The Mediterranean Trails Network: A New Model for Sustainable Travel in the Region

Published on December 12, 2025

The Mediterranean Trails Network was launched in a major move to promote sustainable tourism and rural development on December 12, 2025. Backed by the French Development Agency, Oxfam, and the World Bank, this network seeks to link some of the most important hiking trails of the Mediterranean region. MTN intends to connect these iconic routes to spur economic growth, protect natural and cultural heritage, and equip the local people with the ability to adapt to climate change.

The Mediterranean Trails Network: Connecting Heritage and Nature

The Mediterranean region is known for its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal location for hiking and outdoor activities. The MTN seeks to highlight and connect the most significant hiking trails across the region, providing tourists with a chance to explore the beauty and heritage of countries like Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and others bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

The key goal of MTN is to create a network of hiking trails that not only attracts tourists but also supports local communities. By promoting responsible tourism practices, the network aims to protect the region’s natural beauty and cultural traditions, ensuring that these areas remain sustainable for future generations. This initiative is especially important as the Mediterranean region faces environmental challenges, including the impacts of climate change and the preservation of its diverse ecosystems and cultural landmarks.

Supporting Rural Development Through Tourism

One of the primary benefits of the Mediterranean Trails Network is its potential to drive economic development in rural areas. Many of the hiking trails that are part of the network pass through remote villages and less-visited regions of the Mediterranean, where tourism has the power to create jobs and boost local economies. By developing these areas into tourist-friendly destinations, the MTN helps to create opportunities for local businesses, artisans, and service providers.

For example, small villages along the Jordan Trail or the Palestine Heritage Trail could see an increase in visitors, which translates into more income for local businesses, such as guesthouses, restaurants, and tour operators. Furthermore, by promoting local food, crafts, and traditions, the network helps to preserve the unique cultural identities of these regions.

The MTN encourages local communities to take an active role in tourism development, empowering them to manage and benefit from the growing tourism demand. By involving locals in the planning and execution of tourism initiatives, the network ensures that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably.

Climate Change and Adaptation: A Key Focus for MTN

With the Mediterranean region being one of the most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, the MTN emphasizes the importance of sustainability and climate adaptation. The region is already experiencing rising temperatures, droughts, and extreme weather events, which can have a devastating impact on local communities and the natural environment.

Through the development of sustainable tourism practices, MTN aims to help local communities adapt to these environmental changes. Sustainable tourism practices include promoting eco-friendly infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions from tourism activities, and ensuring that tourist facilities are built with environmental impact in mind.

Moreover, MTN supports initiatives that encourage climate-conscious behavior among tourists. By offering educational programs and promoting responsible tourism practices, the network helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment while enjoying the region’s natural beauty.

Cultural Exchange: Connecting People Through Hiking

Beyond economic benefits, the Mediterranean Trails Network is also focused on fostering cultural exchange. Hiking routes often pass through areas with rich histories, traditions, and diverse cultures. As tourists travel from one country to another, they not only experience different landscapes but also have the opportunity to learn about the unique cultures that define each region.

This cultural exchange enriches the travel experience, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the Mediterranean’s diverse communities and history. For local communities, hosting international visitors provides an opportunity to showcase their traditions, customs, and way of life, while also benefiting from the economic impact of tourism.

George Rishmawi, General Manager of the Palestine Heritage Trail and Co-Chair of the Mediterranean Trails Network, emphasized the importance of this exchange: “Ultimately, our focus is on impact at the local level. By connecting major trails, we can attract international support, exchange best practices, and channel resources directly to communities, strengthening local economies and preserving the unique identity of our regions.”

Building Partnerships for Sustainable Tourism

The success of the Mediterranean Trails Network depends on the continued collaboration between destination-management organizations (DMOs), local authorities, international partners, and the travel industry. MTN is dedicated to fostering partnerships that promote sustainable tourism and rural development, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the growth of the region’s tourism industry.

The support of organizations such as Oxfam, the World Bank, and the French Development Agency is crucial in providing the necessary resources and expertise to help implement these initiatives. The collaboration between local and international partners ensures that the network’s goals align with broader global objectives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Union’s Green Deal.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in the Mediterranean

As it continues to expand, it has the possibility of transforming tourism within the Mediterranean region and making it more sustainable as well as more culturally rewarding for tourists as well as local populations. By spreading awareness about sustainable tourism and adapting to challenges posed by global warming, the Mediterranean Trails Network is breaking new ground.