CONNECT – Connecting Outdoor Sports and Protected Areas in Europe

About project CONNECT

The aim of the project is to ensure that outdoor recreation and outdoor sports in protected areas are practised in a sustainable and responsible manner. Building bridges and increasing cooperation between protected area managers and local outdoor sports clubs, companies and organisations is fundamental to achieving this. Methods for collaboration are therefore central to the project, which runs from 2025 to 2027 with funding from the EU's ERASMUS+ programme. 

Mid Sweden University is responsible for the research in the project (WP2: Research and good practice) through researchers Peter Fredman and Daniel Wolf-Watz. The research consists of a literature review and surveys aimed at outdoor and outdoor sports organizations as well as protected natural areas in Europe.

The aim is to identify success factors, methods and governance models that contribute to better visitor management and regenerative tourism. In parallel with the research, the project is working on five case studies (forests, wetlands, alpine areas, coastal areas, marine areas and peri-urban areas) in different European countries (Sweden, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, and Spain). 

Project participants 

The project is led by the European Network of Outdoor Sports (ENOS). In addition to Mid Sweden University, the following is also participating in the project:

• EUROPARC Federation
• International Mountain Biking Association (Europe)
• European Ramblers Association
• Leave No Trace Ireland
• Surfrider Foundation (Europe)