VOICES THE MAGAZINE OF THE LEBANON MOUNTAIN free distribution free OF TRAIL ASSOCIATION THE LMT Nº.9 / DECEMBER 2020

BECOME A TRAIL KEEPER 1 KM FOR $1K THE BEIRUT RELIEF LA SUISSE ET LE LMT, INITIATIVE PARTENAIRES EN RANDONNÉE درب الجبل اللبناني الضنية ّ THE LMT: A VEHICLE FOR مشروع السياحة ّالبيئية RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

THE DANNIEH CASH FOR WORK PROJECT

SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETYlebanontrail.org1 PRESIDENT'S كلمة THE LEBANON الرئيسة MESSAGE MOUNTAIN TRAIL A year to remember... communities along the trail as well as This year has been, without doubt, vulnerable people and traumatized one of the most challenging ever that kids in the capital. Lebanon has gone through. Last but not least, with a dash of creativity Unpredictable, difficult, and at times just we have turned our Fall Trek into a Virtual sad, these last months have certainly Hike, which 63 hikers and 153 supporters had an effect on the LMTA team and from around the world have participated in, members as well as communities along allowing them to discover or re-discover the the LMT. Between raging wildfires, civic LMT with enthusiasm and passion! unrest, protests, roadblocks, Covid-19 lockdowns, economic stagnation & Your continuous support is needed now financial collapse, our team has had more than ever. It is thanks to you, our to navigate its way through countless cherished members and supporters, that challenges! On top of that, there was our association continues to flourish and the tragic and shocking Beirut blast in to have a positive impact on our beloved August… Lebanon. On behalf of the whole LMTA team, I thank Despite these overwhelming events, you for the trust you have placed in us. Maya Karkour we have stayed strong. We have kept up our morale and become more united in Maya Karkour our work. Offering solidarity and support President of the LMTA عام لن ُينسى ... whenever we can, we have continued كان هذا العام، بال شك، أحد األعوام االكثر ًتحديا our work on the ground all along the #HikeItProtectIt التي ّمر بها لبنان. ّإن هذه السنة غير ُمتوقّ عة، trail. Trail maintenance, environmental صعبة ًوأحيانا حزينة. أما األشهر األخيرة، فقد كان advocacy, and community building have التنمية األلمانية GIZ في الضنية، بتوظيف remained at the heart of our mission, 40 لها بالتأكيد تأثير على فريق وأعضاء جمعية درب ًشخصا بشكل مؤقت ساعدونا بدورهم في إجراء as well as the development of concrete الجبل اللبناني، والمجتمعات على طول الدرب تحسينات كبيرة على طول الدرب في هذه action plans with some municipalities in ًأيضا. بين حرائق الغابات المستعرة، االضطرابات المنطقة، ّمما جعل الدرب أسهل وأكثر متعة. .order to preserve the trail itself المدنية، االحتجاجات، حواجز الطرق، اإلغالق ّ أطلقنا ًأيضا مبادرة بيروت لإلغاثة "من الدرب الى بسبب كوفيد - ،١٩ الركود االقتصادي، واالنهيار Upholding our call for responsible مدينة" ّكرد على االنفجار الكارثي، وبالتالي دعم المالي، ّإضطر فريقنا على ّشق طريقه من خالل tourism, we have collaborated with كل من المجتمعات الفقيرة على طول الدرب، USEIL, the first Union of Sustainable ّتحديات ال حصر لها! عالوة على ذلك، حصل األشخاص ُالمستضعفين، واألطفال المصدومين .and Ecotourism Institutions in Lebanon انفجار بيروت المأساوي والصادم في آب ... ًّنفسيا في العاصمة. In parallel, we have developed على الرغم من هذه األحداث الساحقة ، بقينا ًأخيرا وليس ًآخرا، ّحولنا رحلة "المشي الخريفية" guidelines for “Hiking Safely” in these أقوياء. حافظنا على معنوياتنا وأصبحنا أكثر بالقليل من اإلبداع إلى رحلة افتراضية شارك فيها coronavirus times and conducted a ًاتحادا في عملنا. واصلنا عملنا على األرض على variety of online training sessions for ٦٣ ّمتنزهة ّومتنزه و ١٥٠ مؤيدي من جميع أنحاء طول الدرب عبر تقديم التضامن والدعم كلما .local guides العالم، ّمما سمح لهم باكتشاف أو إعادة استطعنا. تبقى الصيانة، المناصرة بيئية، وبناء اكتشاف درب الجبل اللبناني بحماس وشغف! المجتمع في صميم مهمتنا باإلضافة إلى ,Our main funded project in Dannieh دعمك المستمر مطلوب اآلن أكثر من أي وقت supported namely by GIZ the German تطوير خطط عمل ملموسة مع بعض البلديات مضى. بفضلكم، أعضائنا األعزاء وداعمينا، تستمر development agency, has allowed us to من أجل الحفاظ على الدرب. ًدعما لدعوتنا جمعيتنا في االزدهار ّوستؤثر ًّإيجابيا على لبنان temporarily employ 42 vulnerable people للسياحة المسؤولة، عقدنا تعاونه مع USEIL ، الحبيب. who have, in turn, helped us make وهو أول اتحاد لمؤسسات السياحة البيئية بالنيابة عن فريق جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني، significant enhancements along the trail المستدامة في لبنان. بااالضافة الى ذلك ، قمنا in this region making it easier to follow أشكركم ًجميعا على ثقتكم بنا . بتطوير إرشادات حول "المشي بأمان" خالل فترة .and more fun to walk

وباء كورونا هذه، وأجرينا عدة دورات تدريبية We have also launched the Beirut Relief مايا كركور Initiative “min el darb lal madineh” in للمرشدين المحليين عبر االنترنت. رئيسة جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني ,response to the disastrous explosion سمح لنا مشروعنا الرئيسي الممول من وكالة ّ #مشي_لتحمي thereby supporting both impoverished

2 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANONDECEMBER MOUNTAIN 2020 / VOICES TRAIL SOCIETY VOICESOF THE LMT 3 N.8 / SEPTEMBER 2019 EDITORIAL EDITING CONTRIBUTORS Joumana Brihi Fadi Baaklini TEAM Julie Lebnan Tazmin Walker Helene Abi Assi Mohamed Mortada Nathalie & Peter Hrechdakian Joumana Brihi Desmond Astley-Cooper Christian Akhrass CONTENT Julie Lebnan Alfred Farwagi Talar Mouradikian Maya Karkour Magali Koyess Julie Lebnan Monika Schmutz Kirgöz BOARD Elisabeth Gilgen Roy Mehanna MEMBERS TEAM Sami Mitri December 2020 December 2020 Dany Njeim Maya Karkour Christian Akhrass Serge Soued Jad Abou Arrage Trail Manager President, Head of Socrat Ghadban Education Committee Josephine Chaar Josephine Chaar Alfred Farwagi Project Coordinator Stephanie Audi Vice President, Head of Sawsan Haddad Takla Khoueiry Hamid Shdid Fundraising Committee Executive Secretary Alia Fares Stephanie Audi Omar Sakr Hisham Saab Treasurer, Head of Community Program Coordinator Cathy Laird Development Committee Takla Khoueiry Loubna Haikal Fadi Baaklini Education Officer Rend Haffar Nat Scrimshaw Secretary Julie Lebnan The Farm Design Studio Kamal Rizk Program Administrator © Sari Haddad Head of Trail Committee Helene Abi Assi Tamar Hadechian Communications Coordinator Sincere thanks to Dany Njeim Member ECOVIS BCA LEBANON for his oversight and guidance Outsourced Accounting firm in bringing improvements to the accounting and finance function. COMMUNITY LMTA DEVELOPMENT OVERSEAS • Vision, Purpose & Values p6 • Online training of Local Guides p28 • When you're an LMT p42 • The Beirut Relief Initiative p8 • Hiking & Organizing hikes safely p29 Ambassador LMT AMBASSADORS • The LMTA Virtual Hike p10 during Covid-19 • On the importance of the p43 Jean Pierre Cressot, France Hisham Saab, Canada Olivier Zuber, Switzerland • The LMT: A Vehicle for p12 • Will nature-based tourism p30 LMT for Lebanon +33 6 19033186 +1 647 907 4870 +41 78 603 1542 supporting other initiatives activities contribute to the • WTN Trails & Sustainability p44 +33 1 43342490 [email protected] [email protected] • A Year in Review p13 tourism sector recovery? Task Team in Costa Rica p32 • New Friendship Trail: LMT & p45 لجنة تنمية المجتمعات المحلية • [email protected] • Trail Keepers, come together! p14 Wim Balvert, Netherlands Loubna Haikal, Australia, Sydney • The Dannieh Cash for p33 the Sendero Pacífico Desmond Astley-Cooper, UK +31 1 80427067 +61 410825206 Work Project +44 77 10507524 +31 6 51337424 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Cathy Laird, Australia, Melbourne TRAIL & EDUCATION OUR SUPPORTERS • Donors Wafa El-Osta, Canada Rabih Abdul Qader, UAE +61 414502659 • Continuing Education in p36 p48 CONSERVATION • Become a Member +31 180 427 067 +971 50 8334211 [email protected] • Update your trail notes schools on the LMT p50 p18 • Adrian Life Members +31 651 337 424 [email protected] • Une journée de nettoyage p19 • Archeological investigation p38 p51 [email protected] Farid Al Fozan, Kuwait de montagne as an education tool for

