Using the Leave No Trace Principle to Preserve Nature While Mountain Climbing

One of the most enjoyable outdoor activities is mountain climbing. We can enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air, and a feeling of closeness to nature. However, careless climbers often damage this beauty by pulling up plants, leaving graffiti on rocks, and littering. The Leave No Trace (LNT) principle, which aims to preserve nature so that it can continue to thrive after we are gone, is recommended for hikers to avoid damaging nature.

Originating in the United States, the Leave No Trace principle is now widely accepted as a moral teaching for preserving the environment. Hikers can follow these seven basic guidelines: be prepared and plan ahead; travel and camp on established trails; dispose of trash properly; leave what you find; minimize campfire impact; respect wildlife; and show consideration for fellow hikers. Although not all hikes in Indonesia can implement all of these ideas, we can start with simple actions such as waste management, vegetation protection, and respecting the environment to ensure its preservation in ways such as these:

1. Thorough Preparation

Bring what you need, especially trekking equipment. Choose lightweight equipment and minimize disposable items. For example, replace disposable plastic with lunch boxes or reusable water bottles.

2. Take Your Trash Home

The most basic guideline is to avoid leaving trash on the trail. All trash must be stored in special bags and then carried down. To pick up trash along the trail, some hikers even bring extra trash bags.

3. Utilize Existing Sites

Use campsites or locations that are commonly used for setting up tents. Avoid creating new areas that can damage vegetation and soil. The LNT principle, which minimizes physical traces in nature, is consistent with this.

4. Do not disturb nature

Avoid picking flowers, pulling up vegetation, and carving trees and rocks. Nature should be respected and preserved, not altered.

Hiking is not just about reaching the summit, but also about how we take responsibility for nature. By applying the Leave No Trace principle, we are not only preserving the beauty of the mountains for ourselves, but also for future generations of hikers.