Pilot social projects revive the livelihoods of Lebanese villages

In an article published in its today’s issue, Al Hayat daily shed the light on a number of social entrepreneurship projects that have succeeded in reviving life in villages by attracting Lebanese living in urban areas who desire to return to their rural roots. The newspaper said the benefits of these pilot initiatives are not limited to drawing the attention to the distinctive features of the Lebanese village but also meet the economic and development needs of these villages. Al Hayat listed some of these projects, namely:

- The ‘Forest House’ in Bkassine, Jezzine area, which is an eco-tourism project, where families can spend a day in a vast  woodland while enjoying multiple recreational activities, or even renting a wooden cabin or tent for a couple of days. The initiative has so far created some 50 fixed and seasonal jobs, and constitutes a successful partnership between the public and private sectors, represented by the Union of Municipalities of the Jezzine district on one side and on the other Knee Roots Company which manages the project. It is also to be noted that the project has received the support of the European Union.

- The ‘Tawlet Ammeeq’ located in the Western Beqaa village of Ammeeq. It is the first green restaurant in the Beqaa Valley, which aims to preserve traditions and the environment and secure jobs for the locals. It should be noted that the project is part of ‘Souk Al Tayeb’ initiative founded ten years ago with the aim of bridging the divide between rural and urban areas.

-The ‘Qarnaoon Village’ located in Batrun in the North, which has become a popular destination for the Lebanese and tourists who like to explore a live model of a Lebanese village. The project has succeeded in reviving the village of Qarnaoon and its surroundings by creating many employment opportunities for inhabitants of the area. (Source: Al Hayat, May 14, 2015)