The Dutch-based Respect The Mountains has been working for more than a decade to promote sustainable enjoyment of mountains around the world.
There are estimated to be 100 million visitors in the European Alps each year, which presents a huge challenge in preserving the fragile mountain environments, Respect The Mountains say.
They have a simple seven-point charter to responsible behaviour in the mountains:
Book smart – travel low season, travel wise – use public transport to get there, support sustainable practices, be a respectful and responsible mountain tourist, leave no trace of your visit and finally “reduce, reuse, recycle and upcycle”.
Respect The Mountains is about more than just words and advice, though. Every year their Envirotrek Clean Up series of mountain clean-ups sees an ever-bigger programme of volunteers around Europe, including in the UK, taking to the hills to collect rubbish others have left.
In one recent summer’s clean-up of European mountains in five countries, a total of 635 tourists and locals spent a combined 1,255 hours cleaning up and removing 4,600kg of waste filling 428 garbage bags as well as removing scrap metals, car tyres, car doors and much more.
“There is a growing need to provide necessary awareness campaigns to ensure mountain tourists are aware of the pressures that these popular holiday destinations are under,” said a statement from the organisation.
“The aim of the hikes is to enjoy nature and help by simply cleaning up. A simple way of giving back that is enjoyable and effective.” respectthemountains.com
