15.01.13

Category: Walking News

By:Lis Nielsen

The World Trail Conference convened in November in Jeju Island, Korea. Seventeen nations came together for three days to share knowledge, participate in a trail exhibition, and engage in global dialogue, while networking and also enjoying the festivities of the Jeju Olle Trail Walking Festival. One of the primary goals of the 2012 World Trail Conference was focused on preparatory discussions for the formation of a World Trails Network. The seed for the formation of such a network was planted in the 2010 and 2011 conferences, which also took place on Jeju Island. The 2012 conference attendees can be proud that the formation of the World Trails Network at the close of proceedings is a meaningful outcome of the conference and a positive first step in connecting the world's trails.

 

A volunteer World Trail Network committee was constituted represented by a diverse group of trails including the American Trails (USA), Appalachian Trail (USA), The Great Himalaya Trail (Nepal), The Rim of Africa Trail (South Africa), The Jeju Olle Trail (Korea), The Bruce Trail (Canada) and including Parks Victoria (Australia), the European Ramblers' Association (Europe) and the Korean Trails Association (Korea).These founding trails and associations have committed themselves to make the World Tails Network an inclusive and meaningful network,  that aims to support the culture of trails around the world, encouraging sustainable trail development, knowledge sharing and an effective cross-promotional platform for trails. The Jeju Olle Foundation in their hosting of the World Trail Conference and their enthusiasm and passion for trails are to be commended in being the spark and initiators of this network.

 

The committee has set itself a number of initial objectives to consolidate its formation and will contribute towards the preparations for the next World Trail Conference in 2013. The World Trails Network looks forward to growing the network of trails to include trail representations from all continents and countries that subscribe to a sustainable ethos for trails and the promotion of a walking culture which connects communities and walkers to both culture and nature.

 

For more information please see: www.worldtrail.org

 

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