical training.• Upcoming events include the annual Fall Trek 2016 and the Thru Walk 2017 as well as a new initiative, running events along the LMT, which will allow local and international runners to experience the Trail.• Together with arborists expert in the juniper tree and the Ministry of Agriculture, the LMTA is committed to cut all infected juniper trees along the LMT, to stem the disease rapidly spreading through the country.

Community Development Program• The LMTA will continue the mapping of all archaeological and heritage sites along the LMT (an estimated 100+ sites), pending on budget.• At least two guesthouses will be refurbished and eight owners will be given training.

• A modular training program is being designed for the enhancement of the local guide services along the trail.• The LMTA will be working closely with local communities and other stakeholders on sections 7 to 10, to develop their appeal as destinations and conserve the trail. This new project will take two years.

Education Program • 42 more children will become Champions this year. Abtal Al Bi’a camps are being supported both through corporate CSR action and personal initiatives. The camps raise environmental awareness for children on and off the LMT.• The Trail To Every Classroom initiative will be reaching out to six new public schools along the LMT this year, increasing the depth and scope of its work with more time, outings and activities allocated per school.• The LMTA will develop a playful educational toolkit for children to raise their knowledge and awareness of our mountains as essential resources, of the challenges they face today and how to change attitudes towards a more sustainable development.

Moreover, the LMTA team now has 7 employees, in addition to 7 ambassadors volunteering abroad to assist in promoting the LMT, through activities with hikers and associations.

With 9 board members, 50 regular members, 25 supportive members and 55 Adrian Life Members, the LMTA family is growing thanks to the trust of those who believe in the impact of the LMT on Lebanon and the Lebanese mountains.

I would like to thank members, volunteers, supporters and partners. Without your cooperation, none of this could be accomplished. We rely on the support of our members and the generosity of like-minded individuals and organizations that believe in this cause.

In two months, I will be finishing my mandate at the LMT Association. But as a regular and a life member, I will never stop supporting it. And being Lebanese, I will never stop serving the trail.

nadine Weber

PReSidenT’S MeSSAGe

Beatrice Le Bon Chami - Rachaiya

Niels Rasmussen - Aaitanit

[6] LeBAnon MoUnTAin TRAiL SocieTY


conTenTSEDITORIALTEAM

EDITING AND LANGUAGEREVIEW

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTACT US

BOARD MEMBERS

LMT AMBASSADORS

STAFF

دوما "لؤلؤة الجبل • تنضم إلى درب الجبل اللبناني • Trails on the Side • Ad: Trails For Adoption • Et Si Nous Adoptions Une Section?• An Opportunity for Parentingخطة نموذجية لحماية الدفران •• Le Genévrier et Moi• Dream it. Map it. Live it! صوت من البراري •

• El El Qemmamine Walk • Guidance for Local Guides• The Story of the Sarkis and Bakhous Church• In 2016, You’re Hiking for Food Heritage• Spotlight on a Local Guide• Hot on the LMT Guesthouses

• Hiking in Opposite Directions• Encounter with a Thru Walkerقصتي قصة مع درب الجبل •• Keep Running, Avedis• A Journey for the Greater Good• Summary on the Migrating Birds Massacre Case • A Million Steps, Discovering the Lebanon Mountain Trail

• The LMT Gone Academic• A New Look• Technical Hiking Clothes• We’re Discussing the LMT Over Dinner Tonight• Hippodrome du Parc de Beyrouth

Warren Singh-BartlettCarlos Bou NafehNadine WeberMartine BtaichChristian Akhrass

Warren Singh-Bartlett (EN)Dr Beatrice Le Bon Chami (FR)Science and Ink (AR)

Adib HachemAlia FaresDr Beatrice Le Bon ChamiCarlos Bou NafehChristian AkhrassClaudine Abdel MassihDavid StartzellFadi Yeni TurkFP7 TeamHayat El Hajj ShalhoubImane KhalifeJacky Kordahi KhairallahJihan R. KhattarMaison du SkiMartine BtaichMatthew GibbonsMaya KarkourMaya HamdanNadine WeberSalam KhalifeSami BeydounStephanie MailhacTakla KhoueiryTBWA-RAAD TeamZeinab Jeambey

Lebanon Mountain Trail AssociationSacre-Coeur Hospital StreetGhaleb Center, 1st FloorBaabda, LEBANONPhone +961 5 955 302Fax +961 5 955 [email protected]

In the uSAAmerican Friends of the LMT (AFLMT)1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1220Arlington, VA 22209 - USAPhone +001 703 841 1883Fax +001 703 841 1885 [email protected]

Dr Beatrice Le Bon ChamiTrail CommitteeDory RennoSecretary / Outreach - MembershipFadi Baaklini Accountant / Outreach CommitteeHana HibriOutreach - FundraisingMartine BtaichVice-President / Development CommitteeMaya KarkourEducation CommitteeMirvat BakkourOutreach - EventsNadine WeberPresident / Outreach - CommunicationsRamez LotfiTreasurer

Farid Al Fozan, KuwaitKuwait +965 9 9944555Lebanon +961 70 [email protected]

jean Pierre Cressot, France+33 6 19033186+33 1 [email protected]

Carlos Bou NafehCommunications OfficerChristian AkhrassField CoordinatorMichella AkikiFinancial OfficerTakla KhoueiryEducation OfficerSawsan HaddadExecutive SecretaryStephanie AudiEnvironmental Education OfficerZeinab JeambeyProgram Manager

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• Training of Trainers (TOT) to Trail to Every Classroom (TTEC) • Formation de Formateurs• Prise de Conscience, Action et Sensibilisation• Environmental Champions Program (ECP) تطوعي مع األوالد •وجمعية درب الجبل اللبناني

• When You’re an LMT Ambassador• Tenth Anniversary Reflections on the Birth of the LMT• LMT in Foreign Press

• Donors and Partners• Financial Statement 2015

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Elias Sejean, UAE+971 50 [email protected]

Desmond Astley-Cooper, UK+44 77 [email protected]

Wim balvert, Netherlands+31 1 80427067+31 6 [email protected]

Wafa El-Osta, [email protected]

rend Haffar, Belgium+32 496 [email protected]



TRAiL &conSeRvATion

David MacLellan - Kfar Bnine, Danniye



دوما "لؤلؤة الجبل" تنضم إلى "درب الجبل اللبناني"

تتمّيز دوما بتراثها العمراني واإلجتماعي ومحيطها الطبيعي األخاذ وتاريخها التليد ومعالمها األثرية وبيوتها التراثية وكنائسها العديدة ومدارسها الرائدة ومسرحها العريق وصناعاتها الحرفية والغذائية ومؤسساتها األهلية العريقة التي كان لها الحضور القوي في تطورها اإلجتماعي

والمعيشي وكانت صاحبة المبادرة بالتعاون مع المغتربين في العديد من المشاريع العاّمة كشّق طريق العربات وإيصال الكهرباء والماء إلى المنطقة. أما بلدية دوما، فُتعتبر من أولى البلديات التي تأّسست في متصرفية جبل لبنان لتوّلي الشأن العاّم في البلدة.

وقد شّكلت دوما في خالل القرن التاسع عشر والنصف األول من القرن العشرين حلقة وصل ما

بين ساحل لبنان الشمالي وجبل لبنان والبقاع وصواًل إلى بالد الشام؛ وما سوقها القديم

وطرقاتها القديمة المتفّرعة في كاّفة االّتجاهات إال خير دليل على الدور اإلقتصادي

والتجاري النشيط الذي كانت تضطلع به.

هذا وتحتفظ دوما ببعض اآلثار والكتابات من العهد الروماني والبيزنطي ويبقى الناووس الحجري الذي يعود إلى كاهن اإللهين ايجيا ا في وسط ساحة واسكالبيوس، القابع حالّيً

البلدة، من أهّم الشواهد على تاريخها الموغل في القدم، وهو الوحيد الذي َسِلَم

من أيدي العابثين. أّما أهلها المشهود لهم بحسن الوفادة

والضيافة، فقد أنشأوا العديد من المؤّسسات السياحية الراقية وبيوت الضيافة التي يقصدها

الزوار والمغتربين مرات عّدة.

منذ تأسيس جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني بهدف الحفاظ على الدروب القديمة وصيانتها وعلى

الموارد الطبيعية واألثرية والعمرانية وتعزيز الفرص اإلقتصادية من خالل السياحة البيئية،

أدركُت أّننا نتقاسم التطّلعات والهموم ذاتها؛ نحن في نادي دوما وقد عملنا عليها بال كلٍل

منذ أكثر من عشرين سنة، ولكن ضمن نطاقنا الجغرافي. وقد كّنا نتحّين الفرصة لالنضمام إلى هذا المشروع الوطني الذي اّتخذ في

البداية مسارًا أساسيًا من القبيات إلى مرجعيون، قبل أن يبدأ بالتوّسع في مسارات متفّرعة

وأردنا مع البلدية أن تكون دوما أحد فروعها إذ تملك كّل المقّومات لذلك.

مشروع االنضمام هذا، كان حلًما راودني منذ انطالقة الدرب. وكّنا قد بدأنا في نادي دوما،

بتأهيل "درب الحمي" عبر تنظيمنا مخّيم عمل تطوعّي مع الناشط االجتماعي والبيئي،

أمين سعادة، حيث شارك فيه طالب فرنسّيين إلى جانب شباب من النادي. وثّم، عملنا مع وزارة الشؤون االجتماعية على تأهيل "سّكة

الشام". وقد كان التجار يسلكون هذه "السّكة" من الشام عبر البقاع صعودًا إلى اللقلوق مرورًا ببالوع بلعة ومن ثّم إلى دوما، حيث

كان سوقها بندرًا يقصده التجار، من طرابلس والبترون وجبيل والقرى المجاورة، لتبادل

البضائع والصناعات الخفيفة.تعّرفُت في خالل هذه الفترة على وفاء

أسطى والتقينا على تسويق دوما كمحّطة للسياحة البيئية. وقد ساهمت في تحفيزنا

وإرشادنا على العمل لتحقيق ذلك. وجاء يوٌم تعّرفُت فيه على ميشال مفرج، وكان قد

انطلق "درب الجبل اللبناني"، وكان سؤالي الدائم كّلما التقيته: "ليش دوما بعد ما

فاتت بالدرب؟". وكان رّده الدائم "روقي رح نعمل مخارج جديدة للدرب وأكيد دوما رح

تفوت". أّما باسكال عبداهلل، فكان المشّجع األول على إنشاء بيوت الضيافة التي هي

من ُأُسس انضمام القرى والبلدات إلى الدرب.وقد عملنا مع مؤسسة أنيرا على عدة دورات تدريبية لتأهيل أصحاب البيوت لتحسين إدارتها

ولإلنضمام إلى موقع diyafa.org، وها قد أصبح في دوما بيوت مميزة للضيافة حاضرة

للعب دورها كاماًل في هذا المسار.

ال بّد هنا من ذكر أّنني قمُت باإلتصال والتنسيق مع البلدية في هذا الشأن، ولمسُت منهم

التشجيع واالستعداد لالنخراط في هذا المشروع وفعل ما يلزم من أجل ذلك.

إّنها بداية طريق حفرناها، وها نحن نلتقي على ا برؤية مشتركة طريق مشتركة نسلكها سوّيً

وأهداف واحدة نأمل أال تكون وعرة وأن توصلنا إلى ما نصبو إليه من خدمٍة وخير مجتمعاتنا الريفية لكي تبقى البركة واإللفة بين أبناء وطننا متجذرة في بيوتنا وقلوبنا والسالم.

حياة الحاج شلهوب


TRAiLS on The Side

مشروع المسار الجانبي لدرب الجبل اللبناني في دوما هو جزء من مشروع تنفذه جمعية

درب الجبل اللبناني، ممول من الوكالة األمريكية للتنمية الدولية )USAID( ضمن برنامج تنمية

القطاعات االنتاجية في لبنان )LIVCD(، يتضمن إنشاء 3 مسارات جانبية لدرب الجبل اللبناني.

The Douma Side Trail of the Lebanon Mountain Trail is part of a project implemented by the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), under the Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development (LIVCD) project.It includes the development of three side trails to the Lebanon Mountain Trail.

مسارات على الجانب

Carlos Bou Nafeh - Douma

Christian Akhrass - Jabal Feghri - Side trail, Douma



As you know, trails quickly deteriorate without proper care and maintenance. Together with local guides and local communities, the LMTA is working on maintaining the LMT, but volunteers are needed to provide the regular attention and care needed to keep the trail in good condition.

TRAiLS FoR AdoPTion

the Lmt adopt-a-trail program focuses on engaging members of the community

in helping maintain our growing trail system.

each section of the Lmt can be adopted by individuals,

businesses, or organizations, as either a financial sponsor

or a volunteer trail individual or crew.

Financial sponsors make a one to three-year commitment to contribute 1,000$ per year. This contribution covers the costs of the AAT program, including volunteer coordination and the provision of tools and supplies. Sponsors will be credited on the trail, on our website and will receive an LMT Adopt-A-Trail sponsor plaque.

AdoPT-A-TRAiL individUAL/cRew

AdoPT-A-TRAiL SPonSoR

Individuals or groups are encouraged to choose a section on the LMT that appeals to them and which will become their responsibility to help maintain for a year. During that period the crew, with help and guidance from LMTA staff, will conduct maintenance and monitoring on their section. Trail Crews will be credited on the trail system, on our website and in the annual newsletter. Participants will all receive an LMT AAT individual/crew sticker.

The Adopt-A-Trail (AAT) is a voluntary cooperative program between the LMTA and community organizations like Scout or youth groups, schools, corporate groups, or families and individuals wishing to adopt one or more sections of the trail for a period of one year. Side-trails can also be adopted in accordance with the relevant municipalities.

This program is a great way to enjoy the trails while at the same time helping to ensure the continuing legacy of the LMT. Volunteers who choose to Adopt-A-Trail will receive training and instruction on proper trail maintenance techniques. All necessary tools and equipment will be provided by the LMTA.


THE LMTA’S ADOPT-A-TRAIL PROGRAMThe Lebanon Mountain Trail Association would like to

thank all Trail Adopters for their effort and volunteering work in maintaining the trail and contributing to the

sustainability or our Lebanese heritage.

SecTionS AdoPTeR 2016 - 2017 co-AdoPTeR1 33th north

2 33th north

3 33th north

4 Souad Sbaity Walid khoury

5 Paul khawaja

6 Paul khawaja

7 Walid khoury

8 Chadi Ghajar Souad Sbaity

9 Tamar Hadichian & Laurent Gelinet nadine Weber

10 Sami beydoun

11 béatrice Le bon Chami neda Stevenson

12 Philippe Germanos

13 Fadi baaklini Dory renno

14 ralph nseir

15 jacky kordahi khairallah

16 Carla karam

17 Zeina Haddad

18 Shouf Cedar reserve

19 Shouf Cedar reserve

20 Dory renno Fadi baaklini

21 Sami Mitri

22 Assaad najem

23 Salam khalifé Alfred Farwaji

24 Salam khalifé Alfred Farwaji

25 jamal nasser

26 roy MehannaCarlos Bou Nafeh - El Mtain

Beatrice Le Bon Chami - El Mtain



En février 2015, lorsque j’ai repris la tête du Comité du Sentier, je ne m’étais pas rendue compte de l’immense mission qui avait été confiée à notre coordinateur de terrain Christian Akhrass. En effet, se charger seul de la maintenance et du balisage des 470km que font le LMT - même avec l’aide ponctuelle de volontaires était pratiquement impossible, et ce pour plusieurs raisons.

Premièrement parce que le balisage est difficile à de nombreux endroits (zones désertiques ou au contraire trop boisées).

Deuxièmement parce que quand ce ne sont pas des vandales, les intempéries se chargent elles-mêmes d’abimer la signalisation.

Troisièmement parce que le sentier n’est pas praticable en hiver pour les travaux de maintenance.

Et enfin parce que chaque année, malheureusement, de nombreux passages du LMT doivent être modifiés à cause de constructions nouvelles ou d’asphaltages de route (environ 20km par an!)

“eT Si noUS AdoPTionS Une SecTion?”

