SOCIETY. Walking for our Cultural and Archaeological Heritage. Environmental Championship Program MEET OUR AMBASSADORS ABROAD

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1 L E B A N O N M O U N T A I N T R A I L SOCIETY The Magazine of the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association No. 4 October Free Distribution Walking for our Cultural and Archaeological Heritage Environmental Championship Program MEET OUR AMBASSADORS ABROAD Geological Trail in Jezzine

2 The Lebanon Mountain Trail El Qoubaiyat Tashea 1 Andqet 0 Side Trail: Ehmej Side Trail: Hadath ej-jebbe Jbail Tripoli Qemmamine Kfar Bbnine Bqaa Safrine Ehden Ouadi Qannoubine 6 7 Hasroun Bcharre Tannourine 9 8 el-fawqa Aaqoura Afqa Side Trail: Douma Side Trail: Jabal Moussa Side Trail: Bkassine Saida Beirut Hrajel 13 Kfar Aaqab 14 Baskinta El Mtain Falougha Ain Zhalta Zahle El Barouk 18 Maaser ech-chouf 19 Niha Aaitanit Jezzine 22 Kawkaba Bou Arab Rachaiya 25 Baalbek Side Trail: Baskinta Literary Trail Side Trail: Knaysse Marjaayoun 26 Hasbaiya Sour

3 President s message Dear friends, Here we are again, busy with diverse programs and activities! As hiking continues to grow in popularity, hundreds of hikers from more than a dozen countries joined our annual Fall Trek in October 2014 and our annual Thru-Walk in April We are still working with schools and educators on extracurricular activities to sensitize and educate children and youth on the LMT and the environmental and cultural wealth along it. We continue to train local guides, and help refurbish and equip local guesthouses, and support local people to improve their hospitality. This year s theme to safeguard our Cultural and Archaeological legacy, has helped us highlight our mountain s heritage and culture, and our efforts are focusing on a selection of endangered heritage and cultural sites along the trail. We also continue to work on trail clearing and blazing, and on setting up side trails with local communities and friendship trails with trail organizations from around the world. And there is still a lot more to do! Unfortunately, all these projects will have no raison d être if the trail disappears! Only 19% of the LMT is located in protected areas and nature reserves whereas the remaining parts of the trail are threatened by the many environmental infringements. New housing developments, road projects, quarries, waste and dumpsites are inching closer to the trail and threatening its existence. With a great sense of urgency, our goal is to secure the protection of 50% of the trail by We are developing a conservation plan, and we will reassess the trail corridor. A land inventory on the trail will enable us to identify and prioritize areas that are at risk. It will also guide us as we create plans to acquire sections of the trail that are most endangered. We will continue to stand firmly against the growing threats with our commitment to preserve the trail and the heritage along it for the sake of the present and the future generations. This cannot be done without the cooperation of the community at all levels and especially your support. Nadine Weber الا صدقاء الا عزاء ها نحن مر ة أخرى منشغلون بمشاريع ونشاطات متنو عة. إن المشي في الطبيعة (hiking) يزداد شعبي ة وقد شارك المي ات من عش اق هذا النشاط من أكثر من اثني عشر بلدا في رحلة الخريف السنوي ة في تشرين الا و ل ٢٠١٤ وفي رحلة المشي على كامل الدرب ) (Thru-Walk في نيسان ٢٠١٥. ونحن نتابع العمل مع عد ة مدارس ومرب ين على نشاطات اللا صفي ة لتثقيف الا ولاد والشباب وجعل هم أكثر وعيا لا همي ة البيي ة و«درب الجبل اللبناني «والغنى الثقافي الذي يحيط به. كما نتابع العمل على تدريب المرشدين المحلي ين ونساهم في تجديد وتجهيز بيوت الضيافة المحلي ة وندعم المضيفين في تطوير قدرات الاستضافة لديهم. وقد ساعدت مشاريع السنة الحالية في الا ضاءة على تراث جبالنا وثقافتها حيث تنصب جهودنا على عدد من المواقع التراثي ة على الدرب والمهد دة بالزوال. ونتابع العمل على رسم وتنظيف الدرب وعلى إقامة مسارات جانبي ة مع المجموعات المحلي ة وعلى بناء صداقات مع منظمات شبيهة حول العالم. ويبقى الكثير من العمل يجب القيام به... لكن ولسوء الحظ فا ن عل ة وجود هذه المشاريع تنتفي في حال اختفى الدرب. فما نسبته ١٩ فقط من درب الجبل اللبناني يقع ضمن محمي ات طبيعي ة بينما ما تبق ى منه مهد د بالزوال بفعل تمدد العمران العشواي ي والمشاريع السكني ة الجديدة والطرقات والكس ارات والنفايات. لذلك تقوم جمعي ة «درب الجبل اللبناني» بوضع مشروع طارئ يهدف إلى تا مين الحماية ل ٥٠ من الدرب بحلول العام ٢٠٢٠. وسيصار من خلال هذا المشروع إلى إعادة تقييم مسار الدرب ووضع قاي مة مفص لة بالا راضي وتحديد المناطق الا كثر عرضة للخطر ووضغ مخطط لحمايتها والحفاظ عليها. إن «جمعي ة درب الجبل اللبناني «ستستمر في مواجهة التهديدات البيي ي ة المتزايدة وست بقى ثابتة بق وة على الت زامها في الحفاظ على الدرب وعلى الا رث من حوله من أجل الحاضر والمستقبل. وكل هذا لا يمكن تحقيقه من دون تعاون المجتمع على كافة المستويات وبخاص ة الدعم الداي م من قبلكم. نادين وبر page 1

4 Editorial Team Dr Beatrice Le Bon Chami Christian Akhrass Martine Btaich Maya Karkour Nadine Weber Ramez Lotfi Sawsan Haddad Editing and Language Review Dr Beatrice Le Bon Chami (FR) Fadi Chahine (AR) Dr Mary Angela Willis and Rob Mosrie (EN) Contributors Alia Fares Carla Chehab Darine Issa Prof Dr Fadi Nader Imane Khalife Dr Jad Bou Arrage Dr Jean Stephan Jack Elias Joe Daou Joseph Karam Karim El Jisr Mabelle Chedid Dr Mary Angela Willis Maya Bou Nassar Nour Keyrouz Salam Khalife Sarah Karam Stephanie Mailhac Zeinab Jeambey Board Members Dr Beatrice Le Bon Chami, Trail Committee Dory Reno, Outreach - Membership Fadi Baaklini, Accountant / Outreach Committee Hana Hibri, Outreach - Fundraising Martine Btaich, Vice-President / Development Committee Maya Karkour, Education Committee Mirvat Bakkour, Outreach - Events Nadine Weber, President / Outreach - Communication Ramez Lotfi, Treasurer Staff Christian Akhrass, Field Coordinator Sawsan Haddad, Executive Secretary Contact Us Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) Sacre-Coeur Hospital Street Ghaleb Center, 1st Floor Baabda, LEBANON Phone Fax info@lebanontrail.org In the USA American Friends of the LMT (AFLMT) 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1220 Arlington, VA USA Phone (703) Fax (703) aflmt@lebanontrail.org This issue was printed by Cover photo: The Lebanese Foundation for the Preservation of the Emirs Chehab Citadel - Hasbaiya Layout and Design by Copyright LMT Association, All Rights Reserved

5 Photo: Adib Hachem Contents Trail and Conservation Blazing and difficulty level المحافظة على الا رثين الطبيعي والثقافي في محيط درب الجبل اللبناني Le Sentier Littéraire de Baskinta Aazibeh Valley: a walk through geological time Flora and Fauna Community Development Cultural and Archaeological Heritage on the LMT Emirs Chehab Citadel - Hasbaiya Maisons d hôtes: quoi de neuf? Spotlight on a Local Guide on the LMT Education Trail To Every Classroom Environmental Championship Program News Interview with Dr. Rawiya Majzoub Barakeh Honorary Membership Events on the LMT Book reviews LMTA Overseas Meet our Ambassadors LMT abroad News from our Partners The Food Heritage Foundation Association du Polyliban الموقع الطبيعي الدشار- إهمج Tips from our Outdoor Gear Partner Financials Donors and Partners Financial Statement 2014 End2End List page 3

6 Trail and Conservation Blazing on the Lebanon Mountain Trail Dr. Beatrice Le Bon Chami The LMTA Trail Committee adopted these final blazing codes Go Straight Turn Left Turn Right Wrong Direction End / Beginning of Trail Sign on LMT Sign on Side Trails Sign on Connecting Trails Photo: Nadine Weber Blazing Status July 2015 LMT from Andqet to Marjaayoun: 27 sections Blazed: 57% Fully blazed: 13 sections 49.5% Sections #5 to #12 (Bqaa Safrine Afqa) Sections #15 to #17 (Baskinta Ain Zhalta) Sections #20 and #21 (Maaser ech-chouf Jezzine) Partially blazed: 4 sections 7.5% Sections #13 and #14 (Chabrouh Baskinta) 86% Sections #25 and #26 (Rachaiya Hasbaiya) 10% Not yet blazed: 10 sections Sections #0 to #4 (Andqet El Qoubaiyat) Sections #22 to #24 (Jezzine Rachaiya) Sections #18 and #19 (located in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve; will not be blazed) A connection trail is a segment that connects the beginning or the end of a section to a village center. Sections fully blazed Sections partially blazed Sections not yet blazed Will not be blazed

