Our goal

This project group wants trails to bring the people of a region together. We are developing methods and a framework that help residents, municipalities, parks, clubs, associations and local businesses manage their trails jointly, and that show how much a region gains from well-managed trails.

Why this matters

A trail rarely belongs to one organization. It crosses private land, public forest and several municipalities, and it depends on volunteers, landowners and local businesses. Where these groups do not talk to each other, maintenance gaps appear, conflicts grow and nobody feels responsible.

The value of a trail for its region is also mostly invisible. Guesthouses, restaurants and shops benefit from trail users, but this value is rarely measured. Without figures, it is hard to convince municipalities and businesses to invest in the trail they profit from.

Why now

In many popular destinations, residents are questioning whether tourism still benefits them. At the same time, rural regions are looking for ways to keep young people and create local income. Trails can answer both concerns, but only if the local community is part of the decision.

The next EU budget from 2028 is currently being negotiated, and a large share of regional funding is planned to run through national and regional partnership plans. Regions that can show how trails strengthen local communities will have better arguments when these plans are written.