Fostering sustainable outdoor sports in harmony with nature

The ERASMUS+ CONNECT project is set to commence in February 2025.

Summary of the CONNECT project

Project title:

Connecting Outdoor Sports and Protected Areas in Europe (CONNECT)

Objective:

The CONNECT project aims to foster sustainable and responsible outdoor sports in protected areas across Europe. The primary focus is to strengthen collaboration between outdoor sports organizations and protected area managers to ensure environmental sustainability, promote biodiversity, and enhance public engagement with nature.

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Key goals:

1. Build collaboration: Develop and promote partnerships between protected area managers and outdoor sports organizations for shared understanding and mutual benefits.
2. Enhance sustainability: Reduce environmental impacts of outdoor sports through education, capacity building, and responsible practices.
3. Capacity building: Provide training, resources, and guidance for stakeholders to improve their collaboration and decision-making processes.
4. Raise awareness: Disseminate knowledge, tools, and best practices across Europe to foster a deeper connection between outdoor sports and nature conservation.

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Core activities:

1. Research (WP2):
   • Analyze existing best practices and governance models.
   • Survey protected area managers and outdoor sports organizations.
   • Build a robust evidence base for developing guidance tools.
2. Pilot engagement programs (WP3):
   • Conduct stakeholder engagement in five pilot sites representing different habitats (forest, peri-urban, wetland, coastal, and alpine).
   • Develop real-time insights into challenges and solutions for collaboration.
3. Guidance development (WP4):
   • Co-create tools, resources, and best practices to support sustainable outdoor sports in protected areas.
   • Develop training materials and a toolkit for stakeholders.
4. Communication and dissemination (WP5):
   • Share findings through conferences, workshops, and digital platforms.
   • Engage with local, national, and EU-level stakeholders to maximize impact.

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Key outputs:

1. Guidance tools and training materials: Resources to help stakeholders implement sustainable practices and foster collaboration.
2. Pilot case studies: Insights and lessons learned from engagement in five distinct habitats across Europe.
3. Dissemination strategy: Communication materials and activities targeting diverse stakeholders, from local organizations to EU policymakers.
4. Stakeholder network: A strengthened transnational network connecting outdoor sports practitioners, environmental managers, and policymakers.

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Project duration:

36 months

Geographical focus:

• Pilot programs in Sweden, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, and France.
• Dissemination across Europe with contributions from ERA, EUROPARC Federation, IMBA Europe, and other partners.

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Expected impact:

• Improved collaboration and mutual understanding between outdoor sports organizations and protected area managers.
• Adoption of sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and enhance environmental resilience.
• Increased public awareness of the importance of sustainable outdoor recreation.
• Strengthened policies and strategies for managing outdoor sports in protected areas across Europe.

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