Do not destroy that which you love

There are ever more of us trampling in the woods and nature. We wish to escape our stress filled everyday lives and recharge our batteries in beautiful woods and landscapes.

However, we’re also exhausting the very nature we love. Trails have become wide ditches, while mountains have been scarred from the many assaults of climbers. We’ve frightened off the birds, while beautiful campsites have become drab muddy fields.

It is sometimes said that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. However, everyone should have pangs of conscience when it comes to the impact of human activity.

For sure, there is an endless stream of rules and regulations from the authorities, but I personally place more faith in education. I mean it is not as if there is a lack of interest, although it does seem as if the urban dweller has forgotten older wisdom and knowledge.

We can learn to treat nature with more respect and care. The organisation Leave No Trace has for a long time promoted this idea, while the Finnish forestry service also provides concrete advice on these issues on its website. Their ideas and proven methods can point us towards a more sustainable course.      

Here are some links to help you prepare for your next trip:

www.lnt.org - Leave no trace. This organisation has set the benchmark for travelling considerately in the wilderness.

www.utinaturen.fi - The website of the Finnish forestry service, i.e. Metsähallitus, which includes a wealth of valuable, concrete advice. Look out especially for the Friluftslivets ABC and Friluftsliv och miljö links.

www.vr.fi  - The train is an environmentally friendly and stress free alternative to the car.

www.reilumatkailu.fi - Fair tourism does not only apply to far away destinations.