In light of the tiring living and economic conditions, the Lebanese have become tourists in their own country, especially with the significant rise in the dollar exchange rate and the depreciation of the Lebanese pound.

The crisis cast a shadow on the shoulders of the Lebanese people, which prevented most of the Lebanese from traveling and moving around. This led to a demand for domestic tourism, especially environmental ones.

Coming out of quarantine and the crisis that resulted from it, the Lebanese found nature as a haven. With the coming spring and summer of 2021, the mountainous and coastal areas teemed with people. People deserve a break that relieves them (albeit for hours) from the stress of their daily lives.

In the context of initiatives for sustainable development, the Federation of Municipalities of Chouf Souayjani, in the Mount Lebanon region, has been organizing a social, environmental, and sports scouting activity in Mazraat Chouf and Marj Besri (60 km from Beirut). Its height above sea level between 1100 meters (mountains) and 400 meters at the Besri meadow is unique. 

Eco-Friendly Space

Quiet music accompanied the walk along the historical paths and launched on Music Day. The Roman Crossing trail was opened, which the Chouf farm municipality worked on rehabilitating and rehabilitating. The bridge reaches to the Kaab Al Maabour Cave - Marj Besri, then the "Pillar Rock" at Al-Nahla site, across the "Al-Shalouf Archaeological" bridge, to Ain Al-Baydar, where a musical celebration and a local dinner took place.

Head of the Chouf Municipalities Union, engineer Yahya Abu Kroum, who follows up on the ground with the various workshops, the requirements of the town, and the needs of its people, had prepared the equipment two years ago to launch Chouf farm festivals with the active municipal council. He says today, "The town has been working on launching a sustainable eco-tourism development project in Mazraat El Chouf."

Sustainable Ecotourism Development Project

Abou Karroum added, "In light of "fête de la musique," the Institut Français de la musique, the Federation of Chouf Souyjani Municipalities, the Chouf farm municipality, the Taadod Sports Club, and the Cezar projects in Barouk welcomed a musical event in the Chouf farm (Roman Crossing Path), which welcomed people from all areas in Lebanon.

He praised the "distinguished cooperation with the French Cultural Center, its director, Zara Fournier, artists Daniel Sayegh and Karina Leric, Touring Ensemble, Ronny Al-Baini, and local musicians," who expressed the beauty of their souls in melodies that harmonized with the beauty of nature and the charm of its paths and added a special taste to the development of eco-tourism in the launching of the sustainable development project in the Chouf farm.

Music Embraces Nature

Abu Karroum welcomed more than 1,000 guests and visitors, coming from all regions, as well as from all associations and clubs, and lovers of walking and nature, "who participated with us on this special day."

He appreciated "the contribution of partners in the development of eco-tourism, represented by: "Al-Chouf Cedar Reserve," "Caesar Project," "Al-Chouf Al-Aseel," in addition to Dalia Walid Jumblatt, who participated in uncovering the leading painting of the Roman Crossing Darb project.

Director of the Chouf Cedar Reserve, Nizar Hani, confirmed that "these paths are the ones that our ancestors and our people walked on for hundreds of years," adding that "preserving them is necessary to preserve Lebanon's cultural and natural history." 

The walk was distinguished by the beautiful scenes of nature, from towering hills and overwhelming valleys, and the diversity of olive trees, various wild trees, and a green carpet that became a bed for the participants.

The springs were rich with water, especially that the people in charge of them made several pools and used them as a destination for swimming during a hot summer.

Multiple Trails in Nature

Good organization, a warm welcome, and the hospitality of organizers, also distinguished the walk. In addition, the concerted efforts of the volunteers and members of the "Al-Taadoud Sports Club," managed by its president, Muin Dhibian, and their preparation of village food, which brought the audience back to the memories of the "manor."

The organizers prepared and printed a "flyer" that introduces visitors to the owners of local tourism initiatives in the region, most of whom are young people experienced in domestic tourism.

The distributed leaflet mentioned the "sun paths" in the Chouf farm for walking and walking were included: The Marj Besri trail (7 km long); Dolfa Trail (6 km long); Barakat Al-Arous trail (6 km long); Darb Zagazig (1 km long); Roman Crossing Trail (3 km long); Mountainside trail (7 km long).