In May 2015, we participated at the International Trails Symposium, organised by the American Trails, in Portland (OR), USA. The theme of the Symposium was “Solutions for Success” in planning and managing sustainably a Trails project. The project hosted more than 750 participants from all USA States and from many countries around the World. Paths of Greece was invited to the Symposium in order to present the trails that were created in Greece, as well as to make a presentation. The title of our presentation was “Developing hiking trails networks within economic recession: The tools for success”. The outcomes of the Symposium are of great importance, since despite the differences amongst countries, it seems that the problems encountered by those creating trails have many common points. In the numerous presentations that took place, many specific problems were analysed and discussed. Some of the most important ones were the common use of trails from different types of users, as well as the right of access to privately owned lands. The discussions at the end of the presentations were of great importance as well, since they allowed the exchange of opinions and networking. The latter is probably the most important outcome of the Symposium. International networking helps the trail organisations to become stronger. Paths of Greece is a Committee member at the World Trails Network, which is the international platform for networking, exchange of knowledge and co-marketing strategies at an international level.
A Fair presenting the trail organisations as well as waymarking and other products took place during the Symposium.
We would like to thank the American Trails for the excellent opportunity that they gave to all of us to share our passion and to become stronger.
