Fostering sustainable outdoor sports in harmony with nature
Overview:
The CONNECT project, set to commence in 2025, is an Erasmus Plus initiative aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable outdoor sports by bridging connections between outdoor sports activities and protected natural areas across Europe. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical guidance, CONNECT seeks to enhance the integration of sports and environmental stewardship, benefiting participants and preserving natural landscapes for future generations.
Key objectives:
- Support sustainable outdoor sports practices.
- Foster partnerships between the outdoor sports sector and protected area managers.
- Encourage co-creation and collaborative management of natural areas to reduce environmental impacts.
Project Activities:
CONNECT focuses on several core areas: research, stakeholder collaboration, and guidance development. Key activities include:
- Research and Best Practices: Led by Mid-Sweden University, this work package builds on findings from the SEE project and conducts new research with EUROPARC and national sports associations.
- Pilot Stakeholder Engagement: Five pilot regions will be selected to foster direct engagement between sports organizations, conservation NGOs, and protected area managers.
- Guidance Development: Leave No Trace Ireland will develop tools and resources to support long-term cooperation and mutual understanding between outdoor sports enthusiasts and protected area administrators.
Partners:
The project is led by ENOS and includes key European partners such as the EUROPARC Federation, IMBA Europe, Mistra (Mid-Sweden University), Leave No Trace Ireland, and the European Hiking Federation (ERA).
Anticipated Outputs:
- Comprehensive toolkit and interactive resources for building and maintaining partnerships.
- Detailed reports and surveys highlighting good practices and benefits of collaboration.
- Training modules and policy guidelines for protected area managers on engaging with outdoor sports sectors.