Use existing trails
Prioritize the use of marked and officially sanctioned trails
Respect closed paths (both temporary and permanent) and avoid invading private properties
Practices for sustainability
Leave the area as you found it
All the waste you have created must go back with you, and never end up in nature. Leaving waste in nature pollutes the environment and is very harmful to the flora and fauna
Don’t throw away organic waste in nature: fruit peel, nuts, food leftovers, etc. While organic waste is biodegradable, it can take a long time to do so, in some cases over a year.
If during the hike you see waste you can take with you, it’s recommeded to pick it up and throw it in the nearest trash can.
Respect the flora and the fauna
Don’t disturb the tranquility of natural spaces by making unnecessary noises. These ones can cause stress and fear in wild animals, and alter their normal behavior
Don’t damage the flora, adapting your course to avoid harm to plants and trees
Don’t collect mushrooms, plants or fruits indiscriminately or outside the limits set by local regulations
Don’t intervene in any way in the natural habitat, avoiding piling up or moving rocks or any other elements
Don’t disturb or hound wild animals. If you see any, stop or slow your step to avoid scaring them
Control your pets if hiking with them, having them on a leash so they don’t pursue other animals or damage vegetation
Use eco-friendly products
Avoid single-use products
Carry a reusable bottle and ecological kitchen utensils to reduce the amount of waste created
Choose biodegradable personal care products. Make sure that any product you take with you is eco-friendly, such as biodegradable toilet paper
Use technological products that are energetically efficient, such as solar-powered devices, to reduce the need for batteries and take advantage of renewable energies
Be ecological even outside the trail
Check your equipment’s ecological footprint and use products that can be recycled or reused
Use sustainable transport, public transport and shared vehicles, and do carbon offset for all travels
Go in small, organized groups
BIG GROUPS have a bigger environmental impact
OPTIMIZE THE SIZE OF THE GROUP
If it’s necessary to hike in big groups, divide the group into smaller ones and leave some space between them
Plan the route properly
Look up the rules and regulations of the area where you plan to hike
Choose trails close to your location to reduce your carbon footprint, and to promote local tourism development
Use GPS and offline applications, as they reduce the need for printed maps
Bring a physical compass with you, as a back-up in case of technological problems
Don’t light fires
If fire becomes necessary, make sure to light it in areas where it’s allowed and can be controlled, and to completely extinguish the embers when you’re done.
Always remember that the true inhabitants of the natural environment are the animals and
plants that live there. HIKERS ARE NOTHING MORE THAN GUESTS.