Rend Haffar, Belgium Kuwait +965 9 9944555 All Rights Reserved. Association, 2020. Assi | © Copyright LMT Abi Agency | Design by: Helene | Layout by: Mink Taleb Cover Photo: Courtesy of Khaled • La Suisse et le LMT: Partenaires p20 cultural heritage awareness +32 496 850855 Lebanon +961 70 976677 en Randonnée [email protected] [email protected] • Get your hiking tips right! p22 CONTACT US • 3 Questions for a Trail Adopter p24 Lebanon Mountain Trail Association In the USA Sacre-Coeur Hospital Street American Friends of the LMT (AFLMT) Ghaleb Center, 1st Floor Joseph Karam, Chairman of the AFLMT Baabda, LEBANON 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1220 Phone +961 5 955 302 Arlington, VA 22209 - USA Mobile +961 3 767 574 Phone +001 703 841 1883 [email protected] LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETY / SEPTEMBERFax +001 2019 703 841 1885 SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANONDECEMBER MOUNTAIN 2020 / TRAILVOICES SOCIETY OF THE LMT 5 Follow us on Social Media and stay up to www.lebanontrail.org [email protected] date on all our activities #HikeItProtectIt www.aflmt.org N.9 / DECEMBER 2020

OUR VISION رؤيتنا For the Lebanon Mountain أن يصبح درب الجبل اللبناني وجهة Trail to become a world-class ّعالمية للسياحة في الهواء الطلق destination for outdoor and وللسياحة المسؤولة. أن ّيتمتع الدرب responsible tourism, to become بالحماية من قبل الدولة ّاللبنانية protected by the Government of والبلديات والمجتمعات ّالمحلية، وأن Lebanon, Municipalities, and local ُيعترف به من قبل المنظمات ّالدولية. communities, and to be recognized by international organizations.

OUR PURPOSE أهدافنا To maintain, protect and develop • • الحفاظ على درب الجبل اللبناني .the LMT and its side trails والدروب ّالمتفرعة وصونها وتطويرها. To promote the LMT as a • • تعزيز درب الجبل اللبناني كمنتج destination for rural tourism and سياحي ريفي. .well-being • الحفاظ على الموارد ّالطبيعية To conserve the natural resources • وحماية اإلرث الثقافي المتاخمة لدرب and protect the cultural heritage on الجبل اللبناني. .the LMT •تعزيز الفرص ّاإلقتصادية على To advance economic • درب الجبل اللبناني من خالل opportunities on the LMT through السياحة المسؤولة. .responsible tourism • الحث على تغيير ّالسلوكيات من خالل To encourage responsible • نشاطات ّتربوية ّوتوعوية behavior through targeted education, community mobilization, and outreach.

OUR VALUES ُقيمنا Commitment اإللتزام Diversity ّالتنوع Hospitality الضيافة Integrity النزاهة Teamwork العمل الجماعي Voluntarism ّالتطوع

SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETY © Sami Mitri 7 HIKE IT. PROTECT IT. THE BEIRUT RELIEF INITIATIVE LINKING OUR LMT COMMUNITIES TO THE CITY In the wake of the tragic events of August 4th, the LMTA family worked hard at putting together a meaningful fundraising campaign to support the victims of the Beirut explosion. On September 15th, we launched the Beirut Relief Initiative, a fundraising campaign aimed at helping the families whose lives have been shattered by the explosion.

The Beirut Relief Initiative also aimed This ongoing effort helps us provide at connecting Lebanese communities economic relief and work from our mountains to those in the city, opportunities to our communities while as a symbol of much-needed unity and securing the basic food necessities to solidarity towards one another during hundreds of families in need. these challenging times. The LMTA team is also organizing Our Impact Goals: hikes for children and youth from Beirut, to help them rejuvenate and recover from the trauma caused by the tragic events of August 4th. We are working in collaboration with trained counselors from the Rosaire Missionary Group, who are also assisting the families cope with the post-blast trauma.

We aim to help children escape the city and disconnect from the Our team was truly overwhelmed by the The LMTA tapped into our network of The LMT will continue to bring communities heartwarming response and reaction Lebanese 'mouneh' (winter provisions) environment and triggers that can cause anxiety, fear, and depression. These together, promoting our rural and traditional from our communities all around the producers across the trail's villages, to heritage, in the good times and the bad; world, including messages of love and source basic necessities. hikes also allow children to reconnect with their country in a positive manner, and supporting those in need through our hope for Lebanon, generous These were gathered by the LMTA team networks and capabilities. donations, and words of support and and distributed in the form of food aid highlighting what it still has to offer and encouragement. boxes to vulnerable families affected by what is worth protecting. the Beirut explosion. Thanks to their generosity and support, we were able to raise $19,850 in total.

The funds raised went towards:

Funding our Mouneh program ‘Min el Darb lal Madineh’, which commissioned women from our LMT communities to produce traditional Lebanese food products with long shelf lives for the winter.

8 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 9 HIKE IT. PROTECT IT. THE LMTA VIRTUAL HIKE Despite the difficult times Lebanon has gone through in the past year, the LMTA family has remained strongly committed to its mission of preserving our national trail and assisting the Here’s a sneak peek into the heartwarming inpour of photos & messages from our Virtual Hike trail-side communities in the face of an enduring economic crisis. participants organizing their own hikes around the world!

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic and all ensuing travel restrictions that affected most of 2020, we were unable to organize our "You have made me feel homesick annual events which also happen to and I am not even Lebanese!" - Tree be the major sources of fundraising for the association: the Spring "You guys are an inspiration! ThruWalk, the Fall Trek, and our Hope to see Lebanon and the LMT October fundraising dinner. someday. Can’t wait to look through all your photos tonight" - Joy We had to do things differently and Danielle Gebara- Arsoun, Lebanon Joy Chamandi- New York, USA decided to adopt the global trend "Thank you, LMTA and everyone for of remote, virtual events; a concept sharing those hikes that anchor us to that is certainly not easy to fathom the country we love" - Ibrahim for a community of nature lovers and © Dory Renno outdoor adventurers. Our volunteer hikers on Section 9 of the LMT "Thank you for taking us along with you. How special it has been We launched the LMTA Virtual Hike A private Whatsapp group was The much-needed funds raised went watching the lovely countryside of from November 5th to November created for this purpose, bringing to finance the association's Lebanon, I hope to join you after the 22nd, 2020, by bringing together our together 63 hikers from around the operations for the coming year, lockdown in Melbourne" - Doni communities around the world and world who joined the challenge. helping us overcome a period of Ali Tarraf- Rachaya, Lebanon "Thank you for this virtual hike! inviting them to join in, from wherever economic and financial turmoil in Sabine Hredchakian- Masachussets, USA they are, while we hiked 8 sections of Hikers experienced the LMT through Lebanon. Waking up in San Francisco to see the Lebanon Mountain Trail daily online stories, videos, scenic all these beautiful pictures & videos over a total of 12 days. pictures, and the live feeds of our A heartfelt thank you to everyone are soothing! Hoping one day I'll be volunteer hikers on the trail and hiked who participated in our fundraising doing the LMT" - Sarah alongside us virtually sharing their challenge for your generosity and own stories and photos. support! "What a beautiful way to wake up in NY with all these stunning depictions of the LMT" - Sabine

“Oh, how we miss the cedars and the mountains of Lebanon ... and Wim Balvert- Dutch Coast Olivier Zubert- Rougemont, Switzerland of course the people and the food. Thanks for sharing and reviving amazing memories of our hikes on the LMT” - Suzi

“Bonjour de France. C’est avec plaisir que je vais parcourir virtuellement ces étapes du LMT où j’ai marché en vrai en 2010 et 2011” - Helena

Rabih Abdulqader- Horsh Ehden, Lebanon Fadi Baaklini - Surrey, UK

© Julie Lebnan Our volunteer hikers on Section 5 of the LMT

10 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 11 HIKE IT. PROTECT IT. THE LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL: A YEAR IN REVIEW A VEHICLE FOR SUPPORTING OTHER INITIATIVES CELEBRATING OUR SHARED HERITAGE. by Fadi Baaklini by Tazmin Walkers BRINGING COMMUNITIES CLOSER TOGETHER

The power of humanity has always been its ability to adapt to any situation. In the past year, the world has changed in ways we could have never imagined, especially for the people of Lebanon who have been through not just the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the most difficult year in the country’s modern history.