7 Difficulty Rating The LMTA Trail Committee adopted a new difficulty rating scale for the trails found on Northwest Hiker ( This scale takes into account the total length and total ascent of each section. The difficulty rating is divided into 6 levels and has been adapted to the LMT. When you plan to hike on the LMT, make sure you are fit enough for the difficulty level specified. Sections North-South South-North # From To miles km NEW M NEW Km NEW LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY NEW LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY 0 Andqet El Qoubaiyat Challenging 17 Challenging 1 El Qoubayiat Tashea Very Difficult 18 Challenging 2 Tashea Qemmamine Difficult 24 Very Difficult 3 Qemmamine Kfar Bnine Extreme 24 Very Difficult 4 Kfar Bnine Bqaa Safrine Difficult 25 Very Difficult 5 Bqaa Safrine Ehden Very Difficult 23 Difficult 6 Ehden Qannoubine Challenging 27 Very Difficult 7 Qannoubine Bcharre Difficult 9 Moderate 8 Bcharre Hasroun Difficult 21 Difficult 9 Hasroun Tannourine Very Difficult 25 Very Difficult 10 Tannourine Aaqoura Very Difficult 26 Very Difficult 11 Aaqoura Afqa Challenging 18 Challenging 12 Afqa Chabrouh Difficult 20 Difficult 13 Chabrouh Kfardebiane Challenging 20 Difficult 14 Kfardebiane Baskinta Difficult 21 Difficult 15 Baskinta El Mtain Challenging 19 Difficult 16 El Mtain Falougha Difficult 22 Difficult 17 Falougha Ain Zhalta Challenging 19 Difficult 18 Ain Zhalta El Barouk Difficult 23 Difficult 19 El Barouk Maaser ech-chouf Difficult 20 Difficult 20 Maaser ech-chouf Niha Challenging 19 Difficult 21 Niha Jezzine Challenging 17 Challenging 22 Jezzine Aaitanit Difficult 21 Difficult 23 Aaitanit Kaoukaba Bou Arab Difficult 18 Challenging 24 Kaoukaba Bou Arab Rachaiya Challenging 12 Moderate 25 Rachaiya Hasbaiya Very Difficult 29 Extreme 26 Hasbaiya Marjaayoun Challenging 15 Challenging Scale Level Easy Challenging Very Difficult 0-7 Easy 8-13 Moderate Challenging Difficult Very Difficult 28+ Extreme young and elderly someone in fair hiking condition trails are generally in good condition very little elevation gain someone in good thiking condition trails are generally in good condition increased mileage significant elevation gain someone in excellent hiking condition trails are not always in good condition significant increase in mileage significant increase in elevation gain Moderate someone in good hiking condition trails are generally in good condition increased mileage moderate elevation gain Difficult someone in excellent hiking condition trails are generally in good condition significant increase in mileage significant increase in elevation gain Extreme someone in exceptional hiking/climbing condition trails are not always available significant increase in mileage extreme elevation gain technical aspects of hike page 5

8 Photo: Nadine Weber المحافظة على الا رثين الطبيعي والثقافي في محيط درب الجبل اللبناني د. جان اسطفان يمر درب الجبل اللبناني في عد ة قر ى ومناطق لبناني ة تختلف بطبيعتها وتضاريسها ونباتاتها وتغني الدرب بتنو عها. الا أن ه في الا ونة الا خيرة برزت مشكلة المحافظة على هذا الغنى الطبيعي والثقافي في محيط درب الجبل بحيث أن المعالم الطبيعي ة والثقافي ة باتت مهد دة بفعل الا نسان أو با هماله لها. ففي بعض أقسام الدرب تحو لت الغابات إلى مرامل والا نهار إلى أقنية ودروب المشاة إلى طرقات معب دة وشلا لات المياه تحو لت إلى نز ازات تفوح منها راي حة المجارير وتبد لت المراعي إلى حداي ق مس يجة والجلول الزراعي ة إلى أحياء سكني ة والبيوت التقليدي ة والا ثري ة أصبحت مر قعة بالباطون والطوابق العليا في حين أن المواقع الا ثري ة تزورها النفايات من كل صوب. إن الا رث الطبيعي يشمل المناظر الطبيعي ة وطريقة تنسيقها من قبل الا نسان. فهو يشمل: غابات أحراج أراضي سليخا وجردي ة مستقعات أنهارا بركا طبيعي ة شلالات مغاور تربة مياها نباتات حيوانات وصخورا. في حين أن الا رث الثقافي مقتصر على عمل الا نسان الحضاري عبر التاريخ. وهو يشمل ليس فقط البيوت القديمة والطواحين والمتاحف والرسوم الجدراني ة ودور العبادة والقلاع والا ثار والنقوش الصخري ة والجلول الزراعي ة بل أيضا العادات والتقاليد (طرق إعداد وتحضير الا مور الحياتية المختلفة) من ضيافة وما كولات وأغاني ورقصات وأعمال زراعية وبناء وطب تقليدي...إلخ. فالسو ال المطروح اليوم هو هل يمكن المحافظة على الا رثين الطبيعي والثقافي وبخاص ة في محيط مسار درب الجبل الا لي ة المناسبة لذلك عمليا تكون عبر وضع مخط ط توجيهي لاستخدام الا راضي في القرى التي يمر بها درب الجبل. وهو مخط ط استراتيجي تنم وي يهدف إلى التنمي ة الاقتصادي ة والاجتماعي ة مع المحافظة على البيي ة وعلى استدامة الموارد الطبيعي ة والا رثين الطبيعي والثقافي. سعت الحكومة اللبناني ة عبر مجلس الا نماء والا عمار وبتمويل أوروبي وبدعم تقني فرنسي إلى وضع مخط ط شامل لترتيب الا راضي اللبناني ة تم ت الموافقة عليه سنة ٢٠٠٩ وخص ص هذا المخطط مكانة للمحافظة على الا رثين الطبيعي والثقافي عبر عد ة اقتراحات لكن ه لم يدخل حي ز التنفيذ على صعيد القرى بشكل مباشر أو شامل. صحيح أن درب الجبل يمر ضمن مناطق محمي ة أو مصن فة كمنتزهات أو مواقع طبيعية ممي زة ولكن ه يمر أيضا في أراض خاصة زراعي ة مدني ة وحت ى في أحراج ومراع خارج نطاق أي تصنيف. المطلوب حاليا هو السعي إلى وضع مخط ط استراتيجي تنم وي في المناطق الواقعة خارج المواقع المحمي ة والمصن فة وذلك بمشاركة فعلي ة من المجتمع المحلي بالتعاون مع جمعي ة درب الجبل اللبناني والمو سسات الحكومي ة. وهذ المخط ط يهدف إلى: توعية المقيمين والمالكين لمحيط مسار درب الجبل على أهمي ة المحافظة على الا رثين الطبيعي والثقافي. تعزيز التنمية المست دامة للقرى التي يشملها مسار درب الجبل. وضع ش رعة من قبل كاف ة المعني ين تهدف إلى ترتيب وجهة استعمال الا راضي في محيط درب الجبل اللبناني.

9 Partenariats tous azimuts pour mettre en valeur le Sentier littéraire de Baskinta Joseph Karam A longueur d année, les passionnés de la nature et de la littérature visitent Baskinta pour arpenter son sentier littéraire (le Baskinta Literary Trail ou BLT) et découvrir ou redécouvrir le riche patrimoine naturel et culturel de cette belle région nichée dans les contreforts du Mont Sannine. Accompagné de guides locaux, le visiteur y découvre les paysages, endroits, histoires et traditions qui ont animé et inspiré les œuvres de Mikhael Naimy dans son Chakhroub, Abdallah Ghanem dans son nid du rossignol, Amine Maalouf dans son rocher de Tanios (mais c est lequel au juste?), Rachid Ayoub et sa nostalgie de la neige, Suleiman Kettaneh, George Ghanem et d autres. Une expérience inoubliable, et rendue encore plus agréable par la présence de près de 50 panneaux d information et de signalisation tout au long du BLT. Un panneau d information sur la grotte de Sayf el Dawlé par ci, un autre quelques centaines de mètres plus loin montrant l endroit où le BLT rejoint le Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT). En partenariat avec la LMTA et AFLMT (American Friends of the LMT), un comité local du BLT a été formé, comprenant des représentants des familles des poètes et romanciers, des maisons d hôtes, des écoles locales, des scouts de Baskinta, et de la municipalité ainsi que des guides locaux. Objectif principal: protéger, entretenir, développer et promouvoir le BLT comme un produit touristique durable distingué. Toujours en partenariat avec la LMTA et AFLMT, et avec le concours de volontaires venus des quatre coins du Liban, ce comité local a déjà engagé une série d actions prioritaires (voir encadré). La LMTA continuera d apporter son soutien logistique, technique et financier au comité local du BLT. Photo: Christian Akhrass Le comité local du BLT passe à l action A peine formé, le comité local du BLT a déjà entamé les actions suivantes, en partenariat avec la LMTA et AFLMT : Polissage et peinture des poteaux en bois des panneaux d information et de signalisation (janvier-février-mars 2015) Journée communautaire de nettoyage et défrichage du sentier (juin 2015) Appui à la campagne de nettoyage de la forêt de pins de Baskinta organisé par l ONG Baskinta Baytouna (juin 2015) La LMTA remercie l association des amis américains du LMT (AFLMT) et ses donateurs pour leur soutien technique et financier au projet de mise en valeur du BLT. Un grand merci également aux volontaires qui ont participé au nettoyage et défrichage du sentier et de la forêt de pins de Marj Baskinta. Si vous désirez faire partie de ce beau projet, n hésitez pas à nous contacter! Enfin, et encore une fois, grand merci à ECODIT qui a conçu et réalisé le BLT dans le cadre du projet d élaboration du LMT, et grand merci à l USAID pour son financement du projet LMT ( )! page 7

