When the escalation of regional conflict forced the cancellation of the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association’s scheduled spring Thru Hike in early 2026, the future of a unique community art initiative hung in the balance. Conceived as a celebration of Lebanon’s rich natural heritage, the "Mountains of Hope" project was meant to debut hand-painted silk flags representing each section of the historic 279-mile trail during the April 2026 hikes. Rather than abandoning the endeavor, British arts organization Kinetika and its partners transformed a localized setback into a global movement. Through an initiative dubbed "Walk with Lebanon," hikers across more than 25 countries laced up their boots in solidarity, proving that art and outdoor recreation can bridge geopolitical divides and offer a tangible outlet for international empathy.
Background and Origins of the Lebanon Mountain Trail
Stretching 279 miles (450 kilometers) along the geographical spine of Lebanon, the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) runs from Andqet in the country’s northern Akkar region to Marjeyoun in the south. Established to protect, preserve, and promote Lebanon’s natural and cultural landscapes, the trail crosses more than 80 towns and villages at altitudes ranging from 1,870 to 6,797 feet. Maintained by the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA)—which celebrated its 19th anniversary in November 2026—the pathway weaves through ancient cedar groves, deep valleys, UNESCO heritage sites, and local nature reserves.
Beyond its environmental significance, the LMT serves as an economic lifeline for rural communities. Twice a year, in April and October, the LMTA organizes extensive Thru Hikes. Led by local guides, participants traverse the trail while lodging in community-run guesthouses, convents, and private homes, directly injecting vital tourism revenue into rural economies. For executive director Omar Sakr, who has been with the LMTA since its inception in 2007, the trail represents a profound connection to the country’s identity. "When you realize the richness, the beauty of what you have, you feel like you’re responsible to do everything possible to protect it, to manage it, and to promote it," Sakr noted.
The Genesis of the Silk Flags Project
The collaborative artistic endeavor began in 2024, when Kinetika founder and artist Ali Pretty met Takla Khoueiry, the LMTA’s environmental and education officer, at the World Trails Network Conference in Ottawa, Canada. Pretty, known for community-driven batik silk painting projects that merge walking with environmental awareness—such as the UK’s "Beach of Dreams" climate initiative—was eager to adapt her methodology to Lebanon’s topography.
Over several months, Khoueiry gathered oral histories, local drawings, and cultural markers from communities situated along the 27 trail sections. These narratives were subsequently transformed into detailed visual designs. For instance, a flag representing the northern Akkar region illustrated local flora like cedar and fir trees, the endangered Lebanese hyena, traditional shepherd tents, and historic water wells. Another flag, capturing the Rachaya to Hasbaya corridor, featured the local citadel, an olive press, and the flowing Hasbani River. Khoueiry traveled to London to collaborate with Kinetika artisans, transferring these intricate designs onto large 3.9-square-foot silk flags intended to be permanently gifted to their respective communities.
A Global Response: The Chronology of "Walk with Lebanon"
When hostilities escalated in March 2026, forcing the cancellation of the planned April Thru Hike, Kinetika refused to shelve the initiative. Adapting the slogan "Walk with Lebanon," Ali Pretty issued an open call via social media, inviting global participants to hike in their respective regions between April 3 and May 3, aligning their daily walks with the itinerary of the cancelled LMT expedition.
The initiative officially commenced on April 3, tracing Section 1A from Andqet to El Qoubayat. Each day of the global solidarity walk featured readings of the specific flag’s backstory, alongside philosophical prompts drawn from thinker Bertrand Russell: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? How should we live? What is sacred?
The response was immediate and widespread. Ultimately, "Walk with Lebanon" registered 67 organized hikes across 32 groups and organizations in more than 25 countries, spanning Australia, Nepal, France, the United Kingdom, and beyond.
- Turkey: Ali Pretty herself took to the coast-hugging trails of the Lycian Way and the Carian Trail alongside other international walkers, carrying the bespoke silk flags and engaging curious local hikers.
- Nepal: Scottish artist Donna Campbell, who had originally planned to participate in the Lebanon Thru Hike, organized a three-day trek along the Chisapani Nagarkot Trail while carrying a hand-embroidered mandala flag.
- France: French-Lebanese walker Azul Thome organized an 18-kilometer walk in Chatillon-en-Diois. Connecting the two nations through ecology, Thome engaged local community members to create seven upcycled fabric flags depicting migratory bird species shared by France and Lebanon. Around 50 participants, ranging from toddlers in strollers to a 90-year-old resident, joined the procession.
"What I realize is that people don’t really know what to do when a country is suffering," Thome reflected on the experience. "When you give them an opportunity to come and celebrate that country and be in solidarity and support it… they say, ‘Look, it was an opportunity for us to do something.’"
Expansion and Future Outlook
As the global solidarity walks concluded, the impact of the project continued to reverberate. In September 2026, Ali Pretty traveled to Lebanon, where she and Khoueiry led hands-on batik workshops to create 11 additional flags designated for the LMT’s side trails, bringing the total collection to 38.
Despite a subsequent ceasefire brokered in June 2026, localized instability has continued to affect parts of Lebanon, particularly southern districts. Nevertheless, the LMTA remains optimistic about reviving its tourism sector. The full October 2026 Thru Hike was successfully scaled down to weekend excursions, and the association is actively planning a full-scale return of the traditional April Thru Hike for 2027. During this upcoming event, all 38 hand-painted silk flags will be officially unveiled and presented to their respective communities.
Broader Implications for Sustainable Tourism and Community Resilience
The success of "Walk with Lebanon" underscores the vital role that international solidarity networks and arts-based diplomacy can play in sustaining morale and economic lifelines during periods of geopolitical crisis. While physical tourism to regions experiencing conflict often drops sharply, initiatives like Kinetika’s global walks demonstrate that destination advocacy can transcend physical boundaries.
For the LMTA, the project has provided an invaluable marketing and community-engagement tool. By keeping the cultural and ecological narrative of the Lebanon Mountain Trail visible on the global stage, the initiative has helped insulate the trail’s supporting communities from complete economic isolation. As Omar Sakr noted regarding the upcoming spring season, public reception of the flag artwork has generated significant pre-season interest: "Everybody loved the idea of the flags, the colors, the content, the story of each… If the situation continues as such, we expect high occupancy next year."
Ultimately, "Walk with Lebanon" has evolved from a localized hiking cancellation response into a testament to international community resilience. By mobilizing thousands of walkers across disparate continents, the project has reaffirmed that the preservation of natural landscapes and cultural heritage remains a universal endeavor, capable of uniting people across borders through shared empathy and hope.
