A new association bringing together destination management organizations and hiking trail specialists across the Mediterranean was launched this week in Amman.
The Mediterranean Trails Network (MTN), backed by the French Development Agency with support from Oxfam and the World Bank, includes founding members such as the Jordan Trail Association, the Palestinian Heritage Trail, Lebanon’s Mountain Trail and two French rural development partners.
The network aims to represent major walking routes in the region, supporting local communities by boosting economic growth, protecting natural and cultural heritage, and strengthening resilience to climate change.
At the launch, co‑chair Omar Saqr said the vision is to connect people and places through trails that embody the relationship between society, environment and shared heritage.
Co‑chair George Rishmawi emphasized the local impact, noting that linking key trails will attract international support, share best practices and channel resources directly to communities, enhancing local economies and preserving unique identities.