‘Model Village’ project in Kawkaba

An ecological ‘Model Village’ will be completed within three months in Kawkaba, a village on the intersection of the South and West Bekaa.

The project consists of a rural tourism venue composed of seven lodging units or prefab bungalows. It will also host a restaurant and point-of-sale for rural products, including authentic produce.

The project is established on a 4,000 square meter plot of land, part of a 60,000 m2 lot owned by the Municipality of Kawkaba. Kamel Kalaani, Chairman of the Municipal Council of Kawkaba said that there is a plan to expand the project and add more lodging facilities. “The project target expats and visitors willing to explore the region’s sceneries,” he said. They are working on highlighting the rural and religious tourism activities of the area thanks to its resources, according to Kalaani.

The Model Village aims to be a sustainable rural community that is able to generate and maintain the resources necessary to improve its level of citizens, without depleting economic, social and environmental values. Stays at the bungalows will be offered at less than $50 per night. Kalaani said that residents in the village will benefit from various services and amenities in Kawkaba, including free visits to the sports club of the village, assisted visits to geological and historical ruins, such as the historic grottos and the 2,000 years old olive trees.

The village is a joint venture between the Municipality of Kawkaba, the Social and Cultural Club of Kawkaba, the Food Processing Cooperative for Women, the Cooperative of Olive and Olive Oil Processing, and the Cooperative for the Agriculture Production. It is co-funded by the USAID, which secured $250,000 out of the overall $500,000 budget.