Med Trails Network

Name: Med Trails Network
Address: 5 Rue Federico Garcia Lorca, Grenoble, 38100, FR
Telephone: +33438700214

Page d'Accueil
France
Grenoble
Med Trails Network

Step into the Mediterranean! A hub of associations & organizations that: Empowers local development through hiking. Shares best practices for trail stewardship.

Protects & promotes cultural & natural heritage.

01/09/2026

A meaningful step forward for Lebanese heritage and tourism. On August 9, during a live LBC telethon, Darb Mar Charbel was able to launch the completed sections in the northern part from sections A4 to A1 and to fundraise for the southern part that should be completed in the coming months.

Set to be the longest pilgrimage trail in Lebanon, Darb Mar Charbel retraces the historic footsteps of Saint Charbel. It brings together spiritual, cultural, physical, culinary, and natural experiences while empowering local guides, guesthouses, and service providers to revitalize mountain villages.

Projects like this matter now more than ever. As Lebanon navigates through challenging times, protecting our natural, cultural, and spiritual heritage serves as a powerful symbol of hope and resilience.

20/08/2026

One sea. Many trails. One shared purpose. 🌊🥾

The Med Trails Network exists to strengthen hiking and community-based tourism across the Mediterranean. By bringing trail organizations together, we share best practices,protect natural and cultural heritage, and empower the communities living along our trails.

Together, we are building a more sustainable future for Mediterranean trails and the people who bring them to life. 🌿

Image: Paths of Greece

04/08/2026

Omar Sakr is the Executive Director of the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association (LMTA) and Co-President of the Med Trails Network (MTN). LMTA has been a founding member of the network since 2023.
The Lebanon Mountain Trail is a 450 km trail that stretches from the far North to the far South of the country. Created in 2007, this community-based trail runs through a remarkable range of landscapes. Over the years, the trail has become the backbone of rural tourism in Lebanon and has helped turn hiking into the country’s most popular outdoor activity. For LMTA, MTN offers an extraordinary concentration of cultural and natural heritage. Each national trail reflects a unique identity, and together they form a complementary network of destinations. Cooperation within this network is both a challenge and an opportunity—an invitation to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations for the future.

Join the network!

This interview was filmed in the context of MTN’s Annual Gathering in Jordan in December 2025.

To learn more about LMTA: https://www.lebanontrail.org/home

31/07/2026

AFRAT Celebrates 60 Years of Impact in Mountain & Rural Territories
For six decades, AFRAT (based in the French Alps) has played a key role in empowering mountain communities through professional training, sustainable development, and economic inclusion.
The association recently marked its 60th anniversary by gathering local leaders, policymakers, alumni, and network partners to reflect on its trajectory and address the future of living and working in mountain regions.
Key highlights from the celebration :
-A 60-Year Retrospective: Tracing six decades of dedication to rural vitality and local development across the Alps.
-Alumni Testimonials: Personal stories from former trainees whose career paths in mountain professions were shaped by AFRAT's programs.
-Future-Oriented Panel: Insights from local elected officials, experts, and trail community managers on navigating climate transition, employability, and sustainable territorial growth.
A remarkable milestone highlighting how collective action, training, and policy integration keep mountain regions vibrant, preserved, and economically viable.

21/07/2026

Can you guess which ancient trail this photo was taken on?

Here are a few clues:

It passes through the cradle of the Ottoman Empire in historic Bursa

It winds past the beautiful shores of Lake Iznik

It traces a spiritual journey in the footsteps of dervishes, scholars and sultans, echoing the path of Rumi.

Do you think you know it? Drop your guess in the comments below! 👇

(Read below to see if you’re right!)

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Answer: It’s the Sufi Trail in Turkey!

This incredible 801 km, 30-to-40-day pilgrimage in motion stretches all the way from Istanbul to the Anatolian plains of Konya, immersing travelers in 154 historic towns and villages shaped by deep spiritual traditions.

09/07/2026

Ali Barqawi is the General Manager of the Jordan Trail Association (JTA) and Vice President of the Med Trails Network (MTN). JTA has been a founding member of MTN since 2023.

