LMT Societ 1214.pdf · the LMT as a world class destination thanks to the ... blazes approximately 100 km of the trail every year. Blazes last approximately 4 years (pp. 8)

1www.lebanontrail.org LMT Society

32www.lebanontrail.org LMT Societywww.lebanontrail.org LMT Society

Dear friends,

These days, Lebanon is facing formidable challenges, from over population to insecurity and water scarcity. Then again, Lebanon has constantly been faced by numerous difficulties during the course of its history and somehow made it through. No matter how long it takes to restore law and order, as well as water and electricity, the LMT is here to stay! It is our duty to protect something which has been crafted by successive generations of proud mountain people from unwanted development, abuse or neglect. Simply put, the trail is our legacy.

The LMT Association has worked tirelessly since 2007 to protect, develop and promote this national treasure. We have come a long way in developing the LMT as a world class destination thanks to the support of a growing circle of friends all along the trail. We have also received support from our friends in major cities around the world including Abidjan, Amman, Amsterdam, Brussels, Dubai, Hamburg, Jeju, London, New York, Stockholm, and Washington DC. It is the combination of magical experiences, unforgettable encounters and breathless views which makes it so unique as well as the gourmet food that no other long-distance trail can rival let alone match! The diversity on the trail and its unparalleled hospitality has earned the LMT international recognition.

We all know that our state institutions are unable to safeguard Lebanon’s heritage in these difficult times. This is why we need to redouble our efforts to protect this trail which has brought thousands of people closer together and helped bridge ideological gaps between Lebanese communities. The LMT is also a conservation corridor linking several protected areas. You can discover the LMT one step at a time, any day of the year. On behalf of the Association, we thank you for your generosity and goodwill and invite you all to spend time and money on the LMT to help solidify the benefits it has brought, to honor our ancestors and most importantly of all, to educate our youth. Happy SOCIETY,Karim El-Jisr

President's message

Issue No.3December 2014


06

Contacts UsLebanon Mountain Trail Association Sacré-Coeur Hospital Street Ghaleb Center, 1st Floor Baabda, LEBANON Phone: +961 5 955 302 or 3 Fax: +961 5 955 303 E-mail: [email protected]

EditorsDesmond Cooper (EN) - Béatrice le Bon (FR)May Khalifeh (AR)

Board MembersBéatrice Le Bon/Chami, Outreach CommitteeDory Reno, Trail CommitteeElie Akl, Trail CommitteeJihan Khattar, Secretary Mirvat Bakkour, Outreach CommitteeKarim El-Jisr, President Paul Khawaja, Vice President / Trail CommitteeSalam Khalifeh, Treasurer / Guesthouse CommitteeSami Mitri, Education Committee

This issue was sponsored by ABC

Printed by

Photo Courtesy:Cover photo: By Eddy Chouéry for Shouf Biosphere Reserve (Barouk Hill Lake)Inside photos: LMTA except where stated otherwise Layout and Design by Nadine Eid

ContentsTrail & ConservationJeju Olle Friendship Trail p.05How to protect the LMT p.06-07Procedures for trail blazing p.08LMT – Ehmej Side Trail p.09Water Awareness on the LMT p.10-11Lazzab Dannieh Nature Reserve p.12-13ً p.14 نحو نشاطات جبلية أكثر اماناEnding impunity: how to control hunting p.15

EducationLMT education with AEFE p.16Water education with USAID p.17

DevelopmentSpring Thru-Walk 2014 p.18-19Nos maisons d’hôtes s’embelissent p.20-21Managing Dwarf Mistletoe infestations p.22-23Empowering local guides p.24-25

News and InterviewsNews from American Friends of the LMT p.26Interview with Youssef Tawk p.27Team Lebanon - The 7 Summits p.28Book reviews p.30-31

Financials Our sponsors p.32Financials 2013 p.33About the LMT and the LMTA p.34-35

© Copyright LMT Association, 2014. All Rights Reserved

www.alarzprinting.com

Jeju Olle Friendship TrailOn October 11, the LMTA inaugurated the Jeju Olle Friendship Trail on Section 21 of the Lebanon Mountain Trail. The event took place near the famous Jezzine spring and was organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism. It was attended by the First Secretary of the Korean Embassy in Lebanon, Mr. Yoonho Kim the President of the Jeju Olle Foundation, Ms. Suh Myung-Sook, the Mayor of Jezzine, Mr. Khalil Harfouch, the LMTA President, Mr. Karim El-Jisr, as well as dozens of hikers.

About Friendship TrailsThe LMTA is working with international trail organizations to raise awareness of and support for public footpaths through the creation of Friendship Trails. In each case, a section on the LMT and a corresponding route on the international trail are designated as a Friendship Trail, displaying special signs to mark the partnership. The first Friendship Trail on the LMT was inaugurated in Ehden in November 2012 (LMT Section 5), with the Bruce Trail of Canada.

Trail and ConservationThe Friendship Trail between Lebanon and Korea is a mark of friendship between the two countries. It is also a platform for recreational and cultural exchange. Whereas the LMT extends 470km from Andaqet in north Lebanon to Marjayoun in the south, the Jeju Olle Trail is a series of walking routes on Jeju Island measuring 425km in total. This beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is almost sub-tropical in climate, its scenery passing from wind-swept coastline, through countless tangerine groves, crisscrossed by distinctive stone walls, and up to the 1,950m peak of Mt. Halla. The blue figure known as “Ganse” shaped like a Jeju pony is a symbol of the Jeju Olle Trail and appears on all trail signs.

President Sue expressed her deep appreciation for the hospitality in Lebanon and the commitment of the LMT Association to promote the Jeju Olle trail in Lebanon. “People were surprised to hear that I would travel to Lebanon to inaugurate a friendship trail in a troubled region” said Ms. Sue who was determined to visit Lebanon and discover its cultural and natural heritage. For his part, “The Municipality of Jezzine is proud to be located on the Lebanon Mountain Trail and we pledge to protect and promote the trail” said Mr. Harfouch. Mr. El-Jisr then explained what Lebanon and Korea have in common including a passion for hiking, breathtaking sceneries, orange plantations in the coastal zone, and a tumultuous history in reference to the Korean War and the Lebanese Civil War. “Today, Korea has 350 peacekeepers in south Lebanon and we hope that one day Lebanon, too, will station peacekeepers in conflict areas around the world”. He then thanked the Jeju Olle Foundation for their hospitality in Korea during their World Trail Conference in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

After a ceremonial opening, the group went on a 6-km hike on Section 21 of the LMT and was welcomed at La Maison de la Forêt in Bkassine to a mouthwatering lunch prepared by local women.


An Integrated Approachto Protecting the LMTA. Protecting natural resources The LMTA recognizes the value of protecting natural resources and their importance to the LMT experience. This is why we applied for a grant from USAID to implement an awareness program focused on water and mountain springs (see pp. 10-11). After noticing considerable dieback amongst Syrian Juniper trees, we started coordinating a response with a group of leading Lebanese scientists in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture (pp. 22-23).

C. Lobbying the Government of LebanonThe LMTA has been in discussions with key ministries (Environment, Tourism & Justice) as well as members of parliament to advocate for legislation that would help protect the trail. Legal instruments are complex and their use is impacted by land ownership and the status of land surveys in Lebanon. Most of the areas through which the LMT passes have either not been surveyed or have been surveyed but not yet mapped. The LMTA advocates the sanctity of the public domain, including all trails, but large swathes of land on the LMT are private. A group of lawyers are examining the most effective approach for protecting the trail from haphazard construction. The long-term vision of the LMTA is to setup a land trust and this is why we have established the Adrian Life Membership Fund.

D.Connecting Lebanon’s Protected AreasSo far, an estimated 20% of the LMT is protected because it passes through nature reserves established by law (Horsh Ehden, Arz Tannourine, Arz el Shouf). The LMTA encourages and supports the establishment of new protected areas on the trail. Most recently, we assisted in the delineation of the Lazzab Dannieh Nature Reserve (a project implemented by ECODIT and funded by the German Technical Cooperation GIZ) which partly covers LMT Section 3 (pp. 12-13).

E.Expanding the trail

The LMTA receives frequent requests from rural municipalities to extend the trail to incorporate new towns and villages on the LMT. In 2013, the LMTA worked with the Association for the

Protection of Jabal Moussa to develop a 19km long side trail linking the two destinations (see LMT SOCIETY Issue 2). In 2014, the LMTA worked with the Municipality of Ehmej to develop a

23km side trail from Baatara pothole near Chatine to Aaqoura (pp. 9). In 2015, the LMTA is planning to work on proposed side trails in Bkassine (with the Federation of Municipalities in

Jezzine) and Jabal Kneisset (with the Municipality of Falougha).