10 Aazibeh Valley: a walk through geological time Prof Dr Fadi H. Nader Lebanon is endowed with breathtaking nature, including momentous geological features. While many of these features have been well investigated and documented by generations of geologists, they are seldom known to the general public or even outdoor enthusiasts. Indeed, hikers, climbers and nature lovers likely pass by very interesting geological features with a lot of mysteries without knowing. Scientists have the obligation to share their knowledge and raise public awareness about such geological treasures, to make people appreciate them more, and subsequently protect them. Gastropod fossil in Cretaceous limestone deposited in ancient lagoon Fossilized wood in channel sandstone of Cretaceous age (Aazibeh Valley, Jezzine) North-facing Google Earth satellite photograph showing the Aazibeh Valley (Jezzine) and the amazing exposure of the geological units intercepted by the hiking pathway (in red). The Aazibeh Valley in Jezzine locality is one of the geological jewels of Lebanon. It hosts an accessible 2km long walking path that cross-cuts most of the geological rock units exposed in Lebanon. The geological rock units are called Formations and they have been mapped to form standard geological maps (available in Lebanon with a scale of 1/50,000 since 1945). Throughout Lebanon, the exposed rocks have ages as old as the Jurassic period (some 200 million years ago) and as young as recent soil (forming still today). These rocks are then organized in different formation having specific ages and lithologies (i.e. rock types). Indeed, the Lebanese rocks are well diversified in terms of their lithologies. We can find volcanic rocks, carbonate rocks (limestone and dolostone), clay and shale, as well as sandstone. These rocks are well exposed along the Aazibeh Valley. And even more, these rocks reveal wonderful sedimentary structures and fossils which are the basic building blocks for the geologist to infer the prevailing environment of deposition millions of years ago. For instance, fossilized ripple marks represent beach environments similar to the ripples we see today below the water along modern beaches. The type of fossils (species) tell us the environment in which they have lived at the time of the deposition of the nearby sediments. And last but not least, coal indicate the presence of ancient swamps. Now let us take a tour along the Aazibeh path and explore the geology of Lebanon. As we park the car near the farm at the sharp U-turn, where the walking path starts (towards the east), we start our journey back in time through the geological periods. We are first in the Cenomanian Stage (100 to 94 Ma) where lacustrine, thin-bedded rocks are exposed. These belong to the geological formation called Sannine (since it was first described there). Then, we walk through albian, marls, shales and dolomite with fantastic gastropods. The Aptian includes limestone rocks forming sharp cliffs then sandy limestone with a transition to the sandstone of the Chouf Formation. This rock unit includes exceptional eolian dunes features, channels with fossilized wood, and coal layers with ashes (representing burn forests). Our journey continues through beautiful sand deposits of oolitic limestone of the Upper Jurassic (Salima Formation) and massive limestones and dolostones of the Bikfaya Formation. Here some volcanics and shales are present and the older Jurassic limestones of the Kesrouane Formation. Panoramic view facing south, looking to the Jurassic-Cretaceous (left-right) stratigraphic boundary at the easternmost end of the Aazibeh pathway. In a short walk of about one hour, the visitor can almost observe the complete geologic successions of Lebanon. This gives the Aazibeh Valley, the potential to become the first geological path of Lebanon. A comfortable walk, very rich with geological knowledge that could benefit young school-children as well as older nature-lovers. All are invited to discover this place, take photographs and enjoy nature, but please do not destroy what you observe and never take souvenirs! They remain more spectacular in the place where they have been for millions of years. Then you can bring more friends and show them such jewels. Together we can appreciate and protect our national heritage for generations to come. For more information on the general geology of Lebanon: The Geology of Lebanon (F.H. Nader), Scientific Press, 2014

11 Flora & Fauna Évaluation de la biodiversité sur deux sections du LMT Sarah Karam, Darine Issa La diversité biologique ou «biodiversité» englobe la variété des formes de vie sur Terre, y compris les espèces végétales, animales, microorganismes, leurs communautés et écosystèmes. La biodiversité est essentielle à la vie sur Terre car elle maintient l équilibre et le bon fonctionnement de la planète. Elle présente plusieurs valeurs: Valeur éthique: que possède chaque espèce par le simple fait qu elle existe (transmission de l héritage aux générations futures). Valeur écologique: les interdépendances des espèces influencent les processus naturels qui assurent l intégrité des écosystèmes, leur stabilité et leur résilience. Valeur économique: traduction des services de la biodiversité en termes monétaires. La valeur financière des biens et services fournis par les écosystèmes est estimée par l Union Européenne à milliards /an, somme équivalente au double de la valeur de ce que produisent les humains chaque année. La forêt des Genévriers Photo: Nadine Weber Il existe sur Terre entre 5 et 30 millions d espèces, dont 1,5 million sont décrites. Le bassin méditerranéen constitue un des majeurs réservoirs de la biodiversité. Le Liban, bénéficiant d une complexité topographique et altitudinale, possède un très haut niveau de biodiversité et constitue un des «hot-spots» mondiaux. Bien que sa superficie soit relativement réduite (0.007% de la superficie terrestre), le Liban contient 1,11% des espèces végétales du monde. On y dénombre espèces de flore terrestre et d eau douce (Tohmé and Tohmé, 2014) - dont 311 plantes endémiques - et espèces animales terrestres et marines (MoA/UNEP, 1996). La valorisation de cette richesse doit être prise en considération au niveau national. La LMTA - par ses activités variées et ses sentiers couvrant presque tout le Liban - joue un rôle prépondérant dans la conservation de la biodiversité libanaise. En effet, la familiarisation et l interaction du public avec les différentes formes de biodiversité sont indispensables à la gestion et la conservation de cette richesse. Durant le dernier Thru-Walk, deux étudiantes de la Faculté des Sciences de l Université Libanaise ont évalué - sous la supervision de Dr Jean Stephan - la richesse florale sur les sections 12 & 13 du LMT entre Afqa et Kfardebiane. (sections falaises, prairies d altitude, forêt de genévriers, zones humides, types de sols variés). Plus de 100 espèces florales et trois espèces endémiques ont pu être répertoriées. Photo: Sarah Karam, Darine Issa page 9

12 Aethionema capitatum Alkanna prasynophyla (endémique) Ficaria ficaroides Lloydia rubroviridis Prunus ursina Vinca libanotica Veronica polita Ornithogalum montanum Anemone blanda Gagea gageoides Ranunculus orbiculatus (endémique) Fritilaria crassifolia Valeriana discoridis Puschkinia scilloides libanotica (endemic) Tulipa agenensis Valeriana discoridis Asphodelus microcarpus Brunnera orientalis Crepis libanotica

13 «بودي» أنثى الثعلب الا كثر جرأة على درب الجبل اللبناني كريستيان أخرس Photo: Christian Akhrass دروب لبنان كثيرة ومتشعبة. ودرب الجبل اللبناني هو جزء منها يمر بعد ة أقضية من الجنوب إلى الشمال مرورا بعد ة بلدات وقرى في الريف اللبناني. إن أنت اعتقد ت أن ك تسير بمفردك على درب الجبل اللبناني فا نت بالطبع مخطي كما العديد من محبي الطبيعة. فانت في كل لحظة مراقب أينما توج هت في الجبال والا ودية السحيقة. في واد عميق متفر ع من وادي قاديشا يمتد وادي قزحي ا على عد ة كيلومترات تحت بلدة إهدن وعينطورين وعربة قزحيا وغيرها. ب ن ي في هذا الوادي دير مار أنطونيوس قزحيا القديم العهد في شير صخري بقلب الطبيعة الخلا بة والساحرة في هذا الوادي المقد س. تعيش في هذا الوادي حيوانات كثيرة قد ات خذت منه ملجا لها بعيدا عن خطر الا نسان و مطاردته لها. أنواع هذه الحيوانات عديدة نذكر منها: الخنزير البري الثعلب ابن آوى الطبسون السنجاب النمس القنفذ كبكاب الشو ك الوطواط والكواسر على أنواعها. الحيوان الممي ز في هذه المنطقة هو «بودي» الثعلب الا نثى التي تجر أت على عكس الحيوانات البري ة الا خرى أن تدنو من دير مار أنطونيوس قزحيا وبالتحديد من المدخل الغربي لكي تحاول أن تكتشف أو تتناول ما تي سر لها من بقايا الا كل أو ما شابه. جوزيف وهو الرجل الذي يعمل في نزل قزحيا لاحظ ترد د بودي عند الغروب إلى أمام المدخل الغربي للدير فاعتقد أن ها ثعلب ذكر لذلك سماها «بودي» ثم بدأ با عطاي ها فضلات الطعام مما سمح لها بالتود د إليه أكثر والاقتراب منه بحذر كبير لدرجة أن ها كانت تسحب الا كل بطريقة سريعة جد ا. ويروي جوزيف قاي لا : «في يوم من الا يام تمك نت من تخفيف حذر بودي فتركتها تحور وتدور من حولنا طالبة بعض الطعام إلى أن تمد دت على الا رض ووضعت قطعة لحم بعجين في فمي وانتظرت ان تقترب وتا خذها من فمي وكنت أدرك أن ه ربما لم يحاول أحد في العالم كله إطعام حيوان بري من فمه. لم أكن خاي فا أبدا أن تعض ني وهي تسحب القطعة إن ما كنت خاي فا من فشل المحاولة وعدم جرأتها على هذه المجازفة. لكن الجوع هو الا قوى. ففي لحظات راحت تقترب بحذر شديد وتترد د وتحور وتدور إلى أن مد ت جسمها نحوي تاركة بعض السنتمترات بيني وبينها. وفي لحظة سحبت جزءا من القطعة وفي محاولة ثانية تمك نت من سحب الجزء المتبق ي في فمي من دون حت ى أن يلمس أنفها وجهي.» طبعا محاولة جريي ة ورب ما خطرة بالنسبة للبعض. ولكن الذي يفهم نمط عيش وتصر ف الحيوانات البري ة لا يمكنه الا أن يثق ولو لمرة واحدة با داي ها. بودي اليوم لديها ثعلبان بحجمها فبتنا لا نعلم من يزور الدير هي ام أحد ولديها. لكن الا هم هو أن هذا الحيوان لا يضمر الشر للا نسان. أخيرا ليس هناك أي حيوان في لبنان يفترس الا نسان حت ى الذي اب والضباع. فهي بالغريزة لا تعتبر الا نسان من أولوي اتها على قاي مة الا طعمة اليومية التي تبقيها على قيد الحياة. Photo: Chadi Ghajar page 11

