Project duration: February 2025
Status: Completed
Grantees: Methana Active Citizens Association

THE CHALLENGE: 

Methana, a region rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage, has long been an underexplored gem in Greece. Despite its potential, the area lacks certified hiking trails, which are essential for attracting eco-conscious tourists and promoting sustainable tourism. Without these certifications, Methana struggles to draw nature enthusiasts, resulting in missed opportunities for economic growth and environmental education. 

THE SOLUTION: 

AEF is committed to promoting sustainable ecotourism and nature conservation by supporting initiatives that enhance outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. As part of this effort, we eagerly facilitated the Methana Active Citizens Association in organising the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe workshop, held on February 9-11, 2025, at the Methana Cultural Center in collaboration with www.volcanotrails.gr. Led by experts from the European Ramblers’ Association (ERA) and the Deutscher Wanderverband Service (DWS), the workshop laid the groundwork for establishing a certified network of hiking trails in Methana.  

Certified trails offer numerous benefits: 

– Well-maintained trails minimize human impact on sensitive ecosystems, promoting responsible interaction with nature.  

– By attracting hikers and nature lovers, certified trails boost local businesses, including hospitality, dining, and retail, thereby stimulating the local economy.  

– Trails can highlight historical sites and local traditions, fostering a deeper appreciation for the area’s cultural heritage among visitors. 

THE OUTCOMES: 

The workshop successfully achieved the following: 

– 10 local volunteers and stakeholders received official training on certification standards and best practices.  

– The participants conducted comprehensive evaluations of 5 existing paths to determine their suitability for certification. 

– The initiative fostered collaboration among local residents, businesses, and authorities, ensuring a unified approach to sustainable tourism development. 

The workshop encouraged expert knowledge exchange, strengthened local engagement, and advanced Methana’s positioning as a premier sustainable hiking destination. 

NEXT STEPS:

The training provided through this grant serves as a fundamental step in the certification process under the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe organization. The next steps include: (i) preparing the trails to meet the required standards and certification criteria, and (ii) undergoing inspection and certification by the committee to assess compliance and grant certification. 

OUR PARTNER ORGANIZATION: 

Founded with a vision for sustainable development, Methana Active Citizens Association is dedicated to the social, cultural, and economic growth of the Methana Peninsula in an environmentally responsible manner. Led by a passionate group of people, the Association strives to preserve Methana’s unique natural landscape, architectural heritage, and cultural identity, recognizing its immense potential when developed thoughtfully.  

By investing in the certification of its hiking trails, Methana is taking a significant step toward sustainable tourism, ensuring that its natural and cultural treasures are preserved and appreciated for generations to come. 

READ ALSO:

Sustainable Sailing in the Argosaronic Gulf 

Workshop on the development of Argolic Trails 

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