It is within this highly challenging context that we launched the LMT’s first-ever Virtual hike. This project brought together two NGOs whom I value and had been involved with. Gulf for Good is a non-profit association that organizes The first is Gulf for Food (G4G) Dubai, which I was international adventure challenges in support of children’s introduced to during my stay in the UAE, and found to be charities. With the arrival of Covid-19, our world changed highly professional and dynamic. I joined G4G in 2011 to overnight. It forced us into thinking outside the box and raise funds for underprivileged children in Nepal by we came up with our Virtual Challenge offering during the completing the Everest base camp challenge in 13 days. height of lockdown. This was followed by humanitarian challenges in Mongolia in 2013 and Machu Picchu Inca Trail in Since then, we have offered a number of virtual Peru in 2014. challenges and events giving people all around the globe an opportunity to take part in anything from stair running Upon coming back to Lebanon, I was introduced to the the Burj Khalifa to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro, some people second NGO: the LMTA, and its dynamic and passionate doing it in their living room! team who works tirelessly to preserve the longest trail in the Middle East. The world was further shocked and saddened by the As an LMTA board member, I am always on the lookout Beirut explosion on August 4th. We decided to run a for new possibilities and ideas that can add value to the challenge to support those families who were suffering, association’s work. This time, the challenges was about by raising funds for the Lebanese Red Cross. what could be done at such a difficult time. We were somewhat familiar with the LMT, having run challenges there previously. So we decided to run anoth- Virtual experiences will never replace human contact that er one – this time virtually. much I am convinced of. But G4G’s idea of a virtual hike With huge support from 3 of our long-standing Gulf for in partnership with the LMTA to raise funds for the Good followers, who are originally from Lebanon, Lebanese Red Cross was tremendously exciting to together we came up with an itinerary crossing 5 me and the team. The LMTA/G4G virtual challenge, sections of the trail and covering 59.2km in total. therefore, came to life in the fall of 2020. Participants made a donation and were tasked with The people of G4G and the LMTA are compassionate, walking the distance over a period of 8 days, averaging dedicated change-makers, who have created 7.5km per day. We had people from America to Australia, communities around them who think and act just all linked via a WhatsApp group, it became a truly the same, and thanks to whom this world will be international event. a better place. LMTA Board member Fadi Baaklini even managed to arrange for live video footage from LMT local guides. It felt like we were there with them on the trail!

In total, we not only raised almost AED30,000 we also raised awareness of the reality on the ground. Our hearts remain with the people of Lebanon. 12 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL VOICES 13 HIKE IT. PROTECT IT. We took an oath to protect Lebanon's longest distance hiking trail, and preserve our endangered mountains.

All these years of diligent and passionate work, and TRAIL KEEPERS GATHERING 2019 countless contributions that we are forever grateful for, have brought us this far. The LMT requires ongoing maintenance and TRAIL KEEPERS, COME TOGETHER! protection, its communities need support and empowerment. That is why we will always continue our mission, one kilometer at a time... Thanks to the generous support of the Trail Keepers who attended the Trail Keepers’ Thanks to our Trail Keepers, we're closer to our goal of Gathering dinner in October 2019, the Lebanon $470K to protect the 470 km of the LMT. Mountain Trail Association was able to raise You can support us in our mission to maintain the over $80,000 allowing the LMTA to resume the Lebanon Mountain Trail by becoming a Trail Keeper. essential maintenance work on various sec- tions including trailblazing, delineating, Click here to read more about the campaign. and pruning.

The donations of the Trail Keepers also provided critical support for conservation and TRAIL KEEPERS advocacy efforts throughout 2020 to address the urgent need to protect the trail, our 104 KM* SPONSORED SO FAR, 366 TO GO! mountains, and shared heritage. Such dona- *up to September 2020 tions are ever more important to us at a time of change and uncertainty during which NGOs are faced with increased challenges. INDIVIDUALS COMPANIES Danijel, Julijan, & Adrian Djurovic 10 km ECODIT - AFLMT 10 km Nour & Albert Khoury 10 km Société Générale de Banque au Liban 5 km Fadi Baaklini 5 km Bank Audi 3 km Salam Khalife & Alfred Farwagi 4 km Colonel Brewery and Distillery *in-kind 3 km Samir Rached 3 km EU Delegation 3 km Meet our Trail Keepers Peter & Natalie Hrechdakian! Peter & Nathalie Hrechdakian 2 km La Libanaise des Jeux 3 km Ali Cheaito 1 km RN Chemicals 3 km • What made you become a Trail Keeper? Anonymous 1 km Überhaus *in-kind 3 km Becoming a trail keeper is a way for us to share our love for the Lebanese Claudine Abdel Massih 1 km Abi Nakhle Holding 1 km mountains with our friends by bringing awareness to the added value of the Dany, Nadia, Ray, & Marc Njeim 1 km Banque Bemo 1 km LMTA and by being part of their pool of supporters who make this venture Fadi Jreissati 1 km Casino du Liban 1 km such a successful and incredible one. Ghassan & Eugenie Sayegh 1 km Em Nazih Catering 1 km We discovered the LMT on Sections 9 and 10 and the Douma side trail three Karine Hrechdakian 1 km Holdal Group 1 km years ago. Since then, we have learned more about the association’s work, and Mona Saleh 1 km Iris Domain *in-kind 1 km have wanted to support it because we believe in what the LMTA stands for. Neddy & Riwan 1 km Kawkaba House of Retreat 1 km Simon Hamra 1 km Living Lebanon 1 km • Why do you support the LMTA’s mission? Zephyr Hrechdakian 1 km Matisse Events 1 km We believe in the holistic approach of the LMTA; the interrelation of its Ziad Bayoud 1 km Socrate Catering 1 km environmental, economic, educational, and social missions. Elise Salem 1 km Tinol Paints 1 km Not only does the LMT protect nature and the trail itself, but it also works Ramzi Tarazi 1 km with local communities living alongside the trail, to support their livelihoods Ali Abdelatif 1 km and socio-economic development. Rana Hanna 1 km George Stephan 1 km • In your opinion, how does the LMT contribute to Lebanon? Nadim Nasrallah 1 km The LMTA is placing Lebanon on the world map of rural and community-based Joumana Abou Jaoude 1 km tourism, in addition to creating a real sense of community along the LMT and Rabih Abdelqader & Bassam Khanji 1 km supporting the people that form this community. Ziad Abi Tayeh 1 km It does so by engaging in conservation and awareness efforts and in the Constantin Salameh 1 km promotion of ecotourism and rural tourism towards Lebanese nationals, Chafic Halati 1 km expatriates, and international tourists. Joumana Brihi 0.5 km Christine Codsi 0.5 km Natalie Hadechian 0.5 km Adib Dada 0.5 km 14 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 15 N.9 / DECEMBER 2020

TRAIL & CONSERVATION

© Kevin Boueiri 17 TRAIL & CONSERVATION UPDATE YOUR NOTES AU SERVICE D'UNE BONNE CAUSE by Christian Akhrass UNE JOURNÉE DE NETTOYAGE DE MONTAGNE

Whether you’re new to the trail, or a committed hiker, always check our Trail Updates section by Magali Koyess on our website to read about the latest developments on the trail.

Every year, as we organize our annual La Délégation de L’Union Européenne ThruWalk and hike the full 470 km of est depuis longtemps impliquée dans the Lebanon Mountain Trail, the Trail le soutien d’activités en faveur de la Maintenance team takes the opportunity protection de l’environnement au Liban, to assess the trail, in order to estimate en partenariat avec des institutions the work that needs to be done gouvernementales et des associations throughout the year. Because of Thru- œuvrant dans le secteur. Walk's cancellation, the assessment could not take place at the usual time. En Octobre 2019, le sentier LMT a reçu Here is a summary of this year’s le soutien de la Délégation de l’Union Once we were able to begin our work, trail maintenance work: Européenne lors d’un nettoyage de la we started the maintenance at the • Complete maintenance (clearing and section 15, entre Baskinta et Mtein, une initiative organisée conjointement avec northern end of the trail. waymarking, fixing and minor la LMTA et Live Love Lebanon. I was surprised to discover that many deviation) end to end of Sections 4, 5,

hikers had already beaten us to the trail, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, Des adultes et enfants (libanais et and realized that many had been 21, 23, 24, & 25 spending time hiking during the européens) ont participé à l’activité • Major deviation, clearing, and qui incluait un volet ludique et éducatif lockdown. It seems the Covid-19 waymarking of Section 1 pandemic has prompted many pour les enfants (25 au total), avec une • Major deviation, partial clearing and Lebanese to reconnect with their roots, ¨chasse aux déchets¨ et l’identification waymarking of Section 2 spend more time in their villages and de plantes comestibles sur le sentier. • Undergoing maintenance of Section 3 enjoy the outstanding nature that this Cette activité fut encadrée par Takla country is blessed with. • Partial maintenance of Section 16 Khoueiry du département Éducation • Partial maintenance and minor de la LMTA. Le message principal de la journée était le suivant : deviation on Section 22 En plus du nettoyage, les participants ont pu effectuer, durant la journée, Avec un simple geste et un sens de responsabilité, une excursion dans la région de Mtein, chaque personne est capable de contribuer à la ayant pour but de découvrir les sites GIVING BACK TO historiques et archéologiques sur le préservation de nos montagnes, de notre sentier, comme l’ancienne magnanerie environnement et de notre planète. de Mtein. THE COMMUNITY by Talar Mouradikian Les déchets ramassés et triés ont été acheminés au centre de recyclage géré par Live Love Recycle, situé à Establishing mountain trails, like the Lebanon Mountain Moreover, such opportunities will boost the Lebanese Bourj Hammoud. Trail, has various environmental and socio-economic rural economy by promoting local businesses, supporting benefits, especially for a country like Lebanon that is rich livelihoods, and opening new job opportunities in tours, in natural and cultural heritage. marketing, production, etc., and by providing low or Scan the QR code no-cost recreational activities for all. to download the app! Such trails will encourage eco-tourism by showcasing and promoting the pristine natural environments of Leb- Best of all, these economic and social benefits will be anon to foreign visitors and guests, while also building achieved by preserving existing natural environments and cultural and environmental awareness within the country ecosystems and by enhancing the quality of life in rural and its communities. Lebanon.

