Peloponnese Trails, launched in early 2025, is more than a tourism initiative—it is a pioneering model for territorial regeneration through social economy (SE). Spearheaded by the Region of Peloponnese, Parnonas Development Agency, and the regional SE union PELOPAS, the initiative aims to restore 1,730 km of certified hiking trails across five regional units.

The trail network acts as a green spine for rural revival, connecting over 200 villages while addressing depopulation, economic mono-dependency, and fragmented planning. The strategy combines eco-tourism, proximity economy, inclusive employment, and environmental stewardship.

Key features include:

• 70% (1,200+ km) of trails completed as of mid-2025
• A participatory digital trail map, recognised for international innovation
• Employment and training for over 100 rural residents through social enterprises
• Use of low-impact materials, biodiversity corridors, and inclusive signage
• Strong community participation via cooperative governance

SE actors manage everything from trail maintenance and signage to hosting services and storytelling. With digital tools like real-time maps and open-source planning platforms, the project ensures both transparency and civic engagement.

As Greece’s largest certified trail system, Peloponnese Trails is an EU-level exemplar in:

• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Circular and proximity economies
• Participatory governance
• Youth employment and skills development

Looking ahead, the final 500 km of trails will be completed by Q4 2025, accompanied by visitor platforms, economic circuits, and plans for a trans-European SE Trail Network. Peloponnese Trails shows how rural landscapes can be reimagined—turning trails into transformative corridors for community, climate, and culture.

General lessons learned include the following:

• Rural communities engaged in social and solidarity economy can contribute to territorial governance by valuing their situated knowledge and organising through cooperative forms.  
• Public works in rural areas such as trails and green infrastructure should be treated should be treated as commons managed by local communities.  
• Governance works best when public authorities, social economy actors and private partners collaborate in a tripartite model. This approach ensures project continuity, bottom-up participation and steady funding.