14 Community Development Cultural and Archaeological Heritage on the LMT Alia Fares Photo: Nadine Weber Cleaning activities at the Church of Mar Sarkis wa Bakhos, Aakkar el Aatika, in collaboration with the Maronite Church of Aakkar and the Qoubaiyat Municipality The cultural and heritage sites are abundant and diverse in Lebanon. Visitors can encounter old churches, Roman Temples, historic tombs, citadels, historic inscriptions, old mills, heritage houses and many others. Unfortunately many of these sites are gradually degrading because of human neglect or due to natural factors. They all require urgent attention and protection by the local communities, responsible organizations, local authorities and ministries, and before they are lost forever. Within its mission to conserve cultural heritage on the trailside, the LMTA has taken on the task of documenting the sites on the trailside and on suggesting measures to conserve them. Mapping of sites has started. Recommended conservation measures will be implemented gradually with local communities and informative panels will be installed at a few selected locations. The work is being done under the technical supervision of an archaeologist and in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA), and the local municipalities. This initiative started during the LMT 2015 Thru Walk in April. Hikers and volunteers from the local communities stopped at four sites on the LMT: the church of Mar Sarkis wa Bakhos in Aakkar el Aatika, the Afqa Roman Temple, the Hadrian Inscription in Tannourine and the Citadel of the Emirs Chehab in Hasbaiya. Participants discovered the history of these sites and participated in cleaning activities in a symbolic attempt to shed the light on the importance of these sites and the urgency of preserving them. Thanks to all those who contributed to the Thru Walk on-site activities and to those who donated to the Razoo fundraising campaign launched during the Thru Walk to support the LMTA s heritage sites project. Photo: Christian Akhrass More than 40 volunteers cleaning the Citadel of the Emirs Chehab, Hasbaiya, in collaboration with the Foundation for the Conservation of the Citadel of the Emirs Chehab Photo: Nadine Weber Cleaning at the Afqa Roman Temple, in collaboration with the Afqa Municipality. Did you know that back in the 2nd Century ( ) AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian imposed a decree to manage the forests in the Lebanese mountains? Today, hundreds of Roman inscriptions are scattered around the slopes of Mt Lebanon from Sannine to Hermel, including Nahr Ibrahim and the mountains of Kesrouane and Tannourine as a witness of such initiative. Carved into the rocks and with different epigraphic ratings, numbers and formulas depending on the rock they are carved into and the vegetation and region where they are, the inscriptions forbid the citizens to cut down juniper, oak, cedar and pine trees. They also reminded the indigenous of the right of the emperor on these forests.

15 By Mrs. Carla Chehab, President of the Lebanese Foundation for the Preservation of the Emirs Chehab Citadel Hasbaiya «If we neglect our past, the future will neglect us.» - Clovis Maksoud In Hasbaiya, lays a castle from the times of the Romans. The Emirs Chehab seized it after fierce battles against the Crusaders in the twelfth century, and lived in it thereafter. It remained the centre of their power over the region for seven centuries, during which they rebuilt it several times, until it became an important archaeological treasure embracing Crusaders, Arabs, Ayyubid, Mamlouk and Ottoman remains. The castle is part of an archaeological site of 20,000 square meters, which includes houses dating back to the Middle Ages, khans and a mosque built in the twelfth century, topped by a superb minaret of an hexagonal shape. It s from the citadel that the Modern History of Lebanon began, when, in the 18th century, Emir Haidar Chehab and Emir Melhem Chehab started their journey to govern Mount Lebanon. In the year 2000, under the supervision of the Directorate General of Antiquities (DGA) at the Ministry of Culture in Lebanon, the Lebanese Foundation for the Preservation of the Emirs Chehab Citadel in Hasbaiya was established to highlight the national, cultural and touristic importance of the site. The DGA then funded a study to assess the situation of the citadel and identify priorities to work on. In June 2005, the site was added to the list of the World Monuments Funds in New York, among the one hundred most endangered sites that need to be preserved around the World. Today, in 2015, the stones of the citadel remain powerless in front of the erosion of time, with funds lacking to restore it and keep it in the memory of both Lebanese and Arab historical heritage. Just like many other endangered archaeological sites along the Lebanon Mountain Trail, the citadel urgently needs our care and the attention of authorities and officials concerned. بقلم السيدة كارلا شهاب ري يسة المو س سة اللبناني ة للمحافظة على سرايا الا مراء الشهابيين في حاصبيا وإذا أهملنا التاريخ فالمستقبل يهملنا! -كلوفيس مقصود في حاصبي ا قلعة ترقد فيها عصور التاريخ منذ عهد الرومان. استولى عليها الشهابي ون في القرن الثاني عشر بعد معارك ضارية ضد الصليبي ين وسكنوها. وطوال سبعمي ة سنة كانت مركز حكمهم على المنطقة. فا عادوا بناءها جيلا بعد جيل فا صبحت كنز ا أثري ا هام ا يحتضن الحضارات الصليبي ة والعربي ة والا ي وبي ة والمملوكي ة والعثماني ة. القلعة جزء من موقع أثري يمتد على ٢٠٠٠٠ متر مرب ع يتا ل ف من مساكن تعود إلى القرون الوسطى وخانات وجامع يعود تاريخه إلى القرن الثاني عشر تعلوه مي ذنة راي عة سداسي ة الشكل. انطلق الا مراء الشهابي ون من القلعة إلى حكم جبل لبنان وأبرزهم الا مير حيدر والا مير ملحم والا مير بشير الثاني الكبير الذي شي د في القرن التاسع عشر قصر بيت الدين. عام ٢٠٠٠ شك لت الا ميرة كارلا شهاب «المو س سة اللبناني ة للمحافظة على سرايا الا مراء الشهابي ين في حاصبي ا» با شراف مديري ة الا ثار التابعة لوزارة الثقافة في لبنان لتسليط الضوء على أهمي ة القلعة الوطني ة والثقافي ة والسياحي ة. ومو لت مديري ة الا ثار دراسة لوضع القلعة والا ولوي ات التي يجب تنفيذها. وفي حزيران ٢٠٠٥ أضيفت القلعة إلى لاي حة الFunds World Monuments في نيويورك التي تضم المواقع الا ثري ة المي ة في العالم الا كثر تهديد ا بالانهيار والتي يجب المحافظة عليها. اليوم وفي سنة ٢٠١٥ تظل أحجار القلعة عاجزة أمام تا كل الزمن وينقص التمويل لا نقاذها كي تعيد مكانتها التي تستحق في ذاكرة اللبناني ين وفي التراث التاريخي العربي. القلعة مثلها مثل الكثير من المواقع الا ثري ة على درب الجبل اللبناني بحاجة للاهتمام من قبلنا ومن قبل السلطات والمسو ولين. page 13

16 Maisons d hôtes: quoi de neuf? Salam Khalife Une nouvelle maison d hôtes sur le LMT! Celle de Philippe Germanos et famille, située à Mechdel (Aaqoura), entre deux très belles sections du LMT: Tannourine-Aaqoura (10) et Aaqoura-Afqa (11). Un lieu accueillant, spacieux et confortable, de style hacienda. Vous pourrez y amener vos amis ou votre famille pour découvrir la région et participer à des activités d agritourisme organisées par Philippe. Aaqoura est un joli village connu pour ses nombreuses églises, ses vergers, ses falaises et ses grottes, dont la plus connue est celle de Roueiss. Pour un séjour chez Philippe contactez le au ou philippegermanos@gmail.com. Capacité 10 à 12 personnes. Photo: Martine Btaich Toujours à Aaqoura, une maison d hôte qui vaut le détour: celle de Sayed et Bouchra Hachem, vieille de plus de 120 ans. Ils seront ravis d accueillir et de vous raconter l histoire du village. Spécialités de la maîtresse de maison à ne pas manquer: Tbaybisseh et Kebbet Batata bi Jozz qui sont un véritable régal. Tous les produits qu ils proposent, y compris l arak, viennent de leur propre production. Cette année, leur maison bénéficie du programme de soutien de maisons d hôtes de la LMTA. La remise en état et le renforcement des structures et des sols de la maison ont déjà commencé. Vous pouvez contactez Sayed et Bouchra sur Capacités 8 à 12 personnes sur matelas Photo: Martine Btaich Photo: Martine Btaich Plus au Sud, à Rachaiya, venez découvrir la maison d hôtes de Mehdi Fayek qui vous accueillera avec son épouse de façon si spontanée et généreuse que vous ne pourrez oublier ce magnifique village au pied du Mont Hermon. Mehdi est agriculteur, instituteur et guide local. Il vous fera découvrir Rachaiya, village aux nombreux toits en tuiles et ses maisons historiques. Une occasion de découvrir trois sections du LMT de la Beqaa Sud: Aaitanit-Rachaiya (23-24) et de Rachaiya-Hasbaiya (25). La cuisine proposée est authentique et raffinée. Vous pouvez contacter Mehdi au Capacité 13 personnes avec lits superposés Nos sponsors Grâce au soutien de Dar al-handasah, trois à quatre maisons, réparties dans différentes régions, pourront cette année être partiellement restaurées afin de répondre aux critères de qualité définis par la LMTA. Merci également à tous nos fidèles sponsors sans lesquels rien ne serait possible : Reva pour les matelas, Key Architects pour les sanitaires, Vitral pour l Aluminium, Al Bina et Solarnet pour les panneaux solaires. Merci à tous ceux et celles qui veulent nous aider: nos besoins sont nombreux nous comptons sur votre générosité! Spotlight on a local guide on the LMT Martine Btaich تعر فوا إلى مهدي فايق مرشدكم على درب الجبل اللبناني بين منطقت ي راشي ا وحاصبي ا مسار رقم ٢٤-٢٥ مهدي من مواليد ١٩٧٢ راشي ا البقاع. وقد بدأ رحلته في السياحة الريفي ة سنة ١٩٩٦ وساهم في رسم الدرب في منطقته مع فريق درب الجبل اللبناني بين ٢٠٠٦ و ٢٠٠٧. تدر ب مهدي على أصول الا رشاد السياحي ضمن برنامج تدريبي قامت به جمعي ة درب الجبل اللبناني. إن ه مزارع وموظ ف في ثانوي ة حرمون يعشق منطقته وهو ملم بتاريخها وثقافتها وطبيعتها. ناشط اجتماعي بامتياز يحرص على إفادة منطقته ولا يوف ر أي ة فرصة للمساهمة في مشاريع تفيد أهل راشي ا وسياحتها. يستمتع الزاي ر بحسن ضيافته هو وزوجته وأولاده في بيته الذي حو له إلى بيت ضيافة وبحماسه في إرشاده وإطلاعه على التنو ع الثقافي والنباتي على مسار راي ع بين البساتين والقرى ومنحدرات جبل حرمون المعروف أيض ا بجبل الشيخ. وبالا ضافة إلى المشي يبقى ركوب الخيل في الطبيعة من هوايات مهدي المفض لة. لاستكشاف منطقة راشي ا ومسار ٢٤ ٢٥ على درب الجبل اللبناني يمكنكم الات صال بمهدي على الرقم ٩٦٣٣٧٨-٠٣ نهار كامل مقابل ١٠٠,٠٠٠ ل.ل (٦٦$) نصف نهار مقابل ٧٥,٠٠٠ ل.ل.( ٥٠ $). Photo: Christian Akhrass

