Balkania Route: Two steps towards others

Challenge

Many people in the Balkans are familiar with the Iron Curtain, but not with the European Green Belt and its natural and cultural significance. Information on the Balkan Green Belt specifically is scarce, not accessible online or outdated. Existing tourism products do not exploit the potential of this vast natural and cultural heritage, and there is insufficient investment in new tourism infrastructure.

Objective

Our aim is to develop a concept for a 3500 km long hiking trail along the Balkan Green Belt and to promote natural treasures located along the trail. The creation of the trail also aims at strengthening local capacities and educating young people on local biodiversity. Furthermore, the concept will provide a strong foundation for a future flagship project for a long-distance hiking trail along the entire European Green Belt.

Approach

The project will be implemented through:

• Co-drafting of the concept for the hiking trail along the Balkan Green Belt with all project partners.
• Evaluating the proposed routes and touristic infrastructure on the ground.
• Processing GPS data and logistical information for uploading to the project website.
• Sharing information through social media.
• Organising an event in each partnering country to raise awareness of the European Green Belt and the developed hiking trail.

Expected Results

We will have identified and assessed 3500 km of trails through 9 Balkan countries, which will be integrated into a concept for a long-distance hiking trail along the Balkan Green Belt with detailed GPS data and logistical information. 10.000 young people from the Balkan countries will have been informed about the hiking trail and their knowledge about the European Green Belt and its natural and cultural significance increased.

Every adventure begins with the first step, and this project will help us to find out where the next step leads.