After 2005, Ökotárs re-published its popular Greenways manual in an expanded and revised form. Inspiration for a
new edition came from the increasing demand for a livable environment that is developed through the preservation of
natural and cultural values and by the recognized ties between traditions and communities – Greenways can be great
tools for such development courses.
The 88-page book is designed to provide ideas for the development of cycling and nature trails, country houses,
to encourage local communities to create a network of walking, cycyling and treasure trails and by mobilizing the
enormous energy of their societies and local relations to develop their own local/regional greenways. Heritage protection,
eco-tourism services, community development, non-motorized modes of transport – all these and much more form greenways.
The guide presents these ideas and all the Hungarian Greenways created over the last years.
The book-launch ceremony took place in the framework of a colorful and lively event at Szigetmonostor on the 11th of
June. Moving down from a wide geographical outlook to the narrower, speakers presented the stories of international
and local greenways at a mini-conference to about 60 guests. After the welcoming speech of the host, David Murphy,
the director of the regional association of Environmental Partnership told a few words about the roots of international
greenways and about the model program of the Central-European Greenways.
Then Tamás Víg tourism expert summarized the
experiences of interviews and case studies made with local greenway developers. Ildikó Pásztor, representing the Primrose
Tourism Association presented the successful development of the Heritages Greenway. After these presentations, Veronika
Móra, Director of Ökotárs and Péter Varga from Toyota Motor Hungary introduced the Greenway Guide.
On the yard of the hosting Rosinante Country Inn, greenways activists illustrated the conference in practice at their
stands exhibiting delicious local products – jams, honey, cheese, handicrafts – and traditional shows, choir, storytellers,
horse riders. The informal cavalcade created a good occasion to meet and share experiences among working initiatives and
beginner greenwayers.
