Zahle, Lebanon – June 9, 2024 – Fair Trade Lebanon and Expertise France celebrated the successful conclusion of the “Promotion of Food Tourism for Social and Economic Cohesion in Bekaa” project. This initiative, part of the Shabake2 project supported by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Centre de Crise et de Soutien (CDCS), aimed to enhance the Bekaa region’s culinary heritage while boosting social and economic resilience.
Over the course of 15 months, the project focused on three key areas:
1. Sustainability: Improved the capacities of 10 food production institutions and cooperatives through training, product development, and essential equipment.
2. Enabling Environment: Provided training to 170 individuals from MSMEs and tourism-related sectors in Zahle.
3. Culinary Heritage: Developed 10 new culinary tourism experiences showcasing Bekaa’s rich traditions.
The closing event featured speeches from key stakeholders who highlighted the project’s achievements in job preservation, opportunity creation, and community support. Local authorities from the region attended, emphasizing the significance of the celebration.
Mayor Assaad Zgheib expressed gratitude for the project’s positive impact on the community. The event concluded with musical performances, celebrating Bekaa’s culinary heritage and strengthening community bonds.
