Cesar Augusto Aspiazu da Silva
Coordinator, Pan American Trails
PhD Candidate at the University of Brasília
Brasília, Brazil
As paisagens podem ser vistas de várias maneiras, muitas vezes com um ideal romântico de natureza preservada ou de harmonia entre humanos e o meio ambiente. A importância das paisagens, desde pequenas áreas até escalas continentais, reflete nosso vínculo com a natureza e nos ajuda a entender nossa dimensão na Terra. Trilhas de Longa Distância são cruciais para conectar ecossistemas fragmentados e promover a biodiversidade, oferecendo oportunidades para conservação e restauração de habitats. A visão de uma Rede Pan-Americana de Trilhas destaca a necessidade de colaborar para conectar comunidades e áreas protegidas, equilibrando recreação e conservação e enfrentando desafios como a degradação ambiental e a fragmentação dos habitats.
Landscapes can be viewed in multiple ways, from different perspectives and with various analytical lenses. The first images that come to mind when thinking about landscapes often revert to a romantic ideal, where nature is completely preserved, or to scenarios where humans live in harmony with all the planet’s living beings.
Landscapes can encompass the biotic and abiotic elements of the planet, geological formations spanning millions of years, imposing mountains and canyons, forests stretching to the horizon, deserts, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, and seas blending with the blue of the sky. A landscape can be as small as a garden or as vast as a continental scale.
The value of these landscapes reflects the importance of nature to us, while also giving us a sense of our dimension on the Earth’s surface. When hiking in natural environments, whether in the valleys of the Andes Mountains or in a Protected Area in the Amazon, I realize my human dimension, almost insignificant in the face of the vastness of preserved landscapes.
At the same time, when I stop to catch my breath after a steep incline, to hydrate, or to have a snack, I am fortunate to observe the elements interacting. Clouds covering the horizon, trees and shrubs swaying in the wind, rivers meandering around rock formations, and, with luck, seeing some animals pass by. So many landscapes remain vivid in my memories, yet there are also many threats these spaces face. Hiking has given me the chance to experience some of the most incredible places on the American continent, while also confronting situations where nature is being destroyed.
The presence of trails in remote and preserved areas, or in Wilderness areas, allows for immersive contact with nature, but we cannot merely idealize pristine landscapes as part of our trail networks. The vision of a Pan American Trails network, which envisions a continuous network of trails from Alaska to Patagonia, connecting human communities and protected areas, highlights the essential role of trails in fostering a healthy life and sustainable, resilient communities.
Trails are seen as crucial for connecting ecosystems, restoring landscapes, and protecting biodiversity. By collaborating, cooperating, and coordinating among organizations, governments, and individuals, we connect trails across the continent. We believe that working together towards this goal strengthens the bond between people and nature, promotes economic and social equity, and contributes to peace across the Americas.
Trails can indeed serve as hubs for promoting public engagement in conservation and landscape connectivity, but it is necessary to view the landscape at multiple levels and from different scales. As Reed Noss (1983) emphasized, each local area is a piece of a larger ecological puzzle. The importance of each trail is enhanced when seen as part of a larger whole, highlighting its role in preserving biodiversity and fostering ecological resilience.
Only ten percent of terrestrial protected areas are structurally connected (Ward, 2020). The deficiencies in the global network of terrestrial protected areas are evident; however, various studies have not considered how climate change will affect future connectivity. Climate connectivity between the global network of protected areas is compromised (Parks, 2023). There is a feedback loop between the biodiversity, climate, and social crises we face globally. The increasing fragmentation of habitats points to the need to strengthen and implement ecological corridors. Habitat loss has significant effects on biodiversity independent of any habitat fragmentation effects per se (Fahrig, 2003).
It is crucial to highlight the importance of ecological corridors. Data from the IUCN show that around 17% of the Earth’s surface has been heavily transformed by cities and 56% by agriculture. “Ecological connectivity” is the unobstructed movement of species and the flow of natural processes that sustain life on Earth. “Without connectivity, ecosystems cannot function properly, and without well-functioning ecosystems, biodiversity and other life fundamentals are at risk” (Hilty et al., 2020, p. 2).
The IUCN/WCPA Connectivity Conservation Specialist Group defines connectivity conservation as “the action of individuals, communities, public and private institutions to maintain, enhance, and restore ecological flows, species movement, and dynamic processes in intact and fragmented environments” (IUCN/WCPA/CCSG).
When it comes to conservation and recreation initiatives, Long-Distance Trails (LDTs) stand out as networks that connect diverse landscapes, communities, and ecological values. Trails are not just routes for hikers but can also be vital arteries for promoting landscape connectivity and better environmental management of Protected Areas and cultural exchange between hikers and local communities. The Pan American Trails vision underscores this role, aiming to weave a network that spans the continent and connects human and natural communities in a meaningful way. It is believed that LDTs can be designed based on ecological corridors, established on what is known as “trail corridors” (Wilson & Belote, 2022).
For those venturing into the field of “Trailology,” understanding the governance and management of LDTs offers a profound glimpse into the intersection of ecology, sustainability, and human experience. This essay aims to challenge conservation scientists and practitioners of the World Trail Network on how LDTs can contribute to ecological connectivity.
LDTs are more than just hiking routes; they can be ecological corridors and cultural connectors. These trails traverse vast landscapes, linking fragmented habitats and providing corridors for wildlife movement. LDTs incorporate the concept of ecological connectivity, providing essential links between protected areas and diverse habitats. They facilitate species movement, gene flow, and the continuity of ecological processes through fragmented landscapes. This connectivity is crucial in an era of rapid environmental changes, where habitat fragmentation and climate change challenge the survival of many species. By understanding and managing LDTs effectively, we can contribute to maintaining the ecological integrity of our landscapes (Beier & Noss, 1998).
