Every year more visitors come to the valleys and mountains of northern Morocco. That's a good thing, but it leaves a mark: litter beside the paths, new tracks cut into slopes, noise that scares wildlife. The “Leave no trace” principles help us enjoy nature without spoiling it.
The seven principles
- Plan and prepare well to avoid hasty decisions.
- Stay on existing paths; don't create new ones.
- Carry out all your rubbish, including fruit peel and cigarette butts.
- Leave what you find: stones, plants and flowers.
- Don't light fires in the forest.
- Respect wildlife: watch from a distance and don't feed animals.
- Respect others: keep your voice down and give way to shepherds and their flocks.
Fruit peel isn't harmless
Many people think orange or banana peel breaks down quickly. In fact it can last weeks or months and change what animals eat. Put it in your bag with the rest of your rubbish.
Macaques
In some Rif forests you may come across Barbary macaques. Never feed them: it changes their behaviour, makes them aggressive and puts them at risk.