JTA develops and maintains the Jordan Trail, a long-distance hiking trail of 675 km across Jordan. Hiking offers walkers deep experiences while creating economic opportunities for local communities in regions that are often overlooked by the traditional tourism industry. For JTA, MTN connects the Jordan Trail with other major hiking trails in the region, allowing knowledge and expertise to be shared. By working together, the network gains a stronger voice and greater impact, benefiting both the trails and the local communities.
Join the network!

This interview was filmed in the context of MTN’s Annual Gathering in Jordan in December 2025.
To learn more about the Jordan Trail Association: https://www.jordantrail.org/

02/07/2026

Juna Farm

In the rural hills southeast of Nablus, in the village of Jurish, Juna Farm began as a simple idea rooted in a powerful vision: reconnecting people with land, culture, and sustainable living. Today, it stands as a successful model of eco-agritourism in Palestine.

What started as a traditional olive grove with seasonal crops has evolved into a fully integrated rural experience. Through dedicated efforts to improve infrastructure and enhance visitor facilities, the farm now offers safe, comfortable, and authentic accommodation while preserving its ecological identity using natural and recycled materials.

Juna Farm now welcomes both local and international visitors seeking meaningful experiences. Guests don’t just visit—they engage. They participate in farming activities, learn about traditional agricultural calendars, enjoy homemade local food, and immerse themselves in cultural evenings that celebrate Palestinian heritage.

The project has also successfully developed and branded its agricultural products, improving packaging and quality, which increased marketability and revenue. This growth has had a positive impact on the local community by creating seasonal job opportunities for youth and women, while also supporting nearby farmers.

Despite ongoing political and economic challenges, Juna Farm has proven that investing in local resources and cultural heritage can build a resilient and sustainable rural economy.

Today, Juna Farm is more than a project—it is a success story. A living example of how a small initiative, driven by passion and purpose, can grow into a pioneering model that promotes environmental awareness, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

26/06/2026

Darb Mar Charbel: A Pilgrimage Route That Empowers Communities. 🥾

130 km. Nearly 50 Villages. One Shared Vision. ✨

Designed according to international trail development best practices, Darb Mar Charbel, a project of Darbessama implemented by the Lebanon Mountain Trail Association, is more than a long-distance hiking and pilgrimage route. It is a journey that preserves Lebanon's natural and cultural heritage while connecting communities across nearly 40 villages.

Beyond the trail itself, the project creates lasting impact where it matters most. Local residents are employed to build and maintain the route, guesthouse owners and local guides receive specialized training, and services and materials are sourced directly from surrounding communities—strengthening rural livelihoods every step of the way.

By the end of 2025, the project had generated approximately 4,450 working days and injected nearly $200,000 into rural economies, demonstrating how responsible tourism can preserve heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.

25/06/2026

Reviving Mosaic Heritage in Nablus: Where tradition creates opportunity. 🧩

20 Women, 1 Workshop, Countless Stories. ✨

In the heart of Nablus' Old City, a mosaic workshop became more than a creative space—it became a hub for preserving Palestinian heritage while creating new livelihood opportunities for women.

Led by Palestinian artist Fidaa Shafai, the initiative trained 20 women artisans in the art of mosaic-making, transforming traditional craftsmanship into a sustainable source of income. Visitors can also experience the craft firsthand by creating their own mosaic souvenirs, strengthening the connection between culture and tourism.

A standout achievement was the recreation of the iconic Madaba Map mosaic—the first of its kind in Palestine—celebrating Nablus as a city rich in history and civilization.

This initiative was funded by the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) through the World Bank and implemented by the Palestine Heritage Trail”

17/06/2026

New Member Alert: Welcome Antalya Bilim University!

We are thrilled to welcome the Antalya Bilim University (Department of Tourism Management) to the Med Trails Network! 🇹🇷🥾

Having an academic institution on board brings incredible value to our community.

Their expertise creates a collaborative space for scientific research, student engagement, and expert advice to support our trails, landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Together, we are joining forces to drive economic growth, preserve heritage, and help trail communities adapt to climate change.

Welcome aboard! 🌊⛰️

Adresse

5 Rue Federico Garcia Lorca
Grenoble
38100

Téléphone

+33438700214

Site Web

https://medtrailsnetwork.com/

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