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Representatives from key organizations recently convened for a focus group to discuss transforming unused railway lines in Lower Austria into vibrant greenways. The participating organizations included the Innovative Education Center, Bahn zum Berg, European Greenways Association, Spanish Railways Foundation, and the Foundation of the Sierra Greenway. The aim of the focus group was to engage stakeholders in identifying the needs and potential for transforming the unused railway lines in Dobermannsdorf and Loidesthal, Siedenbrunn-Engelhartstetten, and Hainfeld-Weissenbach an der Triesting into greenways. Discussions covered a range of crucial topics, including the current state of these railway lines and their potential future uses. Participants shared recent developments and insights on each prospective greenway project. A significant aspect of the discussions was the identification of potential partners and funding sources to support the transformations. Understanding the legal frameworks and regulations governing such conversions was also critical. The group emphasized the importance of effective management and maintenance strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of the greenways. Additionally, they explored marketing strategies and plans for official openings to actively engage the community. The meetings underscored the importance of converting abandoned railway tracks into greenways that promote environmental sustainability and enhance community well-being. The next steps involve further stakeholder engagement and promoting the transformation of these potential greenways.

On Monday, May 13, 2024, ANCE successfully conducted an online Focus Group with National Stakeholders as part of the European Project “Sports in Greenways.” The Focus Group included representatives from three provincial municipalities (Western Achaia, Mesolongi, and Velo-Vocha), the Region of Western Greece, the Hellenic Institute of Transport, and European Profiles, which specializes in tourism in rural areas. Specifically, the goal of the Focus Group was to present the common needs of three potential greenways (in Western Greece and the Peloponnese) to the Stakeholders and discuss practical solutions to address these needs, with the ultimate aim of transforming them into trails for sports and creative activities. Through the discussion, participants arrived at a series of useful conclusions, and the Stakeholders showed particular interest in the project’s next steps. Most importantly, both parties (ANCE and Stakeholders) scheduled their next meeting for the National Multiplier Event, which will take place in the Peloponnese this coming fall!

EGWA has organised three focus meetings; the first two addressed to Belgian representatives, and the third open to EGWA members at European level. The variety of representatives, with extensive real experience, has allowed a rich and realistic exchange of points of view. In the case of Wallonia (BE), the priorities are now more focused on the connection of greenways and the improvement of existing ones. This is because the Walloon region has an extensive development of greenways, where the vast majority of disused railway lines have already been converted. The progress of the potential greenways identified in the previous phase of the SIGWAY project reflects these connection and improvement actions. Some common issues raised in the meetings are: Budget, public administrations have an essential role in the implementation of greenways and, in particular, in the rehabilitation of major railway infrastructure works – viaducts, tunnels which small municipalities cannot afford. Maintenance is the only way to keep infrastructure alive. All those responsible must commit to maintenance from its creation. Governance and local cooperation are essential for maintenance, promotion and making the most of the greenways. The feedback from these focus groups will be integrated into the strategy for transforming greenways as actively used sports and outdoor infrastructures, in the next phase of the SIGWAY project.

Last 7th May Defoin organized an online Focus group with 13 key stakeholders (councillors and majors from 5 municipalities from 2 of the potential greenways, EGWA, Spanish Railway Foundation, Directorate General for Sports of the Autonomous Community of Madrid, cycle tourism association and 2 local action group with representatives  from the 3 identified potential greenways). The focus group was crucial in identifying key elements to transform potential routes into Greenways,  discussing major challenges, reflecting on possible solutions and we gathering  info about existing project and current activities.  Some ideas for future project at a national or EU level came around as well.

Last 24th of April and 8th of May, Trekkify implemented two online focus groups aimed to gather information on the Italian potential greenways identified in the research phase, as well as to collect feedback on how disused railways can be converted into greenways by providing people of all ages with safe, accessible and low- or no-cost places to do sport/physical activities. Thanks to all the representatives from AMODO, FIAB Italia, Associazione italiana Greenways, ProLoco Pietrafitta, Comune di Corciano for participating and giving  us a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this area.

