Cover image: Sarah Semaan Photo Leila Rossa Mouawad

Lebanon’s youth have long faced challenges that push them to migrate within and outside the country. In mountainous areas, challenges include limited access to higher education and job opportunities. Additionally, there is a clear mismatch between the ambitions of young people and the resources traditionally available in rural areas.

While more than half of Lebanon’s youth are considering migration, this article follows the journey of five young mountain people, to see why they chose to stay against all odds.

Capturing the beauty

Osman Taleb – mountain guide and co-founder of Akkar Trail, has been creating photo and video content to highlight the beauty of his region. Osman’s journey began at the age of eight, when he received a digital camera. Enchanted by Akkar’s mountainous landscapes, Osman started sharing photos on Facebook, where people from all over Lebanon were engaging positively.

Following a life-threatening incident while extinguishing wildfires, Osman decided to leave Lebanon in search of better opportunities. He moved to the Gulf but found himself longing for Akkar’s mountains. After just four months, he returned home and went straight to a peak in Meshmesh to rest under a Juniper tree.

Reviving traditions and embracing change

For Hadi Bou Ayash, the mountains represent home; a place of beauty, calmness, and simplicity, far from urban pollution. Although Hadi works in the creative industry, he believes that creativity is deeply rooted in the land. Artists need to be nourished by the quiet, slow-paced and distraction-free environment.

To strengthen his relationship with nature, Hadi founded the Hudhud project, a learning experience that humbly balances a give-and-take approach with the land. Rather than exploiting nature, he promotes a deeper appreciation for food by actively participating in traditional agricultural practices with a modern twist.

Turning challenges into opportunities

Cezar Mahmoud was born, raised and continues to live in Jabal el Barouk. At the age of 24, he launched a sustainable tourism business. What started as a small family initiative now generates income for 60 families and welcomes guests from over 75 countries.

After the Beirut Port explosion and the country’s multifold crises, many of Cezar’s friends emigrated. However, he chose to stay, identifying gaps in the tourism sector and leveraging his marketing skills and creativity to innovate and generate income. By offering experiential tourism, he created a socio-economic impact that rippled throughout the community.

Healing with the highest peaks

Ghiwa El Fakhry spent her entire life in Bsharri, surrounded by the highest peaks of the country. As a kid, she engaged in winter sports with her family, and summer camping activities with the scouts. At just six years old, Ghiwa took on her first extreme adventure: rock-climbing.

After moving to the city for university, Ghiwa maintained a strong connection to her hometown, visiting every weekend. As she struggled to adapt to the urban lifestyle, the aura of the mountains kept calling her back.

Today, Ghiwa takes pride in her mountainous identity. “The mountains saved me; these powerful giants pushed me to become the best version of myself” she says. The mountains were more than just a landscape, they were silent yet noble therapists, challenging her while offering the greatest rewards in her healing journey.

Earning a connection

Ghinwa Elias grew up in the city, but from a young age, she felt drawn to the mountains. Through her curiosity and dedication, she became one of the youngest mountain guides in the country and is now working toward earning a professional diploma. To her, the mountains are an endless source of learning and self-discovery.

Ghinwa’s participation in the Youth Conservation Corps introduced her to new connections and disciplines that she’s passionate about. This journey inspired her to use her skills to make an impact and influence people. On a hike with Ghinwa, visitors get to explore nature, experience local culture and find moments of peace in the wilderness.

What can be learned?

Despite Lebanon’s crisis, the country maintains one of the highest entrepreneurship rates globally. This resilience is reflected in the youth who, despite hardships, create opportunities, revive traditions, and establish deep-rooted connections with the land. This shows that, no matter how tough the road gets, it always seems to lead Lebanon’s mountain youth back home.

By: Leila Rossa Mouawad