A Captonian has been selected to represent South Africa in Japan. All things Trail, to share and learn and bring back what he learns to South Africa to work towards our dream of sustainable, safe and clean trails.
Three years ago Blake Dyason started a movement called Love Our Trails, which focuses on educating trail users about what it means to care for our trails and environment. Together with a group of interested people and organisations, Blake regularly hosts clean-ups, gives talks and shares his thoughts wherever he finds a platform.
“The momentum has built up, with outdoor activities growing at a rapid pace,” says. “I’ve now found myself working with international organisations, land owners and event organisers with the common goal of cleaning up our natural environment and ensure our trails are sustainable. clean and safe for future generations.
“We all agree that trails give us so much, but without maintenance and awareness, our trails won’t be sustainable, safe or clean.”
Blake has been selected to join 16 Next Generation Trail Visionaries from 12 countries on a seven-day trail experience in Japan.
Hiking and walking are one of the most popular forms of outdoor recreation activities, and surveys reflect this popularity. Hiking combines several pursuits – an interest in scenery, wildlife, solitude, and discovery – all in a low-impact form of healthy recreation. Wilderness experiences are sought out by hikers to relieve stress, and outdoor experiences have been shown to decrease attention deficit disorder, obesity, and depression.
Hiking and walking potentially reduces healthcare costs. Being outdoors promotes self-reliance and an increased awareness of one’s own coping abilities. Low-impact outdoor recreational pursuits, such as hiking and walking, also contribute to local economies, helping both developed world and developing world communities establish sustainable economic growth.
The World Trails Network strives to connect the diverse trails of the world to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of outstanding trail experiences. The World Trails Network brings trail associations, trail advocates, walkers, hikers and people passionate about the outdoors together from around the world to foster global collaboration and networking for the betterment of the world’s trails.
“This is an incredible opportunity to share experience and learn from other countries and individuals,” he says.
“Participating in this event will allow me to use the knowledge gained to improve South African trails on a sustainable basis.
“As part of my commitment I need to show I have community support, and need to raise 350 US dollars (just over R4 500) to help fund the production of a documentary that will be made about the initiative. The doccie will help us to share our experience and knowledge with trail communities around the world.”
Blake is calling on anyone who cares about the environment to help him reach his crowdsourcing target by 8 August 2017.
“Any support would be hugely appreciated. No amount is too small or to big.”
“I can’t wait to share my experience with you!”
Click here to donate and learn more about the Next Generation Trail Visionary Expedition.