Minister of Information Jamal al-Jarrah patronized Saturday a long eco-tourism day in Ehden, organized by “Upndownbeirut” Website Founder Rita EL Hage for the first time in Lebanon,under the slogan « Our Tourism is our Worldwide Ambassador», in collaboration with the Rene Mouawad Foundation and in partnership with Mist Hotel & Spa Ehden.
Following the national anthem, Christelle Mahfouz introduced the Speakers.
In her welcoming speech, the Founder of Upndownbeirut, event organizer, Journalist Rita El Hajj, highlighted “the importance of eco-tourism which is now an industry and a science as well as an integral part of sustainable tourism shedding light on the natural and cultural heritage of our civilization and our ancient history, in addition to the unique picturesque nature of Lebanon.“
El Hage also thanked the guests ambassadors and deputies, especially the Minister of Information for his patronage and MP Mouawad for receiving and hosting this event.
In his delivered word, Minister Jarrah thanked all those who contributed to this beautiful, environmental initiative that helps to shed light on the country’s remarkable beauty, good climate, warm hospitality and special landmarks, while stressing that this should be a trend followed by all Lebanese in promoting the favorable facets of Lebanon, instead of continuously dwelling on its obstacles.
“It is true that we have some problems, but we have much more beauty. Ehden is an area that must be visited by all Lebanese and it is an area known for its warm hospitality,” he added.
“As a Minister of Information, I wanted to be with you today to show all Lebanese media, ambassadors and all our participants, that we must reveal and promote all that is beautiful in our country, and that we have touristic areas and good people,” Jarrah went on. “We must always look at the full half of the cup, not always at the issues of public waste and problems,” he asserted.
It is to note that several diplomats took part in this long eco-tourism day, namely the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria, Belgium, Cuba, Argentine, Bangladesh, Indonesia and a senior representative of the Moroccan Embassy, alongside many media officials and prominent figures from the area of Zgharta and Ehden.
Independence Movement Head, MP Michel Mouawad, in turn, expressed a word of welcome to the attending guests in Ehden, the pride of the North.
Afterwards, all participants visited the Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve, where Minister Jarrah, MP Mouawad, the honorable ambassadors and Miss Lebanon each planted a cedar tree in their name, which they promised to come back and visit every year.