By Kaelan Young
During an early morning in November, fifteen eager participants gathered at the base of the Himouli Mountains in Kesab, Syria for a full day ascent. The group conducted final gear checks, reviewed the day’s objectives and prepared for a demanding trek that would test endurance, skills and teamwork.
The team moved from Chalma Peak through Selendrin Peak and onward to Bedroussieh Peak, encountering shifting terrain, coastal views and steady elevation gain. The route traversed part of the northern coastal range of Syria, an area characterized by rugged topography and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
Among them was Ibrahim, president and founder of the Syrian Association for Mountain Activities (SAMA), who coordinated the route and supported participants through the climb. For several individuals, this marked their first mountain ascent, an outcome SAMA aims to make increasingly accessible in Syria through guidance and organized outdoor programming.
Ibrahim’s Path to Outdoor Leadership
Ibrahim grew up in the coastal city of Jableh, Syria, surrounded by the countryside’s valleys and trees.
“Since childhood, I have been passionate about exploration and connecting with nature, a passion that later grew into a lifelong pursuit,” he says.
He began participating in outdoor activities nearly a decade ago, progressing from regular participant to activity leader and supervisor. In 2020, he founded The Syrian Adventurer, bringing together over 120 members from across Syria to participate in a variety of outdoor activities. This initiative evolved into SAMA in 2022, the first non-governmental organization in Syria dedicated to mountain activities.
As president and founder, Ibrahim supports SAMA’s mission to connect individuals with the land, promote safe and sustainable outdoor practices, and cultivate a culture of exploration and environmental stewardship. He oversees the organization’s initiatives, including organizing outdoor recreation activities, strengthening community engagement, documenting and preserving Syrian culture, and contributing to environmental protection.
Outdoor Adventures in Syria
Syria’s geography offers a wide range of outdoor environments suitable for outdoor and adventure experiences. The western coast has mountains, while inland hosts plateaus and forests, and the northern and southern regions include highland zones, all well-suited for activities like hiking and cultural exploration.
SAMA leverages this variety to create programs that engage participants of all skill levels. “I recognized a need to develop more structured outdoor activities that strengthen people’s sense of belonging to nature and foster responsibility for its care and protection,” Ibrahim explains.
SAMA programs are designed not just for physical activity, but also to strengthen bonds, celebrate Syria’s cultural heritage, and build participants’ understanding of the natural world.
Current offerings include nature hikes, outdoor camps, sports activities such as rock climbing and mountain rappelling, cultural and educational tours, environmental volunteer initiatives, and scientific research documenting ecosystems.
Commitment to Risk Management
SAMA incorporates safety-related considerations into the planning and facilitation of its programs. Ibrahim has participated in a range of mountain activities and supported groups across varied environments, experiences that have contributed to his understanding of terrain, weather and participant management.
As part of his professional development, Ibrahim completed the Risk Management for Outdoor Programs certification course offered by Viristar.
“One of the most valuable outcomes of the course was the way it reshaped my entire understanding of risk,” Ibrahim reflects. “The knowledge gained will directly support our efforts to design a robust risk management plan tailored to our local realities.”
Since completing the course, Ibrahim has taken the skills and knowledge to strengthen safety management within the organization.
This commitment to safety and professional practice is further reflected in SAMA’s membership with the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), making it the first Syrian organization to receive international recognition in this field.
The Future of Syria’s Outdoor Sector
SAMA plans to leverage Syria’s re-engagement with the international community to expand partnerships and share expertise with other organizations. Ibrahim envisions growing outdoor adventure programming and promoting safe, sustainable exploration across the country.
To other leaders pursuing similar initiatives, Ibrahim offers encouragement: “Nature always gives back what you invest in it. The more care and attention you dedicate to the environment, the more it will nurture and protect you in return. Treat nature with love and respect, and it will always keep you safe.”
For more information about SAMA, click here.