G.Encouraging local buy-in of the LMT

The LMTA is not the sole custodian of the trail. The LMT stretches 470 Km and its future rests in part on the participation of local communities along the way. Local citizens, institutions

and municipalities in trailside communities share responsibility for its long-term condition. We maintain a close rapport with trailside municipalities and more recently have facilitated the

genesis of a local committee in Baskinta to help restore and revive the Baskinta Literary Trail. The vision and objectives of this local committee are fully endorsed by the LMTA.

H.Discouraging unwanted behavior

As most nature enthusiasts know, hunting in Lebanon is chaotic. Many uninitiated and or reckless hunters shoot all types of birds including migrating soaring birds (storks, pelicans,

cranes, etc.) which are specifically protected by international conventions. The LMTA has been pursuing one such case in court since 2012. The fact that it is still going on exemplifies the

challenges of ending the impunity enjoyed by hunters who break the law in Lebanon (pp. 15).

F.Keeping hikers on the trail

Like all trail destinations in the world, it is important to remind visitors to walk on the trail and refrain from stepping off it to avoid damaging the flora. That is why it has to be marked

(blazed) in order to keep hikers on the right path. The LMTA has developed its own blazing manual and, through the help of volunteers, blazes approximately 100 km of the trail every

year. Blazes last approximately 4 years (pp. 8).

B.Reporting abuses on the trailTrail abuses are common and include waste disposal, quarrying, road construction, leap-frog construction etc. Every April, the LMTA records new abuses during the annual Thru-Walk and reports the most serious of them to local municipalities. Some of these are very difficult to prevent especially in the absence of effective law enforcement. We have, however, stopped the construction of several small roads that were not sanctioned by any authority. Wherever the abuse is considered irreversible, then the LMTA explores trail deviations.

Survey and Map status of Lebanon

Surveyed and MappedDelineated not SurveyedNon-Delineated/non- Surveyed

A

B

E G

HD


YOU ARE ONTHE RIGHT PATH

SIGNS ON LMT AND THEIR MEANING

TRUNLEFT

TRUNRIGHT

WRONG PATH

The LMT – Ehmej Side TrailWith a grant from the USAID-funded Lebanon Industry Value Chain Development program (LIVCD), the LMTA delineated, test-walked, blazed, and mapped a new side trail passing through Ehmej, in coordination with Ehmej Municipality. The side trail distance is 23.8km extending from Chatine (Baatara pothole) to Ehmej, and then from Ehmej to Aqoura, rejoining LMT Section 10.

Trail 1, Chatine (“Baatara” Pothole and Natural Bridge) Ehmej (Auberge Arz Ehmej):8.3kmStart your hike from the natural bridge of Baatara (1530m) in a southwesterly direction. Take the dirt road through the orchards and continue along a goat trail under “Aarid Baatara” (cliffs). Then cross by a spring and keep on walking under the cliffs until you reach “Skhour el Istiraha” (army barracks). Go past the telecommunications tower and begin your decent towards “Ain el Chhahir,” passing by “Qrani el Mogher” on the way before you come to “el Ramliye” church (1570m). It’s a steep uphill walk from here eastwards on a goat trail to reach a scenic point (1736m). From there, go downhill to “Ouadi Hafroun” and continue southwest along a rough path to the main paved road. Cross it and walk down into the mixed forest of “Wadi el Mihal” before reaching Auberge “Arz Ehmej” (1360m).

Blazes are shown on rocks or trees but many sections have neither. For example, agricultural dirt roads require blazes at each fork or turn but often there are no rocks or trees in the vicinity. Therefore, either we transport rocks to these locations or find the nearest fruit tree to position the blaze. Another challenge is to make sure that the trail is blazed (and navigational) in both directions! The LMTA is currently developing a detailed blazing and signage plan which will become the reference manual for all future work.

Trail 2, Ehmej (“Haklet el Heye”) – Aaqoura (North West Entrance):15.5kmFrom the head of the main trail at “Haklet el Heya” (1192m), start walking upwards in a northeasterly direction towards “Qornet el Raheb.” When you reach “Ain el Nasouh”, turn west along a dirt road until you come to some empty terraces. Then go uphill towards “Sahlet Beit Abi Ramia,” a good place to take a short rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. From this point, there is a remarkable ascent along a cleared path that leads to “el Ouata” and “el Azer” where a number of apple orchards lie scattered beneath the cliffs. Continue along the dirt road until you come to a paved one and then turn right and start climbing towards “Qornet el Tillaj” (1899m) where some stunning views await you.From here, walk downhill to “Ayoun el Nekhaa” and on towards a beautiful natural hanging bridge.

A place of trekking and discovery, the LMT offers unlimited opportunities for economic and social development! The LMT is a patchwork of mostly existing trails and passageways that were stitched together under the USAID-funded Lebanon Mountain Trail project (Dec. 2005 – Mar. 2008). Since then, the LMTA has been working tirelessly to protect and maintain the trail. Whereas we always advocate the services of local guides (because they enrich the hiking experience with local tales and anecdotes), the LMTA also believes that the trail should be accessible to hikers who prefer to walk unassisted. The golden rule however is never to walk alone but always with a friend or as part of a group. Trail blazing is laborious, time-consuming and fun! Blazes help keep hikers on the trail and by walking on a well-marked trail, we help maintain the trail itself and protect nature by not stepping on wild flowers or seedlings. Blazing the 470km LMT is no easy feat and paint blazes usually last up to 4 years only. Since 2012, the LMTA has blazed 185km (about 41% of the trail distance) thanks to the effort and support of many volunteers. Blazing activities are also coordinated with local municipalities and the nature reserves on the trail including Horsh Ehden, Tannourine Cedar, and Al Shouf Cedar.

Then resume the climb beneath a peak called “Qornet el Jraid,” passing by scattered juniper trees on the way (Juniperus excelsa and J. oxycedrus) before reaching “Ain el Charbine” in the “Laqlouq” district. Cross the paved road at “Sahlat el Marj” and continue on towards the wonderful apple orchards of Aaqoura village. From there, you walk down the paved road past “Dahr el Jaouz” towards the village itself (1460m).

Procedures for LMT blazing!

Section # From To Km blazed

Trail blazing update:

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

16

17

25

26

Beqaa Sefrine

Ehden

Qannoubine

Bcharré

Hasroun

Tannourine

El Akoura

Afqa

Chabrouh

El Mtain

Falougha

Rachaya

Habayia

Ehden

Qannoubine

Bcharré

Hasroun

Tannourine

El Akoura

Afqa

Chabrouh

Kfar Aaqab

Falougha

Ain Zhalta

Hasbayia

Marjaayoun

100%

100%

60%

100%

100%

90%

100%

95%

30%

100%

60%

10%

10%

23km

10km

5.5km

19km

21km

17km

20km

17.3km

5.5km

19km

12km

2.5km

1.6km

The LMT blaze uses only two colors: white and Tyrian purple


LMT Springs Guide“Yesterday I led a 30-km hike on the Lebanon Mountain Trail from Mar Antonios Qozhaya to Bqaa Sefrine passing through Ehden” said Christian Akhrass who is an LMT mountain guide. “The beauty of the landscape with its cedars, oaks, firs and junipers took my breath away. As we hiked through the Ehden Reserve, we stopped by the mountain spring of Ain Al Naassa and made use of the first edition of the “Springs Guide on the LMT” to find out more about the spring and check it for possible water pollution”.

Christian is also the field coordinator on the LMT for “Water Awareness Project” which is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Its object is to document and protect mountain springs. During the autumn of 2013 and the spring of 2014, he sampled 53 springs together with water expert Hussam Hawa. Based on prior research, they carried out basic physio-chemical analyses on-site for color, odor, acidity (pH), conductivity & temperature and delivered samples to the North Lebanon Water Establishment lab in Tripoli and the Industry Research Institute lab in Hadath.

There, in the labs, microbiological tests were carried out for the following: Total Viable Count, Total Coliform Count, Thermo-tolerant (Fecal), Coliform Count, Escherichia Col and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa as well as chemical tests for Nitrate (NO3-), Nitrite (NO2 -) and Phosphorus (P2O5). The results showed that while 35% of the springs tested were clean and safe for drinking, 57% of them needed further investigation and 8% were contaminated.

Removing river trashThe LMTA also organized five “water days” to clean up rivers near the LMT and their banks. Local youth & scouts joined the volunteers and together they collected tires, plastics, metals and other garbage! In Kfardebian, the local LMT guide Nassib Akiki guided them as they tackled the local river.

“People deliberately dump their trash away from their houses in natural areas. From there it eventually it finds its way into creeks or storm drains and finally into the rivers. Picking up garbage is a tough thing to do but we try to make it fun,” Naseeb said. “We do everything we can to motivate people during these cleanup events; this way people usually come back and visit again!”

