#HimaEcoMedia

Under the patronage and in the presence of Laura El Khazen Lahoud, Ras El Metn Municipality, in collaboration with the Hima Committee and MESD, officially launched the Eco-Tourism Project in Ras El Metn during a ceremony held at the Hima Square, attended by a large gathering of political, environmental, social, and municipal figures, as well as local residents and environmental advocates from the Upper Metn region.

Among the attendees were Hadi Abou El Hassan represented by attorney Jamal Makarem, Ms. Alessandra Viezzer, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Lebanon, Municipal President Mr. Bassam Anwar Makarem and members of the municipal council, alongside Engineer Malek Ghandour, President of the Lebanese Environment Forum and member of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council, and Assaad Serhal, Director of SPNL and BirdLife International representative in the Middle East. Representatives of Hima Abadieh and the Progressive Scout Troop of Ras El Metn also took part in the event.

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks by the Municipal President, who highlighted the importance of eco-tourism and outdoor sports activities in promoting local development and stimulating the regional economy. Mr. Rafic Amin Makarem then delivered a speech thanking the Minister for her patronage and presence at the project launch, while presenting the key achievements implemented within the Hima and outlining future initiatives, particularly the upcoming “Bee Hima” project.

In her address, Minister Lahoud praised Ras El Metn as a leading model for sustainable local tourism, emphasizing the vital role of eco-tourism in supporting local communities, preserving natural and cultural heritage, and revitalizing rural economies.

The event continued with a field tour led by the Minister along the “Dream Trail” inside the Hima, reaching the newly established rock-climbing site, where she officially inaugurated the project by cutting the ribbon. The initiative represents a valuable addition to the region’s environmental and sports tourism offerings. The tour also featured live demonstrations of rock climbing and archery activities.

The visit concluded with stops at the “Labekra” municipal products center, the museum of sculptor Adel Saleh, and the museum of renowned artist Salwa Raouda Choucair, in a final showcase blending eco-tourism with the rich cultural heritage that distinguishes Ras El Metn as a destination for sustainable and alternative tourism.