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3. King Charles III Cedar Trail Opens in Lebanon

The British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell and Minister of Environment Tamara El Zein inaugurated the King Charles III Cedar Trail in the Shouf Biosphere Reserve on Friday. The ceremony brought together the mayors and mokhtars of Ain Zahalta, Bmahray, and Mokhtara; the head of the reserve committee, Faisal Abu Ezzeddine; and the reserve team.

The trail, named in honor of King Charles III’s coronation in May 2023, features 96 newly planted cedar trees celebrating the friendship between Lebanon and the United Kingdom. Ambassador Hamish Cowell said the trail “is a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between the United Kingdom and Lebanon. It reflects our shared commitment to climate action, biodiversity, and the preservation of Lebanon’s iconic natural heritage. As we look ahead, this trail stands as a living testament to our partnership and our joint efforts to build a greener, more resilient future.”

The cedar tree, Lebanon’s national emblem, is central to this initiative. Minister Tamara El Zein said, “We are proud to partner with the United Kingdom on this meaningful initiative. The cedar tree is not only our majestic national tree but also a symbol of hope and steadfastness. The King Charles III Cedar Trail strengthens our environmental cooperation and highlights Lebanon’s commitment to reforestation and climate resilience. We thank the United Kingdom for its continued support.”

The route stretches from 1300 to 1800 meters above sea level and connects to the Lebanon Mountain Trail. It offers visitors a rich biodiversity experience and a direct link to Lebanon’s natural heritage. The project was funded by the United Kingdom Government’s Climate Diplomacy Fund, which supports global climate efforts and helps partner countries adopt sustainable energy solutions. It also follows the United Kingdom’s support for the launch of Lebanon’s National Renewable Energy Action Plan for the years 2025 to 2030.

The initiative builds on the legacy of the Queen Elizabeth II Cedar Trail, created in 2016 with the planting of ninety cedar trees to mark Her Late Majesty’s ninetieth birthday. In November 2022, an additional cedar was planted in her memory as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative.

Faisal Abu Ezzeddine, head of the reserve committee, said, “Today we inaugurate the King Charles III Trail at the Shouf Biosphere Reserve’s Ain Zhalta–Bmohray Cedar Forest entrance. This new route established with United Kingdom support complements existing trails, including the nearby Queen Elizabeth II Trail, and celebrates Lebanon’s rich natural heritage. Developed with local communities, these trails blend history and geography, enhancing the Reserve’s identity as a sanctuary of beauty, biodiversity, and peace.”