- The project is planned to be constructed in a remote area lacking appropriate infrastructure hence, decreasing the feasibility of the project (J. Abou Arraj, 2017, personal interview).  - No EIA has taken place till now to assess the potential impacts on the environment (M. Abi Said, 2017, personal interview).

It is important to mention that Lebanon’s location at the far eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea, its topography, altitudinal diversity, geomorphology, and microclimate render it rich in its ecosystem diversity. It is estimated to have at least 9 119 species of fauna and flora (MoA/UNEP 1996) of which many are endemic. A hundred years ago, 70% of Lebanon’s surface area was covered with forests; however, in the past 20 years, the forest area has decreased reaching 13% of the country’s area (Sattout & Zahreddine 2013). The rich biodiversity and the diverse ecosystems have been threatened by the conversion of natural habitats to urban, industrial and agricultural areas; increasing population growth and urbanization; unsustainable agricultural practices; overexploitation of forests; private ownership of public properties; quarrying leading to deforestation; water and air pollution; and mismanagement of eco-tourism that has been a growing trend in rural areas (USAID/Lebanon & ECODIT 2002). Serious conservation measures are needed in such country. Jabal Makmel, on which Qornet el Sawda resides, and on which the project will be implemented, is an important biodiversity region, with 200 plant species of which 6 are endemic to Lebanon and, Syria and Turkey, 36 endemic to Lebanon and Syria, and 25 endemic to Lebanon (Radford et al. 2011). Therefore, this mountain is considered a priority area for conservation. In addition, Qornet El Sawda, which is 6-7km away from the project location is among the natural wild habitats left not destructed by humans in Lebanon. These wild areas are on the decrease; it is very important to conserve what is left from Lebanons’ wild ecosystems. The planned resort might have many positive impacts including the enhancement of tourism hence providing economic services and improving local infrastructure in remote areas. However, the launching of construction in such wild area might lead to further construction invading the whole mountain and even reaching the Qornet el Sawda peak. In addition, the increased tourism and increased human activities in such wild regions will highly influence the distribution and existence of many wild species in natural habitats (Abi-Said and Amr 2012).

"The project’s vision plan involves a five-star boutique hotel with 50 rooms, a club house, a wellness center and a spa, 700 chalets including 60 villas, up for sale and rent, in addition to commercial areas.

The spa will be managed by an international operator, of the likes of Evian. “Our aim is to turn the project into a true retreat and escapade, like Baden Baden in Germany. The experience we will offer is also similar to the one brought by Explora, the renowned travel and destination creators in South America,” Ghanem said.

The development will be established on a 500,000 square meters land plot, and will have a 250,000 m2 built-up area, out of which 50,000 m2 will be dedicated to the hotel and the spa. A Canadian master planner is handling the project design.

It will be delivered over six phases, extending over 15 years. The first phase, encompassing the infrastructure, the hotel and the spa, in addition to a couple of villas and chalets prototypes, will be delivered four years following the kick-off of the works, expected in coming summer.

Investment in the first phase is USD 100 million. According to Ghanem, they are currently finalizing land parceling. The total project worth will reach USD 500 million throughout its development stages. 30 to 40 percent of the project will be up to equity funding."