Best practice in the natural environment
Practise responsible trekking
What a pleasure it is to immerse ourselves in the vastness of the mountains and stroll amidst the tranquillity of the woods! What a joy it is to share this experience with family and friends or enjoy it alone! However, it is essential to be aware that, in the mountains, we are guests and we must treat them with the same respect we would have for our own home. We must take care of this natural environment as if it were our own home and preserve the beauty and richness it offers so that other people and future generations can also enjoy this wonderful experience.
Problems it can cause
Human impact on the mountain can negatively affect wild flora and fauna.
Groups of people, large or small, can make noise and disturb sensitive species, including those that are endangered. Food waste can alter the soil, favour predators and endanger threatened species.
Irresponsible plant collection and needless construction of milestones affect the habitat and the invertebrate community.
The presence of dogs can cause stress of flight and also have a negative impact on the reproduction and resilience of wildlife, as well as being a threat to the offspring of vulnerable species.
We must be aware and act responsibly to preserve the mountains’ natural richness.
Best practices
Let’s respect nature to continue enjoying it:
- Plan your route taking into account the presence of threatened fauna.
- Respect access restrictions to sensitive sites, whether they are no-entry signs on footpaths, motorised access barriers, or recommendations not to pass due to the presence of threatened fauna.
- Walk only on marked routes and main paths.
- Try to make as little noise as possible. Especially avoid shouting.
- Always keep your dog on a leash.
- Take all waste home with you, whether it’s food scraps, fruit peels or the wipes used for your personal needs.
- Do not uproot any plants or take any animals home. Their home is the mountain!
- When possible, hike with a mountain guide.
- Do not pick up rocks or make piles of stones.
- If you see an animal, do not disturb it, observe it from a distance. Take a picture if you want, and move away without causing it to flee whenever possible."
- Discover hiking by participating in youth leisure groups (such as volunteer-run groups and scout troops) or hiking groups. These entities are better suited to passing on this knowledge and the culture about how to behave in nature.
Associated resources
Trekking section in “muntanyes vives” – Muntanyes vives
Decalogue of the good hiker FEEC
Manual del bon excursionista – FEEC
Directory of trekking clubs in Catalonia – FEEC
Search engine of youth and children leisure groups – DG Joventut
Campaign “A la Muntanya deixa’t guiar” – Som Pirineu
SENDIF calculator of trails difficulty – Som Pirineu