Under the patronage and in the presence of Minister of Tourism Laura El Khazen Lahoud, the Municipality of Ras El Matn, in cooperation with the Hima Committee and MESD, launched its Ecotourism Project during a ceremony held at the Hima Square, attended by a wide range of political, environmental, social, municipal, and community representatives, as well as environmental stakeholders from the Higher Metn region.
The event was attended by MP Hadi Abou El Hassan, represented by lawyer Jamal Makarem, Ms. Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Lebanon, Mayor Bassam Anwar Makarem and members of the municipal council, engineer Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Forum and member of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and Assaad Serhal, Director General of The Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) and BirdLife International’s representative in the Middle East, in addition to representatives of Hima Al Abadieh and the Progressive Scouts of Ras El Matn.
The event highlighted the growing importance of Ras El Matn as a pioneering example in reviving the “Hima” approach, one of the region’s oldest community-based systems for protecting nature and managing natural resources sustainably. Through its partnership with SPNL, the municipality has worked to position the Hima as a living model that combines environmental conservation, local governance, and sustainable rural development.
Ras El Matn’s Hima is distinguished by its rich biodiversity, forests, natural trails, and cultural heritage sites, making it an integrated environmental and cultural destination that promotes sustainable tourism while preserving the area’s ecological identity. The village has increasingly emerged as one of the leading ecotourism destinations in Mount Lebanon, offering visitors a unique combination of environmental, recreational, and cultural experiences.
The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by the Mayor, who stressed the importance of environmental and sports tourism in supporting local development, revitalizing the rural economy, and creating opportunities for youth and local communities. He emphasized that the project forms part of a broader vision to transform Ras El Matn into a leading environmental and tourism destination in Lebanon.
Mr. Rafic Amin Makarem then delivered a speech thanking the Minister for her patronage and participation in the launch of the initiative. He reviewed the major achievements implemented within the Hima, as well as future projects, particularly the “Bee Hima” initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity and supporting local nature-based production.
For his part, Assaad Serhal emphasized the importance of partnerships between municipalities, local communities, and SPNL in safeguarding natural and cultural heritage sites. He described Ras El Matn as an advanced model of the modern Hima approach that successfully combines environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and local economic development through sustainable tourism.
In her address, Minister Lahoud praised Ras El Matn’s successful ecotourism experience, noting that the town presents a balanced model that links environmental protection with local economic growth while showcasing Lebanon’s natural and cultural richness. She also stressed the importance of supporting local initiatives that strengthen sustainable tourism and create new opportunities for rural areas.
Participants further emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to establish a natural park in Ras El Matn, describing it as a strategic step toward protecting the area’s environmental heritage and biodiversity while providing a sustainable framework for preserving forests, natural trails, and ecological resources. They noted that the proposed natural park would also reinforce the town’s position as a destination for environmental, sports, and cultural tourism, while supporting local businesses and municipal products.
Following the official speeches, the Minister led a field tour along the “Dream Trail” within the Hima, reaching the rock-climbing site where she officially inaugurated the project by cutting the ribbon. The tour included presentations and demonstrations of rock climbing and archery activities, reflecting the municipality’s vision of developing integrated environmental and adventure tourism in the area.
The event concluded with visits to the “Labekra” municipal products center, the museum of sculptor Adel Salha, and the museum of renowned Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair. The closing tour highlighted the unique blend of environmental, cultural, and heritage tourism that defines Ras El Matn and reinforces its identity as a destination where nature, art, and sustainable development come together.
