Transformative experiences in nature have the potential to awaken people’s well-being, as well as add value to local communities. However, to keep trails preserved, it is necessary to educate and train professionals and enthusiasts in sustainable practices.
With this goal in mind, Gear Tips and the Rede Brasileira de Trilhas (REDE) join forces to provide people with a responsible connection to nature. The association has been operating since 2019 with the implementation of long-distance trails to promote recreation, leisure, health, environmental conservation, and local job and income generation.
REDE connects Brazil’s conservation units through ecological corridors — an important tool for the preservation of fauna and flora —, applying public policy guidelines and ensuring their effective practice, implementing, systematizing, organizing, registering, and promoting long-distance trails across the country.
Currently, nearly 7,000 km have already been marked. The Trilha Transcarioca, in Rio de Janeiro, is Brazil’s pioneering long-distance trail and the starting point and reference for the implementation of the Rede Brasileira de Trilhas. In addition to it, the Caminho de Cora Coralina, Caminho dos Veadeiros, Caminho da Fé, Trilha Transespinhaço, among others, are all integrated into REDE.
Caminho de Cora Coralina
Trilha Transespinhaço
“Gear Tips opened up a new horizon for us to bring more training focused on environmental education, and on the sustainable, regenerative, and responsible use of natural areas. We believe that training generates greater promotion of trail culture in Brazil. As people use natural spaces for recreation, they also help conserve them”, says Luciana Nogueira, REDE’s communications director.
Luciana and her team on the Transcarioca trail during signage installation, preventive firebreak construction, and forest restoration activities
For Pedro Lacaz Amaral, CEO of Gear Tips, the partnership will enable the expansion of minimum environmental impact practices across the entire national territory. “Just like REDE, we understand that trails are fundamental to connecting people with nature and promoting community-based tourism. Everyone needs to know how to preserve them.”
Gear Tips is committed to spreading Leave No Trace throughout Brazil by building an ecosystem made up of companies and associations with shared values. When everyone learns to care for nature, we all reap the benefits of a collective space, leaving positive footprints for future visitors.
This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)
