What's new

This paper builds on critiques of Leave No Trace (LNT), which has been criticised for focusing on wilderness impacts while ignoring bigger impacts from equipment, travel and modern lifestyles. The author argues that LNT also encourages attitudes that separate people from nature. The author suggests LNT is unrealistic and unhelpful in Europe, where most landscapes have experienced human impact for millennia. Drawing on European approaches to human–nature relationships, the paper proposes that programmes encourage people to 'leave more trace' or 'consider their trace'.

Why it matters in Aotearoa

Outdoor educators in Aotearoa often teach LNT. The paper invites them to think about how well that message fits with teaching about connection to and relationships with land.

Putting it into practice

Run a discussion with students about the wider 'trace' of a trip, including travel and gear, alongside the minimum-impact practices used in the field.

How strong is the evidence

This is an argument-based paper; the abstract reports no empirical data. It is written mainly with European landscapes in mind.

What to read

The full article, which is argument-driven.

Who it's for