PATH – Promoting Activism Through Hiking

Engaging youth in hiking and civic participation across Europe

Why PATH?

Despite high participation in recreational physical activities among young Europeans, engagement in hiking federations and sport associations remains low. The average age of national hiking federation members is 62, highlighting the challenge of youth involvement. PATH seeks to address this gap by leveraging hiking as a means to foster civic engagement, communication skills, and environmental awareness.

Key objectives

• Encourage youth participation: Promote hiking as a pathway to civic engagement.
• Enhance communication skills: Improve digital competencies among hiking associations to better reach younger audiences.
• Promote E-paths: Highlight European E-paths as cultural and natural heritage trails through co-design activities with youth.
• Raise environmental awareness: Foster environmental protection through outdoor activities.

Project activities

PATH will implement a co-design methodology, actively involving young people in shaping hiking initiatives. The project will include:

• Research & surveys: Understand youth participation barriers.
• Training & capacity building: Equip youth and hiking federations with necessary skills.
• Local pilots: Test new engagement strategies in Spain, Italy, and Lithuania.
• Communication campaigns: Promote E-paths and hiking among youth.

Partners

PATH is a collaboration between:

• Federazione Italiana Escursionismo (FIE)
• Trekkify
• European Ramblers Association (ERA)
• Viaje a la Sostenibilidad (VAS)
• Inovatyvi Karta (IK)

ERA plays a crucial role in coordinating dissemination activities, leveraging its network of over 60 hiking organizations across Europe.

Expected impact

• Increased youth involvement in hiking federations and decision-making.
• Improved outreach strategies and digital communication for hiking organizations.
• Strengthened connections between hiking, environmental sustainability, and European identity.

By integrating young people into hiking communities, PATH aims to modernize hiking federations, promote outdoor activities, and foster a sense of European unity through shared natural and cultural heritage.

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