Latest news with #Calanques
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Free Malaysia Today
Rock stacking trend can be harmful to wildlife
Rock stacking can be harmful to animals, plants, and the soil in natural ecosystems. (Envato Elements pic) PARIS : If you're planning a hike in the mountains soon and feel the urge to pick up rocks, pile them up and post your creation on Instagram, think again. This trend, known as 'rock balancing,' 'cairns,' 'rock stacking' or 'stone stacking' may be all the rage on Instagram, but it can have very real consequences for the flora and fauna that populate mountain waterways. Back in 2020, Australian ecologist Nick Clemann, issued a warning about the dangers of such formations to a particular skink lizard in a report by Australian media outlet ABC News. In Australia and elsewhere in the world, rocks form the habitat of these small reptiles and other animal species. Moving them therefore means depriving them of their shelter, which can directly threaten their survival. In France, too, the practice is being called out. In 2022, the website of the Parc national des Calanques, a national park located on the Mediterranean coast in Southern France, published a press release sounding the alarm. A number of animal and plant species in this sublime natural setting – but heavily affected by overtourism – are suffering as a result of rock stacking, notably the Tarentola mauritanica, or common wall gecko, the European yellow-tailed scorpion and the Sabline de Provence, a plant endemic to the region. But that's not all: 'By removing stones along a pathway, the soil is left bare, leading to severe erosion until the bedrock is reached,' the news release explains. While the release states that its aim is to raise awareness rather than punish what appears to be a harmless act, it nevertheless points out that building cairns in the park can result in a fine of €135. National parks and mountain trails are not, of course, the only ecosystems affected. Picking up, moving, or stacking rocks or pebbles is punishable by a fine of €1,500 along the entire French coastline, as the government explains on its official website. Meanwhile, in the past month, the issue has been brought to the fore once more, with tourists and locals in the area of Lake Tekapo, New Zealand speaking out about the practice. While on this particular site, there is some disagreement about its direct impact on the ecosystem, the practice is being criticised for its disruption of the natural setting. Described as 'environmental vandalism' by one resident in a report by Radio New Zealand, it's yet another example of tensions surrounding sites of natural beauty and how they are being affected by social media-driven tourism. While it is obviously not forbidden to capture the breathtaking landscapes that you sometimes discover after hours of walking, there are practical and simple ways to enjoy the wonders of nature without harming it. National parks and other marked trails are generally subject to strict regulations, which are posted on signs in strategic locations for visitors. You should always read these carefully before setting off on a walk. Another golden rule to help you preserve the biodiversity of the place you're exploring is to 'leave nothing but footprints.' This advice applies to litter, building cairns, and even lovers who might be tempted to carve their initials into a tree or rock! The 'leave-no-trace' principle of outdoor exploration is also espoused by experts in the US, cited in a recent article, who have labelled the proliferation of cairns an aspect of 'visual pollution' in a natural landscape. Furthermore, cairns may have an important meaning in certain cultures whether as a traditional wayfinding approach or imbued with spiritual meaning, and thus stacking stones 'for fun' can potentially be seen as creating confusion or even offensive.
Travel Daily News
15-05-2025
- Travel Daily News
Breath-taking panoramic view by the Calanques
If you are looking for a nice vacation in beautiful places with caves while enjoying relaxing stops, kayaking and swimming, get a tour boat from Marseille. Private boat tours offer effortless cruises into the Calanques. One of the hardest tasks is deciding on where to take your family or friends for a nice, private tour. If you are dealing with a group that has travelled a lot, they may have seen many beautiful places. However, have they been to Marseille? If yes, they know they can't miss another opportunity to explore this magical paradise again. Below is a simple guide to help tourists explore Calanques National Park and all it offers. Enjoy a Private and Luxury Boat Tour Taking a boat tour can turn an ordinary day trip into a memorable vacation. Boat trips, especially with sunny weather, can add lots of fun and unforgettable experiences to your holiday. So, are you looking for a rental boat in Calanques National Park? Bleu Evasion offers one of the best experiences when it comes to boat tours. Whether it is with your friends, work colleagues or family, you can choose to enjoy memorable moments and beautiful scenery without worrying about transport, activities and accommodation. The boat company offers different options like boat privatisation for a business event or romantic gateway. Depending on your needs and the weather condition in the park, you can customise each boat tour to fit your needs. Regardless of whether you are just an adventure seeker, looking to relax or a nature enthusiast, with Bleu Evasion, you can enjoy a diverse array of activities in this stunning Mediterranean landscape. What To Do in Calanques? You can enjoy plenty of activities with your family, friends, or work colleagues, even for a day's trip. Beyond what you can do and see in Calanques National Park, the region boasts rich cultural heritage, especially when you visit historical sites and nearby villages. Boat Tours You can experience and explore Calanques from a boat tour perspective. With a top boat company, like Bleu Evasion, you will get top history and geology insights. The tour guide includes other activities like swimming and sunbathing on pristine beaches within the Calanques National Park. Some of the popular spots ideal for swimming include Calanques de Sormiou and Calanques d'En-Vau. Remember, you may need to hike to access some beaches. Nature Walk and Rock Climbing Calanques National Park has some of the best trails, like Morgiou, Calanques de Sugiton and En-Vau, which pass through limestone cliffs. Here you will have a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and turquoise coves. With a guided tour, you can learn more about the unique flora and fauna of the area. This specific part is known for its rock climbing opportunities, with routes ideal for all climbing levels. Climb while enjoying the stunning scenery and the sea as your backdrop. Water-Based Activities Besides swimming, there are plenty of fun water-based activities to engage in while enjoying the beautiful scenery. As part of your private tour, you can access the serene Calanques waters by paddleboard or kayak. Additionally, you can explore colourful underwater ecosystems by going scuba diving or snorkelling in the clear water. Guided and rental tours offer these activities to cater to various skill levels. In a Nutshell You can explore and experience one of the most stunning natural treasures along the Mediterranean Sea, thanks to private boat tours. From crystal-clear waters and hidden coves to limestone cliffs and trails, every turn you make will reveal something new and exciting. Whether you are looking for a place to relax, trying to have a different view of the sea or adventure, sailing from Marseille offers exclusive access to Calanques and everything it has to offer. Photo by Laura Ollier on Unsplash
