The 11^th European Greenways Awards have been given 20 November in Rome (Italy) 

=>  The 11^th European Greenways Awards have been given 20 November 2023 during the official ceremony in Rome (Italy)

=> Nine greenways from Ireland, Italy, Poland, Germany, Spain, Serbia, Poland-Czechia, and Latvia, have been awarded as reference of best practices in Europe. The Award ceremony was held in Rome (Italy)

=> Over 100 delegates from 11 countries participated in the Conference and Award Ceremony in the  impresive venue of the Campidoglio the oficial seat of the council town of Rome.  

Presented by Waterways Ireland.

For the realisation of a very ambitious project to valorise as a greenway a 130 km long historical canal, with high heritage value, which shows in its integrity a high quality and a great support from stakeholders.

It has an outstanding promotion and product development; the monitoring provides extraordinary results of its actual use by locals and visitors and a great economic impact.

 

For the impressive transformation of a disused railway line into a 42 km high-quality greenway, integrated into the stunning landscape of the Teatine coast, resulting in a spectacular greenway.

It is an extraordinary example of environmental recovery, which has required a long process. It represents a major transformation and enhancement of the Costa dei Trabocchi territory, integrating also sustainable mobility models.
     >> See video here      https://abruzzoturismo.it/

3rd Prize Excellence: The European Bridge and a cross-border Polish-German greenway. 

        

Presented by Województwo Zachodniopomorskie (West Pomeranian Voivodeship) / Urząd Marszałkowski Województwa Zachodniopomorskiego (Marshal’s Office of the Westpomeranian Voivodeship)/ Poland

For the cross-border rail-trail greenway, which includes as a key element the restoration of the historic railway bridge, over which a 660 m observation platform has been created, with an important environmental component, and which offers unique views of the river and its natural floodplains.

It is the result of cross-border cooperation, a symbol of reconciliation between the two countries, which stimulates local pedestrian and cyclist traffic, and has become an important tourist destination.

     >>  See video here   www.rowery.wzp.pl

Special Jury award: 30 years of the Spanish Greenways Programme. Spain,

Presented by Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (Spanish Railways Foundation)

In recognition of the success of the 30 years of the Spanish National Greenways Programme, and its consistent and continued effort to promote the rehabilitation of disused railway heritage as greenways.

The programme has been gaining weight and facing new challenges over time; by federating efforts, weaving strong institutional cooperation, and involving citizen participation, it constitutes a model of governance, and contributes to sustainable tourism. It has great visibility and recognition, and is a national and international reference.
  >>  See video here   www.viasverdes.com    

Presented by Wuppertalbewegung e.V.

For the conversion of the abandoned inner-city railway line “Schwarzbachtrasse” in Wuppertal into a high-quality cycling, walking and inline skating greenway by a citizens’ initiative, taking full charge of all activities from planning, acquiring necessary funds to building, and operating the track.

The 1.8 km long greenway is key to daily active mobility, and also connects to other rail-trail greenways, allowing residents to go on longer cycle tours

    >>  See video here  www.wuppertalbewegung.de 
 

2nd Prize Exemplary Initiatives: Greenway from The Danube to the Adriatic, Serbia,


   

Presented by YUGO cycling campaign
 

For the campaign of more than 7 years to promote a greenway along the abandoned narrow railway line from Belgrade to the Adriatic, in a continuous route, of 1000 km, with the same concept and communication, through 4 Balkans countries.

Jury values the long-term vision, and the different sections carried out to date, and encourages to continue joining efforts to attract new key actors to support the implementation of the route, strengthening and opening new opportunities for cooperation in these territories.

   >>  See video here    https://www.westernbalkansgreenways.com/ 

3rd Prize. “Ex aequo” :  Cross-border Bicycle Festival on Iron Greenway in Poland and Czechia. 


  

Presented by  Stowarzyszenie Rozwoju i Współpracy Regionalnej (“Olza” Association of Development and Regional Cooperation . Poland and Chechia        

For the organisation of an extraordinary 2-day cross-border festival for cyclists and other users, to reinforce the promotion and creation of a tourism product of the Iron Greenway, a safe and scenic 52 km loop greenway of railway origin.

Organised in Polish-Czech partnership, with a broad representation of stakeholders, festival has included a variety of unique attractions along the route, and activities involving tourism industry, achieving a great notoriety.

          >> See video here   https://www.facebook.com/ZelaznySzlakRowerowyZelaznaCyklotrasa 

3rd Prize. “Ex aequo” :  Explore the greenways with Huskies in Latvia! Latvia,

Presented by Vidzeme Tourism Association in cooperation with Dodkepu.

For the original, and socially inclusive activity, which demonstrates that greenways can also be used for a truly unique experience with the friendly huskies, hiking all year round, and sledging in winter.

Suitable for visitors of all ages, including people with disabilities as well as learning difficulties, it offers entertainment and the possibilities to explore the greenway in an innovative and value-adding way.

         >>  See video here    https://www.dodkepu.lv/   https://greenrailways.eu/
 

C) Special Award Category (*) , Green transition in greenways. Plan for the Green Transition on the Sierra Greenway. Spain.

Presented by Fundación Vía Verde de la Sierra

For the implementation of a comprehensive strategy that includes maintenance and management with sustainable techniques. It is based on the non-use of phytosanitary products, and maintenance of the edges of the greenway based on sheep and goat grazing and complementary mechanical means; reforestation with native plants; installation of renewable energy systems in all the buildings and facilities of the greenway, and systems to reduce consumption; and awareness campaigns to act against climate change with daily actions.

Jury mentions:
The jury decided to give a special mention to the two following candidacies in the Green Transition category:

> Pierrefonds greenway.  France. Presented by : Communauté de Commune des Lisières de l’Oise (CCLO) & Colas France  
 

The jury highly appreciated the innovative construction system of the greenway to reduce the carbon footprint, and the use of such technology in territories with a valuable natural and cultural heritage, that permit furthermore a high integration in the landscape. It would like to know its response to the full life cycle, which its recent implementation does not allow to evaluate, and therefore to have more information regarding its maintenance over time.

The applicant is strongly encouraged to apply for the next edition. 

>> Jaen Greenways as Green Infrastructure; Spain; Diputación Provincial de Jaén

The jury highly valued the work carried out in the ambitious reforestation plan, taking into account the extreme climatic conditions of the summer, with very high temperatures and sunshine, and the lack of water, and the use of innovative techniques to make the best use of water.

It would be interested to know more about the results of these new and promising water use techniques (biochar, and deep irrigation), and the monitoring techniques, of which applicant can hardly provide results currently given their recent use.

The applicant is strongly encouraged to apply at the next edition. 

• 21 speakers from all over Europe sharing real experiences linked to 11 countries and Europe as a whole.

• More than 100 participants enjoyed learning about new initiatives and sharing their passion for greenways and for moving towards a more sustainable tourism in Europe.

• A wide variety of examples, national, regional and/or local, carried out by all kinds of entities with very different budgets, which have in common enthusiasm, cooperation and continuous effort, which are the basis of the success of all these initiatives.

 

>> Download the presentations here  
>> Overview of the Conferenct here