Project “Promoting rural eco-tourism in the Barouk-Freydiss area”
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Barouk-Freydiss Municipality improve eco-tourism in the area by establishing 19 kilometers of hiking trails passing by 13 historical sites, and a tourism and cultural information center to attract more visitors to the village. The project was completed in August 2015. It helped Barouk municipality organize its regular summer festival named “Shouf Lebnen Bel Barouk” in partnership with Al Chouf Cedar Society. The summer festival included the innovative “Sunset Mood Walk” event, a musical hike among the historical cedar trees of Barouk. Besides, several activities such as summer camps were organized in Barouk in the premises of the rehabilitated and expanded Rashid Nakhle Cultural Centre. BALADI assistance also helped micro, small, and medium enterprises including rural food producers, restaurants, and lodges, increase their sales and income. The overall total number of beneficiaries until the end of 2021 is 45,914.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to enhance recreational activities and rural tourism in Barouk-Freydiss and generate revenues for residents and MSMEs.
Partner
Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Committee of Commemoration of Rashid Nakhle, Saad Safa’ Sports Club, Al Arz Al khaled Company, Agricultural Coop in Barouk and Freydees, Friends of Green Environment Association, Mayrig sal, and Green Environment Association were partners in this project.
USAID In-kind Assistance
$107,794
Project “Establish an eco-touristic activities park at the Bentael Natural reserve”
Edde – Bentael (Mount Lebanon – Jbeil)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Edde Municipality to establish an ecological adventure park in Bentael Reserve located in the village of Bentael. The park includes an outdoor adventure area, a library, a conservation museum, a showroom for local products and handicrafts, restrooms, a solar power system, installations for accessibility of persons with disabilities.
BALADI assistance included as well adequate training for the reserve and community staff who manage and sustain the park. The project was completed in April 2015. The overall total number of beneficiaries until the end of 2021 is 16,359.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are enhancing open-air activities and contact with nature; contributing to the preservation of the environment; and, promoting hiking as means to good health, leisure and culture.
Partner
Bentael Nature reserve committee and Byblos Ecologia for Environment and Development and The American University of Beirut were partners in this project.
USAID In-kind Assistance
$160,858
Project “Establishing a community public park”
Kousba (North Lebanon – Koura)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Kousba Municipality to establish a public park and events venue in order to attract visitors and host community activities. Prior to this assistance, Kousba village lacked the availability of an outdoor public space for the residents to gather in. The project, which was completed in May 2016, provided residents of Kousba and surrounding villages with an outdoor space where families and friends gather, and where private events such are organized. This project benefits as well micro, small and medium enterprises, who can sell their products and services. The overall total number of beneficiaries until the end of 2021 is 39,842.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are providing a public space for residents and improving the livelihoods of residents.
Partner
Kousba Al Ghad and the Center for Development and Democracy and Governance were partners in this project.
USAID In-kind Assistance
$240,229
Project “Enhancing recreational youth activities and rural tourism in Douma”
Douma (North Lebanon – Batroun)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Douma Municipality and Douma Club to establish a youth center including a dormitory, and rehabilitate the outdoor football and basketball courts. The project, which was completed in July 2018, will help enhance recreational activities and rural tourism in Douma, and generate revenues for Douma residents and MSMEs. This intervention helped reach at least 3,102 people including 1,908 users of the courts, 194 dorm visitors, and more than 1,000 events attendees. It also benefited directly 51 people including 13 job creations as manager, trainers, and supervisors, 19 MSMEs that sold their products during events organized at the facility. The overall number of beneficiaries till the end of 2021 is 2,229.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to enhance recreational activities and rural tourism in Douma, and generate revenues for Douma residents and MSMEs.
Partner
Douma Club was a partner in this project.
USAID In-kind Assistance
$189,658
Project “Reviving the cultural and ecological sites in Tannourine”
Tannourine Et Tahta (North Lebanon – Batroun)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Tannourine Municipality to rehabilitate four hiking trails of an approximate length of 40 km which links Tannourine Cedars Nature Reserve to many of the village’s cultural sites, in order to revive the cultural and ecological heritage of Tannourine’s majestic natural landscape. RMF BALADI also established recreational activities area which hosts outdoor events and activities. Prior to this assistance, the historical mills and monks’ sanctuaries trails were inaccessible due to a lack of proper maintenance. The project, which was completed in June 2020, has benefited 20,810 persons till the end of 2021. Besides, the project helped create jobs for 23 community members, and provided short-term technical assistance to 15 beneficiaries. The socio-economic benefit of the intervention encompasses another 40 beneficiaries that sell their local products in the provided kiosks during organized events.
Objectives
The main objective of the project is to improve Ecotourism in Tannourine Region.