18 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 19 TRAIL & CONSERVATION LA SUISSE ET LE LMT PARTENAIRES EN RANDONNÉE by Monika Schmutz Kirgöz La Suisse est une terre de randonnées et une destination très prisée par les randonneurs de partout. Que de lacs, montagnes, glaciers, forêts et terres cultivées à découvrir en parcourant les sentiers helvètes. C’est l’une des raisons pour laquelle l’Ambassade de Suisse au Liban a voulu être partenaire de la LMTA, l’association qui gère le sentier libanais de Grande Randonnée longeant les coins et recoins du Liban, un vrai paradis pour les randonneurs.

Les sentiers du Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) dévoilent de superbes paysages et sont d’ailleurs tout aussi parcourus par des libanaises et des libanais que par les employé(e)s des représentations diplomatiques et les délégué(e)s d’organisations internationales au Liban ainsi que leurs ami(e)s de l’étranger en séjour au Liban.

En septembre 2019, l’ambassade de Suisse a inauguré un jumelage de sentiers entre la section 16 du LMT (Mtein - Falougha) et le Colombire-Leukerbad au Crans Montana (Canton Valais). Ce jumelage, symbole d’amitié, permet des échanges et une promotion mutuelle de sentiers entre les deux pays.

Nous avons posé quelques questions à Mme Monika

Schmutz Kirgöz, l’Ambassadrice de Suisse au Liban, sur Inauguration du Sentier Amitié avec la Suisse à Crans Montana, ce partenariat entre l’Ambassade de Suisse et la LMTA. Mme Monika Schmutz Kirgöz, Ambassadrice de Suisse au Liban en la présence de Mme Elisabeth Gilgen, Première collaboratrice de l’ambassade de Suisse

Qu’est ce qui a motivé votre choix de Quelles sont vos impressions sur la section Quelle est votre vision sur l’importance de la présence travailler avec notre Association ? du sentier que vous soutenez d’un sentier de Grande Randonnée au Liban (Section 16: Mtein-Falougha) ? (la LMT en l’occurrence) et de l’importance d’obtenir Nous travaillons avec la LMTA depuis plusieurs Cette richesse est principalement le une reconnaissance officielle pour une meilleure années. L’association est une des résultat d' efforts conjoints de l'association L’adoption de la Section 16 par l’ambassade protection et mise en valeur ? organisations les plus importantes qui œuvrent « Suisse Rando » et de ses 26 associations de Suisse est le résultat d’un jumelage entre pour le développement du tourisme durable et cantonales, grâce au financement de bailleurs la commune de Crans-Montana (canton du C’est la reconnaissance par les institutions officielles des pour la protection des montagnes au Liban. Ce de fonds privés et d’institutions publiques. Valais) et la LMTA. En Suisse, le sentier de sentiers qui permet d’assurer leur protection. dernier thème me tient particulièrement l’amitié joint le village francophone de La Constitution suisse et la loi fédérale sur les à cœur. Nous considérons la LMTA comme le pendant Colombire au village germanophone chemins pour piétons et les chemins de randonnée de « Suisse Rando » au Liban. de Leukerbad. pédestre (LCPR) garantissent juridiquement la préservation En effet, je retrouve la liberté et le bien-être C’est donc naturel pour nous de vouloir Chacun de ces deux sentiers en Suisse et de la qualité du réseau des chemins de randonnée. quand je marche dans les montagnes. travailler avec cette association pour soutenir au Liban relie des régions de langues ou de Cette protection est unique au monde et fait partie des J’ai effectué le parcours du LMT en entier et je la randonnée et contribuer à la protection des religions différentes. grandes réussites de « Suisse Rando » et de ses 26 ne peux imaginer un seul été sans randonner chemins et sentiers de randonnée au Liban. associations cantonales. Pour cette raison spécifique, nous dans les montagnes en Suisse. Ils représentent l’amitié et la coopération entre nous engageons avec la LMTA sur la section 16. nos deux pays pluriculturels. En Suisse, le tourisme de randonnée est déjà En effet, les municipalités sur la section 16 se sont bien développé. Aujourd’hui, la Suisse compte montrées ouvertes à reconnaître et à protéger le environ 2.7 millions de randonneuses et de chemin. Nous veillons ainsi à ce que ce travail tripartite randonneurs! effectué par la LMTA avec les municipalités en partenariat avec l’ambassade de Suisse soit durable.

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LMT SECTIONS KNOW YOUR WAYMARKS

*ST: Side Trail Moderate Difficult ** LT: Literary Trail Challenging Very Difficult North South to South to North GO STRAIGHT TURN LEFT TURN RIGHT WRONG DIRECTION END/BEGINNING OF TRAIL Distance Difficulty Difficulty Section # From To in Km Elevation Level Elevation Level SIGN ON 1A Andqet El Qoubaiyat 17 +663 -720 -663 +720 THE LMT 1 El Qoubaiyat Tashea 18.5 +1216 -642 -1216 +642 2 Tashea el Qemmamine 23 +1022 -1511 -1022 +1511 3 el Qemmamine Kfar Bnine 9.3 +922 -587 -922 +587 4 Kfar Bnine Bqaa Safrine 14.7 +1060 -1027 -1060 +1027 5 Bqaa Safrine Ehden 18 +1143 -897 -1143 +897 6 Ehden Qozhaya/Qadisha valley 10.4 +484 -959 -484 +959 7 Qozhaya/Qadisha valley Bcharre 13.7 +1277 -797 -1277 +797 SIGN ON 8 Bcharre Bazaoun 19.3 +897 -912 -897 +912 9 Bazaoun Tannourine el-Faouqa 19.7 +1210 -1109 -1210 +1109 SIDE TRAILS Douma ST* p1 Baatara (via Sikket el Sham) Douma 6.3 +213 -691 -213 +691 Douma ST p2 Baatara (via Foghri Mountain) Douma 7.5 +704 -216 -704 +216 10 Tannourine el-Faouqa El Aaqoura 17.2 +980 -1068 -980 +1068 Ehmej ST p1 Ehmej Baatara Sinkhole 8.7 +508 -667 -508 +667 Ehmej ST p1 Ehmej El Aaqoura 15.8 +1057 -777 -1057 +777 11 El Aaqoura Afqa 20 +932 -958 -932 +958 12 Afqa Faraya 18.2 +946 -803 -946 +803 SIGN ON 13 Faraya Kfardebiane 12.5 +357 -753 -357 +753 CONNECTING 14 Kfardebiane Baskinta 21.3 +947 -1004 -947 +1004 TRAILS Baskinta LT** Saydet Nih Convent Mikhael Naime Mausoleum 24 +1200 -850 -1200 +850 15 Baskinta El Mtain 17.5 +1004 -1099 -1004 +1099 16 El Mtain Falougha 14.7 +1072 -607 -1072 +607 17 Falougha Ain Zhalta 18 +560 -936 -560 +936 18 Ain Zhalta El Barouk 22 +1093 -1221 -1093 +1221 19 El Barouk Maaser ech-Chouf 14 +1067 -668 -1067 +668 20 Maaser ech-Chouf Niha 14 +518 -629 -518 +629 21 Niha Jezzine 16 +852 -918 -852 +918 Bkassine ST p1 Niha Fort Bkassine 7.5 +298 -678 -298 +678 Bkassine ST p2 Bkassine Jezzine 15 +615 -433 -615 +433 6 EASY STEPS TO HIKE THE LMT 22 Jezzine Aaitanit 15 +951 -881 -951 +881 23 Aaitanit Kaoukaba Bou Arab 15.3 +716 -624 -716 +624 Consider your level of exercise Hiking it from end to end is a Leave No Trace 24 Kaoukaba Bou Arab Rachaiya 8.7 +458 -246 -458 +246 Hiking is suitable for people of all ages challenging venture. In summary, a real It's up to all of us to preserve the LMT 25 Rachaiya Hasbaiya 24.5 +829 -1311 -829 +1311 and levels of fitness. adventure awaits you! by following the Leave no Trace 26 Hasbaiya Marjaayoun 16 +626 -601 -626t +601 It is important not to push yourself principles: beyond your limits when starting to hike. Check the weather Plan ahead | Travel on durable surfaces Take frequent breaks and don't force Check the weather before you leave | Dispose of your waste properly | Leave your pace. to make sure you know what to pack! what you find | Minimize campfire That said if you are going on a long trip impacts | Respect wildlife | Prepare your hiking gear (more than just a few days) always be Be considerate of other hikers. Depending on the length and equipped for good and bad weather, remoteness of your hike, make sure cold or warm. You could experience the you have made the necessary 4 seasons during your trip. arrangements when packing. Check out our full checklist of Consider joining a group event items to pack when preparing for or activity a hiking trip. If you're hiking alone, take the time to notify us via social media or email, to Choose the right trail make sure that you have access to the You can either hike the whole trail or necessary resources. choose to hike a specific section, We also recommend you join a group depending on your level of experience. activity or hike with the help of LMT The Lebanon Mountain Trail is generally local guides or tour operators. a difficult path.

© Khaled Taleb

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3 QUESTIONS FOR Dany Njeim Adopter of Section 14 (Kfardebian - Baskinta) A TRAIL ADOPTER What made you become an LMT Trail Adopter? My passion for Lebanon, its nature, and the magic of the trail itself.

