Category: Projects

LMT Expansion

We have rules of “respect”. Respect the trail, respect the hikers, and respect your limits. LMBA aims to expand the Lebanese Mountain Trail from mountain bike access. Mountain bikers and Hikers will be able to enjoy the amazing natural trails of Lebanon safely and in harmony with nature.

Especially as athletes, we have a certain responsibility. Do you follow certain rules, and do you restrict or adapt your communication to public channels?

We have rules of “respect”, respect the trail, respect the hikers, and respect your limits. We have a pretty restricted social media presence and are very careful about how we communicate our actions.

Oftentimes critics argue that mountain bikers destroy trails and endanger other parties on the trail. Not even speaking of the dilemma of trespassing on private property and issues with insurance and liability. Is that true? Do we need to step back and protect nature and others?

Indeed there has always been a heated debate on these aspects. I do believe that we have to actively protect nature, and I also believe that generally the impact of mountain biking really is quite small and comparable to hiking. In the alps, all trails have been built by humans at some point in time, originally designed for walking, reaching a hut or summit, or as trade routes. Many trails are very old and a kind of cultural heritage. Now we use these trails to ride our bikes, I like that idea a lot. Proper environmental impact can be observed in the skiing resorts across the Alps. No amount of mountain bikers ever can even closely match this impact. Some heavily used trails may look quite bad, but I have seen enough trails being completely reconquered by nature after a year of biker absence. In fact, trails need to be used regularly, by foot or bike otherwise they disappear back into the terrain, like in the maritime Alps on the French Italian border.
Regarding other parties on the trail, I believe that the standard amount of respect that enables cooperation between people in normal life is sufficient for a peaceful coexistence on trails. It might be as simple as that.

Development and promotion of Mediterranean Sustainable Adventure Tourism

We proudly took part in the medusa project in coordination with our partners, we will be responsible for the rehabilitation of three mountain biking trails in Lebanon. Kfardebian, Tanourine, Qadisha valley. Training of guides. building bike trailer 12 bikes and bike rake. production of three mountainbiking videos

The Mediterranean region is one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Facing growing competition and deterioration of the political and security situation, the destination has demonstrated symptoms of a slowdown, which makes the recovery of the sector an economic priority. This downturn may also present an opportunity to transform the tourism model into a sustainable and competitive one, addressing current sectorial challenges as the predominance of mass seaside tourism, dependent on the European market and territorial imbalances. MEDUSA will tackle these joint challenges via targeted and inter-related capacity building and cross-border interventions to develop and promote adventure tourism in the region, a niche that grew by 195% between 2010 and 2014. By designing and testing routes and itineraries that offer improved adventure tourism products, MEDUSA will contribute to job creation and income for local communities in the medium and long term. Moreover, the project has the potential to reveal lesser-known destinations and attract tourists throughout the year.

What will be improved?

The visibility of less-known destinations and local communities able to generate and improve adventure tourism products will be increased, resulting in new job opportunities, especially for women and youth. Furthermore, a more balanced distribution of tourist streams in terms of seasonality and geographical areas will be supported, as well as the inclusion of local communities in the tourism business. In addition, the project will focus on the environmental footprint of tourism activities by safeguarding biodiversity, wildlife, natural resources, and rural communities.

Who will benefit?

• 110 public authorities among tourism and environmental ministries, regional and national governments, municipalities, tourism boards, and associations 
• 250 organizations from the private sector including tour operators and travel agencies, tourist guides, SMEs, farmers, hotel developers, NGOs
• 60 civil society organizations among heritage organizations, sports associations, park and wildlife organizations 
• Local communities in 135 municipalities

Expected achievements

• 1 global market research and analysis report on adventure tourism in the Mediterranean region
• 33 training sessions organized on sustainable destination management and business planning
• 10 strategic alliances to foster public-private destination management in a sustainable manner 
• 1 adventure tourism product co-creation program
• 10 new or improved adventure tourism products 
• 3 cross-border adventure tourism routes, itineraries, and day trips
• 1 marketing strategy to establish relationships with tour operators and travel agencies

Trail Building

Guide Training