Au début de l’année, Gilbert Moukheiber (33th North), nous a offert son aide sur 3 sections (50 km de Qoubaiyat à Kfar Bbnine). Après mûre réflexion, le comité du sentier a accepté sa proposition. De là est née une idée au sein du comité du sentier: “et si nous adoptions nous aussi des sections?” Séance tenante, toutes les mains se sont levées et nous avions déjà 10 autres sections adoptées. Il nous restait à officialiser ce programme d’adoption de sections par des volontaires et définir leurs rôles et responsabilités. Essentiellement, faire en sorte que les sections soient praticables pour les marcheurs et bien balisées mais aussi assurer la coordination entre les municipalités, les guides locaux et la LMTA.

Ce programme est complémentaire au “AAT program” déjà proposé par la LMTA depuis plusieurs années, qui consiste à l’adoption financière de sections par des sponsors. Programme que nous voulons redynamiser, chaque “parent” devant essayer de trouver un sponsor pour sa section adoptive.

nOTrE buT: terminer les travaux... avant la fin de l’année!

A ce jour, nous avons déjà 26 parents adoptifs.

Plus aucune section orpheline! Mais seulement

deux sections adoptées par des sponsors... il en reste encore 24... à bon

entendeur salut! Et depuis, les travaux ont commencé!

Plus de 12 sections ont déjà été prises en charge.

Dr beatrice Le bon Chami

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During one of my hikes with the Swiss ambassador, on a goat trail in the Nahr Ibrahim valley, he turned to me and said, “You know Sami, you have a beautiful country!”

I looked at him with pride and said, “I know but it is a shame that few Lebanese have discovered our countryside and its natural beauty.”

“If you have marked trails with proper maps,” he said “like we have in Switzerland, this will encourage both Lebanese and non Lebanese to discover it.”

That was 10 years ago, before the LMT existed as an organization, though most of the trails already existed unmarked. They were known to the privileged few, like Victor Sauma, who wrote a book in 2003 entitled “Le Liban à Petits Pas” that included maps he obtained from the army and Michel Moufarrej, the Lebanese hiking guru, legendary guide and owner of Liban Trek, as well as others, who discovered trails by talking to villagers and shepherds.

There was definitely a need both to document and to organize our ecotourism and hiking activities by linking Lebanon’s trails from the north to the south. And so, the LMT was born!

My first real encounter with the LMT was in April 2016, when I joined the Thru Walk for six days between El Aaqoura and Horsh Ehden. This is where I discovered the gigantic effort and team work that took place to make it what it is today. I also realized how much is needed to maintain

the trail and preserve its world standard status. Being a passionate hiker, I decided to contribute to the effort. When Salam Khalife, a member of the LMTA, told me about the Adopt a Trail project, I jumped at the opportunity and enrolled without hesitation. My conviction was vindicated after attending a meeting in Mtain. I witnessed the passion and dedication of my fellow volunteers and the leadership of the trail committee, which left no doubt in my mind about the future success of the mission.

Beatrice Le Bon Chami warned us that it would not be an easy job and that unless we were fully dedicated it would be better not to get involved. She was right. My first day on the ground on my adopted trail in Section 10 was no walk in the park. It took me a full day to clean and blaze a small length of the section and I was left with paint all over my clothes. But this only served to make me more determined to finish the job. I went back few days later and since then, I’ve been back again and again. Now I am a proud expert blazer, so happy to be contributing passionately to a great cause and project.

Sami beydoun

An oPPoRTUniTY FoR PARenTinG


Ghassan Beyhum - Chatine

Ghassan Beyhum - Chatine

Carlos Bou Nafeh - El Mtain



لشجرة الدفران في قريتي ذكريات ووعود،

هي الخضراء المنتصبة، تعصف بها الرياح

وتكسوها الثلوج وتزّينها أشعة شمس آذار وتبقى أبًدا صامدًة كذكرياتنا مع جبل حفرون

وأساطيره.

هي الخضراء في ذكرياتنا، هي الشامخة في عقارات ُيطَلق عليها مشاعات عموم أهالي

قرية إهمج، حّتى أضحت هي بنفسها صورة لعنفوان كّل إهمجي.

ووعُدنا بأن نبقيها حارسًة لجبالنا، دفع بلدية إهمج منذ أكثر من 10 سنوات للسعي بهدف

مكافحة األمراض التي أصابتها.

خطة نموذجية لحماية الدفران

ومنذ العام 2009، وضعت بلدية إهمج خطة التنمية السياحية، وكان من أبرز أهدافها

المحافظة على الغطاء النباتي وزيادة الرقعة الخضراء من خالل التشجير وتشجيع الزراعة.

ولكّن مساحات كبيرة من غابة الدفران الواقعة أغلبيتها في مشاعات البلدة، أصيبت بمرض

طفيلي أّدى في بادىء األمر إلى يباس القسم األعلى من الشجرة لينتقل بعدها إلى كامل

أجزائها. وقد تّم تقديم مراجعات عّدة إلى الوزارات المعنية، ال سّيما وزارتي الزراعة والبيئة.

وقد َسَعينا لدى العديد من األخصائيين والجامعات لدراسة اآلفة وتحديدها، ولكّننا

لم نتوّصل لتحديد سبب المرض وبِقَي اليباس ينهش غابة الدفران.

في العام 2015، قامت مجموعة من األخصائيين، بالتعاون مع جمعية درب الجبل

اللبناني، بتحديد اآلفة وطرق معالجتها. وُعِقَد االجتماع األول بحضور أعضاء البلدية وجمعية

إنماء إهمج التي ُتعنى بالسياحة البيئية، وفريق مرشدي الجبل في إهمج، وتّم وضع

خطٍة لمكافحة اآلفة.

نجح الفريق في تنظيف بعض األشجار في األمالك الخاّصة، ولكّن حواجز مادية وطبيعة

شّكلت العائق في تنفيذ الخطة على القسم األكبر المتبّقي، حيث أّن مشاعات البلدة تمتّد

على مساحٍة كبيرة وأغلبيتها جبال وعرة.

في العام 2016، تقّدمت بلدية إهمج بطلٍب إلى وزارة الزراعة للمؤازرة والقضاء على اآلفة.

وبعد عقد اجتماعات عّدة مع معالي وزير الزراعة وفريق العمل داخل الوزارة وفريق عمل

جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني، تبّين أّن اآلفة قد ضربت مناطق أخرى كالقّموعة في عكار وبعض المناطق في جبل موسى وغيرها.

تّم تشكيل فريق عمل من الوزارة وجمعية درب الجبل اللبناني وبعض األخصائيين وبلدية إهمج، ووضع خطة لمكافحة اآلفة وتحديد

إهمج كنموذج يجري عليه تطبيق هذه الخطة لتعميمها الحًقا على كافة المناطق في لبنان.

وبدأ العمل....

إيمان د. خليفة

J’ai personnellement découvert cet arbre si imposant et unique en marchant dans les sections nord du LMT. Comment décrire le sentiment d’impuissance que j’ai ressenti devant ce genévrier appelé scientifiquement “Juniperus Drupacea” (ou genévrier de Syrie) si robuste et pourtant si fragile puisqu’une infestation parasitaire (Arceuthobium oxycedri) le menace, attaquant même les nouvelles pousses d’arbre.

C’est après avoir pris connaissance du rapport réalisé par un expert (Mr Yurij Bihun) mandaté par l’USAID à la demande de la LMTA, que j’ai vraiment réalisé en quoi consistait cette infestation. Je suis ensuite retournée sur le terrain avec des spécialistes que je tiens à remercier vivement tant pour leur suivi que leur dévouement: principalement Khaled Sleem,

Jean Stephan, Mohammad El Zein, Maya Nehme et Bouchra Noueihed. D’après les experts, la pollution et la sècheresse pourraient être la raison majeure de cette infestation.Depuis, c’est comme un cancer qui me ronge et contre lequel je veux me battre sans en avoir les moyens. En effet, le seul moyen de traiter les arbres infestés est de mutiler l’arbre de ses branches infestées. Malheureusement, l’ample ramure de cet arbre fait en sorte qu’il est presque impossible de scier les branches au stade où le parasite est déjà visible. Dans le cadre du projet pilote que nous avons initié à Ehmej, une délégation du ministère de l’agriculture a tenté sans succès en juin dernier de pulvériser un traitement sur un arbre infesté.

Nos experts et ceux du ministère ont préconisé un plan d’action urgent dans cinq zones prioritaires définies selon la concentration des Juniperus Drupacea et la rapidité de la prolifération du parasite comme à Ehmej, Jabal Moussa et trois zones au Akkar. Les arbres infestés à proximité d’arbres sains seront coupés et brulés sur place. En effet, la contamination aérienne peut se faire jusqu’à douze mètres.

La LMTA continuera de se battre pour lutter contre ce fléau en rapportant régulièrement les dégâts constatés le long du LMT et assurer la coordination entre le ministère et les experts pour essayer de protéger au mieux cet arbre en péril, notre sentier, nos montagnes. Ce que nous avons de plus beau.

Salam khalife

Le GenévRieRet moi


Courtesy Of Ehmej Municipality - Ehmej

Courtesy Of Ehmej Municipality - Bkarta, Ehmej



Since the opening of the LMT in 2007, a few sections of the trail have been lost or altered, while others were added. Moreover, the LMT Association has continued to map points along the LMT that have important natural or cultural value and which consequently are worth being added to the new maps being developed.

When the LMTA approached Dr. Jihad Attieh, Dean of Science at the University of Balamand, asking for the university’s support in updating their GIS maps, he did not hesitate for a second and introduced the LMTA team to Dr. Oussama Jadayel, head of the GIS Center. The Center is devoted to advancing GIS knowledge and Balamand University uses it in the integration of educational and community-based research and service projects.

dReAM iT… MAP iT… Live iT!!!

This project, lead by Dr. Amal Laaly, is part of Balamand’s CSR Program and the Environmental Awareness Program. Students working on LMT maps are being introduced to the mountains of Lebanon and in the process, learning to appreciate the diverse resources of their country.

UPdATed LMT MAPS BY The GiS cenTeR oF The UniveRSiTY oF BALAMAnd


GIS CenterFaculty of EngineeringUniversity of BalamandAl Kurah, LebanonPhone +961 6 930 250 ext 3960Fax +961 6 930 278e-mail [email protected]

يمتّد هذا الدرب بين بلدات وقرى عّدة فيها بيوت ضيافة ومواقع تراثية وتاريخية وثقافية.

يمّر الدرب أيًضا في طبيعة متنّوعة كالمحميات الطبيعية وجبال وأودية نائية عميقة ووعرة،

ويغوص في ممرات ضيقة ومسالك متعّرجة ولكن ليست خطيرة، ويقطع بعض األنهر وسواقي المياه والينابيع الغزيرة، ويمّر عبر غابات متنّوعة األصناف

واألجناس مثل الصنوبر والسنديان واللزاب واألرز والشوح وغيرها من األشجار والنباتات المتوسطية

إضافة إلى عدٍد كبير من الحيوانات المختلفة األنواع.

هذه الطبيعة المتنّوعة ُتسّمى "البراري".

صوت من البراريعلى درب الجبل اللبناني

مرحلة رقم 3في وسٍط وعند السفوح الغربية لسلسلة جبال لبنان الغربية، مروًرا بسهول البقاع الغربي وصواًل إلى

بعض مناطق الجنوب وعند أقدام جبل حرمون، تمّر طريق للمشاة ُتسّمى درب الجبل اللبناني، الدرب األطول المتواصل في لبنان، وتبلغ مسافته أكثر من 470 كلم مقّسم إلى مراحل عّدة للسير على

األقدام ويعلو هذا الدرب ما بين 600م عن سطح البحر عند قرية أبو قمحا في الجنوب و2011م قرب مرتفع سيدة القرن في اللقلوق.

إذهبوا معي في مغامرة ليوم واحد وانغمسوا في هذه البراري بدءا من قرية نائية على درب الجبل اللبناني على المسار رقم 3 في قضاء الضنية. وعلى

منحدرات وادي جهنم العميق، تربض القمامين فوق نهر وادي جهنم الغزير والذي ال ينبض على

مدى الفصول األربعة. هنا تنتهي المرحلة رقم 2 من جهة جبال عكار والقموعة لتبدأ المرحلة رقم 3 نحو قرية كفربنين. القمامين هي القرية األكثر بعًدا عن

الحضارة اللبنانية على درب الجبل اللبناني من الجنوب إلى الشمال. تحيط القرية جبال عالية هي من األكثر

عمًقا أو ارتفاًعا في لبنان من أعلى قّمة حتى أسفل الوادي بمعدل 900 إلى 1000م. كما يصعب

الوصول إلى بعض من هذه القمم والممرات الجبلية إال بواسطة معدات تسّلق خاّصة. ويبلغ عرض األودية

المحيطة بالقرية حوالي الثالثة كيلومترات تقريًبا.

Christian Akhrass - الدرب صعودا بين القمامين و شير السماقة

Courtesy of GIS Center - Balamand


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 TRAiL And conSeRvATion

من هذه القرية وعلى ارتفاع حوالي 850م، ننطلق على الدرب صعوًدا بمسار صعب ليصل إلى تّلة شير السماقة.

وينقسم هذا المسار إلى قسمين. يبدأ األول من ناحية عين القمامين عند المدرسة صعوًدا نحو غابة الصنوبر، وبعد

حوالي 20 دقيقة في التقّدم صعوًدا، ُيصبح المسار أكثر انحداًرا ووعًرا ليصل إلى مفترق عند ارتفاع حوالي 1227م

)حيث ثّمة مسلك أيمن وآخر أيسر(. وهنا تكون قد قطعَت حوالي الكيلومتر ونصف من القرية. وعند هذه النقطة،

تكون بعيًدا عن أي حضارة وأّي إنسان. فُخذ نفًسا عميًقا بعد تسّلق أول قسم وانُصت إلى نفسك؛ الطبيعة هنا هي ملك

عينيك وحسب، فراِقب وشاِهد. وتكون محظوظا إذا رأيَت سنجاب على إحدى األشجار يأكل ثمرة الصنوبر لينتهي منها ويرميها أرًضا ورّبما غامر ونزل على الدرب لكي يبحث عن ثمار سقطت من األعلى واستمع إلى صوت األشجار واستمتع بما

خلقه الرّب من جماٍل وروعٍة للمكان.

ثّم، نترك هذه النقطة لنسلك المسار األيسر ليصبح الدرب غير مرئي جّيًدا فيبدأ القسم الثاني بالصعود التدريجي نحو شير السماقة من خالل غابة متوسطية كثيفة األشجار، أكثر

أنواعها مؤّلف من السنديان والقطلب المعّمر. بعض هذه األشجار عمالقة بتعّدد جذوعها، فهي تنبت على المنحدرات الوعرة والبعيدة نوًعا ما عن أشّعة الشمس المباشرة، إضافة إلى أنواع أخرى من النباتات والشجر والشجيرات التي محت جذورها في بعض األماكن آثار الدرب القديم الذي كان يربط القمامين بشير السماقة وصواًل إلى سهل الكرم. على هذا

القسم، ثّمة تنّوع بيولوجي ممّيز يمكن مالحظته في فصل الربيع، فهو بعيد عن األيادي الخبيثة والتخريبية. إّن هذا

القسم على موعد قريب مع الصيانة الشاملة بالتعاون مع أبناء المنطقة والمتطوعين.

