Imagine hiking through alpine meadows, past ancient monasteries with breathtaking mountain views, across three diverse countries where over 30 languages are spoken. Now imagine helping to build that trail.
In this talk, recorded at the annual RGS Explore Weekend in November 2024, Meagan Neal, the Executive Director of the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) Association, shares her experiences of using of expeditions and fieldwork in innovative ways to create a sustainable and regionally impactful long-distance hiking trail spanning Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
What does this talk cover?
The Caucasus region boasts one of the most linguistically and biologically diverse environments globally. Launched a decade ago in 2015, Meagan recounts the story of how the Transcaucasian Trail project has combined ancient shepherding routes and Soviet jeep tracks with entirely new paths in three distinct countries. This ambitious endeavour shares a commitment to sustainable development and conservation, a common spirit of exploration for the greater good, and a mission to bring people together.
From the practicalities of building trails and mapping remote mountain ranges to the unexpected joy of mountain-top dance-offs, Meagan vividly illustrates how the teamwork and dedication of a few individuals with ambitious dreams (and a Society-funded Land Rover), has blossomed into an entirely new industry.
The result is an interconnected set of hiking routes, now over 1,700 kilometres long, open and accessible to hikers worldwide. In a region often marked by conflict, closed borders, and political tension, the TCT has united young people from all three countries through the shared experiences of expeditions and fieldwork put to new and original purposes.
Key moments
- 01:10 – Introducing the Transcaucasian Trail
- 04:17 – The impact of the traveller
- 05:12 – Sustainable development goals
- 07:20 – Bringing people in
- 09:54 – Connect with local organisations
- 10:25 – Using your skills for good
- 11:25 – Tell a powerful story
- 11:55 – The importance of fundraising
- 12:40 – Following up is essential
- 13:32 – You can’t do everything, but you can do something
- 14:00 – Be open to the long term
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