Let's care for nature so it'll be there for future generations.
Plan ahead and prepare
Check for any rules or restrictions at your destination.
Familiarize yourself with local regulations and specific recommendations for the area.
Prepare for changing weather, hazards, and emergencies.
Plan trips to avoid peak crowds and seasons.
Travel in small groups - ideally 4-6 people.
Pack food smart to reduce waste in the outdoors.
Use maps and compasses instead of leaving markers, cairns, or flags.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Durable surfaces include trails, campsites, rock, gravel, dry grass, or snow.
Camp at least 60m from water bodies.
Use existing campsites - don't create new ones.
In popular areas, stay on established trails and campsites - walk through mud when needed.
In wilder areas, scatter your impact - don't create new trails or campsites.
Avoid areas just showing signs of use - help nature recover.
Dispose of waste properly
Pack out everything you brought - check camp and rest areas thoroughly.
Bury solid human waste in 15-20 cm holes, at least 60m from water, trails, and campsites.
Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products - never leave them.
Wash yourself or dishes at least 60m from water sources.
Use small amounts of biodegradable soap, disperse wastewater over ground.
Strain food scraps from dishwater and pack them out - don't leave them.
Leave what you find
Preserve the past: admire historic and cultural objects but don't touch or take them.
Leave nature: keep rocks, plants, and natural items where you found them.
Protect ecosystems: don't introduce or move non-native species.
Avoid altering the landscape - no branch furniture, digging, or rearranging.
Take photos, not souvenirs.
Leave it for others: let others discover nature as you did - without leaving traces.
Minimize fire impact
Fires can leave lasting damage - use a lightweight stove for cooking.
Use fire rings, bowls, or established pits only.
Keep fires small and controlled - use only small, dead wood from the ground.
Leave nothing but memories after fire - scatter, bury, or pack out ashes.
Never leave a fire unattended - even briefly.
Check weather and fire bans before lighting a fire.
Respect wildlife
Observe wild animals from a safe distance - don't approach, follow, or disturb them.
Never feed wild animals - it harms them and you.
Protect wildlife and food - store food and trash securely.
Pets? For everyone's safety, leash your pet or leave them at home.
Avoid wild animals during mating, nesting, rearing, and winter.
Use binoculars or telephoto lenses to enjoy wildlife without disturbing it.
Be considerate of others
Respect others - everyone wants to enjoy nature in their own way.
Be courteous on trails - step aside and smile!
Wildlife nearby? Don't scare them - give them space and pass quietly.
Rest and camp away from main trails and other visitors.
Keep it quiet - no loud talking or music.
Use only necessary light - darkness has its charm.
Why leave no trace matters
Protect ecosystems - conserves natural habitats and biodiversity.
Future access - ensuring outdoor spaces remain available for generations.
Community respect - shows consideration for fellow outdoor lovers.
Cultural heritage protection - safeguards historic and archeological sites.
Personal responsibility - taking ownership of our environmental impact.
Show others how to do it right
Lead by example during outdoor activities.
Gently educate others when you see harmful practices.
Share these guidelines in social media and camping groups.
Teach kids and new campers the right outdoor ethics.
Support organizations promoting responsible recreation.
Quick checklist
Check local regulations.
Pack out all trash.
Extinguish fires completely before leaving.
Keep noise levels down.
Camp at least 60m from water.
Use designated campsites.
Store food safely.
Leave only footprints and take only photos.
Become a nature guardian
Every responsibly added place and every trace-free journey is your contribution to protecting wild nature for future generations. Join the guardians and inspire others.
