Support the TCT's Caucasus Conservation Corps

Help the Transcaucasian Trail Association connect young people in the South Caucasus through nature conservation and outdoor leadership while building a path for sustainable tourism in the region. 

The Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) is a long-distance hiking trail that will stretch 3,000 kilometers across the South Caucasus, connecting the region’s vast biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Our aim is to promote rural economic opportunities, support environmental protection, and create cross-border connections in a region divided by conflict. 

A trail crew camping in Svaneti, GeorgiaWe’ve spent years investing not only in trails, but also in the local expertise necessary to sustainably build and maintain the TCT.

Since 2015, we’ve opened 1500 kilometers of trails, trained hundreds of volunteers in trail building and maintenance, put new destinations on the map (literally), and launched a new wave of human-powered adventures through the Caucasus. 

Now, with growing local volunteer programs in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, the TCT has become more than just a destination for hikers: it’s also a rare platform for cultural exchange.

TCT Armenia & Trails For Change volunteers building a new section of the TCT in Arevik National Park, Armenia (June 2022)

THE CAUCASUS CONSERVATION CORPS  

Behind the building of the TCT is a growing cohort of young local trail builders and environmental advocates, known as the Caucasus Conservation Corps (CCC). 

The CCC brings together young people from across Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia to work on trail development, environmental protection, and sustainable tourism projects. 

In the process, they develop their leadership skills, gain job skills related to nature-based tourism, and build connections with youth from other regions.

TCT Azerbaijan volunteers completing their first trail improvement project in Bash Kungut, Azerbaijan (October 2022)

Over the past 2 years, with the support of the U.S. Forest Service and other partners, we've grown the program from a single trail crew to an international effort benefiting all three countries. 

Now, we are raising funds to build on our strong partnerships and expand our reach.

The goal is simple: include more youth and expand our international exchanges, all of which fosters understanding, dialogue, and leadership among the young people of the region as they work together in the incredible mountains that they all share.

TCT Georgia team members & volunteers with visiting U.S. Forest Service representatives in Zeskho, Georgia (August 2022)

In 2023, the CCC program will include both local trail crew programs and international youth exchanges between Georgia-Armenia and Georgia-Azerbaijan. 

Over the next 3 years, we aim to create a 3-country exchange within the CCC that can be used as a peacebuilding program centered around non-political topics: trails, conservation, and tourism.

Trails For Change & TCT Armenia volunteers warming up before the day's trail work in Arevik National Park, Armenia (June 2022)

WHY NOW?   

There’s never been a more important time to invest in youth and job opportunities in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. 

Your support will have a big impact both on these young people and on the sections of the Transcaucasian Trail they’re building, which supports rural tourism and environmental conservation efforts across the whole region. 

TCT Georgia volunteers in Nedzvi Reserve, Georgia (June 2022)

By investing in the CCC, you're joining us to create a new generation of conservation leaders in the Caucasus: a generation focused on building a more peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for the region. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

...And we'll see you in the mountains! 

TCT Azerbaijan volunteers scouting a new trail connection between Dashagil and Xalxal, Azerbaijan (September 2022)