The focus group in Slovakia was organised in Trstín municipality and hosted by mayor Mr. Hlávek. Focus group offered a vital platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to the exploration of Greenway potentials within old forest railways in the region. The engagement of diverse stakeholder groups underscored the community’s interest and the multi-dimensional benefits that Greenways could bring to Trstin and Naháč Municipalities and their surrounding areas. Further steps include analysing the feedback and integrating stakeholder inputs into the planning and development phase of the Greenway projects. The potential Greenway in Trstín presents a valuable opportunity for community engagement, cultural enrichment, and recreational activities. With strategic planning, community involvement, and resolution of existing challenges, it promises to be a significant asset for the municipality and its residents. Meanwhile, the establishment of a Greenway along the old railway route in Naháč municipality offers an opportunity to enhance local recreation, conservation, and tourism.  Third potential greenway led by Mr. Róbert Ružek represents a valuable opportunity to preserve and celebrate the historical railway near Katarínka monastry, offering cultural, educational, and recreational benefits to both locals and visitors. With strategic planning, community engagement, and careful consideration of financial and environmental challenges, this project has the potential to become a cherished asset for the region.

The ADCS Carvalhais organized recently two events related with the implementation of pilot activities in Portugal. The events happen on the Carvalhais Greenway located in the village of Carvalhais and had a total of 29 participants. The first event was hosted on Sunday, 7th April and had a participation of a group of seniors form the village of Carvalhais but also several other participants and family members of this seniors that decide to join us in the activity. The second activity in the Carvalhais Greenway was on Wednesday,10th April, and had a lower participation because was during the week. The ADCS Carvalhais will continue to develop activities in the local Greenway and one of the sport activities that we will implement in the future will be Nordic Walking.

In Greece, ANCE successfully organised three different piloting activities: two of them took place last December, and the third one last March. The activities took place along a potential Greenway in the area of Agioi Anargyroi, Attica, which starts from the Old Railway Station of Agioi Anargyroi and ends through an inactive railway line at the Antonis Tritsis Environmental Awareness Park. Within the context of these activities, sessions of photography, capoeira, yoga, parkour, aerobic exercises with combat sports movements, and hiking along the inactive railway line were held. The variety of sessions and the concept of Greenways excited both the participants and the coaches/instructors, who showed strong interest in similar future activities both in urban and rural settings across the country.

EGWA’s 1st pilot activity for Saturday 16 March was a cycling activity to discover nature and heritage along line 38 of the RAVel, and of course, to have fun! Organised in cooperation with the Maison du Tourisme de Pays de Herve. Invited to participate were the “Dagasses” of the Patro de Thimister-Clermont. The young participants, equipped with a node bracelet of the itinerary and their smartphone, followed the cyclo-quiz of the Pays de Herve, of about twenty km, making the corresponding stops to answer the questions of the contest. Leon, the activity guide, provided information on the landscape and history along the route, as well as safety tips at crossroads. The stops in Clermont, one of the most beautiful cities in Wallonia, and in Fort Battice, were particularly noteworthy. The 2nd pilot activity in Belgium held nearby Herentals, organised by EGWA in collaboration with the province of Antwerp and the Welkome Café Velo Club, on 17/March. A group of sport cyclists, coordinated by Jo Helsen, the team’s “coach” participated in the activity along the Herentals-Aarschot greenway and no motorised network around. Several stops were made along the route to reflect on some of the issues cyclists on the former railway line may face (e.g. crossings at junctions, oncoming traffic, slow and fast cyclists, families with children on the way, cycling courtesy, etc.). The ride also included an old line leading to a former military base, which is now designed as KAMP C – centre for sustainable construction and housing in Antwerp province, to raise awareness about environment and circular economy, as SIGWAY objectives. The tour ended with a drink and a delicious spaghetti at the Welkome café, and big smiles from all the participants, reflecting the sense of wellbeing, that this activity brought. It has been a truly unforgettable experience!!

Last Sunday, Trekkify organised an engaging piloting activity along the historic former Spoleto-Norcia railway, involving 37 participants: elderly people for whom the initiative was specially dedicated, together with some of their family members and the Trekkify staff. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscape, participants undertook a walk along the railway track, discovering hidden treasures in the surroundings guided by the Coaches Luca and Eleonora. During the activity, participants were privileged to benefit from the expertise of Ira , who led them through the exploration of the variety of wild herbs in the area. They were breathless when they walked out of the first tunnel and crossed the Cortaccione bridge, astonishing at the beauty of the landscape.