Explore, love and preserve nature

Mountains play a key role in our global system. Without them and their environment, there would be no life, which is why it is essential to preserve and manage them sustainably. Mountainous environments cover 25% of the Earth’s surface and all its inhabitants depend on them directly or indirectly, because mountains provide us with fresh water and natural resources, among other things.

Nature is a complex system of interactions between ecosystems; which means that even small changes can affect the balance of the entire natural environment. Thus, it is key to make good use of natural areas when we visit them. Now, more than ever, it is our turn to care for and preserve the environment that surrounds us.

Many natural areas in Catalonia remain untouched by human activity thanks to their size and inaccessibility. However, this is not the case for many natural parks located near large urban areas. These areas are home to a natural heritage of great value, as well as bringing nature closer and making it accessible to the general public. Moreover, they are climate havens, improve water and air quality, and are places where we can find peace and quiet.  However, these areas are at clear risk of overuse and loss of their natural value.

According to the 2020 report by the Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Observatory, “in Catalonia, in just over twenty years, there has been a 25% reduction in biodiversity. This loss of biodiversity varies across major habitats, which amounts to 54% for species living in rivers, lakes and wetlands, 34% for those in agricultural environments and meadows, and 12% for those in forests and scrublands.”

Nonetheless, we still have time to preserve and learn more about our environment in order to take care of this biodiversity. As a society, we need to reconnect with nature and understand and love it first to be able to take care of it and, thus, preserve it.

Get out and explore, with friends, family members or on your own, and enjoy everything nature has to offer. This is not about getting everything right the first time, but to help you get started on some good practices you can use to take care of your environment, here are some ideas for your next outing:

1. At present, technology allows us to stay connected and up to date with the latest news, so take advantage of it and check this website before you leave. You will be the first to know about any new developments.
2. Once you arrive at the park, park your vehicle in the designated areas. Whenever possible, consider sharing your vehicle with other people heading to the same area. You will save money and reduce your environmental footprint! Remember that the Bus parc service takes you to many places.
3. Explore, discover and venture out on the marked trails only.
4. If you have your dog with you, always keep it on a leash. This will prevent any scares with other visitors and animals living in the park.
5. If you pay attention and remain silent, you will hear the sounds and songs of all animals. Can you identify which animal it is? Place bets to identify each song. It is truly fascinating to hear all the life that surrounds us!
6. Now that temperatures are starting to rise, stay well hydrated and eat as the hours go by. Do not forget to take all your rubbish home with you, including food scraps, which, despite being organic, need to be taken to a place where they can be processed.
7. Remember to always carry a bag with you and pick up any rubbish you find. Thus, you will do your bit to help preserve nature. You will be surprised at how much you will be able to pick up in just a few minutes!
8. Do not uproot any plants or take any animals home with you, no matter how small!
9. If you want to take the best photos of the environment, find out about the regulations for flying drones and, if necessary, ask for permission.
10. There are more and more environmentally friendly sunscreen options available. If you plan to swim in a pool, whenever permitted, use these sunscreens to avoid causing any harm to the environment.

  10 +1. If you are an athlete and train in these areas, find out about any regulations to​​​​​​​ minimise your impact.

Did you already follow any of these recommendations? How about adding a few more the next time you go out into nature? You will see how small changes can have a big impact.

If you would like to learn more, click on the following link to explore more ideas and suggestions we have developed to care for our environment: the Outdoor Friendly Pledge

Would you like to know more about the Kilian Jornet Foundation?

“I envision a society in which human beings live based on a sustainable use of natural resources to ensure the quality of life of all species, including our own, and lead us to a more equitable society. With universal respect and knowledge of nature as a key value, where nature is integrated into everyone’s lives and where natural areas are larger and wilder. Although this vision must be implemented on a global scale, we believe that the strength of community and small steps lead to larger transitions, which is the goal this foundation was created for: to work towards the preservation of one of the largest natural areas for a better future for all inhabitants on Earth.”