Last updated: 20-10-2024
This page is for information and coordination of the initiative ‘Green Trails’.
The pre-project was completed in spring 2024, read more here.
From August 2024.
From “Green Trails” to “Hike Green Europe”
Overview
As part of ERA’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable practices and enhancing public health through hiking, the second half of 2024 will focus on testing and refining the Green Trails criteria and preparing for the broader “Hike Green Europe” initiative. This phase will involve practical implementation, stakeholder engagement, data collection, and the development of a comprehensive framework to integrate into an Erasmus+ project from 2025.
Project activities
1. Testing Green Trails criteria
– Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and practicality of the Green Trails criteria on selected trails.
– Activities:
– Select three trails across Europe for testing.
– Implement a Green Chapter into the Leading Quality Trails.
– Apply the Green Trails criteria to assess sustainability, environmental impact, and user experience.
– Gather feedback from trail users, local communities, and stakeholders.
– Document findings and identify areas for improvement.
2. Stakeholder engagement
– Objective: To involve key stakeholders in the development and promotion of the initiative.
– Activities:
– Conduct meetings and workshops with educational institutions, environmental organizations, and tourism bodies.
– Build partnerships to support the initiative and expand its reach.
– Encourage participation and input from local communities and trail users.
3. Data collection and analysis
– Objective: To collect and analyze data to inform the development of the Green Trails criteria and the broader initiative.
– Activities:
– Implement data collection methods on the selected trails (e.g., surveys, environmental monitoring).
– Analyze the data to assess the performance of the Green Trails criteria.
– Use the insights to refine the criteria and develop best practices.
4. Develop “Hike Green Europe” framework
– Objective: To create a comprehensive framework for the “Hike Green Europe” initiative.
– Activities:
– Incorporate feedback and lessons learned from the Green Trails testing phase.
– Develop educational programs and workshops focused on environmental conservation and the benefits of hiking.
– Create a communication strategy to promote the initiative and engage the public.
- Include ECO Award in the initiative.
5. Erasmus+ project preparation
– Objective: To prepare for the integration of the “Hike Green Europe” initiative into an Erasmus+ project starting in 2025 or 2026.
– Activities:
– Ensure alignment with Erasmus+ requirements and objectives.
Anticipated outcomes
– Enhanced stakeholder awareness: Increased awareness and support among stakeholders for the “Hike Green Europe” initiative.
– Refined Green Trails criteria: Improved criteria based on practical testing and feedback.
– Comprehensive project framework: A well-developed framework for the broader initiative, ready for incorporation into an Erasmus+ project.
– Public engagement: Effective communication strategy to engage the public and promote sustainable hiking practices.
Developments
ERA has developed guidelines for trail management teams to implement sustainability without requiring Green Trail certification:
Next steps
Following the second half of 2024, ERA will proceed with the main “Hike Green Europe” initiative, incorporating feedback, adjusting strategies, and ensuring alignment with stakeholders and regulations. The initiative aims to foster a sustainable and healthy future for Europe through the promotion of hiking and nature engagement.