17 Photo: Stephanie Mailhac Photo: Stephanie Mailhac Trail To Every Classroom Stephanie Mailhac Une des missions de la LMTA est d inciter à un changement de comportement en développant des programmes d éducation ciblés et de sensibilisation du public. C est pourquoi le comité en charge de l éducation a développé le programme un sentier pour chaque classe (A Trail To Every Classroom TTEC ). Ce programme a pour but de promouvoir un comportement environnemental et un éveil écologique auprès des enfants libanais en profitant du LMT comme source d apprentissage. Ce programme fournit aux enseignants les outils nécessaires aux activités réalisables sur le LMT. L objectif global de ce projet est de couvrir toutes les écoles publiques situées dans les villages le long du LMT. Un projet pilote a déjà été mis en place en avril dernier dans deux écoles publiques à Falougha et Kfardebiane. Il a permis aux enseignants d intégrer dans leur programme scolaire le module développé l année dernière par la LMTA sur la sensibilisation à l eau WAT project. Les élèves ont pu renforcer leurs connaissances sur tous les sujets en rapport avec l eau (cycle, pollution, ressources, usage, préservation). D une part en explorant certaines sources d eau sur le LMT, et d autre part grâce à un jeu éducatif interactif sur l eau développé par notre équipe d éducation. Plusieurs sorties sur le terrain ont aussi été organisées pour les élèves en présence d un guide local formé par la LMTA. Leur faire découvrir la section du LMT qui passe par leur village et les responsabiliser sur sa préservation en les sensibilisant à la richesse du patrimoine naturel qu ils ont à leur porte est aussi un des buts du projet. page 15

18 Education Abtal el Bi a: Our new Environmental Championship Program Maya Karkour The Environmental Championship Program ECP is an innovative environmental education program for children and the successful result of a collaborative effort between the LMTA and EcoConsulting. It consists in organizing 5-day environmental awareness and sustainable living programs and engaging children from diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds in joint social-environmental action. It is built on the concept of experiential learning, with hands-on, fun, and creative activities aiming to give children a clear understanding of the full loop that is our supporting ecosystem. Our objective is to empower those children by giving them the title of Environmental Champions and inspiring them to become stewards of our planet in a proactive way: protecting nature, acting sensibly about eco-issues, communicating around them the important environmental messages Three programs were undertaken so far this year, in April, July and September with 38 kids in total. We let the children describe what they have learned in their own unbeatable way! The following themes were approached day by day: Nature exploration & protection; the web of life and how everything is connected; water scarcity; water & sea pollution; responsible hunting & fishing; our food; eco-friendly houses; waste, recycling, up-cycling, and composting.

19 page 17

20 Photo: Béatrice Le Bon Chami

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22 News Interview with Dr. Rawiya Majzoub Barakeh Martine Btaich Director of the Center of Higher and Specialized Studies in Restoration and Conservation of Monuments and Historical Sites at the Lebanese University Dr. Majzoub has been recently appointed at the head of the Lebanon committee of the International Council for Monuments and Sites, ICOMOS, the NGO working towards the conservation of the world s monuments and sites The LMTA is working towards bringing more attention to endangered cultural and archaeological sites on the LMT and to contribute to their conservation in collaboration with local and national stakeholders. Following this theme, the LMTA met with Dr. Rawiya Majzoub Barakeh, a passionate and active woman striving to bring more expertise and higher standards to the classification and restoration of historic monuments in Lebanon. With a Doctorate in the History of Arts and Archaeology from the Sorbonne, and a Doctorate in History and Civilization from Lyon, France, Dr. Majzoub, reached out to the specialized school of Chaillot in France, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and La Sapienza University in Rome to initiate the Center of Higher and Specialized Studies in Restoration and Conservation of Monuments and Historical Sites at the Lebanese University in Tripoli. The center is one of its kind in the region; and since its establishment in 1995, the two-year Mastère program has trained more than 80 architects and civil engineers the proper restoration of historic monuments and sites. Sometimes even with good intentions we can do more harm to historic monuments while trying to preserve them restoration is a complete science apart, says Dr. Majzoub. Experts and lecturers from Chaillot, Rome, and other specialized schools in France come to share their experiences with the Lebanese professionals enrolled in the program. Since its creation, the center of restoration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the Directorate General of Antiquities and the Municipality of Tripoli have covered many projects in the old Tripoli like the rehabilitation of Souk Haraj (funds from the German Government); Khan el Asskar (funds from the World Bank) and the beautiful and colorful Hammam Ezzeddine. Research studies included Khan el Massryeen, el Mawlawya, el Msseilha fort in Batroun, the Monastery of Bkiftine in Koura, and other sites around Lebanon. The interest and the work on Tripoli s heritage sites started even before the creation of the center. Believing in Tripoli as an important historical nucleus (known namely for the architectural heritage from the Mamluk era), Dr. Majzoub launched with professionals, the municipality and stakeholders several pilot projects around the city, including, in 1995, a twinning project with the French municipality of Midi-Pyrenees to rehabilitate part of the Jewelers Market (Souk el Sayyagheen). Hammam Ezzedine- old Tripoli Photo: Dr Rawiya Majzoub To date, the work of Dr. Majzoub with the students, and the different stakeholders, has contributed to the classification of more than 164 monuments in Tripoli on the list of the local heritage. Khan el Asskar- old Tripoli Photo: Dr Rawiya Majzoub Souk Haraj- old Tripoli Photo: Dr Rawiya Majzoub Dr. Majzoub is concerned by the growing destruction and degradation of important cultural and historic heritage in Lebanon and the region that constitute the roots of our civilizations. There are many historic sites including the mountains that need more attention and protection in Lebanon. There is a need to enforce laws and for more responsiveness from the local authorities and municipalities. Her advice is to 1) map out and classify such endangered sites, 2) work to stop their degradation, 3) protect and maintain them, 4) restore and raise awareness among local communities and authorities to save what is left in the country. She also believes that one way for conserving monuments is the acquisition of historic monuments by the government to protect and use them for public functions. Hopefully LMTA s project can benefit from such initiatives to pursue its mission in promoting the cultural and historical heritage in Lebanon s mountains.

23 Membership First Honorary LMTA Membership to Mr. Joseph Ghaleb Karam Karim el Jisr The LMTA would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Karam for his continued exceptional support to the LMT and his contributions to Lebanon s nature and heritage. Indeed, there is no one more deserving of this first honorary LMTA membership than Mr. Karam. The LMTA currently has four types of memberships: Regular, Supportive, Adrian Life, and Honorary. The Honorary Membership is bestowed by the LMTA Board of Directors upon an individual who has provided exceptional service or made special contributions to the Association. Accordingly, on December 15, 2014, the LMTA Board of Directors presented its first Honorary Membership to Mr. Joseph Ghaleb Karam for his extraordinary service and contribution to the LMT. A visionary leader dedicated to conserving Lebanon s heritage and natural resources, Mr. Karam conceived the idea of the LMT and, as President of ECODIT, secured funding from USAID/ Lebanon to implement the LMT Project in He served as the Officer-in-Charge for the Project from 2005 to 2008 and worked with a committed team of Lebanese professionals and activists to successfully implement project components. These included delineating the trail, establishing and refurbishing guesthouses along the trail, training local guides, and working with municipalities to foster project buy-in, among others. To ensure project sustainability, Mr. Karam also led the establishment of the LMTA in 2007 and later, in January 2009, spearheaded the establishment of the American Friends of the Lebanon Mountain Trail (AFLMT) in Washington, DC, as a non-profit organization. He currently serves as the President of the AFLMT and works with a dedicated Board of Directors to mobilize financial support and promote awareness of the LMT in the U.S. To date, the AFLMT has awarded several grants to the LMTA worth a total of $50,000. Mr. Karam also continues to support the LMTA through ECODIT, which sponsored in 2010 the book A Million Steps, and in 2014 the first annual LMTA Gala Event. *يحق للهيي ة الا دارية منح العضوية الفخرية للشخص الذي يكون قد قد م للجمعية خدمات أو هبات خاصة و إستثناي ية (النظام الا ساسي : المادة التاسعة - الا نتساب الى الجمعية) page 21

24 Events Photo: Nadine Weber THRU-WALK - April 2015 The LMTA organized its 7th annual Thru-Walk which began on April 4, 2015 in Andqet, Aakkar in the north and ended on May 3rd, 2015, in Marjaayoun in the south. Hiking all 27 sections of the LMT, hikers passed through more than 75 villages at altitudes ranging from 600 to 2,000 meters above sea level. The Launching Ceremony was held in Andqet on April 4 under the Patronage of the Ministry of Tourism and in the presence of the Minister, H.E. Mr. Michel Pharaon, with the collaboration of the Municipality of Andqet. The objectives of this event were to promote Lebanon in general and the LMT more specifically as a world-class travel destination and to consolidate support for the trail s long-term protection. This unique annual event also highlights the LMTA ongoing commitment: To remind us of the need to protect our heritage To support rural economies in trailside communities To promote responsible tourism as a viable economic activity Local communities along the trail played a major role during the course of this 30-day journey: hikers slept and ate in local guesthouses and welltrained local guides led the hikers on the trail. Highlights of the April 2015 Thru Walk: 30-day journey 170 hikers 13 different nationalities 830 overnight reservations 40 guesthouses 13 local guides 53,000 USD spent in local communities 16 events hosted by municipalities along the trail Photo: Adib Hachem The 9 Thru Hikers 2015 from left: Christian, Carla, Darnell, Dima, Sami, Joseph, Mary Angela, Souad and Desmond Thru-Walk 2015, a Life-Altering Journey Dr Mary Angela Willis When I first heard about the LMT, I wanted to discover that side of Lebanon, the Lebanon that is still preserved in all its beauty but that is on the brink of extinction. I took time off work before moving abroad and, despite being physically unfit, I registered for the Thru Hike. Hiking the LMT was my way of saying goodbye to Lebanon and discovering so much more about the country that I loved. Everything went just fine during the first 76 km until Section 4 of the LMT when I fell. An x-ray later, plus 3 days of rest, a knee brace, and a daily cocktail of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication, I joined the hike again. Every step felt like agony but nothing was going to stop me. I was good to go. In addition to the fall, I had to contend with more, but less serious, physical setbacks. I developed an array of blisters on both feet, a black toenail, and a twisted ankle. It really felt like I was doomed but this only made me all the more determined to not let anything stop me. Call it stubbornness, call it determination, call it foolishness, but I had set a goal and I was going to reach it no matter what. So what kept me going? For one, with each passing day, the bond shared with the other Thru Hikers grew stronger and stronger. These eight people were complete strangers to me but for 30 days we shared this experience, spending all our time together, looking out for each other, sharing a home for the night, eating together, laughing together and comforting each other when we needed a boost. These guys have forged a space in my heart where they now reside.