عند شير السماقة وعلى ارتفاع حوالي 1334م، يصبح المشهد مختلًفا تماًما؛ إذ تظهر أمامنا مرتفعات الضنية

وعكار من جرود مربين إلى غابة القلة ووادي جهنم ووادي مشمش ووادي حقل الخربة وكهف ضهر الدولي وقلعة

السالسل وجبل عروبة وغيرها من المرتفعات واألودية ع نظرك واشَبع من هذا الموقع الممّيز بجماله المحيطة. متِّا طريق زراعية وادر بوصلتك نحو الجنوب الغربي لنسلك سوّيً

تؤدي إلى مقلع للصخور والرمل فوق منطقٍة مسّماة بسهل الكرم قرب تّلة المحليسة. هنا، ستتأّسف للمشاهد المحزنة، حيث اإلنسان التاجر الكبير الذي ال يزيل يديه على

الحجر والشجر )إذ سيطرأ تعديل على هذا المسار بسبب التخريب(. وبعد المرور سريًعا في هذه النقطة، نعود

ونغوص في غابة من اللزاب، وهي الشجرة األكثر كثافة في هذه المنطقة وصواًل إلى مرتفعات راس العين. ُيكمل

المسار طريقه نحو تل شيما مروًرا بمثلث سهلة عين التفاحة - قرية جيرون. هنا، نمّر بقسم من محمية لزاب الضنية والتي

لم يصدر قرار رسمّي بإعالنها محمّية طبيعّية حّتى إشعار

آخر. يتابع الدرب مساره نزواًل نحو سهلة تل شيما وهي منخفض وأرض خصبة تسيطر زراعة القمح على معظمها. إّن الموقع رائع وال يمكن إال التوقف لبرهٍة والتمّتع بلون األرض الخضراء، فهي تقع بين قرنة حزالن ومقيل طنوبا خلف مرتفعات وادي

سري. ثّم، نكمل التقّدم على منحدر ضّيق نحو نبع راس العين، حيث نسمع صوت تدّفق مياه النبع قبل الوصول إليه. وعلى ارتفاع 1368م تقريًبا، تبلغ حرارة هذا النبع حوالي 10 درجات مئوية. ويعود السبب في برودة هذا النبع على هذا االرتفاع

ا إلى وجود مسار أو أكثر للمياه الجوفية يصدر من مناطق أعلى من نقطة خروج النبع بحرارة متدنّية. كما المتوسطي نسبّيًوتحيط بهذا الموقع طبيعة خالبة، فنروي غليلنا ونكمل المسار الواضح صعوًدا قاسًيا نحو تّلة حنكوفا مروًرا بوادي الدرجة.

تقع حنكوفا على تّلة استراتيجية يبلغ ارتفاعها 1436م عن سطح البحر وهي عبارة عن آثار أبنية من حجر مهّدمة منتشرة على مساحة كبيرة وتكشف الساحل الشمالي وبعض المناطق الداخلية في جرود وقرى الضنية وصواًل إلى مرتفعات عكار وجبل عروبة. ال نعلم الكثير عن هذا الموقع المشرف على لوحة طبيعية مميزة. ثّم، يكمل المسار نزواًل بين بعض من أشجار الدفران المبعثرة )بعض من هذه األشجار يتعّرض للموت التدريجي والتقهقر بسبب مرض يفتك بها عبر السنين(، فيّتجه نحو

الغرب باّتجاه قرية كفر بنين مروًرا بوادي المصياد ليسلك مسار مطّل على وادي سري من جهته الشرقية ويدخل إلى القرية من الجهة الشرقية الشمالية لينتهي هذا المسار قرب البلدية على ارتفاع 1190م.

يمّر معظم مسار القمامين في كفربنين على الدروب القديمة التي ما يزال يسلكها بعض من أبناء المنطقة

كالرعاة والفالحين ومحّبي الطبيعة. ويجب على من يقّرر سلوك هذا الدرب أن يكون متمّرًسا بالمشي في الجبال نظًرا

لصعوبة بعض الممرات من جهة الجهد الجسدي وليس من الممرات الخطرة. كما أّن المسار ال يتعّدى مسافة العشرة

كيلومترات. يمكن سلوك هذا المسار في فصل الشتاء واستعمال معدات خاّصة، فهو يكتسي معظمه بالثلوج

لبضعة أيام وحسب المواسم وقساوة الفصول. ويجب تجّنب سلوك دروب المشي وحيًدا والتأّكد من الحصول على

المعلومات الكافية عن المسار، خاّصة إذا كانت الينابيع متوفرة والتزّود بالحاجة المطلوبة. ويجب إعداد كّل لوازم عّدة المشي وعلبة االسعافات األولية والتأّكد من أحوال

الطقس وطريق الوصول والخروج من القرى المحيطة.

تعليمات مهمةويجب المحافظة على نظافة البراري وعدم اإلبقاء على

رواسب المأكوالت والتخّلص منها في أقرب مستوعب للمهمالت وعدم ترك أّي شيء ألّن الحيوانات ليست بحاجة

إلى مأكوالتنا للبقاء على قيد الحياة. ويجب البقاء على المسار المحّدد وعدم اختصار المسار عند المنعطفات، فهذا األمر يؤّدي إلى تقهقر الدرب. ويجب عدم قطف األزهار أو

األعشاب فهذا مكانها األصلي، وعدم إشعال النار إال عند الضرورة. وفي حال وقوع حادث ما، يجب االتصال على الرقم

140 )الصليب األحمر( وإعطاء معلومات كافية عن موقع الحادث ونوعيته أو االّتصال على الرقم الموجود على صفحة

الموقع اإللكتروني للجمعية. أخيًرا، يجب ركن السيارة في مكان ال يزعج أحًدا وإبقاء االسم ورقم الهاتف واضح على

الجهة األمامية من ناحية السائق.

Christian Akhrass - نبع راس العين

Christian Akhrass - تلة حنكوفا

كرستيان أخرس


SECTION NAMEVolume No.5 / OCT 2016

Beatrice Le Bon Chami, Juniperus Excelsa in Danniye



coMMUniTYdeveLoPMenT



Walk

lebanontrail.org

For eight hours we trekked through dense forests, ducked under branches and hopped over quiet streams without seeing another human being. Only the sound of the occasional eagle flying above broke the silence as we walked toward El Qemmamine.

eL QeMMAMine

“It’s the most isolated town on the Lmt,” I was told. “You’ll

never be further from another place on the trail”

I had been intrigued by the town ever since it was first mentioned at the start of trail. For those who had walked there before, it was one of their fondest memories. They described it as a small community, mostly cut off from the rest of the country and surrounded by steep, inaccessible mountains. What interested me most was a simple fact; the thru-hikers were often the only visitors they received each year.

In many ways, El Qemmamine is not a beautiful town. The buildings are mostly half-constructed shells of untreated concrete and paths wind and disappear with little planning. But it was the small things that caught my attention as we walked up the steep road, waving to people hanging their washing from their balconies. The main street curved round in a semi-circle meaning you could see the whole town from pretty much any vantage point. Mules were being fed, children walked to school and there was the sound of water trickling in a stream. It was an uninterrupted portrait of rural life and perhaps that’s what made it so appealing.

When we arrived in the town, we paused at the public drinking fountain. Above us, children from the local school peered down and whispered. Later on, as we rested in our guesthouse, they came to see us. They had been told of our arrival days before and were excited at the thought of visitors. Nobody comes here to see us, they said, adding that they had hoped to leave school early to welcome us. One boy examined my hiking sticks with unending curiosity.

Perhaps it was the setting or perhaps it was the long arduous walk to get there which made it such a joy to visit, I cannot say. Isolation is both a curse and a blessing. It makes it possible to retain a culture or way of life but also cuts you off from wider development in the country.

When I returned to the UK, I realised that I had failed to take many pictures of the town. So I drew a sketch of the town and painted it, mostly from memory. It may not be how El Qemmamine actually looks but it is certainly the way that I remember it.

Matthew Gibbons

El Qemmamine sketch from memory

coMMUniTY deveLoPMenT

El Qemmamine will always remain a unique memory, as it is exactly the kind of place the LMT hopes to improve through supplying it a regular income and promoting its existence.



A local guide does much more than show the way. They introduce visitors to the local way of life, an area’s dialect, stories, myths and truths as well as its local fauna, flora and other treasures.

The LMTA is setting up a modular training course targeting local guides on the LMT and villagers who would like to become local guides on their respective trails and side trails.During training, local guides will attend lectures on varied topics including basic and intermediate guiding skills, history and archaeology, meteorology, geology, local fauna and flora, environmental laws and regulations and also proper nutrition for hikers.

The aim of the course is to make guides able to provide important information about their sections in a way that will keep visitors entertained and enhance their hiking experience. This way, guides will become a valuable source of information.

GUidAnce FoR LocAL GUideS

The training period spans 4 months from October to December 2016 and each guide is expected to complete a total of 10 days of training. Guides will be assessed on their level of knowledge at the beginning of the course and examined at the end to evaluate the accuracy of information retained. Graduates will be certified as LMTA-trained guides and will be promoted accordingly on the LMT website and social media.

Members, supporters and friends of the LMTA specialized in each of the topics mentioned will be delivering the training modules and the course will also include field trips, team building sessions and visits to other NGOs.

Space and food for the training will be provide by B&Bs, convents and other places of accommodation as well as by partner organizations, on the trail.

Local guides are the backbone of the Lebanon mountain trail, one of the

main human elements with which tourists and hikers of the Lmt are directly in touch and the face of each section

and village on the trail. It was early afternoon on a beautiful sunny day around the end of April. We had started our descent from the hills of Akkar el Aatiqa towards the Helsban Valley. El Qoubaiyat, our final destination, was only a few kilometers away. The scenery on top of the hill was breathtaking. Red earth trails beneath ever-rising pine trees, that suddenly changed to rocky limestone, ancient and rugged and flowers of the most diverse species and colors that stole our gazes. We were about 40 hikers, a mixture of Lebanese and foreigners, united in one aim, to be as close to nature as possible. The hike had begun at 8 in the morning

and I was told there would soon be a break. I was already exhausted and could not wait to rest my tired feet. As we got closer to an area heavily forested in oak, our guide Christian Akhrass asked me to take the lead. I asked why and he told me with his charming smile that I was about to arrive at a hidden archaeological treasure; the Church of Sarkis and Bakhous.

Upon hearing this, all exhaustion departed. I stared into the distance, waiting to see the first traces and there, in between a stand of enormous oak trees, lay hidden the first stone wall. I jumped in ecstasy. All along the trail,

Of The Sarkis And Bakhous Church

I had been seeing humble abandoned shepherd’s houses, oil presses and empty Byzantine rock-cut tombs. This site was much bigger. As I approached the first wall, I realized that there were several other walls surrounding it. I climbed over a fence made of a few courses of un-chiseled rugged stone blocks and saw a larger wall several meters in height with an entrance ahead of me. As I entered through the door, I saw a large hall. Two major pier foundations, which would have carried a cross-vaulted ceiling, could be seen next to the main door and on the opposite side.

The Story

coMMUniTY deveLoPMenT

Courtesy of Nadim Asfar


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 coMMUniTY deveLoPMenT

Who are Sarkis and Bakhous?

Looking upwards along the walls, I saw the huge trunk of an oak tree, whose roots had infiltrated the walls, creating cracks here and there and causing certain parts to collapse entirely. Perpendicular to the entrance towards the left, another wall with a partially collapsed semi-dome could was visible. This was a sensation! I had located the church’s apse and it was still intact! I climbed on top of the rubble and got close to the apse. Upon further examination, I noticed that its surface had been plastered and bore traces of a variety of frescoes. I climbed higher above the rubble and realized there was another room that ran parallel to this one. Looking into this second hall towards the east, there was another semi-circular structure. It was another apse. A church with 2 halls! In the midst of all this euphoria, and while standing in complete amazement, I noticed a man on top of the remains of one of the walls of the adjacent hall. He had a shovel in his hand. Behind him, two other men stood with buckets and a rifle. They were clearly not from our group of 40 hikers. The shovels revealed their real task; they were looters. I immediately informed my hiking friends. Christian rushed over to the Lebanese army commandos hiking with us, asking them to take action. In the meanwhile, I got closer to the men and began to question them. They denied they were looters but the army took them into custody. The Directorate General of

Antiquities was informed and we decided to take the suspects with us to the closest police station. I walked around the church for another few minutes and discovered a rock-cut tomb below the first apse, probably the burial place of its pastor. We had to continue our hike and although the story of the three looters hit the newspapers the next day, the church was forgotten, once again. I bid the church a farewell, convinced that I would return. It had captured my heart. That was in April, 2012.

According to local present day historians, they were officers in the Roman army in Syria serving under Emperor Galerius, who ruled over Syria around the end of the 3rd C. A.D. After being asked to attend to sacrifices to the god Zeus, their Christian affiliation was revealed. They were imprisoned and ultimately tortured to death in 303 A.D. As a result, these “military” saints became martyrs. Their hagiography mentions them as being revered by both the Eastern Orthodox as well as the Western Catholic Church. Their original shrine was located in Resafa, Syria, but after the 4th c., many churches around the Middle East were built and dedicated to them. Every year, on October 7th, the date of the beheading of Sergius, pilgrims would head to this now abandoned church to celebrate the saint’s martyrdom in prayer. This tradition continues today, as the local Maronite church in El Qoubaiyat organizes a hike up to the ruins to celebrate the death of their beloved saints.

The Sarkis and Bakhous church was chosen as one of the 4 major sites that urgently needfurther evaluation, study and protection, as part of the highlighted sites of the Thru Walk in 2015. It was the first to be surveyed. A team was put together that included architect, Antoine Atallah, photographer, Nadim Asfar and topographer, Chady Baisare, with myself as site archaeologist. Over three days in November 2015, a detailed architectural and site survey was carried out at the Sarkis and Bakhous church and the end result was a site map that will be used on two information panels that will be put up in the future.

The Church of Sarkis and Bakhous is one example of many treasures hidden in the remote villages and valleys along the Lebanon Mountain Trail, that are in urgent need of care, study, protection and preservation for future generations to enjoy and for the sake of culture and peace.

Alia Fares

Courtesy of Nadim Asfar Courtesy of Alia Fares


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 coMMUniTY deveLoPMenTcoMMUniTY deveLoPMenT

Food plays a major role in this way of thinking. Nowadays it’s a major component in tourism all over the world and it is even more so in Lebanon and on the Lebanon Mountain Trail. Though government agencies and ministries do not place gastronomy at the core of their marketing strategy for Lebanon as a touristic destination, Lebanese cuisine is renowned worldwide thanks to the Lebanese and the Diaspora, who identify themselves with their cuisine. Visitors come to Lebanon eager to experience our food having merely tasted a few dishes like shawarma, hummus and falafel. They are dazzled and awed by the extensive variety of local cuisine and discover that there is more to the Lebanese table than kibbeh and mezze. They leave with memories of culinary experiences that have surpassed their wildest expectations and maybe with a hunger for more, if they realize that they have only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

in 2016, YoU’Re hikinG FoR Food heRiTAGe

the Lebanon mountain trail is all about promoting our mountains, their cultural

and natural heritage as well as promoting hiking

as a healthy lifestyle option for the rejuvenation of the

body, mind and spirit.

Lebanese cuisine is not just the intricate culinary techniques inherited from the many civilizations that have ruled these lands. It is a treasure trove of traditional knowledge about the land and its resources passed down through families, from grandmothers to mothers to daughters, and reflects the villagers’ adaptation to their environment. Being the stronghold of rural women, regional cuisine provides women a platform to shine and is the perfect stage to showcase village hospitality and generosity.

This is what the Lebanon Mountain Trail has to offer and this is why food heritage is a worthy theme to promote. Each year the LMTA chooses one theme to walk for and in 2016, hikers walked for Food Heritage. This choice is in line with the rising global awareness of the importance of locality and seasonality. What’s more, though small in surface, Lebanon is

diverse in its geography and thus many flavors and specialty dishes are waiting to be experienced on the trail.

The LMTA team worked with guesthouses along the trail to develop their seasonal menus highlighting local specialties.

These menus were tested during the annual Thru Walk in April 2016 and more dishes will be on the menu for the Fall Trek, which is projected for end of October 2016.

Words are never enough, especially when they attempt to describe food. We can only say that we welcome you with open arms to experience it for yourself on the trail.

Lebanese cuisine is a treasure trove of traditional knowledge about the land and its resources passed down through families, from grandmothers to mothers to daughters, and reflects the villagers’ adaptation to their environment.

Carlos Bou Nafeh - Kfardebiane Courtesy of David MacLellan



We invite you to take a trip to Rachaiya el Ouadi (South Beqaa) where Amal and Mehdi el Fayeq have improved their guesthouse, to make guests more comfortable. The kitchen and the two bathrooms have been rehabilitated. Rooms are now equipped with heaters and additional bedding, making the guesthouse ready for winter. Thirteen beds are available. For meals, make sure to ask for mesh, a wild edible plant preserved in salt, m’halla with debs (grape molasses) for dessert and infusions of the wild medicinal plants for which Jabal el Sheikh is known. Call Amal and Mehdi on +961 3 963 378

In Ain Zhalta, in the Shouf region (Mount Lebanon), Hussam El Eid is now able to receive additional four guests. Hussam refurbished and equipped a new room and can now receive a minimum of 12 guests. Dishes with Aaqoub, a wild edible thorn or with keshek, are specialties and you can ask for when in the Shouf. Should you wish to discover Ain Zhalta and the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, call Hussam on +961 3 217 299.