At the end of each day, the volunteers bring in the day’s haul and set to work sorting it out. “People get a huge sense of accomplishment from seeing the garbage piled up at the end of the day,” he added. “On an average day, they fill up 30 to 40 bags! But cleaning rivers is not our ultimate goal. We need to change people’s behavior and stop littering altogether!”

This is why on July 12 the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Michel Pharaon, came and participated in the cleanup effort in Ain Zhalta near Nabaa el Safa. Afterwards he congratulated the LMTA for its efforts in promoting cleaner trails!

Water Awareness on the LMTBased on this extensive sampling and interviews with local communities, the LMTA came up with the “Springs Guide” to make visitors and hikers aware of the importance of Lebanon’s water heritage. This guide describes each spring on the LMT, its location, history and physical attributes.


منذ التصديق عىل اتفاقية التنّوع البيولوجي عام ١٩٩٤، ارتفع عدد املحميات الطبيعية تدريجياً يف لبنان من اثنتني عام ١٩٩٢ إىل ١٥

)نيسان ٢٠١٤(. فهي تغطي حوايل ٢٦٠ كلم² من مساحة لبنان وتستقطب هواة امليش يف الطبيعة. يف متوز ٢٠١٤ ارتفع عدد املحميات

الطبيعية إىل ١٦ بعد أن وافق مجلس الوزراء عىل مرشوع قانون إحداث »محمية لزّاب الضنيّة الطبيعية« )مرسوم رقم ٢٠١٤/٩٢(

الذي تقّدمت به وزارة البيئة يف آذار ٢٠١٣، وذلك بعد أن أعّدت رشكة إيكوديت يف العام ٢٠١٢ ملف التصنيف والخرائط التفصيلية بالتعاون مع اتحاد بلديات الضنية وبتمويل من الوكالة األملانية للتعاون الدويل

عرب صندوق البيئة يف لبنان.لقد أعطت شجرة اللزاب اسمها إىل هذه املحمية نظراً إىل تواجد أعداد كثرية منها ضمن أراضيها واىل عدم وجود محمية أخرى يف لبنان تعنى

باللزاب. كام أن أشجار اللزاب تواجه خطر القطع العشوايئ والرعي الجائر. من هنا برزت الحاجة إىل حامية هذه األشجار التي تعترب

أيضاً أعىل نبات شجري عىل الجبال اللبنانية. وتقع محمية اللزاب يف أعايل قضاء الضنية ضمن مشاعات قرى جريون-القرن، كفربنني، مربني

والقاممني عىل ارتفاع يرتاوح بني ١٤٠٠ و٢٠٠٠ مرتاً عن سطح البحر وعىل مساحة ٢٣ كلم² وتجدر اإلشارة إىل أّن ١٤ كلم من درب الجبل

اللبناين ميّر ضمن أراضيها عرب قسم رقم ٣ )القاممني-كفربنني(.

إضافًة اىل اللزاب تحتوي املحمية عىل غابة أرز كثيفة معروفة ب »أرز نجيب آغا« ومتتاز طبيعتها بتكوينات جيولوجيّة وتضاريس

كارستيّة خّلبة وفريدة تنتمي إىل العرص الجورايس . تعترب املحمية موئلً هاماً للنباتات والطيور وبعض الثديات ومن املتوقع أن تستقبل

الزّوار عرب ثلث مداخل مخطط لها من بريسا )أوتسرتاد الضنية-الهرمل( ومن كفربنني ومن القاممني كام أنّها تحتوي عىل شبكة مسارات بطول ٣٠ كلم مقسمة عىل خمسة دروب وهي: طريق

اإلنكليز – أرز نجيب آغا – القرنة – املعبور – العيون.

Lazzab Dannieh Nature Reserve- A new discovery on the LMT

محمية لزّاب الضنّية الطبيعية ... رحلة إىل

املناظر الطبيعية املذهلةإعداد ريتا اسطفان

مع إنشاء »محمية لزّاب الضنيّة الطبيعية«، أصبح ٨٦ كلم من درب الجبل اللبناين ميّر ضمن نطاق أربعة محميات طبيعية هي: أرز الشوف، أرز تنورين، حرش أهدن و لزّاب الضنيّة. فباتت دروب

هذه املحميّات تشّكل طريقاً رئيسيّاً لدرب الجبل اللبناين. ليُصبح بالتايل هذا الدرب املمر الطبيعي الوحيد يف لبنان الذي يربط املناطق الطبيعية، املساحات املفتوحة واملناظر الخلبة بعضها ببعض بهدف توفري وسيلة لحركة الحياة الربية وحامية املوارد

الطبيعية يف الجبال اللبنانية.

Trail and Guide Map

!


Ending Impunity:How to control huntingin Lebanon?

We all hear about and often witness bird massacres on Lebanon’s trails. Unfortunately, we never hear about the prosecution of irresponsible hunters. The LMT Association received in April 2011 information and photos of a hunter who shot hundreds of storks and displayed them on his vehicle, in north Lebanon. The LMT Association shared those documents with the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, who immediately mobilized the Ministry of Justice. Two years later, the LMTA decided to hire the services of a Lebanese law firm to follow-up on the case. Below is a chronological summary of the process from 2011 to date. It attests to the challenges we all face in exercising environmental laws and regulations. The case is still on-going…

1-بتاريخ ٢٠١١/٤/٣٠ ، ومببادرة من جمعية درب الجبل اللبناين ، وّجـه وزير البيئة السيد محمد ناجي رحال كتاباً اىل هيئة القضايا يف

وزارة العدل مبوضوع مجزرة بأعداد كبرية من طيور اللقلق األبيض ، مرفق به صورة عن املدعو الياس جرجس وهو يعرض الطيور عىل

سيارة ، رقم تسجيلها /٢٠١٣٦٢٨٨/ ، تسّجل الكتاب تحت الرقم ٢٠١١/7٠ م .

2-بتاريخ ٢٠١١/٥/١٦ وّجه وزير البيئة كتاباً ثانياً اىل هيئة القضايا بذات املوضوع، حيث ورد يف هذا الكتاب أن الطيور املعروضة هي أيضاً من نوع الكريك الرمادي، وأن مجزرة الطيور مخالفًة إلتفاقية

AEWA الدولية وقانون حامية البيئة رقم ٢٠٠٢/٤٤٤ ولنظام الصيد الربي يف لبنان رقم ٢٠٠٤/٥٨٠.

3-مل تتحرك هيئة القضايا يف هذا امللف لغاية العام /٢٠١٣/ ، اىل أن قامت محامية جمعية درب الجبل اللبناين بزيارة رئيس هيئة القضايا يف وزارة العدل ، الرئيس مروان كركبي ، عارضة له القضية من جديد. 4-عىل أثر هذه الزيارة ، تحرّكت هيئة القضايا وقّدمت شكوى أمام

النيابة العامة اإلستئنافية يف الشامل تسجلت تحت الرقم٢٠١٣/١7٩7٣ وعيّنت املحامي األستاذ منري داوود للدفاع عن الدولــة. 5-وبنتيجة التحقيقات التي أجراها مخفر أميون ، إدعت النيابة العامةاإلستئنافية عىل السيد سامي فيّاض وجان سمعان بجرم مخالفة نظام

الصيد الربي .

6-تحولت القضية اىل القايض املنفرد الجزايئ يف البرتون الرئيس منري سـليامن .

7-وبتاريـخ ٢٠١٤/٩/١٩ ، صدر قرار عن حرضة القايض املنفرد الجزايئ يف البرتون الرئيس كارال رحال ، قىض بإعلن براءة املّدعى عليهم سامي

إيليا فيّاض وجان سمعان سمعان وفيصل جامل قّصاب لعدم كفاية الدليل وبرّد ُمطالبة الدولة اللبنانية بالعطــل والضــرر .

إستند حرضة القايض املنفرد الجزايئ إلعالن براءة املّدعى عليهم عىل التعليل اآلتـــي :

•عدم وجود دليل بأن الطيور الواردة يف الصور جرى صيدها يف لبنان أو أن أحداً من املّدعى عليهم هو من الصيادين أو مُيكنه صيد مثل

هذه الطيور ، أو أن أحداً منهم قد خالف قرار منع صيد أنواع معيّنة من الطيــور .

•عدم توافر ما يشّكل دليلً عىل إرتكاب أي جرم .•الوقائع الثابتة هي مبثابة أعامل صبيانية بهدف إلتقاط الصور وعرضها

عىل موقع التواصل اإلجتامعــي .•إن إلتقاط صور بقرب الطيور ال يشّكل عرضاً عىل السيارات ويف

الطرقات والساحات العامة.8-إستأنفت الدولة اللبنانية الحكم الصادر بتاريخ 2014/9/19 عن

القايض املنفرد الجزايئ يف البرتون.