25 Another thing that kept me going was the warm welcome we received at every guesthouse at the end of the day. These families who welcomed us into their homes and looked after us to make sure we were comfortable, well rested, and well fed. The warmth and care shown by these families sustained me throughout the hike. What also kept me going was the sheer beauty of the landscape, day after day. For such a small country it s astounding how no two days were alike. We walked through forests, across meadows carpeted with wild flowers and through deep verdant valleys, fields of wheat, orchards filled with flowering fruit trees, past gushing springs, and, of course, up and down rolling hills and steep mountain ridges. After a few weeks of hiking, a shift happens that is hard to explain. My brain stopped buzzing and everything seemed still within me. I felt a lightness. Don t get me wrong; I still struggled up steep hills, but my days started beating to a different rhythm, a much simpler one. I felt more alive and more in tune to the rhythm of nature. This transformation can t be explained with words but I feel privileged and humbled to have experienced it. After all, what can be more natural than being in nature? Once we reached Marjaayoun, our final destination, I can t adequately describe my conflicting emotions of euphoria, disbelief, relief, sadness, and a huge sense of accomplishment. I had discovered a new sense of pride in my body, a body that proved stronger than I had ever imagined. I also realized that it s true what they say about the power of mind over body; that if you have the will, you can overcome obstacles. Pain and discomfort are temporary; they fade eventually, but facing fear head on pushing on despite utter exhaustion and pain, exerting mind over body- or rather the two working in sync, pushing oneself beyond one s limits and succeeding because of sheer determination thanks to the encouragement of dear friends and brilliant guides: that will always stay with me forever. For a month, I discovered countless hidden treasures in the beauty of Lebanon s mountains and its people. Today, with a heavy heart, I leave this country I ve called home but I know that one day I will return and retrace my footsteps from Andqet to Marjaayoun. In the meantime, my message to you is this: if I can do it, you can too. And if you do hike the LMT, then count yourself very fortunate for experiencing a life-altering journey where you ll discover so much about yourself, about others, and about this magnificent country. So go hike the LMT! Photo Contest The TW2015 Photo Contest was opened by the LMTA to the 2015 Thru-Walk hikers for the best photo or series of photos that bring to life the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Lebanon on the LMT. Categories: 1- Tangible Cultural Heritage: Archaeological temples and ruins, religious monuments, old mills, old silk factories, historic inscriptions, important historic houses, etc. 2- Local Community or Intangible Cultural Heritage as oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, etc. The award ceremony was held at Travel Lebanon/Garden Show on Friday, May 29, where the winning photos were exhibited for five days. We thank our sponsor NIKON (Gulbenk Trading Co.) for supporting the photo contest for the second year. 1st Prize: «4th Generation Jlel» by Lyna Comaty and Georges Abou Adal 2nd Prize: «One Trail» by Souad Sbaiti 3rd Prize: «Women of Andqet» by Mary-Angela Willis page 23

26 Next Hiking Event: Fall Trek 2015 Save the date: October 14 to October 25. One team will start in Qozhaya in the North and another in Aaitanit in the South. The two teams will hike for 10 days and meet in Baskinta on Saturday October 24 to celebrate the Baskinta Literary Trail (BLT). The closing ceremony will be under the Patronage of the Ministry of Culture and in the presence of the Minister, H.E. Mr. Roni Araiji. On Sunday, October 25, the hikers will ascend Sannine Summit. Photo: Jean Stephan Photo: Nadine Weber Photo: Nadine Weber

27 Book Reviews Native trees of Lebanon and neighboring countries: A guidebook for professionals and amateurs By Elsa Sattout and Hala Zahreddine. The book provides a comprehensive study of the 68 tree species found in Lebanon and the eastern Mediterranean region. It is an important resource for biodiversity academics and enthusiasts alike. It encourages the protection and growth of native tree species, promoting their use in home gardens, parks, public gardens, and streetscapes along with reforestation projects. It discusses native trees and their importance in the Middle Eastern region. Along with rich color photographs, the book introduces forests and people in the eastern Mediterranean context and provides detailed information about each species including a botanical description, information on ecology including bird visitors, conservation status and actions, and traditional uses of trees and their cultural values in myths and folktales. It presents propagation methods along with the flowering and fruiting season for each tree. A photo guide, especially for amateurs, is annexed to the book with a map displaying the distribution of the trees and Lebanese nature reserves as well as an infographic on the distribution of the tree species along the different vegetation zones defined in Lebanon. The latter shows the range of growth/plantation of the 68 tree species in Lebanon. In additional annexes, the book includes a glossary of the technical and scientific terms used and a section displaying botanical illustrations of the key characteristics for identification of trees. Trees of Lebanon By Salma Talhouk To encourage people to engage in tree planting and support forest and woodland conservation, AUB Professor, Salma N. Talhouk, and a number of collaborators have published Trees of Lebanon, a bilingual manual that explains how to grow trees from seeds, while highlighting the historical importance of the native trees of Lebanon. The book contains interesting and little known facts such as the first international endeavor to save the forests of Lebanon in 1876 by Queen Victoria of England. This resulted in the construction of a protective wall around the ancient cedar trees of Bcharre-Al Arz that still exists today and is a popular sightseeing destination. The book details how to collect and care for the seeds of each type of tree, and where and how to plant them. Written in both Arabic and English, the book includes information on 40 different types of trees, which constitute the majority of local trees found in Lebanon. Talhouk s coauthors and collaborators include, among others: Mariana M. Yazbek who researched formal and informal sources; Khaled Sleem, an agricultural engineer who made frequent trips to photograph the trees during various seasons; Arbi J. Sarkissian who compiled information about each and every tree; Mohammad S. Al- Zein who worked on developing the Tree Key which helps identify the trees; and Sakra Abo Eid who helped care for all the trees written about in the book. The book is available in the LMTA Office page 25

28 LMTA Overseas Meet our Ambassadors! In April 2015 the LMTA launched its Ambassador Program to initiate interest in the LMT overseas and to promote active involvement of the diaspora community and foreigners in the respective countries where they reside. Rend Haffar (Belgium) After completing his secondary studies in Lebanon and working in Africa and the Middle East, Rend Haffar settled in Belgium. Rend was introduced to the LMTA in 2008/2009 through an article in the newspaper l Orient Le Jour. He has hiked along the LMT every year since 2012 and has crossed all the LMT sections, more than once. It is an opportunity for him to return to Lebanon and to get to know it better. He is active in promoting the LMT in Belgium and elsewhere, and regularly delivers presentations and writes articles about the LMT. Wafa El Osta (Canada) Wafa El Osta is committed to sustainable tourism. She has initiated many successful tourism projects in Lebanon and abroad, most recently in Costa Rica. Building on natural and cultural heritage conservation, she believes in supporting local communities to take stewardship of their land and contribute to sustainable destination development. She is an independent tourism development and marketing consultant. In April 2015, she coordinated the hike on the Bruce Trail, LMTA s friendship Trail in Toronto. Desmond Astley-Cooper (England) Desmond Astley-Cooper began his professional life as a journalist but has since worked as a banker for over thirty years both in London and the Gulf. These days he is involved in financing low carbon start-up companies, a field where his own personal interests increasingly lie. As a keen ecologist, he believes strongly in safeguarding biodiversity. Desmond is also passionate about preserving those wild spaces that are still left to us to enjoy, both in Lebanon and elsewhere. Desmond has been promoting the LMT since he got introduced to it in Wim Balvert (Holland) Wim Balvert works as a manager and engineer for Van Oord, a large Dutch maritime contractor. He loves outdoor activities; when he is not working, he is hiking or canoeing with friends or family. Wim was introduced to the LMT in 2009, when he was among the first pioneers to do the whole Thru Walk. Since then, he hasn t missed any Thru Walk, and he always brings friends and family. Before he invites his friends to walk on the LMT, he warns them: the LMT is addictive. Fareed Elfozan (Kuwait) Fareed Elfozan has been a resident of Falougha for several years where he helped create a children s playground. He knows the LMT well since his residence lies on section 17, linking Falougha to Ain Zhalta. Fareed is an avid and generous supporter of the LMTA. Elias Sejaan (UAE) Elias Sejaan, Lebanese Irish, has been a resident of UAE for the past 18 years. An avid hiker and philanthropist, Elias hiked and climbed many summits for charity with Gulf for Good. He has a big admiration for the Lebanese mountains and the resilience of the people who want to preserve it and protect it such as the LMTA.

