Supporting non-motorized transport and sustainable tourism in urban and rural areas, while promoting healthy lifestyles and local heritage.
Greenways (Central European Definition)
Greenways are natural and cultural heritage routes developed along rivers, historic trade routes, natural ecological corridors, and former railway lines. They are multi-purpose trails designed for non-motorized transport, ecotourism, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles, supporting activities such as cycling, walking, running, horse riding, canoeing, and other outdoor recreation.
Greenways provide a framework for local community initiatives that promote nature and landscape conservation, the preservation of cultural heritage, environmentally friendly tourism, and sustainable transport. They respond to the needs of both residents and visitors while making a positive contribution to local economic development and encouraging entrepreneurship in the regions.
Source: Sopron Declaration (Environmental Partnership, 2006) and the Vienna Greenways Declaration (2016).
Objectives of the Association
The Association aims to promote, support, and undertake activities that contribute to:
- the development and promotion of the Greenways concept, including sustainable tourism, with a particular emphasis on ecotourism and heritage tourism;
- environmental protection and the conservation of natural and cultural heritage in accordance with the principles of sustainable development;
- supporting local entrepreneurship in the tourism and tourism-related services sectors, including environmentally friendly sports and recreational activities, with particular attention to rural and post-industrial areas;
- the development of sustainable transport, especially non-motorized forms of mobility such as cycling, walking, horse riding, canoeing, and other active travel;
- providing development assistance to organizations and local communities in other countries in the fields of sustainable development and environmentally friendly tourism;
- promoting the sustainable development of rural areas;
- advancing environmental education.
Key Characteristics of Greenways
Diversity of Routes
Greenways are routes for cyclists, walkers, runners, roller skaters, and other non-motorized users, following rivers, former railway lines, and historic trade routes.
Ecotourism
Greenways promote environmentally friendly tourism that supports and engages local communities.
Sustainable Development
Greenways contribute to the conservation of nature, landscapes, and cultural heritage while supporting local economies.
We are a member of the European Greenways Association (EGWA).
Stowarzyszenie Greenways Polska
os. Teatralne 5/13
31-945 Kraków, Poland