Roy Mehanna What is so unique about your adopted section? The mutual "relationship" between the Trail and myself. Adopter of Section 26 (Hasbaiya - Marjaayoun) Roy Mehanna As an adopter, how are you making a difference What made you become an What is so unique about your As an adopter, how are you making a to the LMT? LMT Trail Adopter? adopted section? difference to the LMT? To be passionate about preserving and maintaining a section of the trail makes a lot of difference. When the idea of adopting a trail was first Section 26, from Hasbaiya to Marjaayoun, As an adopter of the trail, we ensure that Projecting love into nature will reciprocate the same. Dany Njeim launched by the LMTA, I knew I wanted provides thru-hikers with either a fore- the section is clean, cleared, easy to to be a part of it. It made me feel involved taste of the trail if they start from the South navigate, and in a natural state for it to be and happy to help in the conservation or a closure to their journey when coming enjoyed by all. of this unique long trail distance, which from the North, making this section very brings together hikers from different special. SECTION ADOPTERS 2020 nationalities and backgrounds irrespective It is either your entry point or the end of of their social status; while protecting your journey! and preserving our mountains, and our rural communities. Section # Adopter Co-Adopter Section # Adopter Co-Adopter

Ehmej ST Samira Matta Tarcisio Alvarez 15 Jacky Khairallah 1 Soha Yammine Gilbert Moukheiber 16 Carla Karam Joseph Lteif Sami Mitri 3 33 North Sayed Morkos 17 Zeina Haddad Joseph Lteif 5 Paul Khawaja 18 Shouf Biosphere Reserve Adopter of Section 21 (Niha - Jezzine) 6 Paul Khawaja 19 Shouf Biosphere Reserve 7 Walid Khoury 20 Dory Renno Fadi Baaklini What made you become an LMT The terrain is very diverse 8 Pascal Abdallah Laurent Gelinet 21 Sami Mitri Melkart School Ttrail Adopter? (pinewoods, open fields, artificial 9 Tammar Hadechian Imad Haddad 22 Assaad Najem lake, water cascade, etc.), and rich in 10 Avedis Kalpaklian Beatrice LeBon Chami 23 Jamal Nasser Mohamad Hamdan 11 Philippe Germanos Lieza Brusse 24 Jamal Nasser Mohamad Hamdan The LMT is a long dynamic trail culture, as this section passes through 12 Hedwig Waltmans Kamal Rizk 25 Eddy Fayad Joseph Lteif that needs constant attention and the “Holy Shrine of Job” in Niha, and 13 Fadi Baaklini Naim Mhanna 26 Roy Mehanna Zeina Boustany maintenance to adapt to the passes beside the famous “Niha 14 Dany Njeim ever-changing conditions and cope Fortress”. with the new developments that are affecting it and its surroundings. As an adopter, how are you making a difference to the LMT? Under the leadership of the LMTA field manager, 28 men and women My tasks as an adopter are not only to work on keeping it in good shape. clear, clean, and mark the waymarks I feel a sense of belonging and a of the trail. sense of responsibility to be part of It is to ADOPT, care, love, promote, those 28 members of the big family and frequently visit that section. parenting the trail. It also includes involving the local community in my actions. What is so unique about your People are hiking and enjoying Section adopted section? 21 freely, and the locals are embracing Sami Mitri this trail going through their villages. Every section is unique. Walking from Niha to Jezzine is a diverse and rich experience. © Beatrice LeBon Chami

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

© Kevin Boueiri 27 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ONLINE TRAINING OF HIKING & ORGANIZING HIKES LMT LOCAL GUIDES RESPONSIBLY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC by Serge Soued The LMTA takes the Covid-19 pandemic very seriously and is fully aware of the need to respect safety surprised to learn that some plants and security measures, even outdoors. Knowing that have different names depending on infected individuals may be asymptomatic and yet still which region they are found. contagious, one cannot be careful enough. The World Health Organization has come up with a • Lebanon's weather, with Joe Kareh series of simple recommendations that can help avoid from Weather Lebanon, who gave 2 contagion. Read them below! sessions and unveiled in detail his expertise on Lebanon’s weather and its When you are hiking on the Lebanon Mountain Trail, meteorological patterns. These sesions please do so responsibly were facilitated by Martine Btaich. Here are some of the major tips for your reference: • “Hiking safely and responsibly “, a • The number of hikers should not exceed six to eight in much-needed subject during a order to avoid the risk of contamination. pandemic, led by Martine Btaich and • Avoid crowded trails Serge Soued. The virus contamination and its process were explained in full • Avoid gathering places (reserve’s visitor center, and many recommendations were head of trails) In 2016 the local guides operating Twice a week, the committee met to provided in accordance with on the LMT were invited to attend a choose various useful topics and locate international health, and safety • Avoid borrowing items from other hikers 6-month training to enhance their skills people to address those subjects. standards, in an effort to keep both (ex. Hiking poles) and become better guides on their It took time and a lot of effort but finally, guides and hikers safe and healthy. sections. This created a strong bond they managed to work out all details and • During pauses or rests, keep at least a 2-meter among them resulting in a Whatsapp were ready for the first online session, in • Traditional architecture in Lebanon, a distance between you and other hikers. group still active today. the hope of attracting a consistent and cultural subject led by Pascal Abdallah, committed audience. who gave 2 sessions facilitated by Above all, please take the pandemic threat seriously! Further to a follow-up assessment, two Josephine Chaar. additional trainings were organized in 43 guides and LMTA staff were 2018, featuring interpersonal Communi- invited to join 8 online sessions, • Pricing, a sensitive issue the cation (including body language), map and were trained virtually on: committee felt compelled to cover reading, and GPS usability. • Flora, a much-needed subject for following the devaluation of the local guides, given by Pascal Abdallah Lebanese currency. The session was After the Covid-19 multiple lockdowns, who shared his expertise and led by Pascal Abdallah and Serge The LMTA Community Development Committee has also we were all confined and deprived of experience with the attendees, and Soued and facilitated by Zeinab developed a set of guidelines for hiking based on the our natural environment and the facilitated by Omar Sakr. Jeambey. WHO guidelines. outdoors. Taking advantage of the extra time on our hands and thanks • Edible plants, a very informative Our speakers made sure to deliver Click here to download our eBook “Hiking & Organizing to technology, the community session given by Takla Khoueiry and highly engaging and interesting Hikes Responsibly during the Covid-19 Pandemic”. development committee met via facilitated by Zeinab Jeambey. This sessions that brought new knowledge zoom and decided to continue the interactive session allowed the local and information to our guides and staff ongoing trainings remotely. guides to learn how to recognize these and created much enthusiasm and plants and pick them. Many were excitement about coming back to our trail soon!

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LEBANESE UNIVERSITY - FACULTY OF TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT WILL NATURE-BASED Lebanon’s Economic Crisis and Covid-19 Impact on Domestic Tourism Market Most preferred accommodation type

Guesthouse 64% TOURISM ACTIVITIES Camping site 51% Chalet 44%

CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOURISM SECTOR'S RECOVERY? Hotel 38%

Furnished Appartment by Jad Abou Arrage & Socrat Ghadban 22% No overnigth stay 15%

Youth hostel 13% Lebanon has been experiencing a multilayered crisis that began in October 2019, as well as the Religious institution 9% worst economic downturn in its modern history, which was compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. LEBANESE UNIVERSITY - FACUL(AbouTY O ArrageF T &O Ghadban,URISM 2020) & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT Lebanon’s Economic Crisis and Covid-19 Impact on Domestic Tourism Market

PUSH factors for domestic travel With the tourism sector suffering the The push factors (what encourages Enjoying nature 85% most, two researchers from the people to take a trip) showed that the Lebanese University – Faculty of majority of respondents are seeking to Discovering 72% Tourism and Hospitality Management enjoy nature, discover, and relax. Relaxation 71% conducted an online survey in June Adventure/sport 53% 2020, aiming at analyzing the Lebanese The pull factors (what attracts travelers Entertainment 36% tourism domestic market dynamics to a particular destination) were nature, from a demand perspective in light biodiversity, landscape, and sceneries. Meeting local people 34% of the economic crisis and Wellness & Health 31% COVID-19 pandemic. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

Based on the above, LEBANESE UNIVERSITY - FACUL(AbouTY O ArrageF T &O Ghadban,URISM 2020) & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT The survey questionnaire explored Lebanon’s Economic Crisis and Covid-19 Impact on Domestic Tourism Market market changes related to: sustainable and responsible PULL factors for domestic travel • Previous Outbound Travel patterns nature-based tourism • Future Willingness to Travel services and activities, Nature and Biodiversity 93% Landscape and scenery 79% • Domestic Tourism patterns (Budget, including hiking and other Culture and traditions 53% • Pull and Push factors, Preferences for trail-related activities, will in Cuisine and local food 51% different types of Accommodation and Events and festivities 39% F&B services), the future, represent a catalyst Climate 38% History 37% • Willingness to Pay for tourism services © Niels Rasmussen for tourism recovery. Religious heritage 26% • Preferred Destinations in Lebanon Proximity 8% vs. Areas to avoid. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% According to the survey results, hiking (Abou Arrage & Ghadban, 2020) The results of 348 valid responses LEBANESE UNIVERSITY - FACULTY OF TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT represents the most popular activity in a way to ensure sustainability through Lebanon’s Economic Crisis and Covid-19 Impact on Domestic Tourism Market showed a deterioration in residents' among domestic travelers in Lebanon. unlocking their economic potential, Jad Abou Arrage, purchasing power, which led to a drop Most preferred activities However, with the absence of a minimizing their negative impacts on LMTA member & Community development committee in the willingness to travel abroad by ecosystems and biodiversity, and Assistant professor at the Faculty of Tourism & Hiking/walking 82% specific legal framework for Sightseeing 62% more than 33%. Hospitality management - Lebanese University Camping nature-based tourism services and guaranteeing local communities’ 55% participation and social inclusion. Socrat Ghadban, Swimming 51% activities, the increasing demand for Assistant professor at the Faculty of Tourism & Wild life observation 47% This significant decrease in willingness Wine tasting 44% such type of tourism is threatening the Hospitality management - Lebanese University Cycling 44% to travel abroad was accompanied by From a destination perspective, the Shouf Farming 38% already fragile and sensitive Cooking/food tasting 38% an important demand for domestic area ranked first among trendy destinations for Full results available on this link. Participate in cultural events 30% ecosystems of Lebanon. Caving 28% tourism with 70% of respondents domestic travelers, followed by Batroun and Mountain biking Reference: Abou Arrage, J. & Ghadban, S. (2020). Leba- 27% expressing interest to travel inside Akkar. This could be explained by the fact that Skiing/snow activities 24% Therefore, concerned stakeholders non’s Economic Crisis and Covid-19 Impact on Domes- Horse riding 23% Lebanon in the next 6 to 18 months, Rock Climbing 21% should work on regulating nature-based these areas represent a convenient place to tic Tourism Market. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.15738.93127 with the most popular duration being a practice the top three activities selected by Pilgrimage 8% services and activities, especially 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% one-day trip followed by two (Abou Arrage & Ghadban, 2020) guiding and alternative accommodation, respondents: hiking, sightseeing, and camping. days’ weekend.

