![\"ccs-62657-0-26080800-1434115470.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-62657-0-26080800-1434115470.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\nA collaboration between Durban Green Corridor, Dusi uMngeni Conservation Trust (DUCT) and the BSi Steel dusi2c has produced a multi-faceted positive impact on the Valley of a 1000 Hills that has empowered the local communities and contributed to the growth of the region’s adventure tourism industry. Anthony Grote\/Gameplan Media<\/span><\/p>\n The 2015 edition of the two day MTB stage race from Camps Drift in Pietermaritzburg to Durban\u2019s Blue Lagoon that takes place on 20 and 21 June will once again see riders traversing the endless valleys and hills via the endless natural and purpose-cut trails of the region.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a service provider to Durban Green Corridor, DUCT is responsible for building and maintaining the stretch of trails from Marianni-Foley Causeway near Nqumeni Hill all the way down to Blue Lagoon,\u201d explains DUCT\u2019s Bart Fokkens.<\/p>\n \u201cThe development of this trail network has created the potential for KZN adventurers to come and explore the valley \u2013 not only by canoe but now by bicycle and by foot as well \u2013 which is vital to the region\u2019s existence.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile the trails are there year-round, annual events such as the dusi2c and the Dusi Canoe Marathon play an important role in creating the awareness of just what the area has to offer and sparking an interest that has seen participants return to the valley in the months after having completed their race,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n With unemployment being a problem faced by many communities throughout the country, creating opportunities for locals to earn an income without having to leave their families and move to urban areas has been a key objective of the Durban Green Corridor and dusi2c\u2019s race organisers alike.<\/p>\n \u201cGenerally we use our local, DUCT staff to look after the trails however we often get temporary staff in to help us as well.<\/p>\n \u201cThe people that are employed all come from the local communities, furthering our philosophy of empowering people who live close enough that they are able to walk to work.\u201d<\/p>\n Canoeing and mountain biking aren\u2019t the only activities currently thriving in the valley as trail running, hiking and, most recently, birding have also contributed to the region\u2019s variety of visitors.<\/p>\n