Ehmej Strives to Become Eco-tourism Destination with U.S. Support

October 13, 2009

On October 11, the village of Ehmej, with funding from the United States government, officially launched an initiative to develop the budding ecotourism industry in Jbeil.  When complete, the “Eco-trails” project will establish twelve nature trails of varying degrees of difficulty in Ehmej village, providing a new way for tourists to experience Jbeil’s natural beauty.  This project is designed to bring more ecotourism dollars to Jbeil and with it, more jobs and business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.   In addition to providing technical assistance for establishing the project business plan and training guides, The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding to the municipality of Ehmej for surveying and demarcation of the trail as well as designing the brochures, website, and official signage for the “Eco-trails” project.

Speaking at the dedication, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michele J. Sison said that the Ehmej “Eco-trails” project “embodies the firm, committed, and long-term relationship between the United States and Lebanon.  In Ehmej, we are not only investing its infrastructure, but also its people and future prosperity.”

Implemented by Relief International in partnership with the municipality of Ehmej, this project is part of USAID’s $19.9 million “Municipal Capacity Building and Service Delivery” program, which has funded projects in over 170 villages in Akkar, Zgharta, Dinnieh, Jbeil, and Jezzine.