29 LMT abroad SOUTH KOREA, Jeju Ole Island: For the fourth consecutive year, the LMTA participated in the 5th World Trails Conference in January The event was held in Jeju Ole South Korea and brought together more than a dozen trail organizations from around the World. The LMTA is a founding member of the World Trails Network (WTN), an inclusive coalition and cross-promotional platform for World trails. The WTN is working on developing the trails culture around the world, and on encouraging sustainable trail development and knowledge sharing among world trails associations. BELGIUM, Brussels: Thanks to Rend Haffar, LMT Ambassador in Belgium, around 40 members of members of the Association pour un Pays Laïque learned about the LMT during a lecture held on March 6, CANADA, Toronto: The LMTA and the Bruce Trail Conservancy (BTC) celebrated their friendship and cooperation during a hike on the Bruce Trail s section named after the LMT in Toronto. 30 hikers, Canadians, and Lebanese visiting and living in Canada hiked the LMT section on April 13, Thanks to Salam Khalife, Member, Wafa Osta, our Ambassador in Canada, and friends at the BTC for making this happen! ENGLAND, London: LMTA s Ambassador in London Desmond Astley-Cooper, will present the LMT at the British-Lebanese Association in London on November 12th, The lecture will be attended by British and Lebanese residing in London including VIPs and ex Ambassadors. UAE- Dubai: The Lebanon Mountain Trail was promoted at the Arab Travel Market (ATM), Lebanon Ministry of Tourism stand, in May The Travel Show is a yearly event held in Dubai bringing together hundreds from the Travel Industry from around the world. page 27

30 News From Our Partners مو س سة التراث الغذاي ي ة مابيل شديد زينب جامباي مو س سة التراث الغذاي ي ة (FHF) جمعي ة لبناني ة لا تبغي الربح تا س ست سنة ٢٠١٣ وهي تهدف إلى الحفاظ على التراث الغذاي ي اللبناني التقليدي وتوثيقه وتعزيزه باعتباره المحرك الري يس للتنمي ة الاقتصادي ة الريفي ة. تدور برامج المو س سة حول توعية المستهلكين على طلب المنتجات المحلي ة والما كولات الصحي ة التقليدي ة وخلق فرص عمل لصغار المزارعين ومنتجي المواد الغذاي ي ة من خلال إقامة روابط داي مة بين المجتمعات الح ض ري ة والريفي ة. تعمل المو س سة حاليا على ثلاثة برامج ري يسة هي: سوق المزارعين «سوق عالسوق» الذي يهدف إلى رفع مستوى الوعي حول المنتجات المحلية في المو سسات الا كاديمية مثل الجامعة الا ميركية في بيروت والجامعة اللبنانية الا ميركية حيث ي قام على أساس منتظم. كما يهدف السوق إلى خلق روابط بين المنتجين والا جيال الجديدة. المطبخ المحلي «أكلة» للوصفات التقليدية مركزه في زيكو هاوس سبيرز ويهدف إلى تعزيز الا كلات الريفية من خلال تا مين الطعام في المناسبات كما يو م ن فرص عمل لسي دات من الريف اللبناني ويشتري معظم المكو نات التي يحتاج إليها من تعاوني ات محلي ة ومنتجين صغار. وبالتعاون مع شركاء عديدين أس ست الجمعية مطابخ محلي ة في مناطق ريفي ة عد ة مثل منيارة في عكار والخيارة في البقاع الغربي. وترتبط هذه المطابخ حالي ا ببرامج المساعدات الغذاي ي ة للا جي ين السوريين والمجتمعات المضيفة اللبناني ة حيث تقوم نساء لبناني ات وسوري ات بتحضير وصفات صحي ة من مكو نات محلي ة. وتهدف هذه المطابخ إلى تعزيز الا من الغذاي ي للمجتمعات الفقيرة في المناطق الريفي ة. «درب كرم» أو درب التراث الغذاي ي. هو مشروع سياحي يربط تسع قرى في البقاع الغربي والشوف الا على وي رو ج لها كوجهة سياحي ة للغذاء. ي شارك في الدرب مزارعون ومنتجون ورعاة وبيوت ومواي د ضيافة تقد م كل ها للزوار فرصة المشاركة في الا نشطة الزراعي ة الغذاي ي ة وتذو ق الما كولات المحلي ة مع التركيز على موسم ي ة المحاصيل وطرق التصنيع التقليدي ة facebook: foodheritage Instagram: foodheritagefoundation

31 Photo: Jad Abou Arraje PolyLiban au-delà du cyclisme Grâce aux activités sportives non compétitives dans la nature, l Association du PolyLiban (ADPL) vise à promouvoir le tourisme responsable, les échanges interculturels et encourage les jeunes à découvrir les richesses du patrimoine culturel et naturel du Liban. L ADPL, fondée en 2008 par un groupe de jeunes polyathlètes libanais, est une association sœur de «l Association du Polyathlon» en Suisse et en France. Photo: Nady Sokhn Chaque année, l ADPL organise plus de dix évènements auxquels participent plus de sportifs. Le LMT est devenu l une des destinations préférées de l ADPL, en particulier pour le Vélo-Rando (randonnée pédestre et cycliste). Durant ses quatre dernières éditions, près de 200 cyclistes ont ainsi eu la chance de découvrir certaines sections et sentiers parallèles du LMT, tels que les Réserves Biosphères du Chouf et celle de Jabal Moussa, Falougha-Knaysse et Ehmej-Laqlouq. Outre le vélo-rando, l ADPL organise depuis 8 ans: le vélo-ski, les Sundays rides, le vélo-camp, le Polyathlon des Cèdres (PDC) et le PolyLiban Cyclo-Tour. En septembre dernier, 120 sportifs ont participé au PDC, évènement non-compétitif le plus ardu au Moyen-Orient qui vise à relier la côte au plus haut sommet en moins de 24 heures tout en pratiquant cinq sports: 3 km de rafting à partir du port de Byblos, puis 2 km de natation suivi de 98 km en vélo entre Byblos et les Cèdres de Bcharré, en traversant plus de 30 villages, et se terminant par l ascension à pied en 12 km du plus haut sommet dans le Proche- Orient «Qornet El Sawda» culminant à mètres. Après avoir complété le PDC, environ 40 participants ont enchainé avec le «PolyLiban Cyclo-Tour» parcourant 500 km à travers 100 villages et 200 sites culturels et naturels dans les cazas de Zahlé, Beqaa-Ouest, Marjaayoun, Tyr, Nabatieh, Bent Jbeil, Rachaiya, Hasbaiya, Chouf et Baabda. Dans une atmosphère amicale et d entraide, les évènements organisés par l ADPL représentent une occasion propice de se dépasser des barrières sociales, religieuses et politiques qui divisent notre société, en favorisant l amour et le respect de la nature ainsi que l endurance collective physique et morale. Nos prochaines activités pour sont: BANFF Mountain Film Festival, Tour de Beyrouth, Vélo-ski, Vélo-Rando et Vélo-Camp, Sunday s Rides, Try out Session, Polyathlon des Cèdres et PolyLiban. Pour plus de détails, veuillez visiter notre site ou notre page Facebook. page 29

32 سهلة الديشار تتواجد سهلة الديشار بغالبيتها في قعر التلال. وهي مقس مة إلى مناطق صغيرة منتشرة فوق المنحدرات الصخري ة. يكسوها العشب كالشعير البصلي وقدم الديك وأخلية كدشي. الموقع الطبيعي «الديشار» إيمان خليفة سعت بلدية إهمج وجمعي ة إنماء إهمج بالتعاون مع جامعة القديس يوسف كلية العلوم إلى إعلان «الديشار» موقعا طبيعي ا في أي ار ٢٠١٥ بعد سلسلة من الدراسات والا بحاث العلمي ة. مو ل المشروع «صندوق الشراكة البيي ي ة الحرجي ة» وهو برنامج شامل يو م ن التمويل اللازم للمنظ مات غير الحكومي ة بغية المساعدة على حماية نقاط التنو ع البيولوجي الساخنة أي المناطق الا كثر غنى بيولوجيا والا كثر تعرضا للخطر. تقع إهمج في قضاء جبيل تبلغ مساحتها ١٧,٤ كلم ٢ تعلو ١٢٥٠ مترا عن سطح البحر. وهي تشك ل ٠,١٧ من مساحة لبنان الا جمالي ة وتحوي على ١٢ من أنواع النباتات في لبنان. والموقع الطبيعي «الديشار» يقع في شرق إهمج وهي المنطقة الا كثر علوا في البلدة والتي تعيش في تربتها نباتات نادرة. تهديدات عد ة تو ثر على استمرارية هذه الا نواع من النباتات كبناء المنازل والطرقات واستثمار الا راضي الزراعي ة. ولذلك برزت الحاجة إلى إعلان الا راضي المشاع في تلك المنطقة موقعا طبيعيا ووضع ات فاق مع أصحاب الا راضي الخاصة على تبليغ البلدي ة عن المشاريع المنوي إنشاؤها ليقوم قسم الزراعة في كلية العلوم وبناء على توجيهات الدكتور ماغدا خراط بنقل النباتات إلى أماكن آمنة داخل الموقع. أنواع المواطن الطبيعي ة في الديشار: تلال العرعر هي كناية عن منحدرات مت جهة جنوبا بغالبي تها حيث الجفاف. ويغط يها العرعر العادي والسنديان. إن هذه الا نواع الداي مة الخضار هي نموذج عن الا دغال المتوسطي ة التي تستطيع مقاومة فترات الجفاف الطويلة في فصل الصيف. أما قرصية الورق فتشك ل وسادات زهري ة اللون كنموذج عن هذا الموطن فوق تربة رملي ة. غابة العذر تمتد غابة العذر على مساحات جنوب أوروبا وتركيا وتصل إلى لبنان. وعلى الرغم من أن هذا النوع من الغابات كان متوافرا في لبنان على الارتفاعات التي تترواح بين ١٤٠٠ و ١٧٠٠ م فقد أصبحت نادرة الوجود وما تبق ى منها موجود في إهمج وفي فنيدق في عكار. المنحدرات الصخرية تت جه هذه المنحدرات شمالا وهي مليي ة با نواع النباتات التي تفقد أوراقها في الفصل البارد. يمكننا أن نجد الغبيراء المروحية الورق والعفص والسفرجلية على هذه المنحدرات. وغالبا ما تكون المنحدرات ظليلة ومنعشة ما يتيح وجود نوع خاص من النبات المتوالف مع الشقوق لا سي ما الا نواع المستوطنة كالكنهان الا ملس الثمر وغليوم البيستلوزة. طاروع القيقب يقع طاروع القيقب في إهمج. ولغرابة الحال يطغى قيقب طوروس على هذا الوادي الصغير بالا ضافة إلى أشجار نفضية أخرى وشجيرات خوخ الدب والزعرور الا حمر وزهر العسل المخملي. مع ذلك فا ن وجود شجيرات شاي كة كالبربريس اللبناني وكثيراء كبيبج لا تسه ل صعود المنحدرات. الا رز المزروع (خارج الموقع الطبيعي) بالتعاون مع وزارتي البيي ة والزراعة وجمعي ة جذور لبنان تم زرع أكثر من ١٢ ألف أرزة إن وجود هذه الا نواع في وادي الديشار الهادئ ليس صدفة. وذلك لا ن المحافظة على البيي ة واستثمارها بطريقة مستدامة وعلمي ة هما إحدى ركاي ز خط ة التنمية التي وضعتها بلدية إهمج في العام ٢٠١٤ للنهوض بكاف ة القطاعات وتا مين فرص عمل لا بناء القرية والحد من مشكلة النزوح. فبالا ضافة إلى الموقع الطبيعي تجد في إهمج ١٦ مسار مشي يصل البلدة بالقرى المجاورة. لكل طريق ميزتها وقصتها التي يعيشها الساي ح من خلال تنق له مع المرشد الجبلي المحلي. «أرز إهمج» بيت للضيافة يتسع لحوالي ٢٠ شخصا ويقع على مشارف غابة الا رز. بالقرب منه منتزه للا لعاب ومسار للدراجات الهواي ي ة ومطعم يقد م الما كولات اللبناني ة على الطريقة الا همجي ة.

