Why Support the LMT - Lebanon Mountain Trail Foundation

The Need for Continued Support

The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is one of Lebanon’s most significant eco-tourism and conservation initiatives, connecting more than 76 rural communities across 600 km of diverse landscapes and cultural heritage. Recognized as a world-class hiking destination, the trail requires continuous stewardship to maintain the high standards of safety, accessibility, environmental protection, and visitor experience that hikers have come to expect.

As hiking activity and international visibility continue to grow, so does the need for sustained investment in trail maintenance, restoration, signage, monitoring, and community engagement. Support is also essential to expand outreach programs that increase responsible tourism and generate direct economic benefits for rural guesthouses, guides, small businesses, and local communities along the trail corridor as well as to support environmental education and sustainable community development.

The Challenges of a Living Trail

The LMT is a living entity that requires year-round care and protection. Beyond physical maintenance, the trail faces increasing environmental pressures including illegal quarrying, unregulated construction, road cutting, deforestation, irresponsible hunting, and waste dumping. These threats are gradually impacting the natural and cultural heritage, biodiversity, and integrity of the landscapes surrounding the trail.

Despite its national importance, only a limited portion of the trail corridor currently benefits from official protection. Bridging the funding gap is critical not only to maintain the trail itself, but also to strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at securing formal recognition of the LMT as a protected National Trail for future generations.

How Donations Make an Impact

Operational Excellence: Caring for the Trail

Donations directly support the year-round stewardship of the 600 km Lebanon Mountain Trail, ensuring it remains safe, accessible, and “hiker-ready” throughout every season. Contributions help fund trail maintenance crews responsible for clearing overgrowth, repairing pathways and stone steps, and preserving the integrity of the route. Support also enables the upkeep of trail signage, wayfinding systems, and safety monitoring that are essential for visitor orientation and protection across diverse mountain terrain.

Programmatic Growth: Investing in People and Communities

Beyond the trail itself, donations strengthen programs that connect communities, education, and sustainable tourism. Support helps expand environmental education initiatives, teacher training, and outdoor learning opportunities for youth across Lebanon. Contributions also empower rural communities through guesthouse improvement grants, guide training, and micro-entrepreneurship initiatives that enhance local livelihoods in the 76 villages connected by the trail. In addition, donations help improve accessibility by supporting specialized equipment and training that allow more people with disabilities to experience Lebanon’s mountains safely and inclusively.

Future-Proofing the Trail

Donor support also contributes to the long-term resilience and protection of the LMT. Funding helps advance advocacy efforts aimed at securing official National Trail status and stronger legal protection for vulnerable sections of the corridor. It also supports climate resilience initiatives addressing erosion, environmental degradation, and the impact of extreme weather, while strengthening the LMTA’s capacity to remain an independent and sustainable national reference for trails and conservation in Lebanon.

Long-Term Vision & Sustainability

The Foundation is guided by a long-term vision of becoming a sustainable endowment fund dedicated to supporting conservation, community development, environmental education, socially responsible and inclusive outdoor initiatives in Lebanon. Through the gradual growth of a permanent capital base funded by donations, gifts, bequests, strategic partnerships and other sources of funding, the Foundation seeks to create a stable and enduring source of support for future generations.

The income generated from this endowment will enable the Foundation to provide ongoing grants and financial support to the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association and other qualified nonprofit organizations whose missions align with the Foundation’s objectives and serve the public interest.

By combining prudent governance, responsible stewardship, and long-term financial sustainability, the Foundation aims to ensure lasting impact beyond short-term project cycles. This approach will strengthen institutional resilience, support meaningful community and environmental initiatives, and help preserve Lebanon’s natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.

Transparency & Accountability

The Foundation is committed to maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability in all its activities and operations. It ensures that financial resources are managed responsibly and in alignment with its objectives.

Annual activity and financial reports are prepared and made publicly available. The Foundation provides regular updates to donors and relevant stakeholders on its activities, progress, and outcomes.

Appropriate monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to assess the effectiveness and impact of supported initiatives.

The Foundation complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including ANBI obligations, and maintains accurate and complete administrative records at all times.

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