Petra & Amman are the kind of destinations that invite you to slow down, breathe deeper and keep your eyes open. But as you wander through valleys, trails, and natural landscapes, there’s an important reminder at the heart of a meaningful hike: what you take in, you should also protect on the way out.
In a heartfelt message, nature explorer and photographer Yasser Hanandeh shares a simple invitation for hikers across Jordan: bring a bag for rubbish on your next hike and collect what you can along the route. It’s not about solving everything alone—it’s about turning your time in the outdoors into a positive force.
Why litter lasts longer than you think
Yasser explains that not all waste found in nature is originally placed there by the actions of hikers. Litter can be carried by rainfall, floods, and even strong winds, eventually reaching places that are much harder for anyone to reach—especially when trails require significant walking, effort, and energy.
In valleys and forest areas, the route can be challenging enough that it becomes difficult for cleaning teams to access certain spots. That means waste can spread and accumulate in locations many people never imagine seeing.
What this means for hikers
If you’re used to following hiking routes and you have the ability to move through these areas, Yasser’s point is clear: why not use that access for something good? Since you’ll already be putting in the effort to enjoy the landscape, you can also contribute to keeping it cleaner.
Make cleaning part of every hike
The message is refreshingly practical. Yasser describes how, during his hikes, he always carries a rubbish bag. The goal is not to pretend that one person can fix the entire problem. Instead, the focus is on consistent, collective action.
- Bring a bag with you on the trail.
- Pick up what you can safely collect.
- Take the rubbish with you rather than leaving it behind.
At the heart of it is a simple idea: imagine what happens when every hiking group—or even every individual—does a little. “That little” becomes meaningful when multiplied across many visits.
Petra & Amman: the perfect backdrop for Leave No Trace
Petra and Amman offer hikers unforgettable scenery, from historic landscapes to natural surroundings. And because these areas attract visitors from near and far, the trails become shared spaces—ones where your choices can influence the experience of future hikers.
Yasser’s invitation to “leave nature cleaner than you found it” fits beautifully with the spirit of hiking here. You come to enjoy the outdoors, so take responsibility for the trail and the environment that makes it special.
A challenge for your next group outing
If you’re planning a hike with friends, clubs, or a tour group, consider making it part of the plan from the start. Before you set off, decide who carries the bag, how you’ll keep it safe, and how long you’ll spend collecting along the route—without rushing the experience.
Small actions. Real differences.
Yasser’s closing thought is both motivational and grounded: you may not solve the entire issue alone, but your contribution matters. When hikers take responsibility, the landscape benefits. Cleaning nature becomes part of what you do—not an afterthought.
So for your next hike in Jordan, pack a little extra. Enjoy Petra & Amman, take in the views, and help leave the trails better than you found them. It’s a simple way to ensure your adventure supports the beauty that inspires it.
Quick checklist for hikers
- Rubbish bag (bring one with your group)
- Gloves if you have them
- Focus on collecting only what you can safely manage
- Respect the route and enjoy the hike—cleaning is part of the journey
