INTRODUCTION The Philippines is a small country with natural scenery and abundant natural resources. The country has all types of land, forests, mountains, and water forms like lakes, rivers, and seas.
According to The World Factbook , the Philippines is broken into numerous islands and has the fifth-longest coastline in the world. The natural environment of this country offers countless natural resources and allows outdoor recreational activities on land, water, and air.
Since outdoor recreation is an interaction between humans and nature, this interaction should come with care and respect.
It is crucial that in using and enjoying what nature offers, people must consciously employ an equal responsibility in nature conservation and preservation. This way, everyone can continue to go back to that same place and have the future generations experience the great things in nature.
The "Seven Principles of Leave No Trace” are rules that guide people so that they would plan, prepare, and go on adventures intentionally while following outdoor ethics and keeping the well-being of the planet Earth in mind.
Poor planning and preparation can cause various problems, cause fear and fatigue, and lead to poor choices. Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
Before visiting a place, make sure your plans and activities comply with the rules, guidelines, unique concerns, and safety procedures they have set for the area you will visit. Check as well if you need clearances. Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
Avoid marking on trees and rocks for navigating direction during trekking, and instead use maps and compasses. Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
A durable surface or existing tracks, rocks, gravel, and dry grasses should be your choice when you engage in walking, biking, hiking, camping, or other outdoor activities. Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Prevent the building of new campsites and trails. Instead, use the existing grounds and routes to avoid further alteration of the natural environment. Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Campsites should be small, discreet, and built 200 feet from water bodies. Camping away from water bodies should be done to protect the water bank and water. Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly at Appropriate PlaceS People should follow the principle "pack it in, pack it out." Wastes such as leftover food, fruit peels, or wrappers should not be left or disposed of on the site. The things you brought and the debris generated during your activity should be brought back.
Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly at Appropriate PlaceS Human wastes are deposited in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches in depth during camping, which is then covered with soil and leaves. Both dishwashing and human waste disposal should be done at a minimum of 200 feet away from water, camp, and trails.
People should follow the principle "take only pictures and leave only footprints." They should only examine cultural or historic structures and heritage artifacts during the visit but not touch them nor leave any marks on them. Principle 4: Leave What You Find and Do Not Carry Them
Plants , rocks, marine animals, or other natural objects should be left in nature and should not be taken with oneself. Principle 4: Leave What You Find and Do Not Carry Them
Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts and Be Careful with Fire It is recommended to use a lightweight stove for cooking, a candle lantern for light, and minimize fire as possible . In the places where fires are permitted, it is recommended to use fire rings and fire pans that are already present at the site.
Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts and Be Careful with Fire The sticks from the ground are used for fires and should be kept small. The wood and coal should be burnt to ash ; the fire should be put out completely, followed by the scattering of ashes. The burning of plastics is prohibited to avoid toxic fumes.
Wildlife observation should be enjoyed from a distance , and approaching or following wildlife should be avoided. Wildlife should not be disturbed , especially during sensitive times such as breeding, nesting, raising young ones, or winter. Principle 6: Respect Wildlife
The animals should not be fed , as it might be harmful to their health, result in a change in their natural behaviors, and expose them to predators and other dangers. Leaving human food and trash in the outdoors must be avoided to protect wildlife. Principle 6: Respect Wildlife
Pets must be controlled when brought along, or else it is recommended to leave them at home. Principle 6: Respect Wildlife
Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors Visiting the Place The quality of experience of everyone visiting the place, including yours, should be taken into consideration. Be polite to fellow travelers and respect them. Do not talk in loud voices or make noises, and just enjoy the sound of nature.
glossary Ecotourism: It is the process of responsible travel of individuals to natural areas and environment without disturbing or causing damage to it. Outdoor recreation: It is organized activities done during one’s free time, where interaction between humans and an element of nature is present. Recreation : It is defined as an activity of leisure for pleasure.
REFERENCE: The seven principles, taken from the official website of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics https :// lnt.org/learn/7-principles accessed June 15, 2015