The mountains are a space that invites us to connect with ourselves, but also with the nature around us. However, it's vital to recognize that it needs our care to preserve its integrity. In this sense, sustainability and care for nature are essential to practicing the activity responsibly.
We believe that our activity commits us, from a very personal place, to take care of what we love so much and preserve it so we can keep enjoying it, and a key tool for achieving that is raising awareness and spreading information about this issue.
Putting it into practice means making decisions and taking actions that minimize our environmental impact and promote the conservation of the surroundings.
Below, I present some aspects I consider key and simple to carry out in order to get a little closer to zero impact:
- Responsible trekking and hiking: When exploring mountains, it's important to respect the established boundaries. Avoid walking off the marked trails to protect the flora and fauna; this reduces erosion caused by frequent foot traffic. Whenever possible, stick to trails that are already in use so as not to create new paths.
- Biodiversity conservation: Respect the tranquility and natural beauty by reducing noise and activities that could disturb the peace, the mountain environment and its local wildlife
- Properly manage waste: We must carry out all the waste we generate, including wrappers, containers and other trash. We leave nothing behind in the mountains, including organic waste, since it can take a long time to break down and it's not part of the landscape being visited. Don't leave trash or food scraps behind. If possible, follow the "Leave No Trace" principle, leaving the surroundings as good as or better than you found them.
- Responsible use of resources: Use natural resources responsibly and consciously; choose products and services that support communities based in rural areas, which among other things enriches us culturally.
- Environmental awareness and education: Encourage environmental awareness among everyone who shares the activity with you; we believe good habits can be contagious and that plenty of information never hurts — you might be able to give someone who hasn't yet had the chance to learn, the tools to do so.
Caring for nature isn't just important for maintaining the beauty of a place, but also for preserving ecosystems, such as water regulation, the provision of habitats, and the mitigation of climate change. By being aware of our impact and taking sustainable measures, we can make sure the mountains remain natural refuges for everyone, both today and in the future.
We hold that what is loved must be cared for, and the shift toward sustainability isn't an easy task, but it's essential for preserving the earth. Sustainability isn't just a choice, it's a shared responsibility that concerns us all.
“Nature is not a place to visit. It is home.” – Gary Snyder
