Leave No Trace
“Leave No Trace” is an outdoor ethics concept coming from U.S. Since 1960’s, outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and mountain biking have been getting increasing popularity, and thus accelerating impacts to the lands. In view of this, U.S Forest Service began to study and promote this concept. In early 1990’s U.S. Forest service and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) worked in collaboration to develop a set of science-based practical training. The aim is to educate the outdoor users to reduce their environmental impacts when conducting outdoor recreational activities. In an outdoor recreation summit held in 1993, government agencies responsible for land management (including U.S. Forest Service), NOLS and other NGOs, outdoor industry and sporting trade associations convened the Leave No Trace, Inc. (which becomes the present Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics), with the mission of nationwide promotion of the concept of Leave No Trace. For details, please refer to: www.int.org
Leave no trace centre for outdoor ethics
1.Training & Education
Through the designated education framework, it promotes the 7 principles of “Leave No Trace”. This education framework is a 3-tier pyramid: Master Educator Course > Trainer Course > Awareness Workshop. Those who complete the TRAINER COURSE can run the Awareness Workshop. Similarly, the graduates of the MASTER EDUCATOR COURSE can hold and run the other two: Trainer Course and Awareness Workshop. On the other hand, there are educational programmes PEAK (Promoting Environmental Awareness in Kids) and TEEN, dedicated to kids and youth.
2.Research
Taking a leading role, it supports and subsidizes “Leave No Trace”-related academic research (for example working with U.S. National Park Service and academic institutions on the study about the feasibility to promote “Leave No Trace” in national parks), and provide a platform for information exchange.
3. Joint collaboration with corporates, educational institutions, communities and government agencies
It works with different corporations such as Outdoor Research, REI, Vapur, etc., to gain support on the organization and promotion of activities, in addition to sponsor in form of funding and materials. It also runs community-based campaigns, as well as explores cooperation opportunities with government agencies on the promotion and research of the concept.
4. International Development
Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics has set up branches in Australia, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. “Leave No Trace” also establishes partnerships with many institutions and corporates worldwide. All over the world, you can find trainers and master educators graduated under the “Leave No Trace” educational framework.
Leave No Trace – 7 Principles
1. Plan ahead and prepare
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
3. Dispose of waste properly
4. Leave what you find
5. Minimize campfire impacts
6. Respect wildlife
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Source: Website of Leave No Trace Centre for Outdoor Ethics