30 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 31 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT THE DANNIEH CASH FOR درب الجبل اللبناني ّالضنية WORK PROJECT مشروع السياحة البيئية by Stephanie Audi ّ The 470 Km of the Lebanon Mountain Trail undergo weekly maintenance over the course of a جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني - لجنة تنمية المجتمعات المحلية year to provide hikers and explorers with a safe and unique experience throughout the various terrains and mountain ridges encountered. جوزفني الشعار In its quest to build partnerships with vibes were built along the way. and among municipalities and local Another big step towards sustainable ضمن إطار مشروع دروب الضنية والسياحة البيئية تكون أول مهام هذه اللجنة صياغة وتطبيق خطة villages, the Local Development conservation and expansion of الممول من قبل الوكالة األلمانية للتعاون، تم العمل العمل مع جمعية درب الجبل البناني. بعد ذلك يكون Programme for Urban Areas in North responsible tourism was achieved مع بلديتي بقاعصفرين وكفربنين بمساعدة خبراء عليها اإلهتمام بشؤون البيئة و السياحة في البلدة Lebanon (UDP_NL) launched the through this social and communal واستشاريين في التنمية المحلية على وضع خطة بمساعدة الجمعية عند الحاجة. ,Dannieh Trail and Ecotourism Project. collaboration between LMTA, UDP_NL عمل تشاركية بين البلدية وجمعية درب الجبل اللبناني - حماية البيئة .UDP_NL is implemented by Deutsche and the local municipalities للحفاظ على قسم الدرب الذي يمر في البلدة - الحفاظ على اإلرث الطبيعي في البلدة Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in وتطويره. - نشر الوعي البيئي في البلدة partnership with LMTA and the Ministry كما تم العمل مع بلدية بزعون) ضمن مشروع Cargill( -تعزيز و تطوير السياحة المسؤولة في البلدة of Social Affairs and is co-funded by the وبلدية فالوغا)ضمن مشروع السفارة Swiss(. - تسويق البلدة ًسياحيا .European Union and Germany - المساعدة في حماية درب الجبل اللبناني و وكان ذلك بعد لقاء مع مجلس البلدي، وتشكيل لجنة الحفاظ عليه. The LMT Dannieh Trails and Ecotourism سميت بلجنة البيئة و السياحة المسؤولة في كال Project aims at improving the البلدتين، تتضمن أعضاء من المجلس البلدي وأعضاء من تهدف خطة العمل إلى تعزيز الشراكة بين بلديات sustainability of the trail and bringing economic benefits to the local المجتمع المحلي ناشطين في مجال البيئة، السياحة الدرب والجمعية بـحيث يصبح درب الجبل اللبناني communities. أو قراءة الخرائط... وصيانته وتطويره جزء ال يتجزأ من الخطط البلدية المستقبلية, كما ان دعم التنمية المحلية في ,The project focused on sections 2 البلدات يكون من مهام جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني and 4 between the villages of El ,3 من خالل تطوير السياحة المسؤولة والترويج للموارد Qemmamine, Kfarbnine, and Beqaa والمهارات المحلية. ,Safrine, passing by the villages of Sfire Qorsayta, Nemrine, Bqarsouna, and Sir As our Trail Manager El Dannieh. Christian put it, As part of the project, a total of 42 men "this work is a dream and women were employed following come true for us. the Cash for Work approach, mostly inhabitants of the region all year long. The trails we've worked Cash for Work is the creation of on are some of the short-term job opportunities with 40 days of work over up to three months hardest to maintain, as that provide participants with income they are still wild and opportunities as well as valuable remote. All of this would practical experience. not have happened The experience between the LMTA trail without this initiative and maintenance team and the workers was exceptionally unique and positive. Good the help of the Cash practices and a lot of trust and happy for Work team".

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EDUCATION

34 LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETY / SEPTEMBER 2019 SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETY 35 EDUCATION

حميد شديد CONTINUING EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ON THE LMT مدير مدرسة تنورين

ّ إنوجود جمعية "جمعية درب الجبل اللبناني" هو من العالمات While the LMTA education team المضيئة القليلة في لبنان اليوم. وضعت هذه ّالجمعية االنسان continues working with students in schools بفرادته والبيئة بتنوعها هدفا لورشة االنماء واعادة البناء، فاذا alongside the Lebanon Mountain Trail villages and communities, we were prompted by the بها، وبعد خبرتي معها، كمدير لثانوية تنورين الرسمية، تتفاعل Covid-19 pandemic to attempt a transition to مع الطالب، وتعيد صياغة قناعاتهم، ليعودوا الى تراثهم المجيد، online environmental educational activities فيجافظوا عليه، وينطلقوا منه لبناء ٍمجتمع يحافظ على البيئة .during the lock-down المحلية، ويسعى لتنميتها ّورقيها. This however proved to be challenging بالفعل، لجمعية درب الجبل اللبناني اياد بيضاء في الحفاظ على because of the weak internet infrastructure, low access to connectivity, or a البيئة، وتشجيع السياحة البيئية، وتطوير المجتمعات ّالمحلية. proper internet connection, in most rural فليبارك الله كل ما تقوم به لتبقى الداعم المميز الذي يسعى ّ .areas in which we work ًابدا لتطوير االنسان ّورقي المجتمعات وتقدمها. وليبارك الله ايضا اعضاء الجمعية الذين ّيعلمون الناس، رغم عملهم العظيم الذي :Our education impact in the past year ّ ّيؤدونه، دروسا في اللطف ودماثة االخالق ونقاوة الروح. Reaching out to 445 students • • Age span from 9 to 16 y.o.a. • Working in 8 public schools حميد شديد Collaborating with 24 teachers •

The topics covered were: • Importance of trails and forests All of this work was made possible thanks to the sponsorship • Sorting recyclables and composting of LMTA's supporters, who clearly believe in the LMTA values, in • Planting terms of conservation and educating future generations about • Water awareness, using the Water responsible behavior towards our environment. Awareness guidebook published by the LMTA t • Aidamoun Public School in Andqet, sponsored by SGBL • Mouneh • Fnaydek el Gharbiyi Public School in Fnaydek, sponsored by Cargill • Cultural heritage • Rachel Edde Public School in Sebeal, sponsored by Cargill • Thematic photo exhibition • Tannourine Public School in Tannourine, sponsored by Cargill • Introducing the Mountain Explorers • Falougha Public School in Falougha, sponsored by Swiss Embassy virtual educational gaming platform, • Niha Public School in Niha, sponsored by GEF available online to everyone. • Batloun Ain Zhalta Public School in Batloun, sponsored by GEF • Saghbine Public School in Saghbine, sponsored by Dar

36 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 37 EDUCATION HANDS ON ARCHEOLOGY IN BQAATOUTA ON SECTION 14 OF THE LMT! by Alia Fares Fig.3- General view towards the west with 3 burial sites on the left, and 2 Fig.2- Site rocky plateau with a view towards southwest winepress basins to the right. Notice the Beqaata dam in the background

2000 years ago, the Roman empire This training was accompanied by a second session in spread its military power and ruled Mazraat Kfardebian, in collaboration with Auberge Beity over the entire Mediterranean Sea, the and the German Friedrich Ebert Stiftung on local so-called Mare Nostrum. mountain guiding techniques, flora, and fauna of the region, as well as historical and archaeological Starting in the 1st c. BC up until the end presentations. of the 4th c. A.D, the Romans The local youth of Bqaatouta, Kfardebian, and Faraya established 400 years of military control were given the knowledge and the opportunity to over most of the coastal regions from appreciate and better explain their own heritage to all the western bays of southern France to future visitors. The Bqaatouta trail was also labeled as the eastern harbors of Yemen. “Darb el-Tourath'' or Heritage trail and awaits the

During that period, roman architecture, inauguration of informative panels in the coming weeks. Fig.4- Site cleaning with the municipality, youth and village workers language, artifacts, economy, and social The youth of Bqaatouta have become proud traditions prevailed and were turned into ambassadors, protectors, and promoters of their own symbols of a wealthier status quo for Fig. 1- Google Maps image of the Darjeh site, close to Bqaatouta village ancient cultural and natural legacy. local inhabitants. The archaeological training at the Blata site and in Today, tangible evidence of this roman Mazraat Kfardebian has been achieved thanks to the upper hills of Bkaatouta overlooking the side. To protect and preserve both the historic heritage “turned local”, is attested support and aid of: scenic landscape with a breathtaking cultural and natural heritage, and still al- for in the architectural legacy revealed Josephine Zgheib (Beity Association), Serge Soued view down to Beirut. The site is part of low tourists to visit the area, a hands-on along with Lebanon’s western mountain (Lebanese Adventure), George Jeha (Flora and Fauna), the survey of the Lebanon Mountain archaeological training (with pre- range. Roman roads, bridges, the Red Cross Branch of Kfardebian, Rachid Moubarak Trail Cultural Heritage Project, which obtained approval from the Lebanese aqueducts, temples, villa rusticae, (Bqaatouta Municipality consultant), Alia Fares aims to document and highlight all General Directorate of Antiquities) and rock-cut tombs, and ancient settlements, (archaeologist: www.aliafares.webnode.com) and the heritage sites located on the 470km of a proper mountain guiding educational just to name a few, build an enormous dedicated enthusiasm and energy of the youth of the LMT. tutorial were developed with the purpose corpus of cultural heritage sites which Bqaatouta, Mazraat Kfardebiane, and Faraya. of training new local guides from the re- can still be visited today, hidden in far- Fig.5- Youth doing preliminary archaeological site cleaning tasks The LMT trail leads further towards gion to maintain the flow of tourists and away villages, in between large ancient another hiking path between Bqaatouta learn about their heritage. oak trees and strategically on top of and Baskinta, which lately has become mountain cliffs. rather popular, leading down towards el-Assi, the water source of the dog river One of these antique sites is found 6 young boys and girls aged and continues towards Baskinta. between Kfardebian and Baskinta, along between 13 and 20 years old Spectacular waterfalls, stunning section 14 of the Lebanon Mountain Trail picturesque mountain vistas, and very participated in 3 consecu- below Mount Sannine. dense vegetation surround the trekker Known as the “Blata'' (rocky flat pla- tive days of preliminary from every side of this newly teau), the site is made up of 3 horizontal discovered path. archaeological site cleaning rock-cut burial parallel aligned tombs and 2 adjacent wine press installation works, historical education- Uncontrolled and harmful touristic basins, all carved into the natural activity in the summer of 2020 led al sessions, and cultural limestone surface from the rugged Fig.7- General view from the site towards the east Fig.6- General view from the site towards the south and lower Baskinta to close the trail from their heritage values. with Mount Sannine in the background el-Assi river waterfalls

38 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 39 LMTA OVERSEAS

SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETY © Beatrice LeBon Chami 41 LMTA OVERSEAS WHEN YOU'RE AN ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LMT LMT AMBASSADOR FOR LEBANON Hisham Saab, Canada IN THE GENERAL CONTEXT & CURRENT CRISIS by Rend Haffar After I hiked the LMT for 10 days back June- July, during which we hike the in April 2018 with my wife and son, I LMT section of the Bruce Trail, which is came back to Canada determined to do a part of the joint Friendship Trail. When I first hiked on the Lebanon something in support of the LMT and Mountain Trail, back in 2012, I was the LMTA mission and vision. Protecting and maintaining our natural, not yet aware of the full scope of stunningly beautiful sites and sceneries the LMTA. I became a Canadian ambassador is a responsibility that we take very of the LMT in 2019. Alongside my seriously. We are also committed to I was truly charmed by the trail colleague, LMT ambassador Wafaa supporting the LMT’s effort in preserving El Osta, I am focused on officially our diverse heritage and unique cultures itself and realized that it offered the creating the Canadian Friends of The along with the trail communities. Lebanese people an opportunity to appreciate how beautiful a country Lebanon Mountain Trail (CFLMT) It is a must for future generations. Hisham Saab association as a non-profit organization, Empowering these communities and they have, and how much it is worth which hosts two major events annually providing them with tools for economic preserving and protecting it. in support of the LMT. development will help root them in their respective communities and create a It took me a little time and many One is a public event, in February, space for social and economic equity. discussions to realize that the goals with a presentation, to promote the of the Lebanon Mountain Trail yearly LMTA thru-walk. The second I will be very happy if I can make Association (LMTA), were not limited event is a joint hike with the Bruce Trail modest contributions to these goals! to the trail’s maintenance and the Association, which takes place in Lebanon is calling on all of us to help protection of its natural, cultural, and and support keeping the country afloat architectural heritage and landmarks. © Rend Haffar in these very hard times. The LMTA also aims at developing environmentally and socially responsible rural tourism, and raising awareness about nature conservation, This is why the role of the LMTA has as the State weakened further and HEALING CHILDREN fauna, and flora, particularly by been pivotal since its inception in further, and are facing new pressures addressing the younger generations 2007. The association has gained a and tremendous challenges. through education. solid reputation and recognition for THROUGH LEBANON'S NATURE its work overtime. It has been able to Now, more than ever, the role of by Cathy Laird & Loubna Haikal With all these objectives in mind, benefit from high-quality permanent the Lebanon Mountain Trail and its the task at hand is huge, and the staff and very committed and Association is fundamental, and it We first met on the 2019 Thru Walk. Later on, we saw that the LMTA had started the Beirut means are limited. competent volunteers. is essential to keep on supporting Though we come from different states in Australia we Relief Initiative which includes hikes for children and All of this within the very challenging the mission. In the present difficult quickly bonded and felt like family. Indeed, the whole Trail young people in association with trained counselors, and Lebanese context. But the situation in Lebanon has circumstances, it allows the citizens family became our family. thought this was the perfect project for us to adopt. never been easy when it comes to to breathe and enjoy nature while the preservation of natural resources. hiking, and thus find, by a simple way, When we heard about the tragedy of the August 4 blast, We launched a Gofundme campaign 'Healing the chil- And since the turmoil that culminated a much-needed energy. we were desperate to help. What could we do? dren through Lebanon’s nature’ on October 27 asking in October 2019, and of course the Where will the healing begin? our family, friends to help with this immensely important devastating explosions of August From Belgium, we will continue to initiative. We ended up raising $ AUD 6,770 (5,190 USD) 4th, 2020, the LMTA and many other support the LMTA, and wish our family We had experienced first-hand the healing effect of walk- thanks to the support of our community! NGOs have taken an even greater role in Lebanon the best of luck. ing in nature; the serenity and hope nature provides and thought that there is something we could do with that in mind.

42 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 43 LMTA OVERSEAS WTN TRAILS & SUSTAINABILITY NEW FRIENDSHIP TRAIL: TASK TEAM IN COSTA RICA LMT & SENDERO PACIFICO, COSTA RICA by Nat Scrimshaw by Nat Scrimshaw

The World Trails Network - Hub for the Selected members from the World The Costa Rica expedition was in Development Goals. The expedition Americas (WTN Americas) facilitated a Trails Network (WTN) Trails & part designed to field test concepts was also an opportunity to field test new WTN Friendship Trail between Sustainability Task Team, including used for a proposed “Sustainable methods for rapid trail assessment. The LMT and Sendero Pacífico de LMTA president Maya Karkour, Trails Toolbox.” This central project An overview of the expedition and Costa Rica. traveled to Costa Rica and during a of the task team is designed to be an its methodology can be found in the week-long field trip walked for around interactive online resource that will task team’s final report, A Sustainable The Friendship Trail section starts in 60 km from Monteverde to Costa de allow trail organizations, agencies, Sendero Pacífico: Trail Making Rapid San Luis, near the famous Monteverde Pajaros on the Sendero Pacífico. and individual stewards to find the Assessment (Tramp). Cloud Forest Reserve, and ends in the information needed to realize trail mountain village of Santa Rosa. This included traversing the new projects at different scales and across If you are interested in the work of the It also passes through the smaller Friendship Trail between the LMT the three "pillars" of sustainability: WTN Trails & Sustainability Task Team, communities of Veracruz and and the Sendero Pacífico, a section society, environment, and economy. we invite you to subscribe to the monthly San Antonio. between San Luis and Santa Rosa. Sustainable Trails News. A delegation from the LMTA joined Our approach to sustainability mirrors Contact us at www.worldtrailsnetwork.org A delegation from the LMTA joined a Task team members for the hike and the United Nations approach and WTN Trails & Sustainability Task Team other expedition activities. supports the UN’s 17 Sustainable expedition for six days and five nights, walking the entire 60 km Sendero Pacífico from the continental divide in Monteverde to the coastal community of Costa de Pajaros, celebrating the new WTN Friendship Trail in Santa Rosa Here are a few testimonials on the Costa Rica field expedition: along the way. "I was amazed by the beautiful nature of Costa Rica and the The LMTA representatives joined task enthusiasm of the local people to create hiking trails. I was very team members in reviewing the trail and glad to share and exchange knowledge and insights and to participate in this unique initiative." - András J. Molnár advising Sendero Pacífico community members (see WTN Task "The expedition was an amazing opportunity to experience the team article). This opens up new landscapes and biodiversity of Costa Rica from cloud forest to opportunities for cultural and coast. However, the highlights were the warm welcome from local informational exchange for both communities along the trail and sharing the experience with fellow Lebanon and Costa Rica. members of the Sustainability Task Team and delegation from the LMTA - an absolute delight!" - Julian Gray, UK