ملخص مبجريات قضية مجزرة الطيور املهاجــرة

نحو نشاطات جبلية اكرث اماناًنظم املركز اللبناين لألعامل املتعلقة بنزع األلغام يف الجيش اللبناين

وجمعية درب الجبل اللبناين بالتعاون مع الصليب األحمر اللبناين ندوة توعية حول واقع األلغام يف لبنان وكيفية الحد من مخاطرها وذلك يف

١٥ آذار ٢٠١٤ يف قاعة املحارضات يف ثكنة فوج املغاوير يف رومية.حرض الندوة رئيس املركز اللبناين لنزع األلغام العميد الركن عامد عضيمي وقائد فوج املغاوير العميد الركن شامل روكز وعدد من

الضباط يف الجيش اللبناين ورئيس جمعية درب الجبل اللبناين املهندس كريم الجرس وعدد من أعضاء مجلس إدارة الجمعية، باإلضافة اىل

عدد كبري من ممثيل الجمعيات البيئية واملحميات الطبيعية ورشكات السياحة البيئية والجمعيات التي تنظم رحلت امليش عىل الدروب

الجبلية اللبنانية. افتتحت الندوة بالنشيد الوطني اللبناين، ثم ألقيت كلامت من قبل

رئيس جمعية درب الجبل اللبناين والعميد الركن عامد عضيمي وممثلني عن املركز اللبناين لألعامل املتعلقة باأللغام وممثل الصليب

األحمر اللبناين. تضمنت هذه الكلامت موجزاً عن األعامل التي قامت بها جمعية

درب الجبل اللبناين منذ تأسيسها وموجزاً عن وضع األلغام وخاصة يف املناطق التي شهدت مواجهات عسكرية خلل الحرب اللبنانية

واملناطق التي تعرضت للعدوان اإلرسائييل خاصة خلل حرب متوز ٢٠٠٦ والصعوبات التي تواجه عمل املركز أكانت مادية، لوجستية،

تقنية أم برشية ووصف دور املركز يف معالجة األلغام يف لبنان واإلنجازات التي حققها منذ تأسيسه اىل اليوم وبيان خريطة األماكن

التي تعترب ملوثة ومشبوهة واملساحات التي نظفت وأنواع األلغام وأشكالها وخطرها واإلشارات التحذيرية املعتمدة واملوضوعة يف األماكن املشبوهة ورشح كيفية الترصف السليم عند مواجهة أي

جسم مشبوه أو الدخول يف حقل لأللغام وكيفية اإلبلغ عن االجسام املشبوهة واإلصابات الناتجة عنها وكيفية معالجتها عىل األرض بانتظار

وصول املساعدة من قوى الجيش واملسعفني وكيفية اإلجلء الصحي.

ثم عرض فيديو مصور للمركز اللبناين لألعامل املتعلقة باأللغام معرَفاً عن األعامل التي يقوم بها لتنظيف املناطق امللوثة باأللغام والنشاطات اإلنسانية

واالجتامعية ملساعدة مصايب األلغام و حملت التوعية التي يقوم بها املركز من أجل حامية املواطنني ومواكبتهم يف حال مواجهة أي خطر.

شددت الكلامت عىل التعاون الوثيق الذي قام بني الجمعية والجيش اللبناين وخاصة مديرية الشؤون الجغرافية وتضمنت تأكيداً عىل أن العمل جار عىل

قدم وساق بحرفية كبرية لتنظيف كافة األماكن املشبوهة.


Did you know that 80% of all potable water in Lebanon comes from groundwater sources and that household usage is the second largest consumer of water in our country?

Under the “Water Awareness Project on the LMT” funded by USAID, the LMTA has developed a “Water Curriculum” to fill a critical gap which exists in water education both in public and private schools. This curriculum teaches students about Lebanon’s water resources and how to protect them. It is designed for students in Grades 3 to 10 (ages 8 to 15) and each chapter can be adapted to the needs and learning levels of the students in those grades. It is inter-disciplinary and suitable for the following classes: chemistry, life science, math, geography, civic education and visual arts. It also contains water conservation tips that can be implemented at school and at home.

As part of the WAT project, the LMTA and Responsible Mobilities (trip organizer) organized 11 nature trips for 500 students from public and private schools. They visited different regions and areas of the LMT where they learned about the critical importance of these mountain springs and why we should do more to protect them. The WAT project engaged additional schools through theater and water-related puppet shows. In total, 14 schools partnered with the LMT: 7 private, 6 public, and 1 association.

WAT Partner SchoolsEl Fekha Secondary SchoolMar Takla SchoolEl Khreybeh Secondary SchoolHasbaya Secondary SchoolCollège des Frères ChampvilleEcole des Sœurs de la Charité BesançonsBaskinta Secondary SchoolShebaa Secondary SchoolInstitut de Rééducation Audio Phonétique (IRAP)Secondary School of KfardebianCollège du Bon Pasteur HammanaAl Rai’ai Al Saleh HammanaBroumana High SchoolCollège Saint Pierre Baskinta

Water Education is the foundation of progress

Nous tenons tout d’abord à remercier M. Bernard Roesch, conseiller de coopération adjoint, en charge de l’enseignement scolaire à l’Agence pour l’enseignement français au Liban (AEFE) pour l’opportunité qu’il nous a offerte de présenter le LMTA - en essentiellement nos activités en terme d’éducation - aux directeurs des écoles du réseau de l’AEFE, le 14 mars. Réseau qui touche près de 65.000 élèves au Liban. Une quarantaine d’écoles françaises (ou homologuées françaises) étaient représentées lors de cette réunion. Ce que le LMTA a proposé, c’est de développer des activités parascolaires en partenariat étroit avec chaque école. Ces activités devraient permettre d’allier l’étude de la géologie, de la faune et de la flore, des ressources naturelles (de l’eau en particulier), de l’histoire, de la culture et de l’archéologie, avec la randonnée sur le LMT. Ainsi les élèves pourraient puiser des exemples concrets tout en marchant, ce qui leur permettrait de s’approprier les connaissances sur le terrain.

A travers les projets éducatifs que le LMTA développe, nous voulons sensibiliser les enfants au respect de l’environnement, en particulier à la lutte contre les carrières sauvages, le massacre d’oiseaux, la protection de nos forêts, de nos ressources et de nos sites historiques. En responsabilisant les jeunes, nous contribuons à notre mission de protection du LMT. Nous avons insisté auprès des directeurs d’établissements sur le fait que leurs écoles pourraient être un des moteurs de la protection du LMT, sentier qui est notre mémoire et le plus beau lien entre les différentes communautés rurales de nos montagnes.

Il y a des cheminsIl y a des routes immortelles, il y en a d’autres qui disparaissent. La route de la Soie, la route du Rhum, la route du Thé et bien d’autres encore. Il y a des chemins qui tapissent nos vallées, serpentent nos montagnes et défilent comme des fleuves. Ces che-mins, dont le LMT fait partie, viennent enrichir notre patrimoine géographique. Trop nombreux encore sont ceux qui ignorent la splendeur de nos richesses naturelles.

En avril dernier, une trentaine d’élèves de Premières du Collège Melkart ont participé à notre « Thru Walk » annuel. Dans un esprit de camaraderie, ils ont partagé avec une équipe de randonneurs venus du Liban et d’ailleurs, un tronçon de nos 470 kilomètres de sentiers, entre Niha et Maaser el Chouf. Cette randonnée leur aura montré que loin du bitume et des embouteillages, notre Liban a encore de belles facettes à découvrir. C’est avec les générations du futur que nous devons collaborer pour rendre notre LMT immortel ! Ahlan wa sahlan fikoun ! Sami MITRI

Présentation du LMT à la réunion annuelle de l’AEFE

Education

«Nous n’héritons pas de la Terre de nos parents, nous l’empruntons à nos enfants.»

(Antoine de St Exupéry)


Amoureuse du LMT Maya KarkourC’est lors d’un weekend passé à Niha et Jezzine il y a 6 ans que j’ai découvert le LMT. J’en suis immédiatement tombée amoureuse ! Depuis, j’ai été une ardente adepte du LMT et chaque année, j’ai rejoint les marcheurs pour quelques jours. Mais l’expérience de cette année a été unique et magique: entreprendre la totalité du Thru-Walk – un mois entier de marche - apporte un bonheur et une évasion difficilement exprimables.

