Long-distance non-motorised routes (CNMLR) have great potential to act as ecological corridors. The Steps for LIFE project (LIFE20 NAT/ES/000309) aims to link the objectives of biodiversity conservation, culture, human health and leisure in natural environments through a multifunctional green infrastructure (ecological, cultural and tourist) that functions as an ecological corridor, providing a cost-effective return on investment. The project is being carried out on the Camino Lebaniego in Cantabria (Spain) and on the Camino de Santiago in Vila Nova Gaia (Portugal).
As a partner organisation, FIRE is responsible for the following activities: (1) drawing up a strategic plan for each of the target routes and (2) designing a robust, open-access online toolkit to enable the various CNMLR managers, local stakeholders and social actors to access materials and technical information that promotes and guides the management of pilgrimage routes as multifunctional green infrastructure.
The ‘Steps for LIFE’ project team is coordinated by the Camino Lebaniego Foundation and includes the following project partners: the Vila Nova de Gaia Municipal Council in Portugal, the International Foundation for Ecosystem Restoration (FIRE), the Amica Association (AMICA), the Spanish Ornithological Society SeoBirdlife (SEO) and the Cantabrian Association for People with Intellectual Disabilities (AMPROS).
*This research has been partially funded by the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, but does not reflect the views of the Ministry
Duration: 2022–2026
Partner organisations
Steps for LIFE, Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge
Location
España.
The Lebaniego Way and the routes leading to Santo Toribio de Liébana in Cantabria (Spain), and the Portuguese Way of St James as it passes through Vila Nova de Gaia (Portugal).
Objective
The transformation of long-distance non-motorised routes (CNMLR) into multifunctional green infrastructure, through ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and the optimisation of ecological connectivity.
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