Planas stresses that Spain's network of nature trails is a structuring element for sustainable development in rural areas

During the presentation of the first promotional campaign on the Spanish network of Nature Trails, Luis Planas assured that after almost three decades, this project has contributed to the revitalisation of the rural environment and the promotion of activities such as hiking and cycle tourism, always under the premise of respect for the environment.

The minister explained that this campaign aims to raise awareness of the rich and varied offer of "our heritage, which is truly incredible". He stressed that elements such as history, nature, sport, tourism and gastronomy form part of this project, which allows "exploring and getting to know the territory, and that many rural areas have life".

With this initiative, the Ministry aims, on the one hand, to satisfy the growing demand of citizens for natural spaces and healthy activities; and on the other hand, to generate the necessary conditions for the development of business initiatives in rural areas. The minister stressed that it is important that in addition to agriculture and livestock farming, the countryside should find complementary ways of generating economic activity and employment.

Also taking part in the event were the ambassador of the campaign, the journalist specialising in travel and nature, Paco Nadal; the president of the Huesca Provincial Administration, Miguel Gracia Ferrer, who gave a presentation on the emblematic Montfalcó to Congost de Mont-Rebei route; and the businesswomen Inmaculada Cascalló and Nuria Beltrán, who explained the socio-economic impact of this route in the area. The journalist Clara Pampín hosted the event.

This campaign, aimed mainly at the general public, takes into account some interest groups: hikers, cyclists, families, nature tourism or rural tourism companies, and public institutions, among others. In fact, three specific thematic blocks have been envisaged: paths and cycling; paths and historical-cultural heritage; and paths and water.

This new informative initiative of the network of Nature Trails of Spain will be present on television, radio, graphic and digital media, and outdoor advertising. It will consist of two waves of four weeks each. The first, during the month of June, aims to maximise awareness of the itineraries before the start of the summer holiday period. The second wave will take place in October.

Network of Nature Trails in Spain

The network of Nature Trails in Spain managed by the Ministry totals some 10,400 kilometres spread across the length and breadth of the Spanish geography. Just over 1,700 kilometres correspond to former railway lines, also known as Greenways.

Nature Trails are characterised by their diversity because, in addition to taking advantage of old transport infrastructures, they reuse canals, towpaths, cattle trails, paths, old public roads, to be used again by hikers, cyclists or horseback riders.

Other administrations, such as regional governments, provincial councils and local entities, as well as other public and private promoters, collaborate with the ministry in the maintenance and conservation of the roads, with the aim of getting to know the real needs of each territory and its inhabitants.

Since the programme began in 1993, almost 258 million euros have been invested in the development and maintenance of these routes. Between 2018 and 2021, €24.7 million has been invested and 587 new kilometres of roads have been commissioned.

Among the actions for 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will continue to prioritise the major strategic axes: Vía de la Plata Nature Trail, Santander-Mediterranean Nature Trail, Nature Trails along the major rivers (Ebro, Tagus and Guadiana); as well as the Júcar, South Pyrenees Nature Trail, Nature Trail from Baeza to Utiel and Guadix-Almendricos Nature Trail.

In addition to the campaign launched today, the network is being disseminated through different channels such as the website and in publications, video editions, attendance at tourism fairs and promotional events.

Also available are guides to the different paths, an accessibility guide for people with disabilities published in collaboration with the ONCE Foundation, cycling routes, and a mobile app to experience the paths with augmented reality. A series of informative videos have also been produced for dissemination on the Ministry's You Tube channel of the ministry.

Non official translation