Bouchra and Sayed el Hachem in el Aaqoura (North) have improved the ground floor of their historic guesthouse. The house can receive up to 10 people. bouchra’s table d’hôte is one of the best on the LMT. Make sure to try the t’baybisseh, a family tradition made from pumpkin, bulgur and onions and the vegetarian kebbet joz, potato with walnuts. bouchra and Sayed el Hachem Table d’hôte and guesthouse:+961 3 144 273 and +961 3 012 572

hoT on The LMT GUeSThoUSeS

Also, with the support of a hospitality management specialist and a food Heritage expert, fifteen guesthouse owners were coached on managing their guesthouses and on developing their business. Now, you can also ask them for their seasonal menus.

The work with the hosts on the LMT continues. Make sure to share your experience with us each time you stay at or visit a guesthouse on the trail: [email protected]

a year ago, I took a very courageous decision, I became a local guide on the Lebanon mountain trail in the mtain region.

At the time, I didn’t realize what this would bring to my life and how it would change. As a mother of four, it was almost impossible for me to leave the house to guide hikers. I had to be with my children all the time. There were no breaks, no getting away, this was difficult for me, but I knew that once they got older, things would change. And things are changing.

A better world for my children and for theirs...My kids are growing up, and all I can think about is how to leave a better world for them. Now I realize that in order to have a better world, parents need to educate their children to be better, to act better, to respect Mother Earth and protect her so that she will protect us in return.

I am so grateful for what my experience on the LMT and with the Association is teaching me and for the value it adds to my life in terms of environmental awareness, amongst other things. I consider myself lucky to live in a village surrounded by beautiful mountains and to be able to put all I learn into practice. My children are lucky to have their mother beside them to teach them how to leave a better world for their children.

SPoTLiGhT

I have a missionWhile hiking, I feel love for nature. Actually, I feel enchanted by it. Every time I walk the trail, I can feel and see its beauty in different ways. I also became more aware of the problems we as humans are facing and the duties that I consider myself responsible for. My passion is a mission, a mission I try to accomplish every year by maintaining my section of the trail at its best and by spreading awareness to my children and the people I meet.

Different people with different backgroundsBecoming a local guide meant that I could hike with others who shared this same passion for nature.And in fact, hiking on the LMT gives me the chance to meet people of different nationalities; British, Canadians, Dutch, Germans, Swedish, Americans, French and of course, Lebanese!Meeting them and getting to know them better is so enriching. Regardless of their backgrounds, everybody on the trail seems to be so simple. You may be walking with a politician, the owner of a multinational company, a school principal, an employee and yet you feel that you’re walking with a friend. I admit that I have become more attached to hiking because of the great people I meet, who are ready to share their own experiences of nature and of life in general. I really like modest people who have respect for others and for nature.

Nature, the sourceNature teaches us to be simple and to appreciate every treasure it has given us. We should walk this earth without destroying and ruining it. After all, we need Nature but it does not necessarily need us.

The planet has been here for billions of years. Humans have only been here for a short while.We need Nature in order to survive. That’s why we should respect it, keep it in balance, try to protect it and be aware of its importance in our lives, for our own good. And I have had the privilege to appreciate this fact even more through being a local guide on the Lebanon Mountain Trail.

jacky kordahi khairallah

on a Local Guide

coMMUniTY deveLoPMenTcoMMUniTY deveLoPMenT

Thanks to the generosity of its partners, Dar al-Handasah Shair and Partners, reva and Engineer Maroun nakhleh, the LMTA is able to continue supporting guesthouses on the LMT. In total, three guesthouses have been refurbished.

Christian Akhrass - Mehdi El Fayek guesthouse Christian Akhrass - Houssam El Eid guesthouse Christian Akhrass - Sayed El Hachem guesthouse



TTEC in Kfardebiane


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 edUcATion

“TRAininG oF TRAineRS” To The “TRAiL To eveRY cLASSRooM”

FoRMATion de FoRMATeURS!

In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the LMTA’s education team organized two workshops in December 2015 to introduce 65 health educators, school supervisors, coordinators and teachers of 27 public schools to the Teacher’s Water Guide developed by the LMTA following studies of the springs along the LMT.

The first workshop was conducted in Tripoli, for the schools in the North and the second in Beirut for schools in Mount Lebanon and the South.

The aim of the workshop was to familiarize participants with classroom activities that can be implemented within the yearly curriculum through a practical session where, in groups, they tried the exercises suggested in the guide.

The workshop design followed a hands-on approach to provide attendees with ideas to implement at school. Topics covered the water cycle, water resources, water use, water pollution and water management.

De quoi s’agit-il?

En 2012, la LMTA a développé un programme éducatif de sensibilisation aux problèmes de l’eau afin de l’intégrer dans les écoles comme support pédagogique (Water Awareness on the LMT Project). La particularité de ce module est que grâce à des activités expérimentales ludiques, il procure aux élèves une meilleure compréhension des concepts appris en classe.

Suite à la demande du ministère de l’éducation en septembre dernier, l’équipe de la LMTA chargée du programme éducatif a préparé un atelier d’initiation au module pour les enseignants, les coordinateurs, les superviseurs et les éducateurs de santé des écoles publiques des villages par où le LMT passe. A cette fin, il a d’abord fallu nous familiariser nous-mêmes avec ce module et les différentes activités qu’il propose. Le bureau de la LMTA a été transformé en un véritable terrain de jeu qui ressemblait à un mélange de cuisine, laboratoire chimique, jardin et atelier de peinture! Une expérience très amusante qui a suscité la curiosité de tous au point de les pousser à y mettre la main!

Les ateliers ont été organisés en décembre dernier, à Tripoli pour les écoles du Nord et à Beyrouth pour les écoles du Mont-Liban et du Sud. Cinq heures durant lesquelles les participants provenant de différents milieux et régions ont expérimenté les activités proposées. Cela leur a permis - en se mettant dans la peau des élèves - de mieux comprendre la perspective holistique ainsi que la portée éducative du module.

Préparer l’atelier de travail ! Le bureau de la LMTA a été transformé en un terrain de jeu qui ressemblait à un mélange de cuisine, laboratoire chimique, jardin et atelier de peinture! Une expérience très amusante qui a bien suscité la curiosité de tous au point de les pousser à y mettre la main!

OPérATIOn “TOuT SAvOIr Sur L’EAu”

Cet évènement nous a enrichis grâce à des rencontres intéressantes qui nous ont permis d’avoir une idée plus claire des défis actuels dans l’enseignement dans les écoles publiques des villages de nos montagnes. Cela nous a aussi donné l’envie d’aller à la rencontre de leurs élèves et de leur proposer des sorties sur le LMT afin d’aller plus en profondeur dans le travail sur l’éducation à la préservation de notre environnement.

Stephanie Mailhac

“TRAininG oF TRAineRS”, PRoGRAMMe édUcATiF de LA LMTA

This year, the TTEC is in collaboration with the Swiss Embassy and the Municipality of El Mtain

TTEC Workshops With MOE

TTEC in Kfardebiane


Volume No.5 / SEPT 2016

PRiSe de conScience, AcTion eT SenSiBiLiSATion

MOn ExPérIEnCE En TAnT quE vOLOnTAIrE

LES EnjEux vILLE Ou vILLAGE?

edUcATion

Sur le parcours du LMT, il y a d’abord des communautés avec leurs traditions, leurs activités, leurs sourires, mais aussi leurs problèmes et leurs inquiétudes. Des populations qui tentent encore de résister aux changements en s’accrochant désespérément à leur terroir avec ce sentiment d’être des laissés-pour-compte. Aller à leur rencontre et valoriser leur travail leur apporte un soutien aussi bien moral qu’économique, un moyen de renforcer leur sentiment d’appartenance tout en tissant des liens. L’appartenance est renforcée aussi par la connaissance de la valeur de leur patrimoine aussi bien naturel que culturel par le biais de la découverte et de l’appropriation. Pour cela, le rôle du guide local est fondamental. La LMTA le renforce à travers une implication à plusieurs niveaux tant culturel que touristique, économique, environnemental ou éducatif.

Longtemps limité à un sentiment d’admiration, mon lien avec le LMT s’est développé depuis un an après avoir participé à la campagne de sensibilisation à l’environnement réalisée par la LMTA dans les écoles publiques dans le cadre du programme éducatif “A Trail To Every Classroom”. C’est grâce aux encouragements de l’équipe que j’ai rejoint cette initiative, fondamentale à mon sens pour pérenniser l’action. Initiative qui consiste à faire découvrir aux écoliers toute la richesse dont jouit la région choisie en matière de ressources naturelles. Une marche le long du LMT permet d’échanger des connaissances et des idées quant à la protection des

Il y a quelques années, j’ai découvert le projet de la LMTA en feuilletant le guide de l’association.

J’ai aussitôt été séduite par l’envergure, l’ambition et la complexité de ce projet: relier des villages de montagne par un sentier parcourant les paysages époustouflants des crêtes du Mont-Liban. Dans un premier temps, ce projet représentait pour moi une idée géniale d’explorer autrement le Liban, un rêve pour les randonneurs et les gens épris de nature. Dans un deuxième temps, j’ai saisi davantage les autres dimensions de ce projet qui réunit des enjeux qui dépassent de loin le simple loisir.

écosystèmes menacés par la pollution, la chasse illégale, l’agriculture, les routes et le bétonnage systématique. La dégradation des paysages se fait sentir au fil du temps. Mais on apprend à ne pas baisser les bras, à prendre conscience de sa part de responsabilité dans tout ce processus et à être un acteur du changement. Le pari n’est pas toujours gagné. Certains sont sceptiques et ne pensent pas qu’on puisse changer le cours des choses. Mais la discussion avec des personnes aussi passionnées et positives que Maya, Stéphanie ou Lamia de l’équipe de la LMTA, leur permet de constater qu’à plusieurs on a plus de chance d’atteindre nos objectifs.

Au cours de ces sorties, il y a aussi les enseignants. Heureux tout autant que les élèves d’échanger avec nous des idées. Il y a aussi les guides locaux qui partagent leurs témoignages comme celui-ci “il y a quelques années, j’aimais chasser les oiseaux, mais depuis que j’ai découvert le LMT, je n’éprouve plus aucun plaisir à voir disparaître les espèces qui font la beauté de notre région et contribuent au maintien des équilibres naturels”. La LMTA nous apprend à penser globalement tout en agissant localement, le principe du développement durable. Elle nous apprend aussi à réfléchir aux conséquences de nos actes, à changer de cap vers une vie plus harmonieuse avec notre milieu naturel.

Quant aux jeunes de ces villages, c’est leur douceur qui me marque. Pour la plupart, ils ne connaissent pas le stress des citadins et jouissent d’un environnement favorable à la concentration. Certains opteront probablement un jour de vivre à la ville, mais ils garderont surement au fond d’eux les souvenirs d’une jeunesse paisible et heureuse au contact avec la nature. Ceux qui resteront dans leur village pourront jouir de conditions de vie meilleure grâce aux efforts déployés par les ONG en partenariat avec les autorités locales et nationales.

Entre les sorties prévues sur deux journées consécutives avec les élèves de l’école publique de Baskinta, nous avons décidé de passer la nuit dans une maison d’hôte à El Aaqoura. Avec les montagnes verdoyantes, la cascade qui fait face à la maison, la nature en fleurs, le temps est suspendu et Beyrouth semble très loin. Un délicieux diner préparé avec amour par la maitresse des lieux nous attend. L’ambiance est joyeuse, la compagnie agréable, on oublie la fatigue et le stress. Après une nuit agréable passée au clair de lune, le petit déjeuner est servi, tout aussi riche et délicieux. On refait nos sacs et on repart. Encore une balade avec les jeunes de l’école de Bikfaya le long du sentier littéraire “Baskinta Literary Trail” et il faut déjà penser au retour. Deux journées de pur bonheur se sont écoulées. On dirait un beau rêve qui s’achève.

Claudine Abdelmassih

Claudine Abdel Massih - Baskinta Literary Trail



إّن ما لفت نظري في هذا التطّوع وجعلني ا مع هذه الجمعية، هو العمل ألتزم كلّيً

المتكامل على كاّفة األصعدة البيئية، من المشي hiking على الدرب والمواضيع

واألفالم التي ُتناقش خالل هذا المخيم، من تلّوث المياه والصيد المسؤول وزيارة بيوت الضيافة البيئية وإعادة التدوير ونهار األكل

الصّحي الذي ُيحّضر من أبطال البيئة.

أّما ما أحّبه أكثر وأبرع به، هو ورشات العمل اليدوية up-cycling التي يقوم أبطال البيئة

من خاللها بصنع مجّسمات )كأشخاص وسفن وحيوانات( من أغصان األشجار وخيطان الصوف واألزرار وطبقات الزجاجات وإعادة تصنيع ثياب

قديمة الستعمالها كحقائب أو خالفه.بطبيعة اإلنسان أن يحّب ما يصنعه بيديه

تطوعي مع األوالد، وجمعية درب الجبل اللبناني

منذ سنة، بدأت بالتطّوع في مخّيم أبطال البيئة مع جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني الذي يثّقف أوالد من عمر 10 حّتى 12 سنة للحفاظ على البيئة واالهتمام بها. ويعتبر هذا المخيم جزئًا من

.(Environmental Champions Program) برنامج ابطال البيئة للجمعية

A total of 38 children aged between 10 and 12 took part in the 3 editions of the program during this pilot year. As ambassadors for a better environment, the children were invited to take part in an eco-competition to launch environmental initiatives in their communities and rally others, to start making a difference.

At the gathering, the children presented their projects before their fellow champions and the Abtal Al Bi’a team, who awarded those that had the greatest impact and widest outreach at the small eco-project scale.

First place went to Sara Baroudi, who initiated cleaning campaigns with her school and village and also encouraged up-cycling projects.

Rebecca and Mariella Khawand undertook similar projects in their village and were the first runners-up.

The second runner-up was Lea Cortas, who convinced all her classmates to replace plastic water bottles with re-usable ones and started paper recycling in her school.

enviRonMenTAL chAMPionShiP PRoGRAM (ecP)

on december 30th last year, the environmental championship program

abtal al Bi’a held a gathering for its first class

of 2015 environmental champions and celebrated the winners of its first eco-

competition on waste & littering.

ecP in 2016

ABTAL eL Bi’A coMPeTiTion, deceMBeR 2015

Two additional 5-day Abtal El Bi’A programs were held in 2016, bringing the total number of environmental champion children up to 65. The first one program was mostly sponsored by EcoConsulting, and was held in Hasroun, Tannourine and Batroun in April, while the second one happened last July in the regions of Falougha, El Mtain and Batroun and was jointly sponsored by the HOLDAL - Abou Adal Group and the FATTAL Group, who sent along some of their employees’ children to experience our enriching environmental adventure. Our last ECP this year was held in different villages and LMTA guesthouses in Akkar, involving more than 15 children from local communities.

The LMTA would like to thank Abir Itani, a student at the Rafik Hariri University, for designing the ECP logo.

ويتعّلق به، لذا، فالعمل اليدوي أساسّي ليحفظ األوالد المعلومات التي ُأعطيت لهم

عن البيئة ويحّبونها لدرجة تطبيقها في حياتهم اليومية.

إّن هذا البرنامج جعلني أنظر إلى البيئة وأحافظ عليها بطريقة مختلفة؛ فقد أصبحت

أرى في كّل األشياء التي نرميها، مشروًعا up- ا جديًدا بحيث أدخلت مفهوم يدوّيً

cycling في عملي كمعّلمة أشغال يدوية.

إّن ما أعطاني إّياه هذا البرنامج هو رؤيا لعالمٍ يفيض باختراعاٍت جديدة!

تقال خويري

ابطال البيئة

edUcATion

Fatima Shaar - El El Qemmamine

In collaboration with




Beatrice Le Bon Chami - Ouadi Qannoubine


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 ThiS YeAR’S hAPPeninGS

Hiking in OppOsite DirectiOns

encOunter witH a tHru walker

A friend: Hello.Me: Hello, ahlan.A friend: How are you Christian? Tell me, are you walking the Fall Trek from south to north or from north to south?Me: Walla, I still don’t knowA friend: Oh come on, when will you know?Me: I don’t know.