Parcourir à pied tout notre pays de Marjayyoun au Akkar, voir défiler les paysages époustouflants de nos sublimes montagnes, être accueillis à bras ouverts dans les charmantes maisons d’hôtes à caractère traditionnel, goûter le long du chemin les recettes tellement variées de chaque village avec chacun ses spécialités locales, découvrir le long du trajet des sites historiques et culturels, s’émerveiller devant une variété inouïe de papillons, coccinelles, grenouilles… S’adonner de tout cœur à ses passe-temps préférés, quelle joie! Mais - et au-delà de tout cela - partager cette merveilleuse aventure avec des marcheurs venus de tous les coins du monde, rire, rire, et encore rire et créer des liens qui perdureront, j’en suis certaine. Une expérience fabuleuse que je recommande à tous pour se recharger d’une bonne dose d’énergie dont nous avons grandement besoin vu le rythme chaotique de nos vies modernes !

3rd Prize: Trails “Keep the trail clear” by Wim Balvert

1st Prize: People “Contrast” by Niels Rasmussen

Phot

o: A

FLM

T

Agissons! Iman RayessLe Liban est mon pays natal, mais lorsque je l’ai quitté, je n’étais qu’une enfant. Le fait d’y retourner de temps en temps pour les vacances n’a jamais été suffisant pour créer un réel lien, une connexion, un sentiment de patriotisme.

On dit que l’on finit toujours par ressentir le besoin de retourner d’où l’on vient. Je ne m’étais jamais réellement considérée comme issue du pays des cèdres avant la fabuleuse expérience que j’ai eu l’opportunité d’avoir avec le LMT cette année. En marchant pendant quelques jours à travers des paysages contrastés, colorés et aux reliefs escarpés, j’ai ressenti un sentiment de fierté et surtout d’appartenance à notre beau pays. J’ai redécouvert le Liban tel que conté par mes parents, le Liban de Fayrouz. Petit pays certes, mais d’une immense beauté, notre patrie regorge de richesses et d’authenticité. Mais j’ai surtout rencontré un peuple bon et chaleureux, généreux comme une bonne tabkha épicée dont nous avons encore le secret. A travers ces quelques lignes, je voudrais rendre hommage à notre beau pays et à cette superbe équipe, dynamique et courageuse du LMTA qui met tout en œuvre pour préserver et pérenniser le précieux patrimoine libanais. Leur mérite est d’autant plus grand que leurs moyens sont petits.

Si tout le monde pouvait mettre un peu du sien, le résultat serait spectaculaire. Alors agissons !

2nd Prize: Nature “Hiding” by Dany Lahoud

FinalistsAdib HachemDany LahoudFadi BaakliniJessy SalloumNiels RasmussenOmar KatananiRend HaffarWalid KhouryWim BalvertZeina Boustany

Development

Spring Thru-Walk 2014The LMTA organized its sixth annual thru-walk from Marjayoun to Andqet (April 5 - May 5).This year, we walked for trail protection because protection remains the single-most important challenge for the LMT and Lebanon’sheritage in general. In total, 165 hikers from 9 countries (Lebanon, Kuwait, The Netherlands, the United Kingdom, USA, etc.) participated including 8 thru-hikers. With the support of Nikon, we organized a photo competition to encourage all hikers to share their best photos in three categories: Trail, People, and Nature. We received 65 photos of which 12 were selected by an independent panel. The prizes for the top three photos (left) included cameras and photography lessons, courtesy of Nikon. All 12 photos were put on display at the 2014 Garden Show in the Beirut Hippodrome!


Une des missions du LMTA est de participer au développement économique des villages limitrophes du LMT en promouvant un tourisme durable. Le comité des « maisons d’hôtes » s’est tout d’abord fixé pour tâche d’établir des normes et critères de qualité des maisons d’hôtes. En effet, une de nos préoccupations majeures est d’assurer la qualité de l’hébergement sur le LMT afin de répondre aux attentes des utilisateurs. Le comité a ensuite identifié les besoins prioritaires. Après avoir visité toutes les maisons d’hôtes le long du LMT et évalué les réponses à l’enquête de satisfaction réalisée lors du TW 2013, le comité a sélectionné huit maisons d’hôtes sur lesquelles il a concentré ses efforts. Afin d’assurer la pérennité de nos relations, un contrat de 5 ans est signé entre les propriétaires des maisons d’hôtes et le LMTA. Ci-dessous la liste des villages et familles qui ont bénéficié de ce soutien :

Rien n’aurait pu se faire sans votre générosité ! Merci à tous les donateurs individuels qui ont contribué à raison de 25,690 US$. Merci également à nos généreux sponsors. Grâce à vous, ces huit familles vont désormais pouvoir bénéficier d’un revenu supplémentaire et améliorer leur quotidien.

En louant les services des guides locaux et en utilisant les maisons d’hôtes sur le LMT, vous contribuez à soutenir les familles libanaises dans le monde rural. Si chacun apporte une brique pour construire notre mur, la vie sera définitivement plus simple. Et cela en est un très bel exemple!A très bientôt dans nos maisons d’hôtes!

“Vivre simplement et généreusement pour que d’autres puissent simplement vivre” (Gandhi)

Nos maisons d’hôtes s’embellissent pour mieux vous accueillir

Sponsor Contribution Valeur en US$

REVA

AFLMT

VITRAL

Key Architects

ALBINA

ALUMAN

INTERDEC

75 matelas de qualité offerts gratuitement

Draps et couvertures pour 75 lits, serviette de bain

Aluminium et verre offerts pour 2 maisons

Sanitaires et plomberie offerts gratuitement

Panneau solaire offert gratuitement

Terrasse Baskinta

Décorations

9,000

7,500

7,000

3,050

1,300

Non-communiquée

Non-communiquée

Hasbaya

Rachaya Wadi

Aitanit

Niha

Ain Zhalta

Baskinta

Tashea

Quemmemine

15

13

14

8

12

8

12

12

Wael Shmais

Mehde Fayed

Famille Mansour

Chafic Mourched

Houssam Eid

Famille Tabeshrani

Mohamed Taleb

Aluminium, peinture

et sanitaires

Lits, draps, matelas, robinetterie

Lits, matelas,draps, canapé

Rééquipement complet

Tabourets, cadres photos

Draps et couvertures

Salon, portes, lits et draps

Lit, matelas, draps et tissus

Lits, matelas, draps, table

Peinture, eau, chauffage, salle de bain

Chauffage,réservoir

d’eau

Aluminiumet peinture

Réservoir, WC, panneaux solaires

Terrasse, aluminium, portes et WC

Rajout d’une salle de bain

complète

Peinture

Village Propriétaires FournituresTravaux deconstruction

Capacitéd’accueil

Abdel AzizMohamed


Managing Dwarf Mistletoe Infestations on Juniperus drupacea in Lebanese MountainsThe Syrian Juniper, Juniperus drupacea, الدفران is one of the iconic coniferous species, distributed along the LMT in north and north-central Lebanese mountain massif. Although it is not as well-known as the Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani), it forms a significant part of the mountain forest environment and natural heritage of Lebanon. In some cases, it is the sole colonizer of the very arid mountain tops.

In the last few years, reports on death of Juniperus drupacea trees were recorded in several high elevation areas of Lebanon. Most reports stated a sudden browning of leaves and death of branches, followed by the death of the whole tree.

In May 2013, LMT collaborated with ACDI/VOCA’s Farmer-to-Farmer project to bring from the U.S. a forest disease expert, Yurij Bihun, to assess the causes of dieback observed by LMT guides, among others, on several Juniperus drupacea trees along the trail. The assessment showed the presence of the dwarf mistletoes (Arceuthobium oxycedri), an aerial, leafless parasitic plant that infect several coniferous or evergreen tree species. Dwarf mistletoes produce root-like structures that grow in the living tissue just under the bark (phloem) and in the wood (xylem), where they extract both nutrients and water from their host plants. They can live attached to their host for several decades and eventually kill the host when it is weakened or stressed by other factors. Dwarf mistletoes are obligate parasites meaning that they die when their host tissue dies. Before dying, however, they produce seeds that are explosively discharged as far as 10 m away. Seeds are coated with a sticky substance that allows them to stick to any juniper branch they encounter during their dispersal.

In an effort to understand the spread of the disease and guide management practices to preserve the now-endangered Juniperus drupacea species, a group of Lebanese experts* has been working with LMT to develop an assessment protocol to monitor the disease spread and recommend best management practices. The group visited several sites in Kfar Bebnine,Jabbal Moussa and Ehmej, where they found around many dead Juniper trees, and a large number of infested trees at different levels of infestation. Unfortunately, none of the trees inspected during the visit was disease free. With this alarming situation, the LMT group visited the Ministry of Agriculture and shared their findings.

