OTTAWA,
ON, March 28, 2024 /CNW/ - A globally renowned
conservationist, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and the
head of Europe's network for
natural and cultural heritage will headline the speaker line-up at
the World Trails Conference this fall in Ottawa.
The conference, hosted by Trans Canada Trail, is poised to be an
unparalleled gathering of outdoor enthusiasts, experts and
advocates from around the world. This is the first time in its
history the conference will be hosted in North America.
The first three keynote speakers announced for this prestigious
event — which runs Sept. 30 - Oct. 3
— include trailblazers in their respective fields:
- Dianne Whelan, a
filmmaker and adventurer renowned for her award-winning documentary
500 Days in the Wild.
- Harvey Locke, a Canadian
conservationist and co-founder of the Yellowstone to Yukon
Conservation Initiative and Nature Needs Half.
- Carol Ritchie, Executive
Director of the EUROPARC Federation, the representative body of
Europe's Protected Areas.
Their insights are sure to captivate attendees and inspire
meaningful conversations about the future of trails and their
impact on communities, nature and well-being.
More than 80 other speakers will engage in this year's
conference theme, "Connection to people, places and the planet." A
full speaker list, including additional keynotes, will be announced
soon. Find more information at: worldtrailsconference.org.
"As Canada's trail sector
leader, we're thrilled to convene the global outdoors community for
discussion on the value of trails in Canada and abroad," says Mathieu Roy, VP and Chief Trail Experience
Officer at Trans Canada Trail. "This year's speaker line-up
promises four days of important dialogue that will inspire and
inform trail stewardship for years to come."
In addition to thought-provoking presentations, the conference
will feature diverse activities, trail journeys, workshops and a
celebratory reception. Delegates will have the opportunity to delve
into topics such as climate resilience, sustainable tourism,
economic development and trail accessibility.
"The World Trails Conference is a crucial platform for fostering
dialogue, sharing knowledge, and sparking new ideas that benefit
trails and trail professionals," says Jackie Randle, International Chair of the World
Trails Network (WTN). "The line-up of speakers the WTN has
assembled represents a vast wealth of experience and expertise.
Conference attendees will find the sessions to be both
informative and at times entertaining."
The World Trails Conference offers delegates an unprecedented
opportunity to engage with global trail experts, forge meaningful
networks, and shape the future of trail experiences worldwide.
Registration is open, with early-bird rates closing March 30, 2024 and advance rates closing
July 30, 2024.
Media are invited to attend the conference and may request a
press pass.
About Trans Canada Trail
The Trans Canada Trail (the Trail) is the longest recreational
trail in the world, spanning over 28,000 kilometres on land and
water. Linking three oceans – the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic –
the Trail connects 15,000 rural, urban and Indigenous communities
across every province and territory. It is a ribbon that connects
Canada's diverse landscapes,
seasons, people and experiences, and fosters unity, collaboration
and connectedness. Trans Canada Trail is a registered charity and
stewards this national trail in collaboration with local trail
partners. With funding from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada, and investments
from all levels of government and generous donors, Trans Canada
Trail is the largest investor in trail infrastructure projects in
Canada, supporting improvements,
growth and enhancements for generations to come.
About the World Trails
Network
Founded in 2012, the World Trails Network is the largest
globally representative and dedicated trails non-profit
organization of its kind, consisting of trail organizations and
professional trail experts, working collaboratively for the
enhancement and betterment of trails around the world.
worldtrailsnetwork.org
SOURCE Trans Canada Trail