Leave No Trace

We mountaineers who are frequent visitors have the obligation not to leave any trace of our passage.

For this reason, 7 PRINCIPLES (see detailed information here) were established that constitute an understandable framework of practices for minimizing the impacts of those who visit the outdoors. Each principle covers a specific topic and contains details on how we can minimize our impacts on nature.

Leave No Trace began in the 1960s and 1970s in America. Back then, thanks to new equipment such as stoves, sleeping bags and tents, there was a large increase in visitors to nature. This resulted in opening a new market, resulting in the production of even more "outdoor" products, which in turn led even more people to the outdoors. During these decades, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Services began informing visitors how to have minimal impact on nature.

This effort resulted in what we today call No Trace Principles:

1. We plan and prepare properly

People who have not prepared properly when faced with unforeseen situations choose solutions that have a negative impact on nature and put themselves at risk. That is why before each trip:

1. We inform ourselves about any special rules of the area we are visiting such as if it is a National Forest.
2. We prepare properly with the appropriate equipment for extreme weather conditions, hazards, and any emergency situation we may encounter.
3. We move in small groups where possible
4. We package food properly so as not to create garbage.

2. We camp and walk on durable surfaces

Soil destruction occurs when surface flora and various microorganisms are destroyed to the point where they cannot recover. This results in desertification and soil erosion.

1. Durable surfaces are designed trails and camping areas, rocks, dry grass and snow.
2. We protect riparian areas by camping away from lakes, streams, creeks and springs.
3. In popular areas:
4. We use existing trails and camping areas.
5. We walk in the middle of the trail single file!
6. We camp small where there is no vegetation.

3. We properly manage our waste

Dumping it in the environment significantly degrades it, causing major environmental damage. In case there are no disposal points you should carry them with you:

1. We do not leave garbage behind us (inorganic and organic). Before we leave the campsite we take a look to see if we have forgotten anything and if we have left the place clean.
2. We try to pick up both our garbage and garbage left by careless people.
3. We properly manage our waste (at a distance of 50m from sources) as well as personal hygiene products.
4. For our washing as well as kitchen items we use biodegradable soaps in small quantities and away from sources.

4. We minimize the impacts of fire

As pleasant as it is to light a fire at the campsite, unfortunately excessive use significantly degrades the natural environment. We look for alternative solutions or light a small fire:

1. For cooking use a stove while for light use a flashlight.
2. Light small fires - use only small twigs.
3. Burn the fire completely and do not leave remnants and scatter the ashes.

5. We leave everything as we found it

We minimize the impacts we have on the natural environment, for example we do not nail nails in trees, we do not remove rocks and we do not dig in the soil.

1. Preserve the past: explore but do not alter historical and cultural monuments.
2. Leave rocks, plants and anything else natural where you found them.
3. Do not introduce non-native species to the flora and fauna
4. Do not paint and carve rocks and tree trunks.

6. We respect wildlife

We minimize the impacts on wildlife and the ecosystem.

1. Enjoy wildlife from afar and without following it
2. Do not feed animals. This way you damage their health, change their natural behavior and expose them to predators and other dangers.
3. Store your food and garbage properly so as not to attract wildlife.

7. We take into account other visitors

We do not cause needless disturbance and allow others to enjoy nature in peace.

1. Respect other visitors and the quality of their experience.
2. Camp, where permitted, away from trails and other visitors.
3. Let nature be heard!