National landscape corridor connecting conservation, rural livelihoods, heritage, tourism, and resilience.
A National Trail along the backbone of Lebanon’s Mountain Communities
Since its creation in 2007, The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) has been working to develop and protect the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT), and to promote sustainable and responsible tourism that safeguards the natural and cultural heritage of rural areas along the trail. The LMTA programs are geared towards improving economic opportunities in rural areas and enhancing livelihoods through supporting the development and promotion of high-quality rural tourism services and activities.
The Association does not seek profit and actively promotes environmental education, responsible outdoor recreation, wellbeing, and access to nature for all, including physically disadvantaged and visually impaired individuals. Through its work, the LMTA contributes to the protection of Lebanon’s natural ecosystems and increasingly positions the Lebanon Mountain Trail as a national message of unity, coexistence, and peace, connecting communities, cultures, and landscapes across the country.
Within these objectives, the LMTA became in the last decade a national reference and one of the major stakeholders of the ecotourism and rural tourism value chain. The LMTA adopts a community-based development approach aiming to enhance the rural tourism value chain and to build and reinforce the capacity of its different stakeholders in general, with focus on local guides, guesthouses, and municipalities. Through its close collaboration with local authorities, municipalities, unions of municipalities, tour operators, public and private sector entities, universities, researchers, as well as donors, the LMTA plays a pivotal role in promoting the culture of trails and the concept of socially and environmentally responsible tourism in Lebanon.
The trail has expanded rural tourism in Lebanon and opened many new opportunities for extended stays in mountain destinations. Building on its growing experience, the trail has become a tangible rural tourism product for economic growth in rural Lebanon, empowering local people and creating income-generating opportunities for them, including women and youth, to participate in the industry and improve their livelihood, social and economic status.
The LMTA has gradually become a reference organization in trail development issues and a catalyst for new trails and side trails, trail-based education, and mountain research. The LMTA is also playing a growing role in bringing mountain conservation to the attention of local and national decision makers.
Conservation & Standards
The Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) is positioning the Lebanon Mountain Trail as a regional benchmark for sustainable hiking and conservation by adopting world-class trail management and environmental standards. Through continuous benchmarking against leading international trail networks and best practices, the LMTA is professionalizing Lebanon’s hiking sector and strengthening the trail’s role as a safe, high-quality, and environmentally responsible tourism asset.
A key milestone in this effort is the development of Lebanon’s first regulatory trail standards for official adoption by LIBNOR, helping establish nationally recognized guidelines for trail development, maintenance, and visitor safety.The LMTA also integrates conservation into every aspect of its mission through biodiversity protection initiatives, preservation of cultural heritage sites, and educational programs that engage youth in environmental stewardship. By combining international standards with local community involvement, the LMTA is helping safeguard Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
Accessibility & Responsible Hiking
Safe Accessibility to All
The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) promotes accessible, safe, and responsible hiking by maintaining trail sections in accordance with recognized international hiking and trail management standards. Through regular trail maintenance, signage, mapping, risk assessment, and local coordination, the LMT seeks to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for hikers while protecting Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage. Through the “Access for All” initiative, the staff of the LMT Association has equipped over 50 guides and volunteers with specialized training to maneuver assisting devices like the Joëlette for disadvantaged hikers, and the Directional Bar for the visually impaired. This allows everyone to enjoy Lebanon’s mountain landscapes.
Responsible Hiking - Standard for Stewardship
Responsible hiking practices are the modus operandi of the LMT Association and its volunteers. This includes respect for local communities, environmental conservation, waste reduction, and adherence to safety guidelines. By fostering responsible outdoor recreation, the LMTA contributes to sustainable tourism, environmental stewardship, and positive engagement between trail users and rural communities across Lebanon.
Protecting the 600 km Lebanon Mountain Trail requires fostering a strong “Leave No Trace” culture among hikers, local communities, and visitors alike.
- The LMT Association actively promotes responsible environmental practices by encouraging trekkers to eliminate single-use plastics, minimize waste, and carry out all non-biodegradable materials.
- Awareness efforts also emphasize recycling and sustainable resource management to support both environmental health and the wellbeing of the more than 76 host villages located along the trail.
In addition, community clean-up initiatives and environmental campaigns help inspire residents and visitors to adopt environmentally responsible habits that contribute to safeguarding Lebanon’s landscapes, soil, water resources, and natural heritage for future generations
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