RMF launches US-funded actions to promote rural tourism

The Rene Mouwad Foundation (RMF) and BALADI program launched on Monday activities for the promotion of rural tourism and sustainable forest management in the Batlun-Chuf region. The initiative, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and which is part of ‘Building Alliance for Local Advancement, Development and Investment’ (BALADI) program, was inaugurated during a ceremony at the municipality of Batloun. RMF executive director, Michel Mouawad, called for the creation of a pressure group to activate and empower the role of local authorities through instating decentralized administration. He stressed that only municipalities and community grassroots organizations understand and can identify the needs of their people, as they were elected by their communities and are accountable by them. Mouawad outlined the project for promotion of ecotourism and good sustainable forest management practices in the Batloun-Chouf area which is implemented by his foundation at a USD 175 thousand worth of funds from USAID. The project, Mouawad noted, is carried out in cooperation and partnership with the following entities, Batlun Municipality, Chuf Cedars Association, as well as the municipalities of Botmeh, Baruk, Maasir el Chouf, Khreibeh el Chuf, the Agricultural Cooperative Associations in Batlun and Maasir el Chuf, Kreibet el Chuf Club, and the Sportive Cultural Club of Batlun. It is expected to benefit some 3 thousand persons, create jobs and to increase incomes through integrated activities to the effect of reducing the cutting of trees for firewood, conversion of trimmed trees waste into heating molds and raising awareness about sustainable forest management in Batlun and the Chouf environs. (Al-Diyar 5 April 2017)