This is what a friend asked me before the start of the Fall Trek in 2015. The annual 10-day trek was held in October 2015 and divided hikers into two teams. One team, led by me with the assistance of other LMTA members, headed from south to north and the other, led by Joseph Lteif and Sami Mitri, headed from north to south.

The 2015 Fall Trek was special because the LMT Association decided to split it into two teams for the first time. Some hikers walked the entire 10 days, some chose to hike for less, others came only on weekends. Being divided in two, hikers on both teams were more comfortable with the number of people on the trail and in guesthouses.

On the last day of the trek, both teams met in Baskinta, at the Abdallah Ghanem Museum, where a celebration was held with the local municipality.After evaluation of the 2015 Fall Trek, the LMT Association found that having two teams with less hikers in each had a positive impact and due to increasing numbers of hikers participating in LMTA events, it was decided to organize the Thru Walk 2016 with two teams, as well.

Christian Akhrass

This year, the LMT Association completed its 8th annual Thru Walk. One team hiked from Andqet in the north, to jdeidet Marjaayoun in the South and a second team started in Marjaayoun ending in Andqet. 180 hikers walked the trail between April 1st and May 1st.

AuSTrALIA

CAnADA

FrAnCE

IrELAnD

jOrDAn

SPAIn

uk

vEnEZuELA

bELGIuM

FInLAnD

GErMAny

ITALy

nETHErLAnDS

SWITZErLAnD

uSA

We welcomed friends and supporters from fifteen different countries, including:

“

“

More than US$ 65,000 was injected into local communities through accommodation, restaurants and purchases. Entitled “Together we celebrate and salute the foods of our mountains”, the 2016 theme promoted food heritage and its cultural, touristic and economic importance to rural communities. The LMTA interviewed 12 hikers who walked the LMT from end-to-end. Here is one remarkable testimony.

OvErALL ExPErIEnCEIt’s been a great experience and we’re only half done. In my camera I have a 16GB card. I’m using high resolution but I can take 1800 pictures. When we were in Corsica this time last year for 6 weeks, I had enough memory to contain all my pictures. In 12 days here, I had to download my card into Christian’s laptop to gain space. The dimension we didn’t have in Corsica was the people. Here, it’s not only nature but nature with people. That more than doubled the number of pictures I took.

My name is David MacLellan, I’m from the Yukon in Canada. My wife and I found out about the LMT in 2010. We’ve kept our eye on it for the last 5 years and this year when we saw that the theme was food heritage, we thought, let’s go!

hikinG The ThRU wALk 2016Food heRiTAGe

Beatrice Le Bon Chami - Marjaayoun



قصتي قّصة مع درب الجبل

I’ve hiked in Turkey, Corsica, Guatemala, Spain and New Zealand. Walking in Lebanon with a group adds another dimension to walking. The company, the Thru Walkers, the weekend people, the 10-day people you meet, you talk, there’s a relationship that develops. That’s my best memory. In addition to the food, and the countryside, and the mountains.

FLOrAThere was one point two days ago, when we were walking through a beautiful green meadow. It was like walking through a salad. When I saw the herbs that were growing there, I thought, we should just sit down and eat. We should just stop for lunch.

FAvOrITE SMELLSWild thyme and cedar.

nEW rECIPESI got to learn lots about food and recipes that I’d like to try back home. In the coming years, whenever you meet someone coming to the LMT from the Yukon, it’ll probably be because we spoke to them about it. It’s interesting that we’ve been talking about the LMT for 4 or 5 years and each year we think that the political situation is unstable. The Canadian government says don’t even go there, they don’t restrict going to specific areas, they just say don’t go. This year I thought, food heritage, I’m not getting younger, we’re going. And it turns out that I’m safer here than I am at home. That’s what I’d like to tell people when I get home. Don’t listen to the media. The people of the LMT know if it’s safe to go, they’re not going to invite people to come if there’s war or destruction. So thank you, LMTA.

يعتقد بعض الناس أّنه من غرائب األمور أن أزعم أّنني أتمّتع بمظاهر جمال جبالنا وعجائب الطبيعة األخرى. وهم دائًما ما يسألونني ما الذي يعنيه هذا الجمال بالنسبة لك؟ وما

تعنيه الطبيعة التي ال تنفّك تتحّدث عنها وعن أشجارها وأنهارها وحيواناتها وأهمّية درب الجبل التي تتحّدث عنها

دائًما وكأّنها ال تنفصل عن حياتك اليومية. فأؤّكد بدوري بوضوح أّنها تعني كّل شيء بالنسبة لي؛ فأنا بحواسي ال

يمكنني أن أفهم معنى الحّب والصداقة والحياة بعيًدا عن الدرب والطبيعة وأسرارها.

ال بّد أن تكون لحياتك معًنى تجده يوًما ما – فهذا اليوم كان يوم تعّرفت فيه على درب الجبل عن طريق األخ

والصديق كريستيان أخرس. ما جعلني فخوًرا. ومنذ ذلك الوقت، شعرُت أّنني وجدت نفسي، وهو إحساٌس ال يمكن

وصفه. أّما الفرحة الكبرى، فهي عندما يقترب شهر نيسان وخاصًة اليوم األول! الذي ألتقي فيه بأحبائي وأصدقائي

وعائلتي إذا صّح التعبير. يشعرونني وكأّنني مسؤول عن كّل شيء ومع هذا كّله، الفرحة تغمرني. وهنا تبدأ

المغامرة بالتوّجه إلى البداية.

تكون بيوت الضيافة بانتظارنا للتمّتع بأطيب األطايب مع أهل البيت بكّل رحابة صدر. وقد أصبحت بيوت الضيافة

بيوتي وأهلها أهلي. ”وما في شي أطيب من مقالية بيض بقورما في بيت الضيافة في العاقورة“.


Christian Akhrass - West BeqaaCarlos Bou Nafeh - Kfardebiane


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 ThiS YeAR’S hAPPeninGS

أّما رّواد المشي فتربطني بهم عالقة حميمة وأستمتع بمرافقتهم من بلدٍة إلى أخرى وأصبح بالنسبة لهم

المنقذ الوحيد، نعم. الفرحة الكبرى عندما أنتظرهم في منتصف الطريق ومع بعض المثلجات والمشروبات الباردة.

وما أجمل التعابير على وجوههم عندما يرونني فيلّوحون لي من بعيد ”أبو ديبو، أبو ديبو“.

درب الجبل ُيفسح لك المجال لتتعّرف على رّواد المشي من جنسيات مختلفة وأعراق مختلفة، تمضي معهم أيام

وليالي فيصبح الفراق صعًبا.

واألجمل من هذا كّله عندما يشعرونك أّنهم يعتمدون عليك؛ فيا لها من مسؤولية أتمّتع بها من كّل قلبي.

أصبحت جمعية درب الجبل جزًءا من حياتي ولهم األولوية. فهم عائلتي الثانية. ”شو بدي خّبر تخّبر“، صفحات

وصفحات ال تكفيني.

أّما ما أكرهه هو عندما نصل إلى نهاية الدرب وأشعر أّن غًدا يوم آخر؛ يوم ستكون فيه لوحدك، يوم لن نتمّتع فيه

بالعشاء وكاس العرق مع رّواد المشي، يوم تشرب فيه القهوة وحدك... أتمّنى دائًما أال ينتهي الدرب وأال يأتي

هذا اليوم.

محّبتي لدرب الجبل أعّبر عنها بإلتقاطي أجمل الصور مع الرّواد وفي الطبيعة...

قّصتي قّصة مع درب الجبل؛ قّصة ال ولن تنتهي.

أنا درب الجبل ودرب الجبل أنا ...

أديب هاشم

runnIng tHe LeBanon mountaIn traILWith the aim of raising awareness and encouraging people to support the work of the Lebanese Red Cross, the Lebanese adventurer, outdoor guru and nature lover, Avedis Kalpaklian ran the full length of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, from the village of Andqet in the North to Marjaayoun in the South. Avedis, who is an Emergency Medical Services volunteer in the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC) and also a member of the LRC Mountain Rescue Team, ran a colossal distance of 454 km in 10 days from November 30 to December 9, 2015, following the traces of our ancestors along ancient trails, footpaths and agricultural roads linking more than 75 villages in the mountains of Lebanon. We had a talk with Avedis, who was more than happy to answer our questions.

We spoke with Avedis, about the challenge.

keep running, aveDisWhy do you want to do it again?Well for mainly two reasons. It’s a personal challenge. I’d initially planned to finish in 8 days, but I did it in 10. Storm Carlo hit in December 2015, straight from the Arctic. I was held back by rain, hail and ice-cold weather, even at midday. I had planned to start at 5:30 in the morning, but ended up starting around 7:30 because of the cold. There were frozen puddles all along the sections I was running. I lost 2 days.

My experience as a mountaineer was very useful, especially when it came to the cold, I knew that I could go on despite the freezing temperatures. I accomplished something I really wanted to do. It was personally fulfilling, very challenging and the first time trail running has been done on the LMT.

And I have another motive. My aim is to promote trail running. I have been a Red Cross rescuer on the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) and I’m participating as a rescuer there this year as well. In the US, there are 6 million trail runners and it’s becoming popular worldwide. Lately several marathons have been organized in Lebanon, so why run only in the cities?

Courtesy of Teddy Habchy

Courtesy of Aquilina Mansour



How did you get the idea of running the Lmt?I’m a marathon runner. I have run almost every Beirut Marathon since it was created. Plus I’m a hiker, so why not combine the two?

Getting back to the subject of the UTMB, this is where I got the initial idea to run the LMT. I know what trail running is. It’s running in Nature, it’s joyful and relaxing, even though it’s tiring. But you also become energized for the coming days and for working people, running over the weekend will make them better able to work during the week.

How did you run when there was no daylight?Generally speaking, I know the way. I’m a mountain guide. Plus when there was no daylight, I didn’t run in isolated spots. I used the old LMT GPS coordinates, downloaded from the LMT website, which are very accurate, despite changes to the trail. Now they’re being revised.

Christian Akhrass, the field coordinator at the LMT Association, helped me with logistics and I was reporting to him as well. Plus, 80% of the trail is blazed. Whenever I would lose the blazes, I’d call Christian. I never got lost, just a bit sidetracked but then I’d get back to the original trail.

Moreover, four years ago, I did most of the LMT on a bike with few friends. We didn’t stick to the trail all the time, we’d ride on paved roads sometimes.

What are the numbers?Forty-five kilometers per day over 10 to 12 hours of running, 28 kilometers worth of effort due to ascent, 9 kilometers worth of effort due to descent, so a total of 82 kilometers worth of effort, daily. I was ready physically, I had done the Tour de Suisse but I couldn’t believe that your body can recover overnight and engage in the same amount of effort the next day. After the first day of running, my watch told me that I had to rest for 72 hours. But I still had nine days to go. After ten days running the LMT, it took me two and half months to get back to my initial weight.

did you have any doubts along the way?Never. Not even after the storm. I always had faith. The main issue happened in the last few days when I had a knee injury. But I was running for a cause, raising awareness and funds for the Red Cross and the cause drives you.

Were you able to measure any raise in awareness?I started with 0 likes on my Facebook page and ended with 1,300. Some videos and pictures got up to 15,000 views, so for me, I passed on my message.

this year, what’s the cause?This year, a new cause for a new association. I am dedicating the run this year to Dialeb, to promote healthy lifestyles and inspire the Lebanese to keep moving through trail running. Dialeb is our national diabetes organization, a non-profit organization.

did you inform local guides/municipalities/authorities every time you went into a village that you’d be running on the trail?No, I preferred to approach those I encountered on the trail and explain to them face-to-face, which made them feel comfortable. I had an issue with the police once towards Nabatieh. Someone had reported to them that there was someone running non-stop. They came, checked my papers and all was fine.

If you were asked by a runner for recommendations for running the Lmt, what would they be? Physically, they have to be properly trained. It’s not easy. And regarding motivation, I can say that I’ve discovered Lebanon all over again. I’ve run in countries with amazing scenery but the difference with Lebanon is that there is so much diversity in such a small area. You could be under the pines and then oaks, then you hit the open fields then you’re amongst cedars. This diversity in Lebanon’s nature, people, culture and history makes the trail unique in the whole world. It’s a remarkable plus for Lebanon.

What is your next challenge?The UTMB again. It’s 170 kilometers long, with 10,000 meters of ascent, non-stop.

What does the Lmt mean to you?It’s a trail that links so many Lebanese villages. It’s blazed, it’s safe, but people have to take minimum safety precaution and I know that the LMT Association gives all the necessary information. Moreover, for any emergency in the mountain, it is possible to call the Lebanese Red Cross (140) and ask for the mountain rescue unit.

any funny/interesting incident you’d like to share with us?My support during this run, Teddy Habchy. He was my photographer, my water provider. He used to meet me in every village. Once I was not able to wake up and he dragged me all the way from the bed, out of the room with my bed sheets. And there was something else, the welcome celebration at the end. It was amazing. Fifty friends from different Associations, PolyLiban, Lebanese Red Cross, Speleo Club du Liban and LMTA, gathered and put together an unforgettable celebration for running the LMT, 454 km in 10days!

Encounter with Avedis kalpaklian






a JOurney tO tHe greater gOODWhat happens when you take 20 ambitious advertising professional of different nationalities out of their ‘natural’ city habitat and drop them in the middle of the Lebanese wilderness for a four-day hike?

You get a bunch of advertising folk gone wild. To what dangerous lengths will a Creative go to find a morning yoga spot? How do you protect yourself from a Department Head gone savage after being left in the throes of Mother Nature? How vicious is the attack of a Managing Director when deprived of access to Wi-Fi? How does an Account Executive climb a waterfall and chat on Whatsapp, simultaneously?

Our 2016 Initiative, Within Nature, was our way of giving back by providing aid to refugees in need across the region and supporting the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association in their mission to preserve our country’s nature and local communities. At TBWA\RAAD, we are known for our passion and relentless drive to achieve creative greatness in everything to which we set our minds and hearts. This is our approach to work, play and giving back.

To make this initiative a reality, we raised funds from our offices in the Arab World, through barbecues, book sales, yoga classes and cinema screenings. But that’s not all. We also decided to walk for the refugees.

And indeed, our walk was filled with moments to remember; a sense of accomplishment by the hike’s end and a glorious appreciation for the gift of nature. We lost a couple of good ones at the beginning, we had a few underdogs rise to the top at the finish, and we had fighters who didn’t give up in between. At the end of the day, it’s safe to say we all experienced a range of emotions in our journey for the greater good.

Ultimately, our time spent in Lebanon was legendary because between a much needed Almaza (or five), outstanding Lebanese hospitality, gorgeous sunsets and a few falls, we managed to lessen the burden of the refugee crisis, offer the Lebanon Mountain Trail

Association some much needed support and cement TBWA\RAAD as a creative force to be reckoned with both in the wilderness of the office, as well as in the great outdoors.

And honestly? We can’t WAIT to do it ALL over again.

Until next year!

The TbWA-rAAD Team


Courtesy of TBWA-RAAD Team

Courtesy of TBWA-RAAD Team Courtesy of TBWA-RAAD Team

Courtesy of TBWA-RAAD Team



On April 1st 2009, Lebanese mother of three, Hana El-Hibri, and five team members set out on a month-long trek to walk the length of Lebanon. On their journey, they encountered torrential rivers, thunderous storms and blazing sunshine. They crossed deep gorges, massive snowfields and idyllic meadows. They came across goats, wild dogs and dozens of colorful local characters who treated them to the hospitality, cuisine and folklore of the Lebanese mountains.

A Million Steps is the diary she kept of the 29 days she and her fellow hikers walked the newly established Lebanon Mountain Trail. It is a story about one woman’s journey of fulfillment and of her companions, all of whom care passionately about conservation, heritage and Lebanon’s endangered natural beauty. Hana’s heartfelt words and Norbert Schiller’s stunning images, give us snapshots of a Lebanon that is rarely seen.

This is the 3rd print of the book since it was launched in 2010 and includes a supplement, One Step Back. One Step Back contains the author’s insights, 6 years down the road, on what is happening in our precious mountains and the stories of some of her heroes in the struggle for their preservation.

