{"id":76867,"date":"2023-05-12T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-05-12T05:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=76867"},"modified":"2024-09-16T18:38:40","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T16:38:40","slug":"protect-the-mountains-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/protect-the-mountains-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"How you can protect the mountains this summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Every summer, millions of tourists flock to the Alps in search of fresh air and open spaces. Of course, they are also drawn by the huge range of activities that are available in the summer season and the breathtaking scenery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this seasonal migration and the holidaymakers\u2019 growing attraction to the mountains are not without consequences for these fragile ecosystems. Deteriorating air quality, pollution of rivers and lakes, noise pollution which can harm wildlife, erosion of mountain ranges, degradation of forests, melting ice\u2026 The mountains are subject to numerous environmental impacts.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we want to continue to enjoy these magical places in the light of climate change, we need to do things a bit differently. Here are six actions and ideas we can adopt to protect the mountains in summer and reduce the environmental impact of our holidays.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Whether you\u2019re in a resort or out in the heart of nature, there are a few good practices we should all be aware of which can help to preserve the fragile heritage of the Alps. Here are some of them<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Dispose of your rubbish carefully<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The mountains are not a rubbish dump, and waste does not melt with the snow. Rubbish dumped in the mountains<\/a><\/strong> can take many years (even hundreds or thousands of years) to disappear completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you\u2019re planning to stop for a picnic during your hike, don\u2019t leave anything behind. Collect all your rubbish and put it in a bag until you find a bin where you can throw it away. This should be something you automatically do to protect nature in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smokers \u2013 the same applies to cigarette butts. A pocket ashtray or a small box is ideal for storing cigarette butts until you can throw them away after your hike, but under no circumstances should you dispose of your cigarette butts in the wild. It can take up to 12 years for a cigarette butt to degrade in nature, poisoning ecosystems and animals that might accidentally swallow it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most resorts, you can find sorting areas with bins for recycling and collecting waste (plastic, glass bottles, household waste, etc). So even on holiday, it\u2019s important to remember to recycle, whether you\u2019re at your rented accommodation or out for a walk\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you really want your trip to make a difference, you can take part in one of the many waste collection operations organised by Mountain Riders<\/a><\/strong>, an association which aims to educate people about ecological issues in the mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 2022, nearly 50 operations were carried out by the group\u2019s volunteers. These initiatives have resulted in the collection of 11 tonnes of waste, or 66,000 litres of rubbish. These 11 tonnes included 2,766 face masks, 23,355 cigarette butts, 977 glass bottles, 1,213 plastic bottles and 1,110 cans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n GREEN TOURISM IN THE ALPS<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Travel by train or share a car <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Leave your car at home and take the train \u00a9 Veerasak Piyawatanakul Pexels<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Almost 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in a mountain resort are caused by the way holidaymakers travel. To reduce our carbon footprint and protect the environment, we must consider our method of transport when we plan a holiday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Ademe<\/a><\/strong> website (France\u2019s ecological transition agency), has a section that allows you to estimate the carbon footprint of your itinerary<\/a><\/strong> according to your mode of transport. This is a good way of finding out the impact of journeys and encouraging people to think about more sustainable alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelling by train is one of the least polluting modes of transport. More and more resorts are now accessible by train and provide a shuttle system to take holidaymakers from the station to the heart of the resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternatively, you can consider carpooling, a simple and efficient way to get easily from A to B. And you can meet some very nice people on the way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you get to your resort, try to avoid using your car and instead think about \u201csoft mobility\u201d such as cycling, walking and public transport. There are many ways to get around the mountains in a more ecological way! The French website Changer d\u2019approche<\/a><\/strong>, part of the international Mountain Wilderness<\/a><\/strong> campaign, provides information on this and suggests many activities you can try in the Alps, by train, bus or shuttle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a great way to protect the mountains in summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Respect the flora and fauna <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Resist the urge to pick wildflowers when you\u2019re out walking \u00a9 Office de tourisme de Val Thorens<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The mountains are rich in biodiversity, where all kinds of animal and plant species<\/a><\/strong> live together. Chamois, ibexes, marmots or bearded vultures, flowers like venus hoof, Martagon lily, edelweiss\u2026 the ecosystem is extremely rich, but extremely fragile. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can come across many of these species when you\u2019re out and about in the mountains, but please be careful to leave as few traces as possible. Here are some of the ways you can do this: <\/p>\n\n\n\n