The CONNECT+ project aims to reduce the environmental impact of outdoor sports by fostering stronger connections between outdoor sports practitioners and protected area managers across Europe. This need for enhanced dialogue and collaboration was highlighted through the work of the “Sustainability and Environmental Education in Outdoor Sports” (SEE) project, funded by ERASMUS+ and involving members of the ENOS network (European Network of Outdoor Sports) and the EUROPARC Federation.
The findings from SEE underscored an urgent requirement: developing cooperation between protected area managers and sports associations that use these sites.
To address this, CONNECT+ was created as an ambitious initiative to strengthen relationships between local outdoor sports stakeholders and protected area managers, while identifying the key elements of successful cooperation
The Objectives of the CONNECT+ Project
CONNECT+ is structured around several strategic priorities:
- Developing a practical guide for professionals in both sectors.
This document will be based on concrete data from success stories and the five pilot programs implemented as part of the project.
Its goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices that protect biodiversity and strengthen the environmental resilience of protected natural areas.
- Sharing the project’s results with key political decision-makers at a closing event in Brussels.
Presenting these findings to Members of the European Parliament will primarily aim to influence public policies in favor of strengthening legislation related to the regulation of outdoor sports in protected areas across Europe.
For more information: Official CONNECT+ Project Website
Why Surfrider Foundation Europe Is Involved in CONNECT+
Surfrider Foundation Europe’s (SFE) participation in this project aligns naturally with its core mission and historical commitments. Since its inception, the organization has worked to protect aquatic ecosystems and the health of users of recreational and bathing waters. But beyond ocean preservation, SFE has always strived to facilitate dialogue among all stakeholders concerned by these issues.
Within the CONNECT+ framework, SFE sees a unique opportunity to promote outdoor sports practices that respect protected areas, while allowing enthusiasts to continue enjoying their activities. Dialogue between sports organizations and natural area managers is indeed a crucial lever for reconciling passion, preservation, and sustainability.
The Five Pilot Projects: Laboratories for Innovative Cooperation
To turn its ambitions into reality, CONNECT+ has launched a series of five pilot projects, each designed as a think tank for ideas and solutions to address specific challenges related to outdoor sports in diverse natural environments. These initiatives, conducted in collaboration with local stakeholders across five European countries, will test concrete approaches and gather feedback to inspire scalable models.
- The first project focuses on natural forest environments, where activities such as hiking, trail running, orienteering, and mountain biking can have a significant impact on often fragile ecosystems. The goal is to identify best practices for preserving biodiversity while ensuring these spaces remain accessible yet protected.
- The second project addresses peri-urban environments, where high concentrations of outdoor sports participants exert growing pressure on sometimes already fragile ecosystems. Here, the challenge is to strike a balance between recreational access and nature preservation, by actively involving local communities in the management of these shared spaces.
- The third project turns its attention to aquatic leisure activities in inland waters (lakes, rivers, etc.), such as open-water swimming and stand-up paddleboarding. This initiative aims to raise awareness among users and promote practices that respect the fragility of these environments.
- The fourth project examines coastal and maritime challenges, with a particular focus on fragile dune systems and coastal sites, often used for a wide range of outdoor activities. At the heart of the discussions: protecting coastal ecosystems and sharing knowledge between managers and practitioners to ensure harmonious coexistence.
- Finally, the fifth and final project explores collaboration with the tourism sector, particularly in high-mountain habitats. Here, the focus is on the economic drivers behind tourism while seeking to integrate sustainability principles to preserve these unique spaces.
Upcoming: Euro’Meet 2026, a Summit for the Future of Outdoor Sports
The discussions and progress of the CONNECT+ project will take center stage at the 8th edition of Euro’Meet, organized by ENOS in Sundsvall, Sweden, from September 8 to 10, 2026. This event will bring together key players in the sector around a central question: “How can outdoor leisure and lifestyles contribute to a more sustainable, inclusive, and healthy society?“
Surfrider Foundation Europe will be in attendance and will address the theme of citizen science, a powerful tool for involving citizens in ecosystem protection.
Toward Sustainable and Collaborative Practices
The CONNECT+ project represents a major step forward in reconciling outdoor sports with the preservation of natural spaces. By relying on concrete experiments and strengthened dialogue, it paves the way for more environmentally respectful practices, while still allowing enthusiasts to enjoy nature.
For Surfrider Foundation Europe, this project is an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to preserving the ocean and aquatic environments, while promoting a collaborative approach among all stakeholders involved.