Hiking, also known as trekkingHiking is a recreational activity that involves walking along designated trails and routes in natural environments. Unlike other more physically demanding activities, hiking is usually of moderate or low difficulty level, making it accessible to a wide variety of people. Being a mix between sport and tourism, this activity allows people to connect with nature in a relaxed way while enjoying its physical and emotional benefits. However, the massive and uncontrolled increase of hikers is generating a worrying impact on the environment due to the bad behaviour of some fans.
In this article we will explain how mass hiking can have negative consequences for the natural environment and what measures can be taken to prevent this.
Increase in hiking
Hiking has seen a real boom as a recreational activity over the past decade. Its benefits for physical and mental health, along with the need to escape the cities, have led to more and more people venturing into it. According to adventure sports coach Alex Garrido, hiking is an ideal sport for all levels, and its benefits are notable: it improves cardiovascular health, reduces cholesterol levels, increases energy, strengthens lower body muscles and contributes to bone health. But this increase has also brought with it environmental drawbacks.
In Spain, it is estimated that around 4 million people hikers regularly, which has caused significant pressure on the most frequented natural ecosystems. Consequently, hiking is no longer a sustainable way to enjoy the environment when responsible guidelines are not followed. Unfortunately, many hikers do not respect the rules and regulations established for the preservation of nature, which causes negative effects on the ecosystem.
Behaviors and habits that affect the environment
The negative impact of mass hiking is not only a consequence of the number of people who go on the trails, but also of the irresponsible behaviour adopted by some of them. Below, we explain some of the most harmful habits:
1. Waste disposal
One of the most serious problems is the improper waste disposal. Although the basic rule is to take all the rubbish you generate with you, many hikers choose to leave their waste in the wild, which pollutes the environment and seriously affects the fauna and flora. In addition, waste such as plastic bottles or packaging can take hundreds of years to decompose, which causes long-term ecological damage.
2. Disruption of wildlife
In search of the perfect photo or simply out of curiosity, some hikers invade the habitat of wild animals, causing stress and fear in them. Not only can this cause the animals to flee, but it also disrupts their breeding and feeding cycles. Keeping a safe distance is key to not upsetting the natural balance of the ecosystem.
3. Indiscriminate collection
Some people practice the collecting mushrooms, plants and fruits without realising the serious consequences this can have. Mass harvesting prevents the reproduction of certain plant species, which triggers an imbalance in local ecosystems. It is important to remember that collecting natural materials must be done within the limits imposed by local regulations.
4. Go off the beaten path
Trails are designed and marked to minimize impact on the environment. However, some hikers stray from established routes, resulting in soil erosion and the appearance of new routes, hindering the regeneration of vegetation. This behaviour also damages the structure of local ecosystems, destroying small ecological niches and affecting fauna and flora.
5. Uncontrolled fires
Lighting fires in natural areas without the proper permits can have catastrophic consequences. A simple oversight, such as not properly extinguishing a campfire or throwing away a cigarette butt, can trigger forest fires that destroy large areas of vegetation, destroying biodiversity. In times of extreme heat, it is important to completely refrain from lighting any type of fire.
What are some ways to go hiking while keeping responsible practices in mind?
Hiking is an activity that can be done in an environmentally friendly way if you follow some basic sustainability guidelines. Here are some ways to reduce your impact:
1. Use of reusable materials
One of the best ways to care for the environment is to avoid the use of single-use plastics. Carrying a reusable bottle or using eco-friendly cookware when hiking will reduce the amount of waste generated.
2. Selecting local routes
Opting for hiking trails close to your location not only reduces your carbon footprint by avoiding longer trips, but also contributes to the development of local tourism, encouraging communities to foster sustainable practices.
3. Leave no trace
One of the fundamental rules of responsible hiking is “leave no trace”. This means that everything you take with you, including food scraps and packaging, must come back with you. Leaving the environment as you found it is crucial to preserving its natural beauty.
4. Avoid lighting fires
Whenever possible, avoid activities that involve the use of fire. If you absolutely must do so, make sure you do so in permitted and controlled areas, and make sure to completely extinguish the embers once you have finished.
Guidelines for sustainable hiking
The concept of sustainability is increasingly integrated into hiking, with multiple initiatives that seek to make this activity as non-invasive as possible for the environment. Below, we detail some of the benefits for both human health and nature when hiking in a sustainable way:
1. Benefits for physical and mental health
Sustainable hiking allows individuals to not only enjoy the natural environment, but also gain multiple benefits for their physical and mental well-being. Walking regularly in nature strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves blood circulation and helps strengthen muscles. In addition, connecting with nature has been shown to be one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Environmental education
Sustainable hiking also promotes environmental awarenessBy walking on trails that respect nature, hikers learn about the importance of preserving biodiversity, the life cycle of plants and animals, and how ecosystems depend on sustainable practices.
3. Positive impact on local communities
Responsible tourism, and specifically hiking, has the potential to generate local jobs and promote economic development in rural and natural areas without destroying their resources. Hikers who support local tourism also encourage the use of sustainable resources, which contributes to the well-being of communities that depend on ecotourism.
4. Conservation of biodiversity
Sustainable hiking trails are designed to minimize the human impact on sensitive areas, such as national parks or nature reserves. By limiting access to certain areas or regulating the number of visitors, biodiversity is protected and natural habitats are preserved for future generations.
In the end, sustainable hiking not only allows you to enjoy nature responsibly, but also helps protect and restore fragile ecosystems, contributing to natural balance.
In short, hiking can be an extremely beneficial activity for our physical and mental health, but we must remember that bad practices can have devastating effects on nature. It is essential that more and more people adopt a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach so that this activity can be carried out for generations without damaging ecosystems. Without a doubt, the best way to enjoy natural beauty is by doing so in a conscious and responsible way.