The first 67 proposals, worth a total of €30.2 million, for the creation of a network of trails and hiking routes, were approved by a decision signed by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Mr. Theo Skylakakis, and the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Nikos Papathanasis.

According to the relevant announcement, these are proposals submitted by municipalities, regions, and monasteries within the framework of the project "Creation of a national network of trails and hiking routes" of the Recovery and Resilience Fund, with the Agency for the Natural Environment and Climate Change (OFYPEKA) as the intermediary implementing body.

Among these, as announced by the Ministry of the Environment, are projects for the creation or enhancement of paths in Evia, Soufli, Oinousses, Kalymnos, Tzoumerka, Asterousia in Crete, Kalymnos, Folegandros, Naxos, Donousa, Herakleia, Ano Koufonissi, Schinoussa, Drama, and Gerania Mountains. In addition, in the regions of Western Macedonia, Epirus, and Peloponnese, which are beneficiaries, the network extends over more than one municipality in large parts of the region.

Initially, according to the ministry, the proposals, which met all the criteria of the relevant call, were evaluated and approved. In total, 175 proposals were submitted. The remaining applicants for funding, provided they submit the necessary supporting documents of the call for expressions of interest, will be able to be examined—during the second round of evaluation—by the relevant committee of the Ministry of Environment and Energy and OFYPEKA.

The aim of the project, with a total budget of €46.42 million, is to create an extensive network of hiking trails, which will contribute to the preservation and protection of the countryside's natural and cultural heritage. The creation of a national trail network will contribute to the enhancement of Greek nature and local sustainable development.