Trail Ethics

Elinor Garely

The Tourism European Ecumenical Network (TEN), the Ecumenical Coalition on Third World Tourism (ECTWT) and Equitable Tourism Options (EQUATIONS) have found that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon affecting human society and the environment. While tourists and people working in the tourism industry may benefit, people in tourist receiving areas experience a threat to their self-determination and dignity. Against the dynamics of globalization the vital rights of local communities have been threatened.

The experience of an adventure is an event that is both personal and universal, requiring the traveler to leave the world as it was found, so the next tourist will be able to share the moment and the place. Therefore it is important for all adventurers visiting pristine areas of the globe to recognize the fact that they are visitors to, and not owners of ? the experience.

Adventure Travelers Code of Ethics

  • Leave the world as you found it. Concentrate on using existing trails and campsites; there is no need to alter nature. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. Keep campsites small, and focus activity in areas where there is little or no vegetation.

  • Pack it in. Pack it out. Whatever you bring in (food wrappers, cans) ? bring the garbage out with you. Inspect the campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled food, and clean it up before you leave

  • Leave solid human waste in cat holes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

  • To wash dishes or yourself, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap, scattering the dishwater.

  • Examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects, exactly as you found them. Do not build structures, furniture or dig ditches.

  • Minimize campfires. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Keep fires small where permitted, using sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash completely extinguish camp fires and scatter the cool ashes.

  • Never feed the animals for it damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times, such as mating, nesting, raising young or in the winter.

  • Respect other visitors and be courteous. Take breaks away from trails and other visitors. Avoid loud voices and noises. Don?t use your cell phone unless there is an emergency.


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