Empowerment Program holds the first edition of the Leave No Trace course exclusively for Black people

On March 22 and 23, the Empowerment Program by Gear Tips, in partnership with Kampa, the NGI ICMBio Mantiqueira, Milla Expedições, and Okê Aventura, will hold the first edition of the Leave No Trace – Level 1 Instructor course exclusively for Black people, with full scholarships.

The course, aimed at outdoor activity enthusiasts, guides, instructors, teachers, and other professionals, will take place in the Floresta Nacional de Passa Quatro (FLONA Passa Quatro) – MG.

During two immersive days in the Serra da Mantiqueira, participants will learn and put into practice seven principles, including: how to respect local wildlife, flora, and fauna; the environmental impact of seemingly harmless actions like taking plants and branches home; how to properly reduce and dispose of waste; the importance of staying on marked trails; and more.

Photo: Divulgação.

Diego Cruz, a member of the Coletivo Negritude Outdoor, will be one of the instructors. “The lack of Black people in the outdoor activity sector gives us a sense of not belonging. We start to think that maybe this isn’t for us because we don’t see representation. By organizing activities like this, bringing in Black people, we show that yes, we belong, we also study, and we can further spread these principles,” explains Diego, who is also a partner at the Okê Aventura agency, a mountaineer, a tourism guide, and vice president of the Federação de Montanhismo do Estado de São Paulo (FEMESP).

For Alexandre Palmieri, one of the initiative’s creators, the goal is to provide a space where Black people can connect, share experiences, and build a support network for future activities. “We want to encourage Black leadership in outdoor activities, expand their presence and protagonism, and promote autonomy. This way, they will become an inspiration for more Black people to engage in these practices, fostering greater diversity and inclusion”, explains Kampa’s founder.

In addition to gaining knowledge, after certification, all participants will be qualified to give lectures and workshops based on what they have learned in practice, using various forms of presentation and experiences regarding the 7 principles of minimum impact.

Are you interested in participating in the exclusive Leave No Trace course for Black people?

Registrations are open until March 9 on the website: http://kampa.com.br/curso.

Twelve scholarships will be awarded, covering accommodation and meals. As a participation requirement, you must conduct two workshops, lectures, or live streams on social media to share the course content.

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