Lebanon’s two southernmost districts, Hasbaya and Marjajoun, are rapidly becoming the place to be, as far as eco- and rural tourism go. Funded by a $12.5 million US Aid grant, the American non-governmental organization Mercycorps has been working on a series of interconnected development projects deep south since November 2002.
“By focusing on eco- and cultural tourism, as well as ecologically sound agriculture, we hope to bring sustainable development to this beautiful, yet forgotten region,” said senior business development officer Hala Kilani.
So, in Khiam a WWII bunker built by the British was cleaned up and opened to public, while in Hasbaya the 12th century castle and khan were made visitor friendly. El Saqi, 28 hectares of woodland overlooking the Hasbaya River, is promoted as a paradise for migration bids, while in the Chebaa plains at the foot of Mount Hermon hiking trails have been set out.
When combined, the dozens of separate projects make a perfect roundtrip to discover the region. The combined project is currently in its final stages and will be finalized by November. Mercycorps is an NGO offering emergency relief, rehabilitation and sustainable development in countries suffering the consequences of conflict and war. Founded in the late 1970 in response to the humanitarian crisis in Cambodia, the organization operates in some 35 countries worldwide. Following 20 years of Israeli occupation and economic decline, Hasbaya and Khiam fit the definition perfectly.
The big question is: are people willing to drive 2,5 hours to visit the beauty of the south? “It is all a matter of promotion now,” said Kilani. “We had a stand at the 2005 Garden Show last May and it was remarkable to see just how many people did not know anything about the south, yet were very enthusiastic after they saw our work.”
