The Role of Mega Trails in Nature Conservation

Join PNTS to learn about Ernesto Viveiros-de-Castros PhD research that evaluates the contribution of mega trails to nature conservation. The research tests three arguments frequently used in favor of trails:
1) trails generate a sense of place, connection to nature and pro-environmental behavior in users;

2) Trails generate opportunities, benefits and wealth in gateway communities; and,

3) trails can serve as ecological corridors.

Based on extensive surveys and more than 600 interviews along the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide trails, the study combines different approaches and also discusses the special scale of these potential benefits of mega trails. There will be time for Q&A.


Ernesto Viveiros de Castro is a biologist and national park manager from Brazil. He got his PhD in Interdisciplinary Ecology at University of Florida in 2023 studying the US national scenic trails. He has been working in the Brazilian federal agency for protected areas (ICMBio) for 21 years and presently he is the superintendent of Serra dos Órgãos National Park, the third oldest NP in Brazil. Ernesto is also a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA-IUCN), the IUCN Tourism Specialists Group (TAPAS-IUCN), and the World Trails Network Trails & Conservation Task Team.

Location

This is a virtual training. See the event website for more details.

Trail Competencies

• Crew Management

Relevant Trail Types

General. All trail types are relevant.