Powered by the European Network of Outdoor Sports – ENOS, EUROPARC Federation, Mid Sweeden University, European Ramblers Association, SURFRIDER FOUNDATION EUROPE, LEAVE NO TRACE IRELAND, and the INTERNATIINAL MOUNTAIN BICYCLING ASSOCIATION.
Outdoor sports and protected areas are all about nature. And collaboration is essential.
Sports activities in nature bring great benefits to the participants and can also bring benefits to the natural area, but only if they are practiced with responsibility and sensitivity.
The CONNECT project brings together key strategic partners in Europe from the sport and environmental sectors and aims to build capacity and knowledge among partners but also the wider outdoor sports and protected area communities and managers. Ultimately this project contributes to long-term sustainable sports practices and the protection and conservation of our valuable natural and protected areas in Europe.
All 7 partners from all around Europe met in Lyon, France, for 3 days, from 18th to 20th of February, to kick off the project led by ENOS and that will be developed during the next three years, with four main tasks :
- Research on good practices
- Pilote stakeholder engagement in protected sites :
- Forest habitats
- Peri-urban habitats
- Wetland and lowland habitats
- Coastal and maritime habitats
- Montane and upland habitats
- Development of guidance
- Communication and dissemination
The kick off meeting was the opportunity to share our vision and start to delve into the project activities, especially the research part and working on a survey for protected areas and outdoor sports stakeholders. It was also a moment to get to know each other and build a great team !