"Each kilometer was uniting us and making our group a team. We shared snacks, laughter, and trail concerns in our countries. Fresh fruit, loud monkeys, and mysterious hiding sloths resembled the wonders of local nature. Each community greeted us with festivities at the end of the day. But in the morning I wanted to grab them all and take them with us to the trail so they could celebrate the beauty of their land and make it even more precious through hiking." - Natasha Luzhkova, Russia

44 VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 45 OUR SUPPORTERS

SEPTEMBER 2019 / LEBANON MOUNTAIN TRAIL SOCIETY © Joelle Jabbour 47 OUR SUPPORTERS THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS AND PARTNERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THE LMTA! between November 2019 & December 2020

DONATIONS Manal Sayegh Joan Farwagi Sami Beydoun in cash, checks, Maya Karkour Joanne Karkour Sami Darouni transfers, or in-kind Rabih Abdulqader Joelle Kra Sana Cortas Rend Haffar Joelle Sabella Sandra Whitehead $20,000 - $30,000 Sara Matar Joy Chamandy Sarkis Tarpinian Hrechtakian Family Wim Balvert Julia Wegner Selina Baaklini Zeinab Khalife June Komisar Shadi Cortas $10,000 - $19,999 Justin Baldwin Suha Wilson American Friends of the $100 - $499 Karim Mourtada Sylvie Dubos LMT (AFLMT)- ECODIT Abdallah Malouf Lamya Karkour Sylvie Trifilieff Claudine Abdelmassih Afnor ME Lea Farah Therese Taylor Martine Bteich Alain Ibrahim Madonna Chahine Wadih Deaibes Alexandra Vilaclara Manal Naji Walid Salman $5,000 - $9,999 Alfred Farwagi Marine Medaets Xavier Scheer Salam Khalife & Aly Fakhry Martin Simonsen Zannouba Omais Alfred Farwagi Andrew Mirhej Maryse Noujaim In addition to many contributions SGBL Brigitte Slott Maurice Ghosn and anonymous contributors. Souad Khalil Camille H May Nasr Fakhry Catharine Mizhir Mayssa Dabaghi $1,000 - $4,999 Cindy Moussi Mazen Haj FUNDING Abou Adal Family Clovis Khoury Merijn Tol ORGANIZATIONS Chafic El Halabi Cynthia Baaklini Michael Cahill Multi-year programs Darnell Bass Danielle Gebara Mickael Nasreddine Elise Salem Dany Kassis Mireille Schiano $100,000 - $299,999 Joumana Brihi David Cuschieri Nadia Chehade GIZ German Development Karine Hrechdakian Doha Gabro Nadia Fakhry Agency, UDP_NL project Libanaise des Jeux Dominique LeGrelle Nadine Dlebeke Maha Nasrallah Eddy Fayad Nadine Moacdieh $20,000 - $50,000 Mohamad el Hage Elias Sejean Najwa Cortas UNOPS-Global Environment Nadine Chehade Emneh Fakhry Najwa Fakhry Facility-Small Grants Program Nicolas Chamandy Fergus McLaughlin Nayla Jreige (GEF/SGP) implemented Nidal el Khoury Georges Chekaibane Pia Rainey by the UNDP Peter Hrechdakian Gerry Gabriel Rabih Bleik Sabine Hrechdakian Ghada Feghali Rabih Khaled Chemonics - USAID Lebanon Sami Khoury Hadi Akl Raida Dagher Sawsan Fadallah Hassan Mohanna Rana Abi Warde $5,000 - $10,000 Socrate Catering sal Hayat Harfouche Rana Omais Swiss Embassy in Lebanon Tanya Khalaf Helene Courtin Rene Berthiaume Hisham Saab Richard Organ $500 - $999 Hoda Sayegh Rima Omais Desmond Astley-Cooper Hussein Alaiwi Rindala Taleb Inner Wheel Jad Abou Khalil Roger Tabah Jean el Ghaoui Jamal Nasser Roula Attar Jihad Taleb Jana Zepm Rudy Farwagi Karim Daoud Jean Pierre Matton Saad Khalife Lina Fakhry Jihad Frem Saleem Flouty

VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 48 © Christian Akhrass 49 OUR SUPPORTERS BECOME A MEMBER ADRIAN LIFE MEMBERS OF THE LMTA! UNTIL DECEMBER 2020

Discover the LMTA Membership RESTAURANTS & FOOD • 15% discount on Savvy Element Adrian Cazalet Jean-Pierre Cressot Olivier Zuber Program, a new way for you to support • 15% discount at Tawlet Beirut; Tawlet products, available through direct Alfred Farwagi Jessica Yaacoub Patrick Abi Nader the Lebanon Mountain Trail, a national Ammiq; Tawlet Biomass orders through their social media trail crossing the whole country! • 15% discount on organic olive oil, pages, and fairs (not available at Ali Hoballah Jihan Khattar Paul Khawaja organic honey, and organic produce retail stores) Bassem Hibri Joseph Karam Paul Tannous You will also benefit from many from Bassatine Banoub Béatrice LeBon Chami Joseph Lteif Peter Hrechdakian discounts at carefully selected sports • 10% discount on organic vegetables, LMTA PRIVILEGES outlets, guesthouses, restaurants, or- fruits, and produce from Ibrahim's Farm • Email invitations to LMTA events Carol Feghali Joumana El Brihi Ramez Shehadeh ganic produce retailers, health providers, • 15% discount on selected Taqa and gatherings Christian Akhrass Karim El-Jisr Rana Hanna LMTA hiking events, and much more. products • Priority notice & advance booking on Dany Njeim Karim Sinno Rania Bou Mosleh Fall Trek, Thru-Walk & the LMT Desmond Astley-Cooper Layya Fakhry Rend Haffar You can choose to become a: SPORTS SHOPS, EQUIPMENT Friendship Trail • Supportive Member: $100 yearly fee & ACTIVITIES Diana Fakhry Lilian Yarak Ric Francke • Adrian Life Member: $750 one-time fee • Up to 30% discount at Sports Experts Dory Renno Lina Fakhry Rindala Taleb • 20% discount at ProShop Please note that the above list may Elie Akl Loubna Hijazi Roger Cazalet Kindly note that we accept payments • 30% discount at La Maison Du Ski change from time to time with new in LBP at the set bank withdrawal rate- • 20% discount on outdoor brands & partners and benefits. Elise Salem Margaret Novotny Rola Chamas currently at LBP 3,900. 15% on other brands available in the Pleas consult our website for the Eric Francke Martin Roos Rudy Farwagi store at Sports4ever (N/A on latest updates. Fadi Baaklini Martine Allouche Saad Khalife BENEFITS FOR SUPPORTIVE discounted items & in sales periods Fadia Mansour Martine Btaich Salam Khalife MEMBERS: and fidelity cards) *Annual memberships are • 10% discount on SUF Beanies Co. automatically renewable. Fareed Al-Fouzan May Karkour Sami Khouri LMTA DISCOUNTS products An automatic notification email will Fatme Darwich Maya Karkour Sandro Allouche • 10% discount on all hikes organized • 20% on Phoenus' made-in-Lebanon be sent to members prior to renewal. Fawzi Karam May Khalife Sawsan Fadlallah by the LMTA products: children balance bikes & Members are entitled to cancel their • 10% discount on selected items in tricycles, playgrounds, and wooden membership renewal at any time, by Faysal Assi May Nasser Fakhry Steven Fakhry the LMTA store or online store cabins & domes contacting directly the LMTA office. Firas Assi Michael Papaeraclous Tamar Hadichian • 10% discount on LMTA publications Memberships are non-transferable Georgette Abdi Michelle Moucarade Tania Khalaf HEALTH & WELLBEING and non-refundable. Rates indicated Gisele Karam Monique Bassila Tariq Al-Ahmadi GUESTHOUSES & • 15% discount from Batroun Water above are net rates and include tax. ACCOMMODATIONS Sports on the surf, windsurf & SUP Greg McGiplin Jr. Zaarour Toufic Berbari • 20% discount on weekdays & 10% on classes, and rental Hana Hibri Nadim Saad Walid Abou Habib week-ends at Guita Bed&Bloom in • 10% discount from Eddé Sands' Hani Helou Nadine Chehade Wim Balvert El Aaqoura Tropical Spa, Alice Eddé Boutique, HOW TO JOIN? • 20% discount on weekdays & 10% on Gibran’s Lebanon and éBoutique in the Click here Huda Saigh Nadine Weber Youssef Abillama week-ends at Soha Village in Falougha souks of Byblos to read more on how to Imane El Rayess Najwa Fakhry Zeynab Khalif • 15% discount at Hotel Karam in • 15% at Native Nursery in the Chouf become an LMTA member! Ina Rihani Namir Kanaan Bazaoun on native plants & 15% on • 15% discount at Hadath El Jebbeh agro-ecology advice Irene Bark Guesthouse, in Hadath El Jebbeh • 25% discount at Bonsai Flowers on all • 15% discount at Tawlet Ammiq and Beit flower arrangements, flower bouquets, Douma or plants • 10% discount at él’Hotel, éBoutique, and Cabanas.

VOICES OF THE LMT / DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 / VOICES OF THE LMT 50 © Khaled Taleb 51 THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR COMMUNITY!