Connected by trails: Linking People, Nature and Prosperity in Rural Areas
How Mountain biking can support rural development through a systemic approach
Join us this September in Boltaña Spain, for the IMBA Europe Summit, where we’ll explore how mountain biking connects people, nature, and prosperity in rural areas. The IMBA Europe Summit is our flagship event, bringing together mountain biking advocates, trail builders, land managers, policymakers, and industry leaders from across Europe to shape the future of mountain biking. This annual gathering is a unique platform for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and showcasing best practices in sustainable trail development, advocacy, and community engagement. Through inspiring keynotes, hands-on workshops, and field visits to innovative trail networks, we highlight the environmental, social, and economic benefits of mountain biking while addressing key challenges like access, conservation, and increasing participation.
Under the theme “Connected by Trails”, we invite you to share your expertise and insights on how mountain biking can support rural development through a systemic approach. This year’s summit will focus on the intersection of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—alongside the cultural dimension of our sport. We are calling on trail advocates, tourism operators and boards, industry professionals, researchers, and leaders from the mountain biking community to submit abstracts for presentations, panel discussions and workshops.
If you’re passionate about leveraging mountain biking to create sustainable, connected, and thriving communities, we want to hear from you! Learn more about the themes below.
Subthemes
Environmental Sustainability
Mountain biking plays a vital role in promoting environmental stewardship. Well-designed trails minimize ecological impact while encouraging outdoor recreation and fostering a deep connection to nature. This theme explores how trail networks can support conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable land use practices. It also examines how regulations, such as the Nature Restoration Law that will apply in all EU member states, impact trail development and offers guidance on how to work with these frameworks to balance recreation with ecological restoration.
Example topic:
- Strategies for Sustainable Mountain Biking in Protected Areas. This topic explores the delicate balance between enjoying mountain biking and preserving natural ecosystems. We’ll discuss key requirements, the role of planning and design in ensuring environmental sustainability, carrying capacity considerations, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to ensure sustainable tourism that safeguards protected areas for future generations.
Social Sustainability
Mountain biking brings communities together. Trails create inclusive spaces for recreation, improve quality of life, and encourage active lifestyles. This theme highlights how mountain biking strengthens social bonds, promotes health and well-being, and supports equitable access to nature for all. Additionally, this topic could be blended with economic sustainability by focusing on the social return on investment (SROI) of trail projects, showcasing how they deliver both community and economic benefits.
Example topic:
- Social Sustainability Through Mountain Biking Projects. Discover how mountain biking initiatives can create positive social impacts in rural areas. This topic highlights successful projects, best practices, and strategies for fostering community development and well-being through sustainable MTB tourism
Economic Sustainability
How can mountain biking drive sustainable economic growth in rural areas? We are looking for abstracts that demonstrate the economic benefits of trail systems—through tourism, job creation, or support for local businesses. Present your strategies and case studies on leveraging mountain biking to boost rural prosperity.
Example topic
- The Economic Sustainability of Public Investments in Mountain Biking. This topic delves into the financial returns of public investments in mountain biking projects. Learn about studies evaluating the economic benefits for communities, the revenue generated for administrations through taxes, and the overall value created for every euro invested. Explore data-driven insights and examples that showcase MTB’s potential as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth
Cultural Dimension
Trails tell stories. From traditional land use to modern recreation, mountain biking is deeply connected to the cultural identity of communities. This theme focuses on preserving heritage, celebrating diversity, and fostering connections between riders and the places they explore, while also emphasizing how increased participation can invite broader engagement and promote inclusivity within the sport.
Example topic
- Stories of the Trails: Cultural Connections and Heritage in Trail Networks- Explore the deep cultural roots of trail networks and their significance to the generations who walked them long before modern recreation. This storytelling session and roundtable discussion will highlight the perspectives of traditional custodians, their memories, and the evolving role of trails in connecting the past with the present. Join us to celebrate the heritage and shared history of these pathways.
For more details on the goals of the Summit, the subthemes, the available session formats, and the benefits you might be entitled to as a speaker, please visit the following page.
How do I submit my abstract?
In order to submit your abstract, you will need to complete the following;
- Choose a subtheme (it’s ok to choose more than one)
- Decide on a format
- Lecture
- Poster presentation
- Master class
- Storytelling
- Practical demonstration
- Round table discussion
- Key note speech
- Prepare a 200 word summary of your presentation, class, demonstration etc
- Attach any necessary links to your work.
- Provide a short biography