Mission Statement
We believe the Lebanon Mountain Trail is more than a route through nature and villages — it is a pathway to nature conservation, cultural heritage preservation, rural resilience and livelihoods, environmental education, wellbeing, and inclusive responsible tourism.
Through sustainable funding, prudent stewardship of charitable assets, and strategic grant-making, the Foundation supports the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association and, where appropriate, other qualified public-benefit organizations in advancing these objectives and protecting this natural, cultural, and human heritage for generations to come.
Support
Support the future of the Lebanon Mountain Trail and the wider public-benefit work that sustains Lebanon’s natural, cultural, and human heritage.
Your contribution helps the Lebanon Mountain Trail Foundation pursue its public-benefit objectives through environmental conservation, heritage preservation, rural livelihoods, environmental education, wellbeing, inclusive access to nature, and responsible tourism.
Donations are made to the Foundation and allocated by its Board in accordance with its public-benefit objectives. The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association is an important strategic partner and eligible grant recipient, alongside other qualified public-benefit organizations whose work aligns with the Foundation’s objectives.
Through prudent stewardship, fundraising, and strategic grant-making, the Foundation seeks to create sustainable long-term financing for these public-benefit objectives and lasting impact for communities and future generations.
Key Impact Figures
19
Years since the LMT was launched
600 Km
Trail network
80
Villages connected
30
Guesthouses sustained
100
Guides empowered
5,000
School students initiated to environmental awareness
60,000
Trekkers inspired annually
1
UNESCO World Heritage Site
2
Biosphere Reserves
5
Nature Reserves
6
Important Bird Areas
5
GEOTRAILS
5
Trainings on Accessibility in the 5 Reserves
Featured Stories & Initiatives
A Model of Accessibility and Social Inclusion
Through its collaboration with the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA), EQUAL NGO helped turn inclusive hiking into practical opportunities for people with visual impairments.
Together, they developed accessible hiking practices based on training, trust, and community participation. The initiative challenged barriers to inclusion and created a replicable model linking accessibility, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
Cultural Connection and Shared Heritage
Following a connection at the 2024 World Trails Network conference in Ottawa, Kinetika and LMTA developed a community-based silk art project along the Lebanon Mountain Trail.
Despite the ongoing war, workshops and remote sessions enabled families and children across Lebanon to contribute drawings that inspired 27 hand-painted silk pieces. The project also connected artistic expression with local storytelling and efforts to revive traditional sericulture.
Celebrating Natural Heritage Through Photography
LMTA engaged university students from across Lebanon in a photography and environmental education initiative focused on biodiversity and conservation.
A guided Photo Tour in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve combined nature, local culture, and scientific learning. The resulting exhibition in Beirut showcased the students’ work alongside research on native species, strengthening youth engagement with Lebanon’s natural heritage. Several participants later joined LMTA as volunteers.
Bchaaleh: Inclusive Tourism in Rural Lebanon
Bchaaleh is developing an inclusive tourism model through collaboration between the Municipality of Bchaaleh, the Bchaaleh Trails Association, and LMTA.
Since 2022, local guides have received training in inclusive hiking, including the use of the Joëlette and techniques for guiding people with visual impairments. In 2025, Bchaaleh launched its inclusive tourism strategy and continues to develop accessible trails, public spaces, and welcoming experiences for visitors of all abilities.
Making Nature Accessible for All
Through its Access to Nature initiative, LMTA, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross, is working to expand access to the LMT and selected nature reserves for people with disabilities.
In 2025, the initiative supported 34 children with disabilities from rehabilitation centers in Aley and Tripoli through accessible outings in the Shouf and Tannourine Nature Reserves. It also trained 34 accessible trail guides, volunteers, and Red Cross staff, combining outdoor recreation with environmental education and social inclusion.
Run for Life: Where Every Step Tells a Story
The “Run for Life” screening brought together runners, hikers, and others who share a commitment to health, resilience, and purposeful movement.
Hosted by LMTA, the event used film and storytelling to explore the connection between physical activity, personal resilience, and the landscapes through which people move.
Fall Trek and Spring Hikes
The Lebanon Mountain Trail Thru-Hike brings together hikers from Lebanon and abroad to experience the trail from north to south.
Beyond the hiking experience, these events promote environmental awareness, cultural exchange, responsible tourism, and engagement with rural communities along the LMT.
