The organizations within the Med Trails Network (MTN) share a belief in the ability of hiking trails to promote economic development, heritage conservation, and cultural exchanges. Through our individual and collective projects and programs, we are working to build and maintain trails, support local communities, and advocate for sustainable and responsible trail use.
Each trail organization contributes valuable expertise and innovative programs to MTN, leveraging its unique experience to enhance the network’s impact. These initiatives include the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association’s (LMTA) Accessible Nature Program, which provides opportunities for people with disabilities to experience nature, and the Mountain Explorers Program, which introduces youth to outdoor education,
while the Jordan Trail Association (JTA) promotes environmental stewardship through its “Leave No Trace” campaign. The Palestinian Heritage Trail (PH Trail) supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) along its route, fostering economic sustainability. As a community-based development organization, PH Trail promotes inclusive growth by empowering local communities and enhancing their economic resilience.
As a united network, we strive to make hiking trails accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness of the Mediterranean region.
The MTN regularly collects data and analyses the practices employed to enhance the economic impact of hiking tourism on the communities along the trails. We work to map the cultural and heritage sites on the trails to improve their conservation.
We develop grants and training programs to support local initiatives, supporting each other to get funding and improve our respective strategies and actions. We continuously exchange ideas about how to best support the communities along hiking trails facing different crises.
Trail organizations are committed to conserving, maintaining, and protecting hiking trails, and implementing international standards. The MTN aims to establish common guidelines and best practices to ensure the consistent quality of the hiking trails across the region.
Recognizing the fundamental right of people with disabilities to access the great outdoors, trail organizations across the Mediterranean region are committed to promoting inclusive trail experiences.
We establish dialogue with local communities about the impact of climate change to better understand their vulnerabilities and needs and raise their awareness about adaptation.
Our advocacy projects are focused on trail development and conservation, working to protect biodiversity and preserve cultural heritage along trails.
We lobby public authorities for support, raise public awareness of the value of trails and their landmarks, and proactively address common challenges faced by trail users and organizations.
We raise awareness about environmental and trail conservation with local authorities, tourism service providers, children, youth, educators and hikers. All trail organizations actively promote responsible trail use and environmental stewardship.
