In Australia, my birthplace and place of residence, one occasionally sees a sign at the start of bush walking tracks that states: “Take nothing but photos. Leave nothing but foot prints.” This message in essence is the kernel of the concept of “minimal impact travel” of any kind. When we encounter beautiful bird life or native animals during our roamings, it can lift our hearts and we often try to capture that rare moment in our life by reverentially snapping a photo with great excitement and glee. When human beings literally “come into the picture”, then we cannot merely assume that they are willing to form a part of our essential travel memories or souvenirs, as we can with the botanic world and less so with the animal world as non human creatures often experience the fight or flight response when encountering especially unfamiliar humans in their territory.
While holiday makers and travellers may help to enrich local micro economies with their spending on food and accommodation, the assault on the local ecosystems, both plant and animal, can be devastating if untrammelled. Respect for the natural topography, the local plant and animal life and also particularly for the human residents of the area, needs to be shown by visitors at all times.
Often we are attracted to visit and explore certain locations because of the untainted natural beauty of the landscapes, the vegetation, the colourful communities and the wild life endemic to those areas. Only by “treading lightly” through such country can the pristine beauty of these areas and the sense of dignity of the local people be retained. This means following marked pathways, tracks or roads if they are present, taking any rubbish from meals consumed on walks or drives back with you to be disposed of in a proper rubbish collection facility when you find one, and not disturbing any wildlife or harassing local people going about their daily lives, whom you encounter along the way.
Of upmost importance is the fact that we also need to humanely respect the environment, the culture and customs of local people whom we encounter on our treks and travels through diverse landscapes. Some people in certain communities have no problem with travellers or tourists taking their photo, but not everyone feels that way. It’s always wise before pointing and shooting, to indicate either by words or gestures and smiles your intention to take a photo of local people to check that they agree to that. If they indicate that they don’t desire to be photographed, smile and show your understanding and respect for their wishes by putting your camera or phone away until you are no longer in their presence. As human beings, none of us like to be objectified by strangers and turned into pictorial souvenirs without us indicating our consent first. We need to be mindful of this.
Exploring and discovering beautiful landscapes, colourful villages and the local residents is all part of the joy of travel and discovery of new places or the return to much loved familiar ones. If we treat each path that we tread as we would treat our own living room at home, we can’t go too wrong. If we tread lightly, gently forming our footprints, respectful of the landscapes, the forests, grasslands, deserts, sands and waterways and also the villages that we traverse, we return all the richer in our hearts and minds for the experience.
Julia Ruhl
Sydney Australia
