Conservation project

Menorca A path with history 360° route Conservation project

With our project “Conserva es Camí”, Camí de Cavalls 360º activity carries out improvements actions on the path. Since 2017, hundreds of participants and the 40 Nord Outdoor company, organizer of Camí de Cavalls 360º, have made contributions for Camí de Cavalls conservation measures and actions.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Camí de Cavalls 360º, including the Epic CdC360º race, is an activity that makes use of a public and fragile resource that the Camí de Cavalls is. Although they represent a tiny part of the real human pressure that is now assuming the Camí de Cavalls and the natural areas through which it passes, we are aware of our responsibility in the correct use and promotion of this public resource. We do not want to be only users, but we want to be an active part of its maintenance and conservation. With this project, the Camí de Cavalls 360º activity is not only respectful with the path, but also represents a direct improvement in the environment where it takes place.

How does it work? Our activities raise funds that go directly to preservation measures and actions for the Camí de Cavalls path.

The proceeds of these funds are made in two ways:

1) The voluntary donations of the Camí de Cavalls 360º and Epic CdC360º participants. These donations can be made through our shop, or when registering to Camí de Cavalls 360º or to the Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º race.

2) The direct contribution of the 40 Nord Outdoor company, organizer of both activities. 40 Nord Outdoor donates the amount of 2 € for each participant to the activities Camí de Cavalls 360º and Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º. In addition, the company also assumes the cost of project management and the management of the actions that are carried out.

HOW ARE THE FUNDS INVESTED?

The actions carried out are intended to mitigate or prevent erosive processes, correct the path course or repair specific elements of the path. Likewise, actions are also promoted to improve, protect or recover the rural and natural environment through which the path runs.

The amount raised is entirely allocated to maintenance and conservation actions for the Camí de Cavalls. All management, advertising and management related to the project are the responsibility of the company 40 Nord Outdoor and the 2 € per participant donated by the company is not used for these concepts.

BEYOND SUSTAINABILITY: IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT

Camí de Cavalls 360º is from the beginning an activity liable in respect for the environment. It is done in very small groups (average of about 2.3 people per group) spread over the 12 months of the year. In addition, participants remain in the minimum time required natural areas, as the overnight is always done in certified accommodations.

Also the Epic Camí de Cavalls 360º race shares those same principles. One of the main goals of the race is the awareness and education of participants in the responsible use of the trails and the respect for natural areas where the race takes place. It takes a set of measures to avoid the negative impact of the race on the path and the environment.

Activities of this kind are not a threat to the environment in any way, but on the contrary, they are an exceptional opportunity to do educational work, and reach the goal of respecting the natural areas not only during the course of the race, but also the rest of the year. Because the environmental awareness is not forged in an office or in a classroom, but in contact with nature.

With the Conserva es Camí project, 40 Nord Outdoor not only carries out sustainable activities and does this pedagogical work, but it also generates financial resources to help the maintenance and conservation of the trail and the areas where it goes through.

ACTIONS CARRIED OUT

Up until today, the paving of a section of the trail between Es Alocs and El Pilar has been completed. The actions were carried out using traditional dry stone techniques and corrected the state of deterioration in this section of the trail. This solution replaced a log system that had proven counterproductive, while adding value to a living heritage asset such as the Camí de Cavalls. The result of the work is a sturdy, durable paving that is integrated into the environment.

The amount allocated to this action was 17,000 €.

The Conserva es Camí project continues to raise funds at a good pace. During the first 6 years of the project a total amount of 31.600 € has been raised. Approximately half of these has been donated by the participants and the other half has been contributed by 40 Nord Outdoor. We continue to work in the same line, aware of our responsibility as a local company that promotes and uses a public resource with great symbolic value such as the Camí de Cavalls. We want to make an exemplary use of this path to try to influence, in the measure of our possibilities, in an adequate use by individuals and especially other companies and activities.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE WORKS

The goal is preventing or correcting erosion processes, for example by correcting past actions that have proved counterproductive.

The ultimate goal of the actions is to make a tough path that is self-regulated as much as possible.

They are not intended to reduce natural obstacles. Obstacles are part of the environment, they are one of the attractions of the trail and are part of its character.

No furniture will be used to add or increase signalling or other elements on the trail.

The works will be respectful with the traditional techniques and adapted to the surroundings where they are carried out.