An Extraordinary Caving Ecosystems
The Association Libanaise d’Etudes Spéléologiques (ALES) is leading caving club in Lebanon and in the Middle East. ALES is a non-profit association founded on June 6th, 1994 and registered in the Ministry of Interior holding number 335/A.D. begotten on June 6, 1994.
ALES discovered, explored and studied a great number of caves in Lebanon. In 2004 and in honor of its efforts for the public utilities, ALES obtained from the President of the Lebanese Republic, on December 30, 2004, the Silver Medal of Lebanese Merit with Palms, number 13879.
The main aim of the Association Libanaise d’Etudes Spéléologiques – ALES is exploring pits and caves (underground karst) and scientifically studying their geological, biological, hydrological, historical… characteristics. Our activities are numerous and include not only the exploration of natural caves, but also the valorization of our natural heritage, through a variety of social activities and scientific research projects. None of this can be achieved without the persistence that our members have by getting the latest international standards of training (technical, scientific and cave rescue).
We exposing issues related to these studies and that can benefit the public utilities in the aim of karst protection, preservation, management and development, in collaboration with the official administrations (Ministries of Tourism, Environment, Culture, Energy & Water).
All studies, reports and analysis are published in the association’s bulletin, SPELEORIENT, that is distributed to official administrations, organizations, schools and universities, especially those concerned with nature, water and naturel heritage.
And as a constant exchange of information and publications the SPELEORIENT is given to international speleological associations and federations. ALES make an effort to dissemination knowledge of the underworld / speleological issues to the public, locally and internationally through: publications, conferences, expositions, documentary films, touristic visits, television interviews and radio presentations. Last but not least our interest in educating and introducing speleological activity to the young generation (ages 4 to 18), hoping for better care of our Mother Nature in the future.
ALES had many chances of working closely with many sectors and had the support of many parties. To name a few:
Governmental offices: Ministry of Tourism, Interior, Culture (General Directory of Antiquities/ DGA), Energy & Water, along with the Municipalities, Army, Civil Defense and Red Cross,
Universities: Université Libanaise (UL), Lebanese American University (LAU), Université Saint Joseph (USJ), Notre Dame University (NDU), University of Balamand (UOB) and Lebanese International University (LIU),
Private offices: Bureau Technique pour le Développement (BTD), Mapas (Jeita cave),
Caving associations: Spéléo Club du Liban (SCL), Spéléo Club Wadi Al-Arayech (SCWA) and Groupe d’Etudes et de Recherches Souterraines du Liban (GERSL),
Outdoor activities & Teams: La Réserve Afqa, Blue Carrots, Octopus Team,
Association Libanaise d’Etudes Spéléologiques (ALES) members, friends and personal contacts.
