We often talk about the environment and, even more frequently, try to bring forward the development of consciousness on the part of each individual. Especially for those of us who practice outdoor sports and therefore-as I often say-the environment is our gym.
The Clean Outdoor Manifesto
is a critical mass project that talks about just that, and it comes from people like us, who have the same passion, the same interests as us. For this, you will probably know the first 12 signatories: Luca Albrisi, Andrea Benesso, Luca Dalpez, Francesco “Paco” Gentilucci, Dino Lanzaretti, Matteo Pavana, Simone Barberi, Davide “Zeo” Branca, Maria Carla Ferrero, Davide Grazielli, Jacopo Larcher, Eva Toschi.
The project is devoted to promoting a biocentric view of the world, in which human beings and sports performance are an integral part of the environment, rather than being dominant in it. Most importantly, the manifesto aims to promote outdoor culture in the true sense of the word, in its most beautiful and profound meaning.
It is important to become aware that commitment to the environment comes from a change in our way of thinking, a cultural change that goes beyond the search for “culprits” or the alibi that the individual can do nothing.
We live in a world where ideas like these can seem like utopias, and that is the main mistake we make. Instead, the simple concepts proposed by Outdoor Manifesto must be the foundation on which we base our presence on our planet.
We need to change our thinking, we need to be more sensitive. Throughout history, human beings have always carried forward an exaggerated concept of ownership: everything must belong to someone. We must arrive and put up our flag as in a game of RisiKo!
Mountains must have lifts everywhere because we have “heavy asses,” beaches must have sunbeds, deck chairs and a mojito at 10 meters, everything must be functional for human presence and comfort. And this is a big mistake.
Because this planet is not ours. The planet we live on belongs to itself, and it is we who must take care of it by minimizing the impact of our presence. For ourselves and for those who will come after us.
That is why I also signed the Manifesto.
(Main Photo by Anne-Sophie Benoit on Unsplash)