3.1 ETHICS:ENVIRONMENT

ETHICS

ENVIRONMENT

OVERVIEW

Sensitive and Unique Ecosystems

Like everything on this planet, canyons are a limited resource. There is a finite number of canyons to explore, and the list of canyons which are “5-star” or “Classic” is even shorter.

As canyoneers, we are drawn to these natural environments, especially the “Classics”, and we want to visit them for our enjoyment. But our visitation to these places inevitably has an impact on them, and the degree of this impact can affect our enjoyment for better or worse.

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You can later review the content on the eBook below.

eBook: Ethics

A frog enjoys a canyoneer’s helmet

Recognizing the impact we can have on a place is the first step in learning how to reduce it. It is impossible for us to have zero impact on a place, but it is possible for us to have a low impact or even a positive impact.

Thinking about a trip from start to finish, we can identify key principles for reducing our impact on the environment.

PLANNING

Things to consider when planning a canyoning trip:

• Use a guidebook or online resource (e.g. ropewiki.com) to plan our trip.
• Ask about local ethics and research local regulations regarding the area.
• Obtain permission from landowners and managers, if applicable.
• Check on conditions such as water flow, weather predictions, and recent changes to the canyon.
• Check if the area has any sensitive habitats, flora, or fauna.
• Clean equipment to ensure we’re not transporting non-native species to new environments.
• Repackage our food to reduce the amount of disposable waste.
• Have a plan for packing out solid human waste.
• Ensure our group is small with competent leaders and members.
• Collect maps and know how to use multiple navigational aids.
• Prepare equipment in advance so it’s ready to go.
• Learn and use canyoning techniques that reduce impact while maintaining sufficient safety margins.
• Be ready for unexpected hazards or emergencies. Bring necessary equipment (e.g. First Aid, Communication devices, etc.) to deal with these situations.
  

ACCESSING & EXITING THE CANYON

When approaching or leaving the canyon:

• Access/exit the site using well-established trails or roads. Avoid creating new routes, even if they’re easier.
• Use designated parking lots for vehicles.When packing, walking, changing, or stopping for rests, choose durable surfaces such as solid rock.
• Avoid trampling sensitive vegetation.Take out all rubbish, including food scraps or human waste.If applicable, carry a printed copy of permits.
• Use established campsites, if applicable. If creating a new campsite, practice leaving nothing behind (e.g. fire ring or rubbish).
• Appreciate ancient structures, artwork, or interesting natural features, but leave them undisturbed for others.

IN THE THE CANYON

When descending the canyon:

• Stay in the watercourse and away from sensitive vegetation or loose soils on the canyon sides.
• Walk on solid rock or swim where possible. Stay on obvious routes.
• Pack out any rubbish, including biodegradable food scraps, taken or found in the canyon.
• Pack out any solid human waste with appropriate methods.
• Remove and pack out any damaged anchor material.
• Choose naturally colored anchor material.
• Use anchors that eliminate trampling sensitive vegetation.
• Use anchors or techniques that eliminate rope grooves in soft rock.
• Do not mark or scar any natural surface, such as trees or rocks.
• Avoid disturbing wildlife that have made their home in the canyon, especially during mating seasons.
• Do not start unnecessary fires. Any smoke can permanently damage canyon walls.
• Keep noise to a minimum.
• Respect other users and allow faster parties to pass through.