A portion from the sales of the book goes to support the LMTA.

We are pleased to announce that a million steps, discovering the Lebanon mountain trail, is now available for sale again at the Lmta store.

suMMary On tHe Migrating BirDs Massacre caseOn April 30th, 2011, at the initiative of the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, the Ministry of the Environment addressed a letter to the Ministry of Justice on the subject of the massacre of a large number of white storks by hunters in the north of Lebanon.

On May 16th, 2011, the Ministry of the Environment addressed a follow-up letter to the Ministry of Justice, stating that the birds, photos of which were displayed on Facebook, included gray cranes. The massacre was in contravention of the AEWA Treaty and of Lebanese Law on the Protection of the Environment #444/2002 and Hunting Law #580/2004.

The Ministry of Justice did not take any action. In 2013, Jihan Khattar, representing the LMTA, visited Judge Marwan Karkabe at the Ministry of Justice and urged him to follow up on the matter. As a result, the Ministry of Justice submitted a formal complaint to the General Prosecution in the North and appointed Mounir Daoud to defend the State.The General Prosecution transferred the case to Judge Mounir Sleiman in Batroun after indicting the hunters for contravening the Hunting Law.

Judge Sleiman was replaced by Judge Carla Rahal a few months into the proceedings. Judge Rahal found the hunters innocent due to insufficient evidence. She issued her final decision on September 19th, 2014.

The State appealed her decision on October 1st, 2014. The Tripoli Court of Appeal issued a decision on February 24th, 2015 rejecting the appeal.

jihan r. khattarAttorney at Law

a MilliOn steps, DiscOvering tHe leBanOn MOuntain trail3rD eDitiOn


Despite the decision taken by the court rejecting the appeal, the Ministry of Environment has taken action! We found the announcement below on the website of Lebanon Files. It informs about the initiative taken against those hunters.

Photo taken from social media

Photo taken from social media



LMTA oveRSeAS

Rend Haffar - Exhibition in Brussels of photos by the photographer himself, on the LMT and Beirut ©r.haffar, 2014


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 LMTA oveRSeAS

when YoU’ReAn LMT AMBASSAdoR

deSMond ASTLeY-cooPeRUK Ambassador

Together with Paul Khawaja, ex-board member of the LMTA, we gave a talk illustrated with slides and a short video at the Athenaeum Club in Central London under the auspices of the British Lebanese Association on the 10th of November, 2015.The subject was the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association and the work it is doing to promote rural tourism and preserve the countryside with its flora and fauna. It was well attended and ended in a spirited questions and answers session.

Since then we have continued our discussions with other associations and groups, with a view to promoting hiking in Lebanon as well as to holding a gala to raise funds for the LMT.

I also visited the World Travel Market held at the Excel Centre at the suggestion of LMTA President Nadine Weber and made contact with hiking groups in the region, as well as with the Lebanese Stand.

JeAn PieRRe cReSSoTFrance Ambassador

I was an end-to-end hiker on the April 2016 Thru Walk and I have produced a 25-minute video of the people we met and the scenery we saw. My plan is to use it as a presentational tool to introduce the LMT to hiking clubs and associations in France.

The video is on YouTube and can be seen and used by anyone. It’s entitled Grande Randonnée au Liban avec LMT, Avril 2016.

In March 2016, I started discussing the LMT with well-known sponsors, hoping to be able to raise funds for the LMTA.

wiM BALveRTNetherlands Ambassador

I joined the Fall Trek in October 2015 and it was like a reunion of the 2009 team, with Norbert, Hana and Christian also walk-ing. I just had to come.

For the winter holidays, I took my family with me on the LMT. We enjoyed a relaxing holiday in Soha Village and met many friends and hikers.

In January 2016, I presented the LMT at the Hiking and Cycling Fair in Utrecht and the following weekend, I teamed up with Rend (the Belgium Ambassador) to present the LMT at the fair in Antwerp.

I was on the April 2016 Thru Walk and again, met many friends and made a lot of new ones.I recently finished an article for a Belgian hikers’ magazine, OP WEG, to showcase the LMT.

I try to join events organized by the LMTA as much possible. I will be trying to join the Fall Trek this October, and I’m planning to attend this year’s Hiking and Cycling Fair in Utrecht, as well.

wAFA oSTACanada Ambassador

For those who don’t know yet, the Bruce Trail in Ontario, Cana-da has a section called the Lebanon Mountain Trail. Under the motto Darbna Byejmaana, we celebrated this act of friendship between the Lebanon Mountain Trail and the Bruce Trail. On April 23rd, we organized a hike along the LMT section. Around 35 people attended and enjoyed waving both flags, Lebanese and Canadian, in the forests of Bayview Escarpment, close to the town of Owen Sound in Ontario.

On June 2nd, we organized a presentation in Toronto and played games to stimulate discussions about roots and memo-ries from back home.

On July 14th, I went with Salam Khalife - ex LMTA board mem-ber and LMTA activist - to the Embassy of Lebanon in Ottawa, where we met with Chargé d’Affaires Mr. Sami Haddad, who showed much appreciation and expressed his endorsement of the LMTA.

On July 24th, we organized a celebration of Kibbeh right after a hike with the Sydenham Club Stewards of the Bruce Trail. People from Lebanese-Canadian communities in Ontario joined in the celebratory atmosphere, exchanged food stories and enjoyed homeland traditions, like the famous arguileh. We also set up an information section, where we displayed LMT litera-ture and promotional materials, as well as Bruce Trail material.



Tenth Anniversary ReFLecTionS on The BiRTh oF The LMT

LMTA oveRSeAS

It was a pleasantly warm, partly cloudy day as Gilbert Moukheiber and I pulled off the road at a wayside to examine more closely the outskirts of the village of Baskinta bordering the prospec-tive route of the Lebanon Mountain Trail. Gilbert expressed concern, and I agreed, that without some form of governmental designation, even once established, the LMT route could easily be encroached upon or possibly obliterated by rapid, unregulat-ed development. Our task that day was to explore by road the approximate route that the trail might take between the towns of Faqra and Falougha. Meanwhile, my colleagues Dave Field and Marianne Skeen, both longtime volunteer leaders with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and in their local trail clubs in Maine and Georgia respectively, were traveling with other LMT field coordinators to other sections of the proposed trail. Dave would travel the section between Maasser El Chouf and Niha, while Marianne would travel the section between Ehden and Hassroun. The date was Wednesday, July 12, 2006, day five of our visit to Lebanon.

We climbed back into the car and began discussing the possi-bilities for a lunch stop, perhaps in the next village along the prospective route. Then, Gilbert received a call on his mobile phone. While the conversation was in Arabic, I could tell from the expression on his face that something was amiss. When the conversation ended, Gilbert said we would have to return to Beirut immediately, preferably by less-traveled roads. He explained that armed members of Hezbollah had captured and

taken hostage two Israeli solders, killing a third soldier in the process, and that it was feared that the Israeli government would respond with force. The Lebanese Council of Ministers was assembling for an emergency meeting.

For much of the return journey, we sat in relative silence, each contemplating what a military response might mean for Beirut, for Lebanon, and for the future of the LMT project. We arrived at the Cavalier Hotel in Hamra, our temporary domicile during our one-week mission to Lebanon. A few hours later, Dave and Marianne returned from their field trips, and all three of us were told to remain in the hotel or not venture far from it, until we received further word from U.S. state department representatives. Nonetheless, the three of us did travel that evening a short distance with a number of members of the LMT project team to explore Borj Hammoud, where we enjoyed a protracted and sumptuous dinner.

The next day, Israeli rockets descended on Beirut, striking the airport and a main bridge along the Beirut-Damascus highway, amongst other targets. According to our mission schedule, we were due to have traveled south that day, toward Rashaiya and Mount Hermon. We had obtained permission earlier in the week from Lebanese military officials to do so, necessary due to the ever-present tensions near the border and the existence of land mines in certain areas. For obvious reasons, the trip was canceled. But, the following day, we kept our scheduled meeting

at the Ministry of Tourism, where we visited with the Director General, Ms. Nada Sardouq, a delightful woman who presented each of us with a framed reproduction of a Phoenician-era re-lief of Cadmus - “The First Teacher” - which, 10 years later, still occupies a prominent location on a wall in my home in West Virginia. Ms. Sardouq explained with enthusiasm and pride that after the devastating bombing that had killed Prime Minister Hariri and others less than two years earlier, the Lebanese economy was beginning to show signs of recovery and that tourism was once again on the rise. Then, as if a dark veil had descended and with moistening eyes, she expressed uncertain-ty about the effects the imminent conflict might have on the future of Lebanon, its economy, and the embryonic resurgence of its tourism industry. With one exception, Dave, Marianne, and I would remain en-sconced at our hotel or confined to a roughly four-block radius for the next three days in a part of the city that was rather like a high-rise canyon. While we couldn’t see the effects of the repeated rocket attacks on various parts of the city from our location, the sounds of the blasts were alarmingly audible. Each day, more and more local businesses would shutter their doors and the once-vibrant district became a virtual ghost town.

Nevertheless, on the afternoon of Sunday, July 14, the three of us had the opportunity to experience Lebanese hospitality and generosity one last time. We traveled to Duwair, Abadieh, in the foothills outside Beirut, to the summer home of Fais-

From left to right:David Startzell, David Field, Wissam Bou Daher, Marianne SkeenEl Shouf Cedar Reserve

ecodIt, an environmental and economic-development consulting group with principal offices in the U.S. and Lebanon, conceived of, designed, and implemented the LMT project with funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). While USAID funding for the LMT project ended in

March 2008, ECODIT has continued to support and sponsor the LMT Association. In early 2006, ECODIT engaged the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as one of many cooperating partners to provide advice and technical support toward the project. In July of that year, a three-person delegation from ATC arrived in Beirut for a week-long mission. This is their story.

Horsh Qornayel



The next morning we received word that we might have an opportunity to leave the country, departing from the U.S. embassy compound. We were told to quickly assemble our gear, that we would be limited to one suitcase each, and that we should be ready to depart on short notice. Our initial destination would likely be Cyprus. We quickly walked to the closest travel agency and exchanged our return-flight tickets for one-way tickets from Cyprus to any destination in Europe. No sooner had we returned to the hotel than our ride appeared and quickly shuttled us to the embassy compound, where we remained with 30 other visitors for several hours until a Marine helicopter gunship arrived and we were hustled aboard by its youthful crew. About an hour later, we arrived in Cyprus. Early the next day, I was the first of our small group to secure a flight to London and then on to the U.S. Dave and Marianne would follow later, by way of other airports in Europe.

During the weekend, while we were mostly confined to our hotel, we prepared the preliminary report to ECODIT of the findings and recommendations of the ATC Resource Group based on our initial five days of activities in Lebanon. That had included an information exchange with the LMT team —a bright and energetic group of a dozen or more mostly young individuals, knowledgeable about natural and cultural resource management, cartography, tourism, and other disciplines, as well as a number of field coordinators with first-hand knowledge of the geography and the villages in the four regions along the proposed route of the trail. Later, we participated in a community-engagement workshop in Maasser El Shouf at the Auberge St. Michel and a community validation hike along a six-mile segment of trail near Falougha. We visited the magnificent Al-Shouf Nature Reserve and its ancient stands of cedars and met with an attorney to discuss the potential development of legal instruments to establish a Lebanon Mountain Trail Association. Finally, we reviewed and

commented on a variety of critical success factors developed by the LMT team of ECODIT and its project partners, to gauge the progress of the trail project.

The introductory conclusion of our report is perhaps worth sharing even now. “Despite many challenges, our overarching impression is that the LMT project holds great potential for stimulating tourism and associated economic benefits from both Lebanese and international visitors; for providing high quality outdoor recreation and resource-based learning experiences; for promoting conservation of sensitive natural and cultural resources —many of which possess national and even global significance; and for encouraging inter-governmental cooperation among the principal ministries of the Lebanese national government and local governments and especially among the many districts, municipalities, and villages along the proposed LMT route as well as other communities bordering key access routes to major trailheads or other entry points to the LMT.” That conclusion proved to be more prophetic than we could have imagined.

The war that began during our travels in Lebanon would rage for another three weeks until a U.N.-brokered ceasefire finally silenced the missiles, rockets and cluster bombs. Ultimately, more than 1,000 people died and more than 4,000 people were injured, and, by some estimates, nearly one-fifth of the population of Lebanon was displaced from its homes and villages. The national economy and even the political fabric of the country were altered and yet, in spite of the chaos and devastation of those days, the vision of a Lebanon Mountain Trail somehow endured. Within three years, the trail emerged, as if from the ashes, to become an internationally recognized long-distance trail, a source of national pride, and a tribute to the endurance and indefatigable optimism of a proud and diverse people.

David Startzell

David Startzell worked in senior-management positions for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in the United States for 34 years, including 25 years as its executive director/CEO. Now retired, he currently serves as an officer on the board of directors of the American Friends of the Lebanon Mountain Trail. In his spare time, he enjoys long-distance hiking and, with his wife Judy, a certified yoga instructor and former newspaper and magazine editor, a regular yoga practice.

The LMT’s reputation has been growing all over the world as a noteworthy long distance hiking trail, rich in heritage and culture. Many foreign reporters and magazines have shown interest in the LMT for the opportunity it provides to experience nature and rural tourism.

so far this year, the Lmt has featured in the following magazines from Belgium:

LMT in FoReiGn PReSS

oP weG GR SenTieRS Le SoiR

Il existe au total seize zones naturellesprotégées au Liban. Comme dans leChouf, l’éco-tourisme s’est développéautour d’elles et a attiré les investis-seurs. « La communauté internationalea injecté plus de dix millions de dollars(neuf millions d’euros) dans des initia-tives locales mettant en avant le patri-moine et les traditions libanaises », ex-plique Amine Semaane, expert tou-risme auprès de la société de conseilHodema.

L’une des premières bénéficiaires decette aide a été l’association LebanonMountain Trail (LMT), une structurequi développe des sentiers de randon-née à travers tout le Liban. « Nousavons nettoyé d’anciens chemins qui re-liaient les villages entre eux depuis dessiècles et formé une cinquantaine deguides locaux », explique Nadine We-ber, la présidente de l’association. Au-jourd’hui, le circuit LMT compte 440kilomètres de pistes réparties en 26étapes de 10 à 24 km chacune. A raisond’une étape par jour, il est ainsi possiblede traverser tout le pays en un mois.Tout au long du chemin, le paysage évo-lue sous les yeux des visiteurs : desplaines du Akkar au mont Liban en pas-sant par les falaises de Jezzine ou en-core le lac du Qalamoun dans la Bekaa.Le parcours regorge aussi de sites à visi-ter comme les monastères de la Qadi-cha, les forteresses croisées de Niha etde Beaufort, et quantité de villages tra-ditionnels où il est possible de s’arrêterpour faire des emplettes ou bien dormirchez l’habitant.

Chambres d’hôtesDans les régions côtières, des activités

balnéaires nouvelles se mettent enplace. Dans le village de Batroun, parexemple, à une demi-heure au nord deBeyrouth, l’offre de sports nautiquess’est largement développée ces cinq der-nières années. Alors que les flots bleusde la Méditerranée ne voyaient défilerque quelques jet-skis tapageurs, ceux-cise voient désormais concurrencer parde silencieux paddleboards, planches àvoile et surfeurs.

Qui dit tourisme, dit également be-

duits du terroir. Kamal Mouzawak est lepionnier de ce renouveau. Il organisechaque semaine un marché à Beyrouthoù des producteurs de toutes les régionsdu pays sont présents pour vendrefruits, légumes, produits laitiers et platspréparés. « Le tourisme rural est impor-tant pour mettre en avant les richessesdu Liban », dit-il.

Biomass est une ferme située sur leshauteurs de la ville côtière de Batroun.La famille Massoud y développe depuis2007 une gamme de produits issus del’agriculture biologique. Le restaurantest niché au cœur du domaine. On y sertune cuisine locale sous forme de buffet.Les clients sont invités à s’asseoir sousles chênes et à se promener dans les jar-dins où poussent le thym, les oliviers, lalavande et les grands mûriers qui firentun temps la richesse du Liban en nour-rissant les vers à soie de leurs feuillesabondantes.