Partner
The Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve Committee – Tannour W Nour
USAID In-kind Assistance
$221,760
Project “Improving ecotourism in Bsharre region”
Bsharre (North Lebanon – Bsharre)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Bsharre Municipality to rehabilitate the 780-meter trail leading to historic Qadisha Grotto, which is located in the UNESCO world heritage site of Qadisha valley, The project includes platforms for visitors to rest along the trail, an energy-efficient LED lighting system, a fence along the trail, the rehabilitation of the restrooms, and the installation of a wastewater treatment unit. Prior to this project, the trail was in a bad shape and visitors’ safety was compromised. The project, which was completed in August 2020, helped create 30 seasonal jobs for local scout members as rural tourism guides, and contributed in revitalizing the economic activity in Bsharre. The overall number of beneficiaries till the end of 2021 is 13,607.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to improve ecotourism at Bsharre and enhance the income generation for the residents.
Partner
The Lebanese Mountain Trail Association – Maronite Scouts
USAID In-kind Assistance
$222,953
Project “Establishment of an eco-tourism area in Fatri”
Fatri (Mount Lebanon – Jbeil)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Fatri Municipality to establish a socio-cultural and recreational center, a camping site, and a 3.5 km trail linking the different sites of the project and other parts of the village. The project was completed in September 2021. Prior to this project, Fatri lacked an eco-tourism area.
This project helped revive and enhance activities and ecotourism in Fatri and allowed the municipality to organize income-generating events. The overall number of beneficiaries till the end of 2021 is 2,949.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to improve ecotourism at Fatri and enhance the income generation for the residents.
Partners
The municipal youth committee and Aie Confience were partners of the project.
USAID In-kind Assistance
$251,398
Project “Establishment of an eco-tourism area in Jezzine”
Jezzine (South Lebanon – Jezzine)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Jezzine Municipality to rehabilitate and equip the village’s public garden area, and provide equipment to the village’s football court. The project, completed in July 2018, provided the Jezzine community with an adequate space for gathering and kids playing in a safe environment. Besides, thanks to this project Jezzine Municipality and Saint Joseph Sports Community started organizing football tournaments and various other activities in the rehabilitated football court, which was named Saint Joseph Football Academy. The overall number of beneficiaries till the end of 2021 is 2,312.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to improve ecotourism at Jezzine and enhance the income generation for the residents.
Partners
N/A
USAID In-kind Assistance
$168,602
Project “Establishing a socio cultural and rural tourism center in Yahshoush”
Yahshoush (Mount Lebanon – Kesrwan)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Yahshoush Municipality to establish a rural tourism/socio-cultural venue, aiming at enhancing recreational activities and encouraging tourism in Yahshoush. The center includes a multi-purpose room where various events are organized, a kitchen, a gym, and a permanent selling point. The project helps generate income for women and youth through the sale of locally produced food and handicrafts. Since the completion of the project in May 2021, Yahshoush Municipality organized various activities in the center, gathering people from Yahshoush and surrounding villages. The overall number of beneficiaries till the end of 2021 is 296.
Objective
The main objectives of the project are to improve recreational activities, encourage tourism and generate income for women and youth in Yahshoush.
Partners
N/A
USAID In-kind Assistance
$247,804
Project “Establishing a socio-economic and sports center in Toula”
Toula (North Lebanon – Zgharta)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Toula municipality to establish a sports and outdoor events area in the village. The project, which was completed in November 2020, consists of a two-floor structure, comprising an outdoor football court, an outdoor playground, a snacks-vending area as well as a coffee shop in the first floor, while the ground floor includes a convenient parking area. Prior to this project, Toula lacked a proper sports courts and an area for residents to gather, organize events and activities.
This project will also help generate income to Toula residents through the sale of locally-made goods and snacks.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to enhance social life and livelihood in Toula and five surrounding villages’ residents (Behayri, Baskoulit, Mazraat al Toffah, Ejbeh and Ayto) through organized events such as markets, exhibits, sports tournaments and annual festivals.
Partners
N/A
USAID In-kind Assistance
$288,790
Project “Establishing an ecological and tourist area in Bshatfine”
Bshatfine (Mount Lebanon – Shouf)
Description
RMF BALADI worked with Bshatfine municipality to establish an ecological and tourist area in the village, consisting in a camping site equipped with bungalows for lodging, a tents area, kiosks, and outdoor space. The center is successfully managed Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, who handles all the operation of the center and communication about it. The project enhances eco-tourism in the region, helps create jobs, and generates income for Bshatfine residents, who can sell locally-made food products and handicrafts in the kiosks.
Objectives
The main objectives of the project are to enhance the socio economic situation of the residents by creating jobs, income, and sales through establishing a rural tourism area on a municipal land.
Partners
Lebanon Mountain Trail Association
USAID In-kind Assistance
$250,000