33 Tips from our Outdoor Gear Partner Layering for Comfort and Safety No matter the conditions, you should always layer your clothing. You can always remove or add on layers depending on your level of activity and the environment around you. Staying dry and feeling neither too hot nor cold should be your top priority; failing that could spell disaster. On short hikes, when the weather is mild, hiking shorts and a t-shirt are fine, but layer your clothing on hikes that will take more than a couple of hours. This includes everything from hiking pants to hiking hat. Layer #1: Wicking The first layer of clothes against your body are responsible for wicking perspiration away and keeping you dry so this layer should always be a polypropylene long sleeve undershirt and underpants. Never wear cotton as it absorbs and holds moisture, which chafes and makes you cold. You can always roll up this layer over the knees and elbows as you get warmer and even remove the layer if the temperature climbs high. Do not let yourself get overheated before removing this layer. Don t forget wicking liner socks. Layer #2: Insulating This layer traps body warmth to keep you comfortably warm while still allowing perspiration to escape. It can even be a couple of layers, depending on the temperature. Synthetic fabric such as fleece is usually a good, inexpensive choice. Goose down is an excellent insulating layer, very lightweight, but expensive. For pants, a pair of nylon zip off pants is a great layer on top of your polypropylene underpants. Keep in mind insulating layers that can be easily taken off or put on as you get hot or cold. Layer #3: Protective Shell This layer keeps out rain but still allows perspiration to escape. The material used is GoreTex. Make sure you get a coat that has a built-in hood to keep rain from going down your neck. This layer protects you from rain, snow, and wind and is crucial whenever you may encounter bad weather or cold temperatures. So, layer your hiking clothes using the proper material and you re sure to enjoy the most a hike has to offer! Photo: Adib Hachem page 31

34 Financials - Donors and Partners Thank you to all our donors and partners who contributed to the LMTA between December 2014 and September 2015! Cash donations and grants $20,000 - $49,999 Dar al-handasah $1,000 - $4,999 Century 21 Colette Hayek Massaad EcoConsulting Ecodit Elie Gebrayel Karine Ghosn Ramzi & Jihan Tarazi Roula Attar Karam Salam Khalife Sanita Souad Khalil $500 - $999 Albert Khoury Antoine Ghanem Imane Rayess Michel & Nabil Nahas Minou & H.E. Mohamad Machnouk Nada Shehade Nassif Ragheb $100 - $499 Assaad Najem Claudine Abdel Massih Darnell Bass Hana El Hibri Huda Saigh June Haber Michael Papaeracleous Mireille Chidiac Moustapha Qandil Nadine Mansour Naila Bustros Paul Henry Torbey Rania Azar Rendala Taleb Rula Darwich Le Court Salim Asseily Samir Ghanem Suha Yammine Walid & Monique Zaarour In-kind donations Adora Boutique Al Arz Printing Albina Alia Fares, achaeologist Alice Edde Ascend Retail Assaad Najem, lawyer Auberge de la Mer, Batroun Baffa House, Mar Mikhael Bassatin Baanoub Beatroot: Joe, Marc, Mayssa, Nabil, Randy Dr Bouchra Doueihy Bokja Bread Basket Square Cafe Najjar Chehab Family in Hasbaiya Choucrallah Fattouh, painter College Melkart Diageo Dive the Med Club, Batroun Ecole des Arts Ghassan Yammine Edde Sands Exotica Fadi Baaklini & Suha Wilson Fadi Chahine Fadia Mansour FP7 / BEY part of McCann Worldgroup Gulbenk Trading Company - Nikon Gustave Innovation Sucre Hadi Hbeich Hallak Opticians Impact BBDO Interdec S.A.R.L, Furniture & Interiors Ixsir Winery Jack & Wissam Hanna Dr Jean Stephan Johnny Farah Kanzaman Karen Chekerdjian Key Architects Khaled Sleem President Khalil Harfouch La Rose De Sim Leila & Samir Ghanem Le Gray Hotel Luxe Restaurant Maison du Ski Maria Halios Design Maroun Abi Nakhle Dr Mary Angela Willis Dr Maya Nehme Mayssa Abou Rahal Mohamed Rawass, painter President Mohamed Saadieh Mohammad Al Zein Mona Nahle, painter Monte Santo, Wissam Assaf Municipality of Afqa Municipality of Ain Zhalta Municipality of Andqet Municipality of Bcharre Municipality of Ehmej Municipality of El Mtain Municipality of El Qoubaiyat Municipality of Falougha Municipality of Kfardebiane Municipality of Marjaayoun Municipality of Niha Municipality of Tannourine el Faouqa Nabil Basbous, sculptor Nada Debs Nadim Karam, painter Naim Spa Nestle Waters Orient 499 Qi Juices Raeda Barbir Rima Khatib Design Art Reva Rob Mosrie Sanita Sarah's Bags Selim Mouzannar Shouf Cedar Reserve SolarNet Souad Sbeiti Souk el Tayeb Tao Spa Trampoline Creation Union of Municipalities of Danniye Union of Municipalities of Jezzine Visique Optometrists Vitral - Walid Abou Habib Waste LB Yazbek Wehbe Thru-Walk Fundraising for Lebanon s Cultural and Archaeological Heritage: The LMTA received $5,318 in donations during the 2015 Thru- Walk. These donations, collected using the Razoo online crowd-funding platform, will contribute to the Cultural and Archaeological Heritage project on the LMT. We thank all those behind these digits for their generous support to make this project happen. Sorry we are not able to retrieve your full names to thank you personally. We are very grateful!

35 The LMTA also thanks our Sponsors at the Annual Fundraising Dinner (October 1st, 2015) JUNIPER SPONSORS OAK SPONSORS PINE SPONSORS R Gala planner Agency Venue page 33

36 Financial Statement 2014 The LMTA has an Accounting & Procurement reference manual which was developed in The LMTA is using the Visual Dolphin accounting software. Our accounts follow the cash-basis of accounting in accordance with International Reporting Standards, and are audited by BERCER. The LMTA combined schedule of revenues and expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014: Revenues in Lebanese Pounds Financials revenues ايرادات (ليرة لبنانية) Sales 6,421,929 ايرادات البيع Membership 3,006,420 اشتراكات المنتسبين Donations and grants 45,239,256 الهبات والتبرعات Funded projects 366,045,587 نشاطات ممو لة Events 76,863,968 ايرادات نشاطات Other revenues 249,732 ايرادات أخرى مجموع الايرادات Total revenues 497,826,892 Expenses in Lebanese Pounds Financials expenses مصاريف (ليرة لبنانية) Office expenses Goods 3,637,072 الموجودات الثابتة Transportation 14,468,857 تنقلات Postage 164,000 بريد Communication 16,638,035 اتصالات Maintenance and repairs 4,779,555 صيانة Rent and building expenses 8,336,475 ايجارات Electricity expenses 5,454,050 كهرباء Cleaning expenses 1,657,500 مصاريف النظافة Stationary 1,513,555 قرطاسية مصاريف مكتب Payroll رواتب Salaries 66,199,872 الضمان الاجتماعي (NSSF) 11,731,501 Social Insurance أجور Projects خبراء ومستشارون (project-based) 95,188,155 Consultancy طباعة Printing 43,785,800 نشاطات ممو لة اشغال النشاطات الممو لة Activities 243,288,869 Other expences Financial expenses 4,687,667 المصاريف المالية مصاريف Other expenses 1,270,207 مصاريف أخرى أخرى اجمالي المصاريف Total expenses 522,801,170 رصيد في الصندوق Cash and cash equivalent on ,133, النقد والنقد المعادل في عام Cash an d cash equ ivalent on ,159, The complete financial statements, including all related notes, may be consulted in our office.

37 Photo: Béatrice Le Bon Chami page 35

38 End2End List Photo: Béatrice Le Bon Chami Congratulations to our members and friends for completing their End2End of the LMT: End2End List until September Akhrass, Christian 4th time Lteif, Joseph 4th time E2E# Name #of Times 20 Qandil, Mustapha 2nd time 1 Akhrass, Christian 21 Robbins, Lisa 2 Mouannes, Chamoun 22 Abou Khalil, Mohamad El-Hibri, Hana 4 Soulkoudjian, Lizelotte 5 Schiller, Norbert Akhrass, Christian 5th time 24 Lteif, Joseph 5th time 25 Nseir, Ralph 6 Balvert, Wim 26 Mitri, Sami 7 Akhrass, Christian 2nd time 27 Rasmussen, Niels Lteif, Joseph 28 Karkour, Maya 9 Cazalet, Adrian 29 Mitri, Sami 2nd time Lteif, Joseph 2nd time 11 Cazalet, Adrian 2nd time 30 Akhrass, Christian 6th time 31 Lteif, Joseph 6th time 12 Akhrass, Christian 3rd time 32 Sbaiti, Souad 13 Lteif, Joseph 3rd time Saade, Dima El Khatib, Maha 15 Qandil, Mustapha 34 Karam, Carla 35 Astley-Cooper, Desmond 16 Hurd, Tricia 36 Willis, Mary Angela 17 Khalife, Salam 37 Bass, Darnel