BALKANIA ROUTE

“Balkania Route” is a partnership project, that is carried out in Balkan countries with the main purpose of strengthening, supporting, and connecting existing trail infrastructure along the Balkan Green Belt, by creating a scenic hiking route called “Balkania Route” for promoting the biodiversity values of the countries and contributing to sustainable livelihoods with the time frame of implementation from November 2023 to October 2024.

This project consists of the creation of a 3550 km hiking trail, which will pass through Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Albania, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey, will be implemented particularly by the partners: Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation from Bulgaria, Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania organization from Albania, Protection and Citizens Association TEAM, from Serbia, Back to Nature from Turkey and Association Center for medical herbs and berries Ambrozija in North Macedonia.

This project’s main purpose is to diversify the rural economy and create the trail for generating various opportunities for different job roles such as mountain guides, birdwatching, environmental education, safe infrastructure for ridge runners, and organic farming initiatives.

As an integral part of EGB (European Green Belt), the “Balkania Route” aims the promote sustainable livelihoods, conservation of natural resources, foster collaboration, and education of the next generation.

Time frame: November 2023-October 2024

Funding: European Green Belt, Bestbelt, with financial support from the European Union

Country: Bulgaria, Albania, Serbia, Turkey, North Macedonia

Partners: BBF in Bulgaria, PPNEA in Albania, TEAM in Serbia, Back to Nature in Turkey, and Center Ambrozija in North Macedonia

Contact person: Tina Donefski-Project Coordinator/Manager at PPNEA