Gear Tips Empowerment Program is recognized as a Gold Standard by Leave No Trace

The Gear Tips EMPOWERMENT Program has been officially recognized as a Gold Standard Program by Leave No Trace, becoming the first program outside the United States to receive this distinction.

This recognition validates our ongoing commitment to outdoor education and environmental ethics, reinforcing our mission to promote sustainable and responsible practices in outdoor activities.

What is the Gold Standard designation?

Leave No Trace is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the environment through education, science, and practical guidelines. Its 7 Principles guide millions of people worldwide on how to minimize their impact during outdoor activities.

The Gold Standard designation is the highest form of recognition awarded by Leave No Trace. It celebrates programs, sites, and organizations that incorporate Leave No Trace Principles in a structured, ongoing, and effective way, promoting a real positive impact on the responsible use of natural areas.

According to Leave No Trace itself:

“Gold Standard is the highest form of recognition from Leave No Trace. Sites, organizations, and programs receiving this designation are internationally recognized for their implementation of Leave No Trace principles. The designation process offers a framework for building a robust Leave No Trace educational program capable of creating more informed visitors and reducing recreation-related impacts.”

Initially aimed at protected areas, the certification has expanded to include other categories:

• Gold Standard Site: protected areas such as parks and nature reserves (original category);
• Gold Standard Outfitter & Guide: companies and guides leading outdoor activities;
• Gold Standard Hospitality: lodging and tourism facilities in nature-based settings;
• Gold Standard Youth Program: programs focused on young audiences;
• Gold Standard Program – educational programs: the category in which Gear Tips was certified (being one of the few worldwide and the first outside the United States).

Check out the full list of Gold Standard sites and programs recognized by Leave No Trace: Gold Standard Sites & Programs

Parks, protected areas, and other sites

Hospitality

Companies and Guides

Youth Programs

Educational Programs

The evaluation process: what was required?

To be recognized as a Gold Standard Program, Gear Tips went through a rigorous evaluation process based on seven key criteria:

• Trained team: multiple certified instructors at Levels 1, 2, and 3.
• Ongoing training: regular offering of courses and capacity-building for new professionals.
• Applied practices: all courses incorporate Leave No Trace principles with local examples.
• Communication: consistent use of Leave No Trace language and values across our digital platforms, events, and materials.
• Educational content: all EMPOWERMENT Program courses include Leave No Trace content contextualized for Brazil.
• Partnerships with protected areas: we work directly with national and state parks.
• Sustainability: carbon offsetting for all actions, along with other good environmental practices.

The result is a robust, replicable program with direct impact on environmental conservation — aligned with the highest international standards.

A milestone for Brazil and South America

The recognition of the EMPOWERMENT Program as a Gold Standard is a historic milestone for Brazil and all of South America. It is the first time a program outside the United States has received this distinction, highlighting Gear Tips’ role as a leader in promoting outdoor ethics in the region.

“Leave No Trace is pleased to announce the Gear Tips EMPOWERMENT Program as a Gold Standard Program,” said Dana Watts, Executive Director of Leave No Trace. “Gear Tips plays a fundamental role in Leave No Trace education. As the first international program to receive this designation, their hard work and dedication to protecting natural spaces make the organization a leading force in the Leave No Trace movement and an example of effective educational implementation.”

What is the EMPOWERMENT Program?

The EMPOWERMENT Program is an educational initiative by Gear Tips created to strengthen the culture of responsibility and safety in outdoor activities in Brazil. Through in-person and online courses, the program offers technical training for professionals and enthusiasts in the outdoor sector, with a focus on environmental preservation, autonomy, and best practices in natural environments.

The main courses include:

• Leave no Trace – Level 1 Instructor (LNT1);
• Mountain Navigation and Orienteering (CONAM);
• Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA);
• Outdoor Cooking;
• Satellite Safety and Communication.

Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course held at FLONA of Passa Quatro, Minas Gerais.

The impact of the EMPOWERMENT Program

Since its creation, the EMPOWERMENT Program has been dedicated to training professionals and enthusiasts to act ethically and consciously in natural environments. Our numbers reflect this commitment:

• Over 200 people trained in Leave No Trace Level 1 and 2 Instructor courses;
• Goal of 500 certified instructors by the end of 2025;
• Partnerships with national and state parks, such as Tijuca and Serra dos Órgãos National Parks, as well as agreements with Fundação Florestal (SP) and INEA (RJ);
• Carbon offsetting for all courses and events within the program;
• Continuous production of educational content on our blog, YouTube channel, and social media.

“It is an honor to be the first international program recognized as a Gold Standard Program by Leave No Trace,” says Pedro Lacaz Amaral, founder and CEO of Gear Tips. “This designation validates our commitment to outdoor education and environmental ethics in Brazil and throughout South America. Through the EMPOWERMENT Program, we are building a strong community of qualified professionals and shaping a more conscious and sustainable outdoor culture. We believe education is the most powerful tool to protect our natural spaces.”

Leave No Trace Level 1 Instructor Course delivered to the team at Tijuca National Park, in Rio de Janeiro.

An invitation to all

This achievement is the result of collective effort from our team, partners, instructors, and participants. We invite everyone to join us on this journey of learning and respecting nature.

Get to know the EMPOWERMENT Program and discover how you can be part of this transformation!

This post is also available in: Português (Portuguese (Brazil)) Español (Spanish)