Sustainable trails leading to sustainable lifestyles
The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, along with other Swedish actors, is taking part in promoting and managing sustainable trail experiences in Sweden. The trails, located both in the mountains and in lowlands, encourage people to explore nature and stay active both in the winter and in the summetime. These trails are not only marked for clarity, but they have also been added with special points that make the experience even more enjoyable for consumers.
In Sweden, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency is taking resposibility of making local mountain and lowland trails sustainable and attractive places to visit and explore. As outdoor activities; such as hiking or walking in the nature, are sustainable ways to improve public health while increasing the public's connection to the environment; creation and management of accesible sustainable trails is of great value.
There is currently over 500 kilometres of state trails in the mountains that have been specifically marked for clarity. For example, summer trails are marked with orange-red stones and winter trails with a red-crossed poles. There are additional mountain trails that are run by municipalities, clubs, provate entities and associations. There are also cottages that add to this sustainable consumer experience.These cottages are managed by various local actors – including the state and the indigenous Sami people.
Lowland trails are highly important for physical activity both for local consumers and for tourists. Each trail is at least 20 kilometers long. These trails have also been marked clearly to promote a safe and simple nature exploration experience. There are additional points, such as fireplaces and bridges, that make the experience highly inspiring. Regional or local organizations manage the lowland trails and gets together to improve the current services and management. The Swedish Environmental Protections Agency supports the managers through guidelines and education.
The trails in Sweden contribute to improve public physical and mental health, understanding nature and economic growth. Outdoor recreation leads to better connection to nature and therefore better conditions for a sustainable lifestyle.
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