By blending theory with action, Trails for Change proves that high-impact outdoor recreation and nature conservation are not mutually exclusive. This project sets a new standard for European sports governance, ensuring that the trails we use today remain resilient and accessible for the generations of tomorrow.
Trails for Change is a forward-thinking European initiative designed to transform outdoor sports into a driver for environmental and social change. Operating under the ERASMUS-SPORT framework, the project officially launched on 1 December 2025 for a 30-month journey. Led by Suomen Latu – The Finnish Outdoor Association, the project unites a diverse consortium from eight countries to move beyond identifying challenges toward implementing scalable, real-world solutions.
The core concept of Trails for Change is rooted in maximizing opportunities. Rather than merely reacting to environmental pressures, the project equips sports organizations, national parks, and policymakers with the tools to proactively integrate sustainability into their DNA. By focusing on mountain biking, hiking, and trail running, the project establishes a standardized European framework for responsible trail governance and eco-conscious event planning.
The project employs a structured, four-phase methodology that ensures evidence-based policy development and practical application:
At the heart of the project’s methodology is a blended learning approach inspired by Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle. By combining theoretical online modules with hands-on field sessions, the project ensures that knowledge is not just heard, but practiced.
The training curriculum features five specialized modules:
The Kick-Off ToT empowers staff from partner organizations to become “multipliers.” Experts from IMBA Europe, Mountain Bike Schladming, and the National Parks of Tara and Shar Mountain (among others) lead these sessions, ensuring a high-quality, standardized rollout across all participating countries.
Trails for Change is designed for scalability. By training over 80 professionals and engaging more than 480 athletes and organizers, the project ensures that sustainability becomes “second nature” in the outdoor sports sector.
The project’s legacy will be cemented through:
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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