Sustainability

Ensuring that all White & Green Ribbons are sustainable for the long term is a cornerstone of our philosophy and should also be a given for all participants. To support this, we’ve prepared the following information to help you plan and complete a sustainable Ribbon journey.

Checklist for a sustainable Ribbon

Be mindful of the landscapes you pass through, as well as the animals and people you encounter along the way. The more respect and care you show, the greater the experience! Leave no trace, except possibly your footprints or ski tracks, and make sure to leave any resting spots in at least as clean and tidy a state as when you arrived. (And yes – your snus pouch or cigarette butt should be taken with you and disposed of in a trash bin, NOT left in nature!)

For toilet paper, you can either burn it (with caution, and never if the ground is dry!), or bury it with your waste using a small shovel. Alternatively, you can dispose of it in a trash bag. And of course, never use wet wipes as toilet paper, as they contain plastic and do not decompose!

Reindeer are sensitive to disturbances, especially in spring and early summer. Always leave the reindeer undisturbed. If you encounter reindeer, take a large detour around them or sit quietly and wait until they move on. Avoid snowfields where reindeer may seek shelter from the heat and insects. Always keep your dog on a leash in areas where reindeer may be present, as an unleashed dog can disturb and harm both the reindeer and the reindeer husbandry.

The Sami are Sweden’s indigenous people, and reindeer husbandry is an essential part of the mountain landscape.  Understanding the traditional practices of reindeer husbandry and the cultural significance of reindeer to the Sami people will enrich your experience and help you travel responsibly through these areas.

Buy as much as you need along the way! There’s no need to send all your food and supplies in advance – you can easily find most of what you need in many villages along the mountain chain. This way, you’ll avoid extra transport  and support small local businesses in the mountain communities. It’s also allowed to take a bus or hitchhike to a store, as long as you return to the same point to continue your journey.

The Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten)

Sweden’s Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) is unique and offers both opportunities and responsibilities when we are out in nature. And these are important to understand when embarking on any of the Ribbons. Check more HERE.

Protected nature

When you’re out on your Ribbon, you also need to pay extra attention to the rules that apply when you enter a specially protected area.

THE AREA NEAR TRERIKSRÖSET ON THE FINNISH SIDE

The Malla Strict Nature Reserve near Treriksröset on the Finnish side is a protected area. Just like in Swedish nature reserves or national parks, the Right of Public Access does not fully apply here.

In summer, it is only permitted to hike along the marked trail on foot. In winter, skiing is allowed even outside the marked trail.

In the nature reserve, there are two huts by Kuohkimajärvi – one open hut and one bookable hut (which must be reserved in advance). Camping is only allowed next to the open hut – not anywhere else in the nature reserve.

A companion dog can accompany a hiker when it is on a leash, but dog sledding is strictly prohibited in the Malla Nature Reserve near Treriksröset.

For more information, especially if you plan to hike with a dog or drive a dog sled, contact the Kilpisjärvi Nature Centre. Learn more about the rules for Malla Nature Reserve.