Nestled in the heart of Mount Lebanon, a network of ancient trails is being brought back to life, connecting nature lovers, hikers, and local communities to their rich cultural and ecological heritage. This ambitious effort, spearheaded by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL) under the Doroub Al Hima (Hima Trails) initiative, is more than just a hiking project—it’s a movement to preserve biodiversity, empower communities, and revive the traditional Hima conservation model.
Recently, as part of this initiative, SPNL organized a hiking event along the Btetir – Roueisset Al-Naaman – Rechmaya trail in the rugged Jurd Aley region. This event was not just a scenic outdoor adventure but a milestone in a larger mission to reconnect Lebanon’s natural landscapes with its cultural identity.
A Path Through Time: The Trail from Btetir to Rechmaya
Winding through ancient woodlands, towering peaks, and historic villages, the Btetir – Roueisset Al-Naaman – Rechmaya trail offers an unparalleled glimpse into Lebanon’s natural beauty and historic soul.
🌿 Btetir, the starting point, is a hidden mountain gem where hikers are greeted by dense pine and oak forests, a sanctuary for Lebanon’s native bird species. The sound of rustling leaves and birdsong fills the air, a reminder of the region’s biodiversity and untouched wilderness.
🏔️ Roueisset Al-Naaman sits at a higher altitude, offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. This vantage point is a window into Lebanon’s diverse ecosystems, where the Mediterranean climate supports a mix of flora and fauna unique to the region.
🏛️ Rechmaya, the final stop, is a historical masterpiece. Known for its ancient monasteries, centuries-old churches, and cobblestone streets, it tells stories of generations past. Here, nature and history intertwine, creating a profound connection between hikers and the land they walk upon.
As participants traversed the trail, they not only discovered the beauty of Lebanon’s mountains but also engaged with local communities who have safeguarded these lands for centuries. The trail is more than a hiking route; it is a living testament to the resilience of Lebanon’s people and their commitment to conservation.
The Bigger Picture: Connecting Lebanon’s Trails
This trail is just one piece of a much larger vision. Under the leadership of Hamadeh Molaeb, SPNL’s Hima Trails Project Manager, the Doroub Al Hima network is expanding to create a continuous 82-kilometer-long trail system in the Aley District.
This extensive network links the western highlands to the Jurd region, interconnecting Lebanon’s natural and cultural treasures. The trail passes through eight historic villages, forming the Hima Covenant Network, which includes:
📍 Hima Mount Lebanon Center – Keyfoun
📍 Souk El Gharb
📍 Shemlan
📍 Baysour
📍 Kfarmatta
📍 Aitat
📍 Bmekein
📍 Ain El Saydeh
📍 Ain El Rommaneh
This interconnected trail system is more than just a recreational attraction. It is a tool for biodiversity conservation, cultural preservation, and community development. By revitalizing these trails, SPNL is not only promoting eco-tourism but also strengthening local economies by involving rural communities in sustainable tourism, guiding services, and traditional handicrafts.
A Conservation Model Rooted in Tradition
The Hima approach, which lies at the heart of this initiative, is an ancient community-based conservation system practiced for over 1,500 years in the Middle East. Traditionally, Hima designated areas were protected for sustainable use, ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife, forests, and water sources.
By reviving the Hima concept through modern conservation and ecotourism, SPNL is fostering community ownership and environmental stewardship. Local villagers are becoming custodians of their natural heritage, actively participating in trail maintenance, eco-guiding, and sustainable hospitality services.
This initiative also aligns with the 30×30 global conservation target, which calls for protecting 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030. By safeguarding Lebanon’s forests, wetlands, and cultural landscapes, the Hima Trails project contributes to climate resilience, species protection, and ecological sustainability.
A National and Global Inspiration
The Doroub Al Hima project is quickly gaining national and international recognition as a model for integrating conservation, culture, and sustainable development. The success of these trails could pave the way for similar initiatives across Lebanon, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a prime ecotourism destination in the Middle East.
Beyond Lebanon, this initiative serves as an inspiration for other countries in the region seeking to balance development with environmental responsibility. By reconnecting people with nature, SPNL is proving that conservation is not just about protecting landscapes—it’s about restoring relationships between people, culture, and the land they call home.
Whether you are a seasoned hiker, a nature enthusiast, or a heritage lover, the Hima Trails offer an unforgettable journey through Lebanon’s past, present, and future—one step at a time.
