This publication has been produced with the financial support of the Latvia-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Balvi Municipality Council and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Programme, the Programme member states Latvia and Russia, or the European Union.
Within the framework of the project “Greenways Riga-Pskov,” project partners traveled to Valencia, Spain, at the beginning of October to participate in the European Greenways Association conference and award ceremony, as well as to take part in an experience exchange trip.
The international conference featured presentations and debates on greenway development—covering mobility, recreation, and tourism. Europe’s most successful and innovative greenways were showcased, having proven themselves as successful destinations for active and accessible tourism. Project partners from Latvia and Russia had the opportunity to hear about the experiences of establishing other greenways and gathered ideas to implement in their own countries.
All conference participants had the chance to experience two greenway routes in the Valencia region: Vía Verde de l’Horta (Verde Xurra) and Vía Verde de Ojos Negros, cycling a total of approximately 70 km.
The trip provided insight into how cycling infrastructure is planned and implemented in both urban and rural areas. Furthermore, through organized bike tours, participants observed how this type of active recreation is facilitated and organized by cycle tourism entrepreneurs (Solution bikes and Mediterranean Bike Tours).
Such experience exchange trips provide a valuable perspective on European greenways and demonstrate that Latvia’s offer is competitive.
Participating countries—Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, and Italy—acknowledged that a vital key to success is cooperation between municipalities, associations, entrepreneurs, residents, as well as potential business owners and service/product consumers.
Text: A. Plaude
Project Public Relations Specialist
Photo: Jānis Sijāts
The Latvia-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 is co-financed by the European Union, the Republic of Latvia, and the Russian Federation.
The Latvia-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 provides financial support for joint cross-border development activities with the aim of improving the competitiveness of the regions by utilizing their potential and beneficial location at the crossroads between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The Programme website is www.latruscbc.eu.
