provisions into reusable containers when appropriate. If you want to make a gesture, consider
carrying out some of the rubbish left by others.
Don’t rely on bought water in plastic bottles, as disposal of these bottles is creating a major
problem in Morocco. Instead purify locally sourced water.
Human Waste Disposal
Contamination of water sources by human faeces can lead to the transmission of hepatitis,
typhoid and intestinal parasites. This is a particular problem in more populated trekking areas.
Where there is a toilet, it is a good idea to use it; where there is none, bury your waste. Dig
a small hole 15cm (6in) deep and at least 100m from any watercourse – an important point to
remember, given how many trekking routes follow rivers and streams. Consider carrying a
lightweight trowel: in the arid Atlas Mountains, digging without one can be difficult. In snow, dig
down to the soil; otherwise, your waste will be exposed when the snow melts.
Use toilet paper sparingly, burn it when possible or bury it with the waste. Cover the waste
with soil and a rock.
Washing
Don’t use detergents or toothpaste in or near watercourses, even if they are biodegradable.
For personal washing use biodegradable soap and wash at least 50m away from any
watercourse. Disperse the waste water widely to allow the soil to filter it fully before it makes
its way back to the watercourse. Use a scourer, sand or snow to wash cooking utensils rather
than detergent. Again, make sure you’re at least 50m from any watercourse.
Erosion
Hillsides and mountain slopes, especially at high altitudes, are prone to erosion. Stick to existing
tracks and avoid short cuts that bypass a switchback. If you blaze a new trail straight down a
slope, it will turn into a watercourse with the next heavy rainfall, eventually causing soil loss and
deep scarring.
Low-Impact Cooking
Don’t depend on open fires for cooking. As you will see, cutting wood for fires has caused
widespread deforestation in Morocco. Ideally, cook on a lightweight multifuel or kerosene stove
and avoid those powered by disposable butane gas canisters. If you do make a fire, ensure it
is fully extinguished after use by spreading the embers and dousing them with water. A fire is
only truly safe to leave when you can comfortably place your hand in it.
Camping
Vegetation at high altitude is highly sensitive. When camping, minimise your impact on the
environment by not removing or disturbing the vegetation around your camp site. In order to
avoid aggravating the persistent and serious problem of overgrazing in many of the regions,
sufficient fodder (barley) for all baggage mules and donkeys should be brought in. Enquire
about this before setting off.