Wherever you go, leave a light footprint on the earth. Respect native flora and fauna, and follow National Parks rules. These tips will help you maximise your holidays while minimising the harm you do.
Resist the temptation to stray from designated tracks or boardwalks in rainforests. Otherwise you may step on and damage delicate plant life, or contribute to erosion in fragile environments.
Don’t feed animals in the wild. Some become addicted to human food, to the detriment of their natural diet. It also causes animals to become less wary of people, so they’re more likely to be run over.
Remember to dispose of rubbish properly, especially at cooler, higher altitudes, where it takes much longer to biodegrade. This usually means carrying out rubbish with you, so if you’re camping in alpine regions, compress your garbage and carry it out. Alternatively, book with a tour operator who organises responsible garbage removal.
If you’re camping or staying in a hut in a wilderness area, scatter waste water at least 50 m from any watercourse so that you don’t contaminate it.
When reef diving or snorkelling, ensure your equipment is well secured so it won’t drag on coral. In some areas, divers are discouraged from wearing gloves so they aren’t tempted to grab onto coral.
Photograph marine life but don’t handle or feed it unless an expert is guiding you. Never chase or ride marine animals.
Souvenirs to avoid Knowing what to buy and how much to pay for it can be a complicated issue in some countries. If you want to avoid exploiting the local people or environment, do some research before you go. To make sure you’re not unwittingly encouraging trade in endangered animals, don’t buy:
