The Mediterranean Sea Trails
Research Center

Environment, Economy, Society

VISION

The Mediterranean Sea Trails Research Center leads in research, teaching, and application of sustain  able development in leisure, recreation, and tourism systems along the Mediterranean coast and trails. We integrate academic research, innovative teaching, and practical activities within civil society, focusing on the connections between economy, society, and environment.

Photo Credit: Dubi Tal

As representatives of the University of Haifa’s spirit, we are committed to creating innovative knowledge, developing sustainable solutions, and training future leaders.

Our aspiration is to create a sustainable network of trails that connects communities, boosts local economies, and preserves the unique coastal environment.
This is part of our vision to establish a sustainable future along the Mediterranean coast, where economic development, social welfare, and environmental protection harmoniously integrate for the benefit of future generations.

GOALS & ACTIVITIES

RESEARCH

Advance research and education on sustainable development, tourism, recreation, and trail planning through courses, research, and conferences.

IMPACT


Create Socio-environmental and economic impact for the Mediterranean Sea Trails.

PARTNERSHIPS


Foster collaborations
in Israel and internationally with organizations focused on hiking, tourism, and the environment.

Main Projects

The Israel Sea Trail

The Israel Sea Trail is a long-distance hiking route that runs along the Mediterranean coastline of Israel. It provides access to the sea and its shores, the environment, culture, and maritime heritage for the entire population of Israel. It contributes to deepening the sense of public ownership and societal responsibility toward the sea and coast. The Sea Trail enhances the well-being of the country’s residents in an experiential and educational manner, with a focus on familiarizing people with Israel’s coastal and marine areas and preserving natural and heritage values.

Website

HEAD OF CENTER

PROF. NOGA COLLINS-KREINER

Professor of Environmental Science at the University of Haifa, Head of the Mediterranean Sea Trails Research Center, and former President of the Israeli Geographical Society. Chair of the Geography Professional Committee at the Ministry of Education from 2018 to 2022.
Education: Ph.D. in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Haifa. Postdoctoral research at the Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo, Canada.
Research Focus: Research and planning of recreational, leisure, and tourism development systems. Her work combines academic research and tourism consultancy with practical insights. She lectures, researches, and consults in areas such as religious tourism, heritage tourism, ecological tourism, crisis tourism, SDGs, senior tourism, agricultural tourism, climate change tourism, trail development and planning, hiking, and visitor management.
Her experience includes conducting research projects, planning, and providing professional consultancy for the Ministry of Tourism, the Jewish National Fund, the Nature and Parks Authority, the Council for the Preservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, and numerous other private and public organizations both in Israel and abroad, including agricultural tourism planning in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

CV

Wikipedia | Google Scholar | Orcid | Researchgate

The Mediterranean Sea Trails
Research Center