The Syrian juniper is seriously threatened by the dwarf mistletoe and the species could be decimated if action is not taken quickly. Monitoring and eradication measures should start as soon as possible to save the trees!!!

Memorandum of Understanding with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture

The LMTA is preparing an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to effectively prune diseased trees and limit the spread of the dwarf mistletoe. In parallel, assessments will be conducted in different sites, starting from one pilot site, to map and monitor the spread of the disease and define different emergency zones in terms of speed of management.

Figure 1. Juniperus drupacea from Ehmej. A. Female conesB. Healthy adult Syrian Juniper دفران

Photos by Elsa Sattout and Christian Akhrass

Figure 2. Dead Juniperus drupacea trees in Kfarbebnine

Figure 3. Branches of Juniperus drupacea infested with the dwarf mistletoe

A B

*Boushra DoueihyPhD in Plant Ecology, Assistant Professor at Lebanese University

Khaled SleemNative Nurseries, Production Manager & Director of AUB Nature Conservation Center

Maya NehmePhD in Entomology & Lecturer at AUB

Mohammad El ZeinPlant Biology and Ecology Instructor, Member of the AUBNature Conservation Center

Jean StephanPhD in Plant Physiology, Assistant Professor Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University

Elsa Sattout PhD in Agricultural Botany, Conservation Leadership Programme, University of Cambridge, UK.


The LMTA believes that local guides are agents for change. In addition to guiding hikers and visitors on Lebanon’s trails, Local guides help us monitor abuses on the trail, maintain the trail, and also influence local decision making in favor of greener development. In an effort to improve their skillsets, the LMTA with the support of Gilbert Moukheiber (33North) and Pascal Abdallah (Responsible Mobilities) started designing a full training program with three mandatory modules: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

Empowering localguides on the LMT

حبيب الحلومواليد ١٩7٤ جزين. انهى دراسته الجامعية و دخل عامل التجارة

العامة. دخل عامل الطبيعة منذ الصغر و انضم ملرشوع درب

الجبل اللبناين منذ بدايته

من هواياته األستغوار و امليش و ركوب الدراجة الهوائية

عني مرشد محيل عن منطقة مرحلةرقم ٢٢ جزين – عيتنيت

مرياي طبرشاينمواليد ١٩٨٠ بسكنتا – املنت

درست تصميم و تنفيذ اآلزياء و هي ربة منزل

تزاول رياضة امليش منذ عدة سنوات

هواياتها هي التزلج و الرسم و امليش

لديها بيت ضيافة و هي املرشد النسايئ الثاين عىل درب الجبل

اللبناين. بدأت رحلتها عىل درب الجبل اللبناين سنة ٢٠٠٩

مبواكبة مجموعات امليش ملساعدة زوجها

تم تعيينها مرشدة عىل مسار رقم ١٤ بسكنتا – متني اضافة اىل

الدرب اآلديب

جورج رسكيسمواليد ١٩٦٥ تنورين الفوقا – البرتون

اكمل دراساته الثناوية و نذر حياته لحامية غابة ارز

تنورين حتى اصبح احد حامة هذه املحمية

يعمل كموظف داخل محمية ارز تنورين

ميلك بيت ضيافة و من هواياته امليش و مراقبة الطيور

عني مرشد محيل عىل مسار رقم ٩ و ١٠ حرصون –

تنورين – العاقورة

محمد طالبمواليد١٩٨٢ القاممني – املنية الضنية

درس مهنة املحاماة و يزاولها حاليا

بدأ هواية امليش منذ الصغر و انضم اىل مرشوع درب الجبل

اللبناين يف ال ٢٠٠٦

رئيس جمعية وادي الزهور الخريية األجتامعية

من هواياته امليش – قيادة سيارات الدفع الرباعي – القرائة

عني مرشد محيل عىل مسار رقم ٢ القاممني-كفربنني

Mohamad Taleb Habib El Helo

Mireille Tebechrani Georges Sarkis

Introduction to Trail Guiding

With the technical assistance of Gilbert Moukheiber (33North) and Pascal Abdallah (Responsible Mobilities), and the participation of Ehmej Municipality, the LMTA organized two trainings for 30 trail guides (see program in box). The LMTA aims to setup a permanent training academy for local trail guides in Lebanon, and the region. Trail guides on the LMT will obtain a training certificate (with the corresponding training level) and an identification number, recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism.

Local guides on the LMT are essential companions during your walks and hikes! But trail guiding and interpretation is an acquired skill which must be organized and regulated to ensure quality. The LMTA is very much committed to building the capacity of trail guides on the LMT and in other parts of the country, by providing them the tools necessary to do their job well. In an effort to formalize the training sector in Lebanon, the LMTA and in coordination with the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism started implementing a training program for local guides with three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced.

Introduction to Trail Guiding: Basic ModuleAbout the Lebanon Mountain TrailIntroduction to the tourism industry Introduction to hiking and trails Roles and responsibilities of local trail guide Legal issues and optionsPracticum: tips in the fieldIntroduction to First AidIntroduction to product development and pricingWater awarness on the lebanese mountain trail

Maasser el Shouf (auberge) Sept. 20-21 11 local guides

Mar Antonios Qozhaya Sept. 27-28 19 local guides

Location Dates Trainees


News from the American Friends of the LMT

News Overseas

Expanding LMT’s Reach in the United StatesAs part of its Mission, the American Friends of the LMT (AFLMT) works to strengthen ties between Lebanon, in particular the LMT community there, and the USA. The AFLMT encourages Lebanese Americans and American hikers and friends of Lebanon to visit Lebanon, walk on the LMT, and discover or re-discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of its mountains. To better serve this objective, the AFLMT has begun to overhaul its social media infrastructure, in particular its website and Facebook Page. This effort has included a sustained campaign of targeted Facebook postings on LMT activities as well as stories about heritage and life in the mountains of Lebanon. As a result, the number of page fans more than doubled in a period of four months, increasing from less than 700 in early April 2014 to more than 1,500 by mid-July 2014. As page fans share posts within their own networks, posts on the AFLMT Page are now also reaching thousands of people and wider audiences. As more people learn about the LMT, the AFLMT hopes that the circle of LMT friends and benefactors will continue to widen.

Expanding LMT’s Reach in the United StatesAs part of its Mission, the American Friends of the LMT (AFLMT) works to strengthen ties between Lebanon, in particular the LMT community there, and the USA. The AFLMT encourages Lebanese Americans and American hikers and friends of Lebanon to visit

LMT Photo exhibition in Brussels,by Rend HaffarThe first time I walked the LMT was for 10 days from Beqaa Sefrine to Hrajel in the summer of 2012. Along the way, I took some photos and showed themto my friends in Belgium, who encouraged me to puton an exhibition. So I contacted a friend who runs a photo gallery in Brussels called “Galerie Verhaeren” and we agreed to organize the exhibition in December 2013!

The LMT in AmsterdamThe LMT was represented at the Cycling & Hiking fare in Amsterdam (dates) by Wim Balvert, our Dutch ambassador to the LMT! The fair received more than 20000 visitors most of who are serious hikers or cyclists. LMT publications were on display and Wim gave two presentations about the LMT which drew about 60 visitors who expressed solid interest in the LMT and the annual thru-walk.

The 4th World Trails Conference (Jan.15-17, 2014)Attended by 50 trail institutions and organizations from 18 different countries including Lebanon, the 4th World Trails Conference was a stunning success! Hosted by the Jeju Olle Foundation in Korea, the WTC saw the official launch of the Asia Trails Network (a council of 12 major trail organizations from Korea, China and Japan) and the establishment of the ‘World Trails Network’ (see box). The LMTA was represented by Board member Ms. Mirvat Bakkour who participated in three days of conferences and activities, as well as the official opening of the Lebanon Mountain Trail Friendship Trail on Jeju Olle (Route 9). The WTC is the world’s leading trail event where trail personnel and volunteers convene and discuss the strategic direction for the trail industry. The LMTA thanks Jeju Olle Foundation for their hospitality and impeccable organization of this event!

The World Trails Network (WTN)The WTN brings trail associations, trail advocates, walkers and hikers together from around the world to foster global collaboration and networking for the betterment of the world’s great trail destinations. The network was established during the 2012 World Trails Conference in Jeju, with a leadership committee of 12 renowned trail organizations.and impeccable organization of this event!

When the LMTA announced its annual Through Walk, I felt the need to walk the trail again and cover new sections from Falougha to Marjaayoun where the trail ends! The contrast between the snow-covered mountains in the north and the sun-soaked fields in the south typifies Lebanon’s diverse climate.

The exhibition was well attended and followed by a meeting with people who expressed interest in the country, the trail and the photos. Many people came to the exhibition because the word “Lebanon” already meant something to them; the exhibition gave them a more nuanced vision of the country. Proceeds from the sale of the photos went to support the activities of the LMTA.

