GOST approved for eco-tourism: what is prohibited

Separately prescribed recommendations to reduce the risk of poisoning with poisonous mushrooms

The requirements for the safety of participants in eco-tourism were approved by Rosstandart. The rules spelled out what is forbidden to do during this kind of vacation, so as not to harm the health of tourists and the environment.

As MK learned, the safety requirements approved by Rosstandart are aimed at organizing eco-tourism services. This type of activity is aimed primarily at knowledge and unity with nature without harm to the environment. However, such a holiday can be unsafe. Therefore, methods have been published to reduce the risks of threats to health and life, depending on the sources of danger.

So, the compilers prescribed the rules of conduct when meeting with wild animals. Tourists and organizers are strictly forbidden to touch and lure animals, they must not be provoked into aggressive behavior: swinging, approaching cubs, leaving food in an accessible place. It is also not allowed to destroy nests and hollows (as well as look into them), swim in reservoirs where there is a risk of meeting dangerous aquatic inhabitants. The organizers are instructed to provide the group with brown bear protection kits (one for every three people) – the kit should include a whistle, a flare, a signal fire.

In addition, tourists must follow the rules for interacting with the flora. First of all, we are talking about the prohibition of eating unknown fruits and berries. Picking and touching plants that cannot be identified is also prohibited. Separately prescribed recommendations to reduce the risk of poisoning with poisonous mushrooms. The main rule is not to eat a mushroom if it is impossible to determine for sure whether it is edible or not. Organizers are required to have anti-allergic drugs in the pharmacy.

The new GOST pays attention to the passage of wetlands by tourists. In particular, it is allowed to visit swamps in groups of at least three people; poles must be used to lay the route.

It is also the responsibility of the organizers to inform tourists about all the risks and dangers that may be encountered on the route.

Published in the newspaper “Moskovsky Komsomolets” No. 28995 dated March 23, 2023

Newspaper headline:
Ecotourists banned from luring wild animals