Projects

This project builds on research and recommendations from a previous ERASMUS+ initiative, the Sustainability and Environmental Education in Outdoor Sports (SEE Project), which involved ENOS member organisations and the EUROPARC Federation. One key finding was that Protected Area managers should work more closely with Outdoor Sports organisations that use their sites. However, this collaboration can be challenging and requires additional support and training.

The Connect Project aims to strengthen relationships between local Outdoor Sports organisations and Protected Areas by identifying key elements for successful cooperation. It will develop a practical guide to help professionals in both sectors build effective partnerships. This guide will be based on real-world evidence from successful examples and five pilot projects designed to bring these two sectors together. The upcoming and 2nd pilot will take place from 9-10 June in NP Weerribben-Wieden in the Netherlands. The project’s findings will be shared across partner networks and presented to key policymakers at a final event in Brussels.

The popularity of mountain biking is booming across the world, amplifying the need for more trails and skilled trail builders to plan, design, construct and maintain sustainable trail infrastructure across Europe. This was the impetus for the DIRTT (Developing Intereuropean Resources for Trail builder Training) project in 2019, started by IMBA Europe and an international project group representing both volunteer and professional trail builders, education providers, municipalities and tourist destinations. In the first project phase DIRTT developed a mountain bike trail educational framework and study programme, leading to Europe’s first formal education for Mountain Bike Trail Planning, Construction and Maintenance at Fagskolen I Viken. The program was launched in September 2022 with a total of 25 students from 12 different countries. 

Trails for Change aims to support a wide range of stakeholders – including outdoor sports enthusiasts, trail builders, and park managers – in promoting sustainability, responsible trail management, and environmentally conscious outdoor event planning. IMBA Europe will lead the project alongside Velo Schools (North Macedonia), delivering training programmes that equip local leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to implement best practices in sustainable trail management and maintenance.

The project will also empower participants with advocacy and digital storytelling skills, enabling them to effectively communicate the value of sustainable outdoor sports, engage the public, and influence policy through compelling narratives. IMBA Europe looks forward to collaborating with partners across the continent over the coming years to help spread the joy of sustainable mountain biking and protect the trails we all depend on.

The wildRISE project is designed to address the priority of fostering healthy habits for all by leveraging outdoor sports and mountain heritage as a powerful tourism driver, creating positive environmental, economic, and social impact. The initiative strategically integrates all necessary components to ensure a structured, scalable, and lasting legacy, reinforcing sustainable tourism practices in mountain regions.

The wildRISE project directly contributes to the EU’s priority of promoting active lifestyles for all by fostering increased participation in outdoor sports and nature-based physical activities, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where access to structured sports infrastructure is often limited. By integrating eco-volunteering, gamified participation models, and community-driven outdoor sports initiatives, wildRISE provides a compelling pathway to increase engagement in physical activity while simultaneously enhancing environmental awareness and sustainable behaviours.

ROUTES aims to develop a European framework for responsible trail use, helping trail managers, outdoor organisations, public authorities, and users to:

• Balance increasing trail use with environmental protection
• Improve clarity on responsibilities and standards
• Introduce practical tools for trail assessment
• Support sustainable and inclusive outdoor recreation across Europe

The project will combine research, stakeholder engagement, digital tools, and pilot testing in diverse European environments.

ROUTES is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Sport programme and coordinated by Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre (FFR). The consortium includes:

• European Hiking Federation (ERA – Hiking Europe)
• European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS)
• International Mountain Bicycling Association Europe (IMBA Europe)
• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR, Italy)
• La Fédération Internationale de Tourisme Équestre (FITE)
• Länsstyrelsen (Sweden)