Lebanon, walk on the LMT, and discover or re-discover the unique natural and cultural heritage of its mountains. To better serve this objective, the AFLMT has begun to overhaul its social media infrastructure, in particular its website and Facebook Page. This effort has included a sustained campaign of targeted Facebook postings on LMT activities as well as stories about heritage and life in the mountains of Lebanon. As a result, the number of page fans more than doubled in a period of four months, increasing from less than 700 in early April 2014 to more than 1,500 by mid-July 2014. As page fans share posts within their

networks, posts on the AFLMT Page are now also reaching thousands of people and wider audiences. As more people learn about the LMT, the AFLMT hopes that the circle of LMT friends and benefactors will continue to widen.

The LMTA wishes to thank the AFLMT and its benefactors for their continued support over the years.

Thank you AFLMT!

Thank you AFLMT Benefactors!

AFLMT Grants to LMTA since 2010

Year

2010201120122013201420142014

$20,000$7,500$7,000$3,000$650$7,500$3,000

LMT Video DocumentaryGeneral Support - Matching GrantsAdopt the Baskinta Literary TrailSignage Prototype for the LMTCustomer Relations Management SoftwareBeds and Beddings for LMT GuesthousesBaskinta Guesthouses Upgrades

GrantAmount

Grant Purpose « The spirit of international cooperation and sharing we are championing I hope will go a long way to ensure trails continue to play an important role in local communities unlocking real benefits, while inspiring hikers and walkers across the world for generations to come.» Galeo Saintz, Founding Chair WTN


Tabib et non hakim, médecin et non sage comme il aime le souligner. Youssef Tawk a pourtant donné à la nature ce que seul un homme sage pouvait entreprendre. Après des études de médecine en Belgique, il rentre au Liban en 1990 pour diriger l’hôpital de Bcharré. Mais l’appel de la nature est là! Ne retournons-nous pas tous un jour nous ressourcer dans ses entrailles ?Au Nord Liban, le cèdre est roi, résistant au froid et au temps. Pourtant, à ses côtés pousse un arbre moins connu, le genévrier. Il pousse même jusqu’à plus de 2300 mètres alors que le cèdre ne s’aventure pas à plus de 1900 mètres. Les genévriers, dont il existe 4 genres au Liban, représentent encore seulement 10% de nos 2000 hectares de forêts.

Paysans et agriculteurs ont toujours cru que cet arbre ne pouvait se reproduire que grâce à la grive, oiseau qui transporte dans son bec les graines de genévrier afin de permettre leur reproduction. Le Dr Tawk, lui, a voulu tenter sa chance. Après plusieurs tentatives d’ensemencement, quelle ne fût pas sa surprise de voir que les pousses faisaient surface… après un à trois ans ! Voilà pourquoi d’autres n’y croyaient pas : les graines poussant si lentement étaient considérées mortes.Et ce sera là le début d’une merveilleuse aventure. A lui seul, le tabib reboisera une partie de la montagne de Bcharré. Sur les quelques milliers de graines semées, 25.000 pousseront. Vingt ans plus tard, on peut apercevoir les arbustes qui ont entre 7 et 8 ans, éparpillés sur les flancs escarpés qui mènent à la vallée de la Qadisha. L’arrosage se fait encore de

façon traditionnelle, mais le Dr Tawk est convaincu que l’arrosage automatique permettrait de réduire de quatre fois le besoin en eau. L’infrastructure de base serait assez coûteuse mais devrait être vite amortie.Le genévrier a besoin d’une bonne terre calcaire et de temps : 10 ans pour bien pousser… jusqu’à 200 ans pour étendre ses branches comme le cèdre. Malheureusement, il est menacé par les intempéries, les incendies, la pollution, les chèvres et certains insectes. Menacé également par les hommes qui les abattent pour le commerce du bois et leurs besoins personnels. Le Dr Tawk compte sur nous tous ! Il compte aussi sur l’aide de l’armée pour protéger les forêts et poser des barbelés autour des terres. Longue vie à toutes ces forêts de la Bekaa du nord notamment, Barka, Rabia, Nabaa, Jjroud el Hermel, Denniye, Akkar ou encore Mechmech ! Jusqu’à ce jour, le Dr Tawk continue de planter de ses propres mains jusqu’à 100 arbres par an. Mais il n’est plus seul dans cette aventure. Il fait partie du Comité de sauvegarde de l’environnement de Bcharré, qui grâce à l’intervention de Mme Désirée Sadek recevra une aide financière de l’association Yves Rocher. Il a également remis son flambeau à l’Amical des amis du Cèdre qui a toujours été active sur le terrain et compte sur l’aide du programme américain « Lebanon Reforestation Initiative ». Le défi actuel de ces hommes est de reboiser la montagne depuis les Cèdres jusqu’à Tannourine. De l’autre côté de l’Atlantique, Alfredo Harb a entendu parler de cette volonté collective et, depuis bientôt cinq ans, appuie financièrement ces associations. Confiant en la nature et le cycle de la vie, le Dr Tawk pourrait proposer un plan de reboisement qui s’étalerait sur vingt ans. La foi peut déplacer les montagnes et les reboiser... à bon entendeur, salut ! Merci à cet amoureux de la nature immortelle.

Interviews and News25 000 arbres plantés à lui tout seul et ce n’est pas fini !

Pourquoi le genévrier est-il resté si longtemps dans l’ombre?

Youssef Tawk

The 7 Summits projectThe LMTA encourages all forms of non-motorized outdoor sports, adventure and discovery. We met with Team Lebanon to learn more about their “7 Summits Project”.

We are a team of 7 Lebanese mountaineers with diverse professional backgrounds and a common goal: to climb the 7 summits and become the FIRST ALL-LEBANESE TEAM to raise the national flag on top of the world. While achieving this goal, one summit at a time, we want to raise awareness around the role of the Lebanese Red Cross and fundraise to support its activities. The donations will come through several channels: Online, SMS, donation boxes, and events. Everyone can track the donations through the “Virtual Mountain” on our website with the objective to reach a Donations Goal of $100,000. Last, we wish to inspire the youth of our country to follow their own dreams and live their passions, to push themselves beyond their comfort zones, overcome adversity and achieve great challenges in their lives.

The Team:Avedis Kalpaklian - The Mountain Guide Age 43Peter Mouracade - The Communication Expert Age 35Joyce Azzam - The Architect Age 30Lindos Daou - The University Teacher Age 29Georges Mikhael - The Pharmacist Age 34Rana Samaha - The Energy Expert Age 35Sebastien Wakim - The Engineer Age 34

The 7 summits and the Team Lebanon plan to climb them:

EXPEDITION

ACONCAGUA

ELBRUS

CARSTENSZ PYRAMID

KILIMANJARO

DENALI

VINSON

EVEREST

ESTIMATED DATE

January. 2012

July. 2012

October. 2013

March. 2014

June. 2015

January. 2016

May. 2016

ALTITUDE (m)

6,962

5,642

4,884

5,895

6,194

4,897

8,848

CONTINENT

South America

Europe

Oceania

Africa

North America

Antarctic

Asia

DESCRIPTION

Expedition style climbing, non-technical

Easy glacier slopes to a high summit

Easy-Moderate Rock climbing, exotic terrain

Easy-Moderate, non-technical

Arctic, extreme cold, moderate difficulty

Arctic, extreme cold, moderate difficulty

Extreme altitude expedition climbing

For more info, please visit www.teamlebanon.com

Casa de Piedra 3240m, Aconcagua, Argentina

Plaza Argentina 4100 m, Aconcagua, Argentina

Barrel Huts 3900m, Elbrus Russia


A review by Henri Zoghaib* Who follows the writings of Ricardus and Myrna Haber thinks that he remains in the same sequence with their new book produced in English in 360 pages of a luxurious large format, elegantly printed, enjoyably organized and treasured with 920 photos. However, in their ‘Holy Land of the Phoenicians, Adonis River Valley of the Dancing Shadows’, they have surpassed the framework of Lebanon’s nature and its beauties to the historical and cultural depth of the Adonis Valley, which is known today – historically unfair – under the name of ‘Valley of Nahr Ibrahim’.

The book is of a profound Lebanese message with focused features on the valley. Adonis river was part of the cultural, religious and ideological life of ancient civilizations: people used to worship Adonis & Astarte marching the valley up to Afqa, and when the river water reddens by the action of natural phenomena the people reckoned that “Adonis has died”, remembering the legend of the lover Adonis who adored the Goddess Astarte angering her god lover and provoking his vengeance. The river was since named Adonis River carrying its symbol in the blood-red color, and blooming anemones on its banks announcing the return of the Adonis to life and of nature to early spring.

