To promote the concept of “Leave No Trace” and encourage the public to hike responsibly and preserve the beauty of forests and mountains, the “Leave No Trace Hiking Fun” event has been held for nine years. With over 60 sessions across Taiwan, the event was relaunched simultaneously in three locations—New Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung—on the 20th, attracting nearly 10,000 participants.
This year’s “Leave No Trace Hiking Fun” carefully selected three of Taiwan’s Little Hundred Peaks for climbing. The activity began with a warm-up session using stress-relief sticks independently developed by Outopia, followed by a forest conservation pledge. Outopia’s Executive Vice President Chang Kuo-chin, along with representatives from the Forestry Bureau under the Council of Agriculture, the Chinese Taipei Hiking Association, W. L. Gore & Associates (Taiwan), and the Taiwan Leisure Hotel Association, led the hike, covering an approximately 8–9 kilometer trail.
Throughout the hike, professionals from the Chinese Taipei Hiking Association accompanied participants to guide them on correct hiking practices. In addition, specially arranged ecological interpreters from the Forestry Bureau set up “Ecology Mini-Classrooms” at various points along the route, providing insights into the flora and fauna along the trails. The event also featured live performances by the forest song group Rainbow Valley Band, delivering an educational yet entertaining experience to reinforce the principles of “Leave No Trace.”
This year’s “Leave No Trace Hiking Fun” event featured three mountain-friendly trails: the “Honeypot Trail” in Zhonghe, New Taipei; the “Biting Dog Trail” in Taichung; and the “Dagangshan Trail” in Kaohsiung. All trails can be easily accessed via public transportation, allowing participants to start their low-carbon, environmentally friendly journey right from home.
During the hike, besides enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery and city views from above, as well as breathing in the forest’s phytoncides, participants were guided by professionals from the Chinese Taipei Hiking Association, who taught proper ways to connect with nature. Ecological interpreters from the Forestry Bureau also introduced the unique ecosystems along each trail. This year’s routes included a “Challenge Group” and a “Family Group,” catering to different participants and encouraging everyone to take part in promoting “Leave No Trace” through action.
Chang Kuo-chin, Executive Vice President of Outopia, said that over the past eight years, the Outopia Leave No Trace events have been held more than 60 times, building a large base of supporters, many of whom return every year. This year, the new Family Group aims to instill environmental awareness starting from family education, helping children develop ecological conservation values from a young age.
(China Times)