We are proud to announce the newest cohort of World Trails Ambassadors — emerging leaders from around the globe who are helping shape a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable future through trails. Selected through a competitive international process, these ambassadors represent the passion, innovation, and leadership needed to champion trails in their communities and worldwide.

This program exists to support communities, raise awareness of the importance of trails, and build capacity for impact by equipping the next generation of trail leaders with mentorship, global connections, and opportunities through the World Trails Network.

Ekuri Brian Akom – Cameroon
A sustainability advocate and researcher focused on biodiversity and environmental stewardship, Brian has dedicated his work to conservation, sustainable agriculture, reducing plastic waste through education campaigns and promoting access to education in rural areas of Cameroon. He is passionate about the trails of Mount Cameroon and committed to advancing their value and protection.

Lora Aziz – UK / Egypt
Lora’s work connects water, land, and belonging through a cross-cultural lens shaped by the UK and Egypt. Leading projects along the Saffron Trail, she brings together artists, communities, and climate leaders to reimagine access and stewardship. She champions trails as places of cultural connection, environmental understanding, and shared custodianship.

Brenden Blotnicky – Canada
As Manager of Network Development & Support with Trans Canada Trail, Brenden works with communities to strengthen and expand trail networks across Canada. A lifelong Nova Scotian, he combines professional expertise in environmental management with a personal love of running local trail corridors at sunrise.

Ipsilan “Ipsi” Castillo – Costa Rica
Raised in the Monteverde cloud forest, Ipsi’s love of nature began early and deepened through her journey along the Sendero Pacífico. She believes trails are bridges between landscapes and communities, helping restore ecosystems while creating opportunities for local people. Her vision centers on making nature accessible to all and ensuring communities are proud partners in the trail experience.

Ade Damayanti – Indonesia

She was honored with the Indoindians Extraordinary Women Awards 2026 in recognition of her work advancing grassroots sustainability initiatives and empowering young people across Indonesia through local action and global collaboration. With nine years of experience working across rural and remote communities in Indonesia, including living among diverse local communities in the Riau Islands, Southeast Sulawesi, East Kalimantan, South Central Timor, and Rote Island, Ade brings a deep understanding of trails as essential lifelines. From walking forest paths to crossing rivers between villages, she has seen firsthand how trails connect people to schools, water, livelihoods, and each other. She is committed to sharing these stories and advancing trails as safe, inclusive, and community-rooted spaces.

Chloe Vuilliomenet – Australia / Switzerland
From the alpine trails of Switzerland to the bushwalking paths of Western Australia, Chloe’s life has been shaped by outdoor adventure. As a tour guide, she creates welcoming experiences that help people of all backgrounds feel confident, curious, and connected on trails. She brings passion, communication, and global perspective to the cohort.

Why It Matters

Trails are more than routes on a map. They are pathways to health, conservation, belonging, livelihoods, and peace. They connect people across cultures, generations, and borders — and these ambassadors will help lead that movement forward.

Join Us in Celebrating Them

Please join us in welcoming the 2026–2028 World Trails Ambassadors. We can’t wait to see the ideas they spark, the communities they strengthen, and the trails they help champion across the world. To find out more about Ambassadors and read about the incredible alumni in the program, visit https://worldtrailsnetwork.org/ambassadors/. 

This program is made possible by The Peter Cundill Foundation, The Trans Canada Trail, Pan American Trails/WTN Americas, and Outdoors WA.