The Complexity of Ecological Connectivity
Ecological connectivity is a central theme in LDT management. LDTs can be designed to connect fragmented habitats, supporting species movement and ecological processes. However, managing connectivity involves addressing several complexities:
- Design Principles: LDT design must consider ecological principles to create effective corridors. This involves understanding species movement patterns, habitat requirements, and human activity impacts. Research has shown that well-designed corridors can enhance biodiversity by providing safe passages for wildlife and supporting gene flow between populations (Noss, 2002).
- Habitat Restoration: LDTs also offer opportunities for habitat restoration. Many trails pass through degraded areas where restoration efforts can improve ecological health. By incorporating restoration activities, such as reforestation, invasive species control, and habitat enhancement, trail managers can contribute to broader conservation goals and demonstrate the potential for coexistence between recreation and restoration (Wyborn, 2015).
- Effective Governance: Effective governance is essential for managing LDTs to support both ecological and recreational objectives. This involves coordinating policies, engaging stakeholders, and employing adaptive management strategies. Successful trail governance requires coordination among various levels of government and stakeholders. Aligning policies and goals ensures that trail management practices are consistent and effective. Strategic connectivity—linking LDTs to broader conservation networks and regional planning efforts—enhances their role in maintaining ecological connectivity (IUCN, 2020).
- Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging a diverse range of stakeholders is crucial for successful trail management. This includes local communities, indigenous groups, conservation organizations, and recreational users. Collaborative approaches build trust, address conflicts, and incorporate diverse perspectives into decision-making processes. Working together, stakeholders can develop management strategies that balance conservation goals with recreational needs (Wilson & Belote, 2022).
- Adaptive Management: Adaptive management is a key component of effective trail governance. This approach involves monitoring trail conditions, assessing management practices, and making adjustments based on new information and changing circumstances. Regular assessment allows managers to address emerging challenges, such as environmental degradation or changes in recreational trends, and ensure that trails continue to meet their ecological and social objectives (Beazley, 2023).
Trail management presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding these aspects can inspire new professionals to navigate the complexities of trail management and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.
Environmental Degradation: Increased trail use can lead to environmental issues, such as soil erosion and habitat destruction. Addressing these challenges requires ongoing monitoring, effective trail design, and maintenance practices (Fahrig, 2003).
Wildlife Conflicts: Human activities on trails can disturb wildlife behavior and lead to conflicts. Designing trails to minimize disturbances and educating visitors about wildlife etiquette can help mitigate these issues (Beier & Noss, 1998).
Balancing Recreation and Conservation: Finding a balance between providing recreational opportunities and preserving natural habitats is a key challenge. Sustainable trail management practices and collaborative decision-making are essential for achieving this balance (WCPA, 2024).
Enhancing Conservation Efforts: LDTs offer opportunities to support broader conservation initiatives, such as habitat restoration and species monitoring. Integrating conservation goals into trail management can contribute to larger ecological objectives and demonstrate the potential for coexistence between recreation and conservation (Hilty et al., 2020).
Community Involvement: LDTs provide a platform for community engagement in trail conservation and management. Involving local residents and indigenous groups can enhance conservation outcomes and promote sustainable practices (Cunha e Menezes, 2022).
Advancements in technology and management practices can improve trail monitoring and resource management. Utilizing tools like GPS mapping and data analysis can enhance trail management effectiveness and support adaptive strategies (IUCN, 2020).
Conclusion
Strengthening connectivity and managing Long-Distance Trails in the Americas represents a dynamic and inspiring field. By integrating ecotourism principles, embracing ecological connectivity, and addressing governance challenges, LDTs can play a vital role in preserving biodiversity, supporting local communities, and providing recreational opportunities. For those entering the field of trailology, the opportunity to contribute to this emerging area of knowledge is both a privilege and a responsibility. Through careful management and collaborative efforts, we can ensure that LDTs continue to serve as pathways for conservation, connection, and inspiration for future generations.
References
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Beier, P., & Noss, R. F. (1998). Do habitat corridors provide connectivity?. Conservation biology, 12(6), 1241-1252.
Cunha e Menezes, P. C., do Val Simardi Beraldo Souza, T., & Folmann, A. C. (2022). Brazilian Trails Network and Connectivity, Putting a Recreation Infrastructure to Work for Conservation Gains. Tourism Planning & Development, 19(3), 227-234.
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Hilty, J. A., Lidicker Jr, W. Z., & Merenlender, A. M. (2012). Corridor ecology: the science and practice of linking landscapes for biodiversity conservation. Island press.
Hilty, J., Worboys, G. L., Keeley, A., Woodley, S., Lausche, B. J., Locke, H., … & Tabor, G. M. (2020). Guidelines for conserving connectivity through ecological networks and corridors.
Noss, R. F. (1983). A regional landscape approach to maintain diversity. BioScience, 33(11), 700-706.
Noss, R. (2002). Context Matters: Considerations for Large‐Scale Conservation. Conservation in Practice, 3(3), 10-19.
Ward, M., Saura, S., Williams, B., Ramírez-Delgado, J. P., Arafeh-Dalmau, N., Allan, J. R., … & Watson, J. E. (2020). Just ten percent of the global terrestrial protected area network is structurally connected via intact land. Nature communications, 11(1), 4563.
Wilson, M. B., & Belote, R. T. (2022). The value of trail corridors for bold conservation planning. Land, 11(3), 348.
Wyborn, C. (2015). Connectivity conservation: Boundary objects, science narratives and the co-production of science and practice. Environmental Science & Policy, 51, 292-303.