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.

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).

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.