The authors proceed from the mythological theme to prove in text and photos that the region from Byblos to the heights of the valley maintain the complete sequence of human development from prehistoric times in an integral cultural compound anciently inhabited coast and mountain, bound by one history of multiple facets. So they emphasize, which makes the book the first scientific treatment of the valley.

The eight chapters of the book promote the river, the myth and the rituals, to natural resources and through civilization history. On its pages, wide scopes of information and beautiful photos from the various sides of the valley unfold: plains, fields, rocks and mountains, shadows and stones that were once houses or palaces or temples, which brings to memory that time when Lebanon was the hub of civilizations.

Holy Land of the Phoenicians, Adonis River – Valley of the Dancing Shadows for Ricardus Haber and Myrna Semaan Haber, is an encyclopedia of the beauties of Lebanon that illuminates its history, culture and ancient rituals in a valley, river and city that are a jewel on the face of yesterday.

* Henri Zoghaib is a poet and writer

* Peter Hitchcock is a forest conservation and heritage consultant who has been researching numerous ‘trees in history’, not the least of which is the Cedar of Lebanon. He lives in his rainforest abode near Cairns in tropical Australia.

HOLY LAND OF THE PHOENICIANS ADONIS RIVER, VALLEY OF THE DANCING SHADOWSby Ricardus M.Haber and Myrna Semaan Haber

Book Reviews

MEMOIRS OF A CEDAR by Faisal Abu-Izzeddin

ECO-LEBANON: NATURE AND RURAL TOURISM - A guide tounveil Lebanon, by Nour Farra-Haddad

A review by Peter Hitchock* I was delighted to read Faisal Abu-Izzeddin’s new book, ‘Memoirs of a Cedar’. Having joined Faisal in years past on visits to his beloved cedar forests, I believe no person would be better qualified to write the ‘Memoirs of a Cedar’.

Faisal cleverly retells history through a forest prism; hence ‘Memoirs of a Cedar’, a reminder that some forests have played key roles in human history, none more so than the cedar forests of Lebanon. Much of the book comprises a well-selected sequence of quotes from some of the many people from afar that visited the Cedars of Lebanon over thousands of years, beginning with an account of King Gilgamesh’s visit to confront Humbaba, guardian of the cedar forests.

The book is a wonderful reminder that the Cedar forests have been documented through a greater bracket of time than any other forests in the world. It is a unique distinction that the cedars are recorded in the oldest known writings, the cuneiform clay tablets of ancient Sumeria, traceable back almost 5,000 years.

The historic quotes are fascinating, indeed often quite entertaining viewed from a distance of hundreds, even thousands, of years. More than just fascinating excerpts of history, Faisal›s passion for the cedars, together with his insight into their past and future, bubbles through as he injects his often frank but informed opinions on the subject.

‘Memoirs of a Cedar’ is a generously illustrated and wonderfully readable story about one of the most important trees in human history. Faisal Abu-Izzeddin is more than the messenger of this wonderful story but also a latter-day Humbaba, ‘guardian of the cedar’. This book is a fine contribution to their on-going conservation through awareness; indeed it is a wake-up call.

Published in 2013, Eco-Lebanon is your guide to the outdoors! All you want to know about ecotourism, responsible tourism and rural tourism in Lebanon, in one book. Available in all bookstores.


Financials 2013Thank You to all donors in 2014!

The LMTA has an “Accounting & Procurement” reference manual which was developed for the LMTA in 2013. That same year, the LMTA started using the Visual Dolphin accounting software. Our accounts follow the cash-basis of accounting in accordance with International Financing Reporting Standards, and are audited by BERCER.

This schedule is an extract from the audited financial statements of the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association. The complete financial statements, including all

related notes, may be consulted in our office.

The LMTA thanks all our Donors and SupportersThe LMTA greatly appreciates each and every gift we receive. We know you have choices about who you are able to support. We sincerely value your patronage and would like to acknowledge the following donations in 2014 listed chronologically:

The LMTA also thanks our Gold Sponsors at the Annual Gala Fundraiser (December 5, 2014)The LMTA organized its first Gala dinner in Beirut to promote the LMT and raise funds to support its mission. The event was held at the Phoenicia Hotel and solicited the following Gold Sponsorships:

Gala planner and sound:

The LMTA (through the AFLMT), received $4,012 in donations during its Fall Trek. These donations, collected using the Razoo crowdfunding platform, will be used to support the renovation of four guesthouses on the trail.

The Lebanon Mountain Trail AssociationCombined schedule of revenues and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Béatrice Le Bon Chami

Hania Khalil

Claudine Abdul Massih

Aboud Fakhry

Zanouba Omais

Friends of Salam Khalife

Anis Abadi

Lina Fakhry

American Friends of the LMT

ABC S.A.L

Souhail Ghazi

Joan Farwaji

Maya Karkour

Tammar Hadijian

Rend Haffar

Abdallah Sifaoui

American Friends of the LMT

Fondation Nady Rayess

Saad Khalife

Salam Khalife

Fadia Mansour

Christiane Ghandour

Sara Jaber

Georgette Abdi

Bassam & Ghida Yammine

$500.00

$133.33

$500.00

$660.00

$500.00

$450.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

$3,650.00

$6,666.67

$400.00

$100.00

$350.00

$140.00

$400.00

$10,000.00

$10,500.00

$2,000.00

$1,000.00

$1,000.00

$200.00

$125.00

$270.00

$2,500.00

$3,000.00

$47,045.00Total (through Dec. 1, 2014)

Revenues (in Lebanese Pounds LL)

Expenses (in Lebanese Pounds LL)

GoodsTransportationPostageCommunicationMaintenance and repairsRent and building expensesElectricity expensesVenue rentalConsultancy (project –based)Cleaning expensesBlazing expensesWater testing expensesThru-walk expensesInformation technologyOffice equipmentOffice suppliesFall trip expensesPersonnel expensesOther expenses

Cash and cash equivalent on 01.01.2013 73,426,493Net for 2013 93,081,273

SalesEventsMembershipDonations and grantsOther

5,134,21511,329,660

422,5003,802,8751,939,535

12,144,0341,136,0002,068,165

63,637,3541,802,2502,953,875

11,583,50039,371,378

4,925,0028,923,0624,822,5125,060,678

32,399,3931,600,472

Total revenues

2,724,000116,797,557

23,089,365165,406,260

120,551

308,137,733

Total expenses 215,056,460

Cash and cash equivalent on 31.12.2013 166,507,766


470Km

The Trailcrosses

Trail Distance

600-2000mElevation Profile

27

WordHeritageSite1Biosphere

Reserves2ProtectedAreas4

Villages&Towns75

Number of Sections

OUR VALUES

OUR PURPOSE

OUR VISION رؤيتنا

قيمنا

أهدافنا

The Lebanon Mountain Trail becomes a world-class destination for outdoor and responsible tourism. The trail is protected by the Government of Lebanon, Municipalities, and local communities, and is recognized by international organizations.

CommitmentDiversity

Hospitality Integrity

VoluntarismTeamwork

االلتزامالتنوعالضيافةالنزاهةالتطوع

العمل الجامعي

What you should know about the LMT

أن يصبح درب الجبل اللبناين وجهة عاملية للسياحة يف من الدرب يتمتع إجتامعياً. واملسؤولة الطلق الهواء حامية الدولة اللبنانية والبلديات واملجتمعات املحلية،

ومعرتف به من قبل املنظامت الدولية.

−الحفاظ عىل درب الجبل اللبناين والدروب املتفرعة وصونها وتطويرها−تعزيز درب الجبل اللبناين كمنتج سياحي ريفي

−الحفاظ عىل املوارد الطبيعية وحامية الرتاث الثقايف املتاخمة لدرب الجبل اللبناين−تعزيز الفرص اإلقتصادية عىل درب الجبل اللبناين من خلل السياحة املسؤولة

−التأثري عىل السلوكيات من خلل النشاطات الرتبوية الهادفة والتوعية

About the LMT Association

[email protected] | www.lebanontrail.org Follow us on:

−To maintain, protect and develop the LMT and its side trails−To promote the LMT as a destination for rural tourism and wellness−To conserve natural resources and protect the cultural heritage on the LMT−To advance economic opportunities on the LMT through responsible tourism −To encourage behavior change through targeted education and outreach

36www.lebanontrail.org LMT Society

Our PLATINUM Sponsors

Lebanon Mountain Trail Association

Annual Gala Fundraiser

PHOENICIA Hotel - December 5, 2014

Documents

LMT Societ 1214.pdf · the LMT as a world class destination thanks to the ... blazes approximately 100 km of the trail every year. Blazes last approximately 4 years (pp. 8)