New inclusive ecological trail «Journey into nature without barriers»
A new inclusive ecological trail, "Journey into Nature Without Barriers," opened on May 5, 2026, in the Rossony district of the Vitebsk region as part of the "Rays of Hope" tourist gathering for people with disabilities. The eco-trail was created within the framework of the project "Development of Ecological Tourism to Promote Green Transition to Inclusive and Sustainable Growth," implemented by the United Nations Development Programme in Belarus in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, with financial support from the Russian Federation.
The 6-kilometer ecological trail starts near the center of ecological education of the state environmental institution "EKO-ROSY" and runs through the territory of a natural reserve. It offers an educational and interactive way to explore the nature of Belarus. The route features 17 thematic stops with interactive tasks, informative stands, and rest areas. Visitors can complete the eco-trail with a "traveler's passport," complete tasks, and collect stamps, making the walk engaging for both adults and children.
Special attention has been paid to accessibility: a portion of the route is specially adapted for people with disabilities and considers the needs of visitors with musculoskeletal disorders, visual impairments (low vision or blindness), hearing impairments, as well as individuals with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). Tactile and sensory elements, information stands with Braille duplication, and infrastructure for comfortable and safe movement, including a safe descent to the water, have been installed here.
"The opening of the ecological trail is an important step for the development
The opening of the eco-trail is a clear result of joint work by national and international partners aimed at developing ecotourism in Belarus and creating modern and accessible tourist infrastructure in protected natural areas.
“Russia continues to provide assistance to its Belarusian friends both through the UN and on a bilateral basis. Established cooperation mechanisms allow for high efficiency in the use of Russian funding, which ultimately contributes to improving the well-being of citizens,” noted Daniil Kharitonov, Second Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Republic of Belarus.
The project, implemented by the UNDP and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection with the financial support of the Russian Federation, helps develop specially protected natural areas (SPNAs) – the "Ozery", "Osvyeysky", "Naliboksky", and "Krasny Bor" reserves – as centers for sustainable ecotourism. New routes are being created here, infrastructure is being updated, modern approaches to environmental education are being introduced, and opportunities for comfortable and safe recreation in nature are being expanded.