Project BALKANIA ROUTE: Two Steps Towards Others
The BALKANIA ROUTE project marks a significant milestone in promoting sustainable tourism and regional cooperation along the Balkan Green Belt (BGB), a vital part of the broader European Green Belt (EGB). Focused on strengthening, supporting, and connecting existing trail infrastructure, the project not only highlights the region’s natural beauty but also reinforces shared cultural and historical values across borders.
This initiative is closely aligned with the goals of the BESTbelt project, which seeks to encourage cross-border collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and build resilient networks within the EGB. By creating a scenic long-distance hiking trail, the BALKANIA ROUTE brings together nature, history, and culture, promoting the region as a sustainable tourism destination and supporting local livelihoods.
The project was implemented by a strong partnership of civil society organizations actively engaged in the protection and promotion of the Balkan Green Belt:
- Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation (BBF) – Lead applicant
- PPNEA (Albania)
- TEAM (Serbia)
- Center Ambrozija (North Macedonia)
- Association Back to Nature (Turkey)
- Romanian Ornithological Society (SOR) and
- EnvPro (Montenegro)
All partners maintain active cooperation with local communities, institutions, NGOs, and media within the BGB area, ensuring strong local engagement and visibility.
A key strength of the project lies in its transboundary approach, fostering collaboration among stakeholders from tourism, forestry, farming, and nature conservation sectors across six countries. This multi-sector cooperation is essential for the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Two main project outcomes will be achieved through five carefully planned actions, supported by robust communication and dissemination efforts. These efforts aim to raise awareness, increase understanding, and generate public interest in the BALKANIA ROUTE and its role in preserving the Balkan Green Belt.
At the heart of the communication strategy is the message that the Balkan Green Belt is not only a natural corridor but also a cultural and tourism route with tremendous potential for regional development.
Now fully mapped and ready for exploration, the Balkan Green Belt Trail spans 3,340 kilometers across Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Turkey. This trail offers hikers a unique journey through wild and remote landscapes, rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the shared history of the region—all along the former line of division that is today a symbol of unity and cooperation.