Leave No Trace

Seven Principles
 A set of universal
outdoor ethics that
guides one in the
activities to do with
nature.
PLAN AHEAD
AND PREPARE
PRINCIPLE #1
Before going to a place, check if your planned
activity is permitted. Make sure to know the
rules, guidelines, and safety procedures they
have set. Some places require certain permits or
clearances.
> Make sure you have the needed equipment
for your activity and the skills needed to
undertake the activity.
> Plan how to cope in case emergency arises.
> Check the weather forecast and be prepared
for changing weather conditions.
> Learn when areas are most crowded and try
to avoid those times.
> To minimize environmental impact and for
safety reasons, keep group numbers small.
> Repack food to minimize waste.
> When trekking, maps and compass must be
used to avoid markings on rocks.
PRINCIPLE #2: Travel and Camp on Durable
Surfaces.
Walk, run, bike, or camp on durable surfaces
like established tracks, rocks, gravel, and dry
grasses.
> Avoid walking on soft surfaces like soft
plants. You might be trampling on a young tree
or pasture and this will cause vegetation
damage.
> Use existing trails or campsites, no need to
build a new campsite that will alter the
environment.
> To avoid erosion, walk in single file in the
middle of the trail.
> Avoid places where impacts are just beginning
to show.
> When camping, keep the campsite small and
discreet.
> Camp at least 200 feet from lakes to protect
the waters.
Principle #3: Dispose of Waste Properly
> “Pack it in, pack it out”
> When camping, cat holes are dug (6-8 inches
deep) for human waste and covered just the
same with soil and weeds or leaves on top.
> Dishes should be washed 200 ft. away from
lakes and use biodegradable soap.
Principle #4: Leave what you find
> Examine archaeological structures, old walls,
and other heritage artifacts but do not touch nor
leave marks on them.
> Leave nature as you found them. Do not take
any plants, rock, or marine animal with you.
Principle #5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
> Use lightweight stove for cooking; campfires
can cause lasting impacts.
> No burning of plastics or other substances
that emit toxic fumes.
> Burn all wood to ash and make sure fires are
completely out. Scatter the cool ash.
Principle #6: Respect Wildlife
> Observe wild animals from a distance and
they should be avoided during sensitive times
such as mating, nesting, or raising the young.
> Do not feed wild animals or birds as it is not
their natural food.
Principle #7:Be Considerate of Other Visitors
> Respect people who live and work in the
countryside.
> Respect other visitors and let them have a
momentous experience as well.
> Allow the sound of nature to prevail, not your
noise or your radio.
> Be courteous; yield to others on a trail.
Activity: Left a Trace (1 WHOLE)
Which among the Leave No Trace Seven
Principles is usually not being observed in the
Philippines? Explain your answer.