Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development Launches a New Mountain Trail Project in Jbeil District

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable local development, the Michel Issa Foundation for Local Development launched a new project on Friday, June 5, 2026, from its headquarters in Amchit to establish and develop a mountain hiking trail connecting the villages of Lehfed, Saqi Rachmaya, Jaj, and Ehmej. The initiative aims to stimulate the local economy while preserving the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. The project will be implemented in partnership with the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) and the Jaj Cedars Nature Reserve, in coordination with the concerned municipalities and other local stakeholders located along the trail.

The project is part of the Foundation’s vision to invest in sustainable development initiatives that enhance the attractiveness of the Jbeil District and create new opportunities for local residents. This will be achieved through the development of high-quality and safe tourism infrastructure, the promotion of eco-tourism and rural tourism activities, and support for small businesses and local producers.

The new trail will constitute a valuable addition to the existing hiking network in the Jbeil District. It will connect directly to the main Lebanon Mountain Trail, pass through the Jaj Cedars Nature Reserve, and intersect with the Mar Charbel Trail, strengthening the links between tourism, religious, and nature-based routes in the region and expanding the range of experiences available to visitors and hikers.

The project will involve identifying the most suitable route, designing and developing it in accordance with the standards adopted by the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, while complying with public safety requirements, environmental conservation principles, and international best practices in mountain trail development and management. It will also adopt a participatory approach by engaging municipalities, landowners, and various local stakeholders throughout the planning, development, and implementation phases to ensure that local communities derive the greatest possible benefits from the initiative.

The partners emphasized that the project represents an important step toward strengthening the position of the Jbeil District as a leading destination for mountain and nature-based tourism in Lebanon. It is expected to create new economic opportunities for local residents, encourage investments related to sustainable tourism, and contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the region’s biodiversity and geological heritage for future generations.

Planning and development activities are expected to be completed during the summer, with the trail scheduled to be officially inaugurated and opened to visitors in the autumn of 2026.