Qrayeh Rural Tourism Strategy - UNDP mechanisms for social stability

The development of this strategy comes within the process of the Mechanisms for Social Stability (MSS), a joint project that, since 2014, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has been working on in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) all over Lebanon. Through the MSS, UNDP aims at providing a safe, common space for community groups to discuss their concerns, and to develop strategic mechanisms, in partnership with the municipalities, to prevent and reduce tensions. Funded by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) and with the technical support of NAHNOO Organization, the project was implemented in Qrayeh during 2017 – 2019. The MSS local working group (LWG), established within the MSS process, identified their strategic goal, within MSS, to advance the following: “Qrayeh has the human and technical resources to develop its proper rural tourism sector”. Accordingly, LWG developed a mechanism to reach the expected change through a rural tourism action plan. A strategic vision that if the village succeeds in implementing by equipping local families with the necessary skills, and organizing activities that attract visitors, then the community will be brought together more often, social cohesion with neighboring communities will be fostered, and basic family income will be improved. An action plan with specific objectives and relevant activities were, therefore, drafted to guide the process towards achieving the MSS goal. In this context and with the support and expertise of Dr. Farah Makki from NAHNOO, the LWG developed the rural tourism strategy by adopting a participatory approach that engaged all concerned parties of the local community in Qrayeh. The process followed four main phases including capacity building, mapping, designing and promoting. In addition, an action plan 2019 -2022, with eight strategic goals, was outlined to guide local actors in defining a new competitive rural destination in Qrayeh. Currently, and after launching a successful piloting event that hosted more than 250 persons from the village and the neighboring communities in southern region, the Rural Tourism Committee (MSS LWG) will be working closely, and in partnership with the municipality of Qrayeh, a key partner in the process, to promote the strategy, network with private and public stakeholders including ministries as well as connect with potential actors for funding opportunities. Eventually, the proper management plan of this significant initiative is expected to promote social stability in the village and move towards the vision that the community developed earlier for Qrayeh. The Rural Tourism Committee - MSS Local Working Group - March 2019