A quelques minutes de voiture de là,une autre escapade savoureuse attendles touristes. Les hauteurs de Batrounproposent une route des vins : c’est icique sont produites les meilleures bou-teilles… Il s’agit de petits domaines oùles propriétaires se font un plaisir defaire visiter les vignes et goûter leurscrus chargés de soleil.

A quatre heures de vol de Bruxelles, leLiban est une destination surprenante.Loin des tristes événements qui ont faitsa réputation, les visiteurs curieux y dé-couvriront un pays méditerranéen riched’histoire, de patrimoine et de tradi-tions. ■

CHLOÉ DOMAT

soin d’hébergement. Avec l’essor deszones protégées et l’engouement pourdes formes alternatives de tourisme, lelogement chez l’habitant s’est dévelop-pé. Il en existe pour tous les goûts ettoutes les bourses, de la chambre àquelques euros la nuit, aux manoirs ot-tomans retapés, en passant par des dor-toirs dans des couvents ou encore descabanes dans les arbres.

Rien ne prédestinait Roula et RawaneBazerji à ce genre d’affaires. Lui estdans le commerce de luxe, elle est créa-trice d’objets d’art. Ils auraient pu ou-vrir un hôtel cinq étoiles ou se contenterd’une immense maison de vacances,mais non : « Quand nous recevons centcoups de fil par jour pour louer noschambres, nous sommes tentés d’agran-dir, mais cela casserait le charme », ditRoula Bazerji. Sur un ancien terrainagricole à deux pas du palais ottomande Beiteddine – toujours dans la régiondu Chouf –, ils ont construit dix bunga-lows en pierres traditionnelles où ilspeuvent accueillir jusqu’à 24 personnesmoyennant 180 à 300 euros la nuit.« L’idée est de se détendre, d’apprécier lanature, la vue et le silence », explique lamaîtresse de maison.

Le goût du terroirDénicher des endroits d’exception

comme celui-ci, voici le travail d’OrphéeHaddad. Sur sa moto, il sillonne le Li-ban depuis dix ans à la recherche desplus belles chambres d’hôtes pour lesajouter à son réseau, l’Hôte libanais.« Au début, ce n’était pas facile car lerapport à l’intimité est particulier danscette région du monde. Vous serez tou-jours invité à boire le café chez les gens,mais dormir chez eux, c’est tout à faitautre chose », dit-il. Mais, graduelle-ment, l’idée a fait son chemin et, à forcede persuasion, Orphée arrive souvent àses fins. L’Hôte libanais compted’ailleurs aujourd’hui une quinzained’établissements triés sur le volet : ar-chitecture remarquable, accueil irré-prochable, nourriture régionale – etmaximum dix chambres.

Mettre en avant le patrimoine liba-nais passe aussi par un retour aux pro-

38

Le Soir Samedi 18 et dimanche 19 juin 2016

38 WEEK-end

Des vols directsà partir de BruxellesLa compagnie aérienne libanaiseMEA opère cinq vols par semaineen été entre Bruxelles et Beyrouth.Et de nombreuses compagniesproposent des vols avec correspon-dance. En haute saison, les prixdébutent autour de 400 euros A/R.Les ressortissants belges peuventobtenir gratuitement un visa detouriste d’un mois à leur arrivée àl’aéroport de Beyrouth.

PRATIQUE

SYRIE

50 km

Tripoli

Haïfa

Tel-Aviv

DAMAS

Homs

BEYROUTH

Méditerranée

LIBAN

ISRAËL

50 km

a

v

DAMAS

ISRAËL

Régiondu Chouf

Le tourisme vert, c’est aussi le retouraux produits alimentaires locaux,« bio ». © D.R.

Des sentiers de randonnée dans despaysages parfois spectaculaires. © D.R.

LREPORTAGEBEYROUTHCORRESPONDANCE

Le Liban évoque deux clichés : laguerre et la fête. Dans l’imaginaire col-lectif occidental, ce pays trois fois pluspetit que la Belgique, niché entre la Mé-diterranée, la Syrie et Israël, serait unezone tampon, le défouloir de toutes lespassions. On imagine alternativementdes impacts de kalachnikovs sur lesmurs et des reines de beauté en silicone.C’est un peu vrai, mais il existe un autreLiban et, paradoxalement, c’est leconflit en Syrie qui le révèle.

Depuis 2011, l’aggravation des ten-sions sécuritaires et politiques a entraî-né une chute continue du nombre detouristes au Liban. En 2015, la situationa atteint son paroxysme quand les Etatsdu Golfe ont invité leurs citoyens à neplus se rendre au Liban. Le pays a alorsperdu ses plus fidèles et plus riches visi-teurs. Pour parer à cette situation, le Li-ban a tenté de se positionner dans unsecteur encore méconnu de la région : letourisme rural. C’en est donc terminédes grands hôtels du front de mer et descentres commerciaux luxueux à la Du-baï, le pays du Cèdre joue désormais lacarte des traditions, des paysages natu-rels et des hébergements « écolos ».Tour d’horizon d’un Liban revisité.

Réserves naturellesA une cinquantaine de kilomètres de

la capitale, Johanna est assise au milieude la forêt des cèdres du Chouf. Elle serepose après plusieurs heures de ran-donnée. En ce début d’été, l’air desmontagnes est encore frais. Cette jeuneFrançaise est venue passer une semaineau Liban. « On m’avait parlé d’un paysravagé par la guerre, mais regardez cepaysage, c’est magnifique », dit-elle.Devant elle, arbres centenaires et mon-tagnes s’étendent à perte de vue.

La région du Chouf, au centre du Li-ban, héberge la plus grande réserve na-turelle du pays. Elle couvre plus de 5 %du territoire. On y trouve des forêts dechênes, la rivière du Barouk, des ver-gers, des oliviers plantés en terrasse etune vingtaine de villages traditionnels.

Classée « biosphère » par l’Unesco en2005, la zone a d’abord bénéficié de laprotection des leaders locaux, lesmembres de la famille Joumblatt. Dansles années 1960, Kamal Joumblatt, lechef incontesté de la communautédruze, a commencé à y planter des mil-liers de cèdres. Après son assassinat en1977, son fils, Walid, a poursuivi ce tra-vail. Alors que la guerre civile éventraitdes villages entiers, il a fait poster desgardes autour des arbres pour que lescombats ne les touchent pas. Une pro-tection primordiale puisqu’au lende-main des accords de paix, l’Etat libanaisa déclaré la zone « réserve naturelle ».

Aujourd’hui, une association gère cetespace protégé depuis le village de Maa-ser el Chouf, à 1.200 mètres d’altitude.Kamal Abou Assi est né dans ce villagede 3.000 âmes. Ancien guide local, il di-rige désormais les activités d’éco-tou-risme de la réserve. « Honnêtement, audébut j’ai pensé que cette réserve allaitnous voler notre terre. Je ne voulais pasqu’on nous interdise de chasser des ani-maux ou de cueillir les plantes que nousutilisons pour cuisiner », raconte-ilavant d’ajouter : « J’ai changé d’avis envoyant le potentiel touristique. Le Li-ban est un pays magnifique et quandnous avons de la stabilité, les visiteurs

libanais et occidentaux affluent, c’estune source de revenus pour la popula-tion locale. » Parmi les activités qu’ilmet en avant : randonnées à pied où àvélo, découverte de la faune et de laflore, ou encore cours de cuisine.

Un mois de randonnéeConstatant l’intérêt grandissant des

Occidentaux pour ce type de séjours, lesautorités libanaises sentent une oppor-tunité de compenser le départ des tou-ristes du Golfe. « Le tourisme rural per-met de décentraliser la carte du tou-risme à un moment où Beyrouth n’attireplus sa clientèle habituelle », explique leministre du Tourisme, Michel Pharaon.Le ministère met en avant le patrimoinerégional et incite les Libanais commeles étrangers à sortir des sentiers battus.Cette stratégie semble fonctionner puis-qu’en 2015, les touristes européensétaient pour la première fois plus nom-breux que les visiteurs arabes.

Le Liban, de la guerreau tourisme vertL’ancienne Suisse du Moyen-Orient a été longtemps un champ de bataille. Aujourd’hui,les Libanais mettent en valeur la beauté de leur pays et la richesse de son patrimoine.

Non loin du palais ottoman de Beiteddine, dans le Chouf, la piscine des dix bungalows en pierres traditionnelles de Roula et Rawane Bazerji : « L’idée est de se détendre, d’apprécier la nature, la vue et le silence. » © D.R.

LMTA oveRSeAS

al Abu-Izzeddin, our gracious host in Lebanon and ECODIT’s Chief of Party for the LMT Project. I would later describe that little piece of Eden as “a beautiful home fashioned from cut stone, with fruit, vegetable, and flower gardens all around and wonderful views of the mountains, deep river valleys and the shimmering Mediterranean in the distance.” We enjoyed an extended meal with Faisal and his parents. While we had hoped to be joined by members of the LMT team, only a few were able to make it; the others were trapped in Beirut or in their home villages as repeated missile attacks wreaked havoc on the country’s transportation (and other) infrastructure. Even from our temporary foothill oasis, we were acutely aware of the devastation, as we watched black smoke rising from the still-smoldering fuel depots at the airport and heard the hum of Israeli surveillance drones and fighter jets overhead.




David MacLellan - Ouadi Jhannam, Danniye


The LMT is a source of inspiration and a symbol of Lebanon. A few months from now, students all over the world will be able to study it, brainstorm and come up with relevant strategic ideas and solutions for underlying issues. They will be evaluated by their tutors but more importantly, they will become acquainted with the treasure chest that is Lebanon’s heritage, its landscape, people, culture and traditions.

The next academic semester is when it all starts. Students at Notre Dame University (NDU) will take part in a pilot course as Omar Sakr and Mira Thoumy, two academics working in Zouk Mosbeh, will begin teaching their case study of the LMT to around 120 students. It’s also their way to serve a cause, raising awareness of the trail, as proud ambassadors.

We sat down with them to find out more.

The LMTGone AcAdeMic“this Fall, with 4 courses

and 30 students per course on average, 120

students in total will have heard about the Lebanon

mountain trail and the Lmt association and not

just superficially, but in depth.”

can you both please introduce yourselves?

I’m Mira Thoumy. I spent 11 years in Canada and I’m currently an Assistant Professor at NDU. I’ve been here since 2013. I teach Strategic and Operations Management. I have a huge interest in the environment. While looking for a common research project with Omar, we landed on the LMT. We work on Strategy, Ethics and Domestic Tourism. We want to show the business side and the NGO side of the LMTA.

I’m Omar Sakr. I hold an MSC in responsible Tourism Management from Leeds University. I’ve been at NDU since 2005. I teach Domestic Travel and Tourism and the LMT is a major part in it, we use it to discover Lebanon with the students of hospitality management and business ethics. I’ve been with the LMTA since the inception of the trail in 2007 and I’m an LMT hiker.

What practical involvement do you have with the Lmt?Omar: I’m an LMTA member and with the case study, an LMTA promoter. I’m also an LMTA consultant and trainer for guesthouses on the trail. In class, we take students on field trips to clear the trail, which is somehow a volunteer activity.

What about volunteering? do students like it?Omar: There’s a kind of feeling of duty at first, since they are being graded. But once they do it, they enjoy it and feel like doing more.

Mira:There’s a general feeling that the current generation is in a bubble where individuals are taking care of

their own interests, the Me Bubble. With the volunteer work, they leave their bubble.

What does the Lebanon mountain trail mean to you on a personal level?Mira:Rachaiya is where my mother comes from. It’s important for me to walk the countryside there, especially with my children. I want them to discover their grandparents’ heritage and the LMT is a way to revisit Lebanese heritage.

Back in Canada, if I wanted to connect with nature, I could do it in 5 minutes, there’s a park every 5 blocks. This connection with nature is not very present here. The LMT gives people the opportunity to experience the green Lebanon that we hear of, you see things from another perspective, you see how amazing Lebanon is, and how little people are aware of it. And I’m determined to get the message out.

Case studies are what I do. I want to use this to help raise awareness about the LMT. Lebanon has more than ski resorts, beaches and nightlife. Lebanon has beautiful nature. Few of the students in Omar’s classes or who go on activities with the LMTA are aware of this wealth. I feel like making every business student in Lebanon at every university get to know the LMT through this case study. Maybe they’ll become curious to see what the LMT is really about in the field.

Omar: The LMT is a unique national project that every Lebanese can identify with, at least geographically, since it runs from north to south. On the LMT, you get a full range of experiences, hiking, discovering fauna and flora, learning about cultural heritage and


omar, how would you describe yourself?Omar: I am an activist, an environmental activist. I still am an active Boy Scout and I’m member of an NGO related to scouting, the Groupement Social Scout, which manages a youth hostel out in the middle of nature. We host camps, environmental activities, promote nature-based activities and responsible tourism practices.My educational background is in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the environment is one pillar of CSR. The case study that we’re doing is part of our active commitment to preserve and conserve, promoting and raising awareness about the LMT. We could not have chosen another cause.



the case study is pretty comprehensive, don’t you think?Mira:It is true that the LMTA is an NGO but this NGO has so many dimensions. Though it’s still young, it has engaged in the kind of strategic thinking that most companies don’t engage in before their 3 or 5 year milestone. A huge amount of knowledge has been accumulated in a very short time and this in itself is very interesting to students. Not only do they get to know about the LMT but they get to learn from the LMTA experience.

How did you write it?Mira:We had an interview with the current president, Ms. Nadine Weber, and we did research.

How do you present it to students?Mira:It’s actually a story that we tell. Then we engage in the identification of the main issues, through a PESTEL (Political, Economic, Social, Legal, Technological and Environmental) analysis, which deals with external factors, a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and a strategic formulation, which looks at what we can propose, what alternatives exist. Then we make recommendations based on this.

One of the weaknesses of the SWOT analysis is that an opportunity can be perceived as a threat, depending on the point of view. So we emphasize to students that each weakness and threat is an opportunity to create strength. To see everything as an opportunity is an important milestone for an NGO.

Omar:I work on a stakeholders analysis. This is a scientific method used for

development projects that covers socio-cultural, environmental and economic aspects. It’s based on a grading system applied to stakeholders and deals with them according to prioritization. First, you identify stakeholders with the highest impact on the project, then those affected by the project and you grade them on a scale of 1 to 4. For the first period of the project, the focus is on the stakeholders with the highest grade. The exercise is repeated periodically, as the project evolves. To make your project sustainable, you have to take care of your stakeholders.

Mira:When we send the case to IB to publish it, we supply teaching notes and learning outcomes. Teachers can use the case as they wish but we do have key learning outcomes that we expect from the case study, so there are things related to stakeholder analysis and things related to strategy.

What is it that you seek to pass on to the students?Mira:Every new generation has a different way of reasoning than the previous. But our vocation is teaching and what gets us up in the morning is that we have an impact on this generation and their lives. I have already told some students that I’m writing a case study and that we’ll be using it soon and they want to know more. I feel like we’ll have an impact, when they read it. They don’t have to walk the trail to be able to contribute ideas that might be useful.

How could that change things?Mira:Students learn that when they graduate, they don’t necessarily have to go into the corporate world.This case study could be a trigger event in their lives, a discovery that they can do more than make money and be driven by salaries, but rather how they can make a difference to their society. We want to use the impact for a positive change.

Omar:If a teacher is not aware that they’re first and foremost educators, their job becomes technical. Other than the knowledge to be transferred, there are values to be transferred. These values make the difference between the e-learners with an Internet connection and the class learners, who get to live an experience with an educator who creates an interactive learning experience.

These values that we share contribute towards helping make students more responsible citizens in their communities and their homes. This is why we tackle different aspects

sharing the lives of other Lebanese. It works all 5 senses.

probably more than five.Yes. Being on the trail is an emotional experience, a very strong one.

