The Fifth Hike to Explore Wadi Zbeqin and Declare It a Natural Reserve

As part of the efforts of the Green Southerners Organisation to introduce and protect Wadi Zbeqin by declaring it a national natural reserve in cooperation with the local municipalities, the Gray Wolf Club in the Green Southerners organized the fifth hike to explore Wadi Zbeqin and promote its declaration as a natural reserve. More than seventy participants and activists from various regions of Lebanon joined the hike, some of whom stayed overnight in the area. The hike was accompanied by the mayor, Mr. Ali Reda Bzeih, who introduced the participants to the valley's sites, springs, and history, while Dr. Hisham Younes, head of the Green Southerners, explained the ecological importance of the valley as one of the most significant wildlife sites in Lebanon and the importance of declaring it a natural reserve to support the development of Zbeqin and the surrounding area, making the valley and its wadis a leading environmental site in Lebanon.

The hike concluded at Ain Al-Azziya, where participants enjoyed local Saj bread and collectively cleaned the site from waste collected in bags transported by a vehicle from the Zbeqin municipality. Participants hoped that visitors to the spring and valley would maintain the cleanliness of the site to protect it, as this pollution could harm the freshwater spring that flows year-round and the surrounding ecosystem.

We thank the Zbeqin Municipality and its president for their hospitality, dedication, and constant cooperation, as well as all those who joined this hike, which provided an opportunity to explore the valley and foster connections among activists dedicated to preserving Lebanon's wildlife, which is essential for sustainable development.