Trails and Conservation Task Team

Amplifying the Role of Trails in Conservation
The Trails and Conservation Task Team works to position trails as complimentary tools for and contributors to conservation—not merely passive pathways, but active corridors of stewardship. 
 
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– Participate in our global Biosphere Reserve Survey
– Join our Task Team and contribute to relevant research and projects  

Our Mission

Many of the world’s trails are located in some of the planet’s most ecologically rich landscapes—untouched wilderness, protected areas, biodiversity hotspots and indigenous territories. These landscapes are often the arteries of ecological connectivity, enabling the movement of species, the flow of ecosystem services, and the continuity of cultural and natural heritage.

We aim to align trail planning, development, management, maintenance, and policy and programmes with biodiversity conservation goals, promoting the protection of landscapes, species, and human-nature connections.

The Task Team works to amplify trails as effective contributors to conservation outcomes, leading to local community benefits and supporting ecological services. A key focus of the Task Team is to unlock the significant potential that trails can play in biodiversity conservation and habitat connectivity through trail corridors.

Our Approach

Inspired by task force models in multilateral conservation efforts (such as those of the IUCN, UNEP, and Ramsar Convention), the Task Team serves as a collaborative platform bringing together trail experts, trail managers and stewards, conservationists, researchers, land managers, academics and policymakers.

We focus on:

  • Trail Corridors as Conservation Spaces
     Promoting trail corridors to enhance habitat connectivity and contribute to large-scale conservation networks and landscapes.
  • Conservation Knowledge linked to Trails
    Building the world’s leading database of biodiversity and conservation projects linked to trails, collecting data, case studies, and field insights that can further inform sustainable global trail practices for local communities, conservation agencies and authorities.
  • Standards for Conservation on Trails
    Consolidating and sharing trail management practices that are ecologically sensitive and culturally inclusive, aligned with global frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity Framework and the UN SDGs.

Trail User Stewardship and Conservation Outcomes
Elevating the role of trail users, volunteers, and communities in conservation, and influencing national, regional and global policy to support trail-related conservation outcomes.

Why It Matters

Centering trails within conservation strategies:

  • Protects the trail user’s experience by ensuring access to ecologically protected and living landscapes
  • Supports nature-based tourism economies that benefit local communities
  • Enhances the long-term protection of biodiversity, cultural heritage

Get Involved

Join us in advancing a global vision where every trail contributes to conservation. Whether you’re a trail manager, conservationist, academic, or adventurer—you can help:

  • Participate in our global Biosphere Reserve Survey
  • Share case studies and research
  • Contribute to the global trails and conservation database
  • Join collaborative projects and Task Team working groups
  • Advocate for trail-integrated conservation in your region

Contact us to participate in this vital work and shape the future of how trails can continue to contribute to conservation.

The Task Team meets on the first Thursday of every month at 14:00 UTC via Zoom call.

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