What about the obstacles that face the Lmt, do they frustrate you?Mira:Weaknesses affect every association, and we can control them. But the threats are an outside factor and we want students to be aware of what the LMTA can do in order to protect itself, this is the core of the case study.I don’t want the students who are reading your article to get the answers but globally, the LMT faces threats to sustainability in the long run and these include the sustainability of the trail, the commitment of the board members and finances. This is a huge challenge. You need sponsors and they all want to invest in specific projects with tangible results. But what about operating expenses that are not beingcovered?

so this case study of the Lmt will go beyond ndu?Mira:Definitely. We want to get it into one of the largest international databases for case studies, IB Cases. Once that happens, any teacher anywhere can use it. IB covers topics like strategy, business and tourism and these are going to be our selling points in promoting the case study to universities in Lebanon and internationally. We’d like the study to be included in our capstone courses. Most of our business students at NDU take courses like Strategic Management and Business Ethics and most of our hospitality students take the core course of Domestic Travel and Tourism. So all of these students will be hearing about and studying the LMT.

of their life via the information and experiences we share with them. During the Domestic Travel and Tourism course, when I’ve explained what responsible tourism practices are and we go on outings, we live what we’ve learned. For example, during a zero waste outing, we don’t want to generate waste and what we do generate should be recycled. So we avoid plastic bottles, we recycle paper. Afterwards, these values are stuck in their heads in a positive way.

do you have any final words?Mira:Good luck LMTA, you’re doing an amazing job!I love working at NDU, it’s a university with a mission, and that is currently related to corporate responsibility and related subjects. It’s nice to connect to the environment that you’re working in, it’s nice to work in a place where you make money and a contribution at the same time.

Omar:The mission of the faculty and the university is in tune with what we do and the LMT is one of our

responsibilities. Personally, I want to promote it in any way I can. For example, we held a CSR HR event at NDU where the LMT was showcased among other businesses. Practically no attendee knew about the LMT, and now they all do.

Mira:Awareness about the LMT is a problem but at the same time it’s an opportunity. The case study will definitely help in giving more exposure.

The LMT PARTneRS hAve newSVolume No.5 / OCT 2016


They’re one of those clients you work with happily and with enthusiasm because you know in the back of your mind that you’re helping your country become a better place.

When we began work on refreshing the LMTA logo, we really wanted to keep the spirit of the previous logo and the bond between people and nature that it expressed.

An evolution, rather than a radical change, the newly revamped LMT logo is inspired by the spirit of endless discovery that nature and hiking provide. We focused on bringing the Lebanon Mountain Trail’s essence and values to the fore through simple lines and shapes that reflect the greatness of the outdoors.

A new Look

PAnTS AnD SHOrTS: The decision whether to wear HIKING PANTS OR SHORTS is up to you, so let’s look at the pros and cons of both. Shorts give you freedom and are also cooler than pants, so if you’re going on a low-altitude summer hike, you’ll most likely be fine.

Pants, which should be made of durable, quick-drying fabrics like spandex or nylon, should be worn if you expect any drop in temperature or heavy vegetation along the trail. Pants keep your legs protected from hazards like poison ivy and other allergenic plants and keep you warmer as you gain elevation.

bOOTS AnD SOCkSThere are as many different kinds of HIKING BOOTS as there are trails out there, but whatever you choose, you’ll need to make sure your footwear is durable, comfortable and appropriate for the conditions. If the trail is excessively wet or muddy, consider boots with Gore-Tex or another waterproof material to keep your feet drier. Of course, when it comes to footwear, fit is everything. The wrong boots could leave your feet aching and give you serious blisters. The best socks, like other garments, are made of wool or synthetic materials that dry fast and let your feet and toes breathe.

TechnicAL hikinG cLoTheS

some of the most important hints and tips about technical clothes

to help you have a better time hiking

rAIn GEArEven if there’s no rain forecast, don’t leave home without a good RAIN JACKET. Weather conditions can change quickly, so it’s best to come prepared with a waterproof, breathable rain jacket inside your hiking backpack. These jackets use advanced materials to let sweat and body moisture out, without letting rain or other moisture in.

HATSA hat is a great way to keep the sun off your face and protect your head. Some of the best hiking hats are full-brimmed, water-repellent garments that are extremely breathable and can keep your head warm and the rain out of your face in the event of a storm.

LAyErInGBefore you go hiking, always assume that the temperature could drop significantly, especially if you’re going up in elevation. One of the best ways to stay protected from any changes is to use a three-layer system of clothing. As your base, wear a lightweight, moisture-wicking garment. If it gets chilly, pull a light- or medium-weight fleece out of your HIKING BACKPACK, and then, use an outer shell to keep out wind or rain. Enjoy your time in the outdoors Make sure to factor in the conditions ahead and then plan your attire and gear accordingly.

Enjoy your time in the outdoors, make sure to factor in the conditions ahead and then plan your attire and gear accordingly.

collaborating with the Lebanon mountain trail

association is one of the most

enjoyable things we do here at Fp7/BeY. What

they are doing is an inspiration to our team and

working on their projects makes a big

change from our daily routine.

The new design is composed of a logotype (the name of the LMT) and a graphic emblem, which is formed of two elements; Mount Sannine’s majestic outline and the silhouette of a lone tree, as tenacious and eternal as rural life.

We created harmony between the two elements through minimalist line art with no fixed boundaries that expresses the lightness and freedom one experiences on the trail. We retained the purple murex color from the previous logo as a tribute to our country’s historic and cultural heritage.

Finally, being in a conference room with the LMT team is always a positive experience. Learning from them, sharing their vision and witnessing their on-ground work gives us hope that we have somewhere to go when we’re out of the office.

FP7 Team

The LMT PARTneRS hAve newSVolume No.5 / OCT 2016



This monthly ritual is held at Galerie + Ou -10, where the discussion is accompanied with a nice dinner concocted by Fadi Yeni Turk. As its name suggests, the venue can only accommodate around 12 people, so it’s first come, first served. Here’s what Fadi and his friend Maya have to say about these evenings.

Here we hold our monthly ritual.A meeting place, a simple setting, an animator, plus or minus 10 participants, a topic to discuss and a homemade bite. The constituents of our ceremony are more or less familiar but the organic way its elements interact makes all the difference.

we’Re diScUSSinG The LMT oveR dinneR ToniGhT

oUR new PARTneR

the Lmta organizes a thematic night each

month, bringing members, friends

and people interested in the Lmt together to

discuss subjects of importance to us,

our mountains and the sector in which we work.

Our thematic nights always start with the sound of an old bell. But this is only the beginning of a ceremony that manifests itself in many creative ways. What we carry in our hearts each time we leave is always different, a reflection of the diversity of our backgrounds. Here, our words are messages to save our cultural heritage, to empower our communities and protect our environment. Here, we eat from the same plate, while asking ourselves if we are we on the same page. Each time we experience a different taste of the LMT adventure, while talking about our edible identities. Together, we walk the same Trail. Join our Walk. Maya Hamdan and Fadi yeni Turk


The LMT Association wishes to extend gratitude to the management of the Hippodrome du Parc for hosting the annual LMTA fundraising dinner and

contributing in making it a most remarkable experience.

Carlos Bou Nafeh - Galerie + ou - 10 - Gemmayze



FinAnciALS

Nadine Weber - El Qemmamine



CASH DOnATIOnS

$20,000 - $49,999Embassy of Switzerland

$10,000 - $19,999Karim Fakhry

$5,000 - $9,999Abou Adal GroupCredit BankKhalil Fattal et FilsTBWA - RAAD

$1,000 - $4,999Abdul Fakhry Alfred FarwajiAli & Joumana HoballahEcoConsultingHaysam El JammalNidal & Nazha KhouryPatrick Abi NaderRamzi OmaisSalam KhalifehSouad KhalilZannouba Omais

$500 - $999Claudine Abdul MassihImad FakhrySaad Khalifeh

FinAnciALSThAnk YoU To ALL oUR donoRS And PARTneRS who contributed to the LMTA between october 2015 and october 2016!

$100 - $499Carla TadrossCarole MansoorChristian AkhrassEdward FayyadElias SejaanEtianne DebbanehFadi Yarak Fuad RamadanHilda OmaisDr. Hilda SarkisLebanese AdventureLena BonjaLina Abu SalmanMajdi AttiehMarwan KaiNadine ShehadeOmar SakrRania ZaatriRindala TalebRola DarwicheSami BaydounSiham Antoun ShoufaniSleiman MenassaZeinab Khalifeh

In addition to generous anonymous and many contributors of less than 100$

In-kInD DOnATIOnSIndividulas, Corporate & Freelancers

33 NorthABCAbir ItaniAlice EddeAmale Weber Amani MatarAntoine Atallah, architect Al-Arz Printing AshekmanAssociation BeityAtayeb Kfardebiane Association Atelier AssafL’Atelier du Miel Auberge de la MerL’Avenue du ParcBaffa HouseBasatin BaanoubBijouterie Saliba Dr Bouchra DoueihyBread Basket SquareBokjaCarla Karam Cabinet HittiCapital Insurance Cedar EnvironmentalChadi GhajarChristiane GehaClaudine Abdel MassihColonel BreweryDiffaDive the Med Club

ThRU wALk FUndRAiSinG FoR enviRonMenTAL edUcATion wiTh The LMTA in LeBAnon

Douma ClubDomtexLa Durée Ecole des Arts Ghassan YammineEdde SandsDr Fadi el ChaerFadia Mansour FP 7 Feluka Restaurant George Abi RachedGeorge HaddadGeorge KmeidGeorges el BashaGustave Innovation SucreHaddad CutleryHadi MaktabiHaifa HallakHala MoughabghabHallak OpticiansHanna El MaaloufHariri University Hayat El Hajj ChalhoubHilda El KhouryImane KhalifeIssam Khairallah Jack HannaDr Jean StephanDr Jihad AttiehJocelyne GerardJohnny FarahJulie KhalilKarim ChayaKarma ArmaniKarnavalKaysasKeepitSimple

Khairallah KhairallahDr Khaled SleemKhalil Khoury JewelryPresident Khalil HarfoucheLa Maison du SkiLamya KarkourLara SamahaLatif SamiaLebanese Army Lebanese Red Cross Leon SemerjianLina’s RestaurantLiza’sLOYACLuxe RestaurantMade for Brands studioMandaloun Café Maple & AshMarc DibehMarielle Fares Al MarjeMaroun Abi Nakhle Maroun Constantine JewelryMay KarkourDr Maya NehmeMelkart School Michel MoufarrejMicrosoft La Mie DoréeMinistry of Tourism Mirella Atallah President Mohamad SaadiehMohamed MortadaDr Mohammad El ZeinMunicipality of Andqet Municipality of Baskinta

Municipality of Chatine Municipality of Douma Municipality of Jezzine Muncipality of KfardebianeMunicipality of MarjaayounMunicipality of El MtainMunicipality of El QoubaiyatMunicipality of SyrNadim AsfarNada DebsNada ZeiniNady Sokhn Naiman Naim Mehanna Najwa CortasNassib AkikiNeda Ilya StevensonNisrine El Maalouf Norbert SchillerOrient 499Pascal Abdallah La PatriziaQozhaya BteichRabih KairouzRaeda BarbirRami HananiaRana AbdallahRanda Ali AhmadRanda TabbahRita Stephan Roger Obeid Roy MehannaSalam Khalife Sami MitriDr Sandra Whitehead Sarah’s Bags

FinAnciALS

The LMTA received $4,015 in donation during the 2016 Thru Walk. These donations, collected using the Generosity online crowd-funding platform, will fund the environmental Championship Program on the LMT. We thank all those behind these “digits” for their generous support to make this project happen. Sorry we are not able to retrieve your full names to thank you personally. We are very grateful!

Sawsan HaddadSayed Morkos Science and InkSerena AsmarSerge SoueidShouf Cedar ReserveSocrate Souad SbaitiSouk el TayebSrategyand Stephanie NakhelDr Tamar HadechianTarek HalabiTrampoline CreationTurning Point Union of Municipalities of DanniyeUnion of Municipalities of Jezzine Université Saint JosephUniversity of Balamand, GIS CenterVanessa AsmarVeawearVisique OptimetristsVPS Valet ParkingWadih TadrosWalid KhouryWarren Singh-BartlettWASTE-LBWaw DesignsWissam Hanna Yasser Younes JewelryYouth Dialogue Association in Dannieh YDAZeidan CreationsZeina Salamoun Maalouf


Volume No.5 / OCT 2016 FinAnciALS

GrAnTS

Together with Italy’s Cooperazione per lo Sviluppo dei Paesi Emergenti (COSPE), the LMTA launched the Conservation and Development of Economic Opportunities on the Lebanon Mountain Trail project. The two-year pilot project is funded by the European Union through the Office of the Minister of State for Administrative Reform (OMSAR), Afkar III program. The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Italian Association for Responsible Tourism (AITR) and local communities on four sections of the LMT in North Lebanon. It includes maintenance and development of the trail on the four sections, small community-based projects to promote destinations and conserve the LMT on these sections and education programs at six local public schools. Total Grant: €500,000

With funds from the Swiss Embassy in Lebanon, the LMTA began a project with the Fondation pour le Développement Durable des Régions de Montagne (FDDM) entitled La Montagne Libanaise et ses enjeux : Malette Pédagogique et Ludique Pour les Enfants de 8 à 12 ans et leurs Encadrants. The one-year project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and public schools. It includes the development of interactive educational tools and activities about conservation of resources in the Lebanese mountains. .Total Grant: CHF 150,000

The LMTA received funds from USAID under the Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development Project (LIVCD) to implement a one-year project entitled Improving the Lebanon Mountain Trail as a Rural Tourism Destination. The project includes capacity building for local guides, the development of 3-side trails and the improvement of the LMTA website.Total Grant: uS$130,271

THE LMTA WISHES TO THAnk Our SPOnSOrS AT THE AnnuAL FunDrAISInG DInnEr OCTObEr 14, 2016



FinAnciAL STATeMenT

rEvEnuES(in Lebanese Pounds LL)

ايرادات(ليرة لبنانية(

Sales 10,902,689 ايرادات البيع

Membership 6,382,950 اشتراكات المنتسبين

Donations and grants 93,218,923 الهبات والتبرعات

Funded projects 131,534,120 نشاطات ممّولة

Events 258,950,662 ايرادات نشاطات

Other revenues 2,686,652 ايرادات أخرى

Total revenues 503,675,996 مجموع االيرادات

ExPEnSES (in Lebanese Pounds LL)

مصاريف(ليرة لبنانية(

Transportation 12,052,416 تنقالت

مصاريف مكتب

Communication 4,209,216 اتصاالت

Maintenance and repairs 7,270,175 صيانة

Rent and building expenses 10,636,920 ايجارات

OFFICE ExPEnSES Electricity Expenses 2,767,075 كهرباء

Cleaning Expenses 1,350,000 مصاريف النظافة

Printing 2,984,850 طباعة

Stationary 15,276,214 قرطاسية ومطبوعات

Other Expenses 2,113,515 مصاريف اخرى

Salaries 59,121,996 رواتبأجور

Social Insurance (NSSF) 6,888,368 الضمان االجتماعي

Consultancy (proj-ect-based) 36,270,076 خبراء ومستشارون

نشاطات ممّولةActivities 179,272,489 اشغال النشاطات الممّولة

Financial Expenses 3,749,822 المصاريف الماليةمصاريف أخرى

Taxes 103,496 ضرائب ورسوم

Total Expenses 344,066,628 اجمالي المصاريف

Cash and cash equivalent on 01.01.2015 147,159,197 رصيد في الصندوق 01.01.2015

Cash and cash equivalent on 31.12.2015 306,768,565 رصيد في الصندوق 31.12.2015

PAyrOLL

PrOjECTS

OTHErExPEnSES

The LMTA has an “Accounting & Procurement” reference manual which was developed in 2013. The LMTA is using the Visual Dolphin accounting software. Our accounts follow the cash-basis of accounting in accordance with International Reporting Standards, and are audited by BERCER. The LMTA combined schedule of revenues and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015:

The complete financial statements, including all related notes, may be consulted in our office.

end To endLiST

Adam, barbara

Akhrass, Christian 7th time

bartlett, Warren Singh

bass, Darnell 2nd time

batah, robin

Cressot, jean Pierre

kalpaklian, Avedis 1st time (Running)

khalife, Salam 2nd time

Lteif, joseph 7th time

Lubitz, Patrizia

MacLellan, David james

Mitri, Sami 3rd time

Mizhir, Sarah

Congratulations to our members and friends for completing their End2End of the LMT in 2016.

UnTiL ocToBeR2016

Beatrice Le Bon Chami - Marjaayoun

Courtesy of Teddy HabchyZeina Boustani - Andqet

end To end LiST

[email protected] | lebanontrail.org

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in 2016, you're hiking for food heritage

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