Excursions that respect nature
We’ve all been tempted at some point during an excursion to get as close as possible, or even reach out and touch something that has caught our attention. We may have even thought about bringing it home with us to keep as a souvenir or give as a gift.
Although this is a common and understandable impulse, it is important to resist acting upon it in order to preserve the natural environment we are exploring and discovering.
It might seem like an exaggeration, but we should consider the fragility of some ecosystems and realize that one small act on our part can put wildlife at risk, especially in places that are not accustomed to human visitors. This is part of responsible tourism.
The first instruction we usually receive on excursions is to respect the limits of the path. This rule is important because it keeps usfrom stepping on a nest, a tunnel or even a tiny organism, which, even though it may not be visible to us, is essential to the development of other species. For this same reason, we should be careful when grabbing trunks and branches for support.
Clearly it is important not to leave any garbage in our wake. Everything that you carry going into an excursion should be brought back with you on the way out, including trash. Therefore, we recommend you leave a space for this in your backpack and be careful of the wind when you take something out to eat so that paper, napkins and other items don’t get carried away.
One of the most exciting aspects of an excursion is coming across a wild animal. If you are lucky enough to spot one, we recommend you keep a safe distance and remain silent. By doing this, you remain safe and do not upset the animal. It is best to use this opportunity to quietly observe how different species interact with their natural habitats.
We invite you to follow these simple but important suggestions. By being responsible and conscientrious while on an excursion, you’ll enjoy even more knowing that your visit to the forest, mountain, beach or desert caused the least amount of harm possible to the environment.
