RallyRACC, an example of environmental friendliness

(15/10/2013)

RallyRACC & Medio ambiente

Although at first glance, a rally might be considered as an intrusion into the natural environment, this has proven to be quite far from reality. RACC, together with the Environment and Housing Department of the Catalan Government, has once again established a series of measures with the aim of favouring the full and respectful coexistence of the race and the natural surrounding in which it is staged.

Safety and environment protection go hand in hand. The presence of large crowds of spectators implies the need to have these two factors firmly under control, in addition to the essential collaboration of the fans. The stages are closed for traffic on the day prior to the running, from midnight. Whenever possible, the organisation prepares spectator areas which are duly signposted, can be reached by foot and have nearby parking areas. The access to any other areas is rather complicated and not recommended.

Having many people gathered in a few metres and for many hours inevitably leads to the generation of waste that under no circumstances can be left in the woods. Almost all of the spectator areas have waste containers available for fans. Likewise, and thanks to the collaboration of Sanfeplast, S.A., around 10,000 bags are distributed to collect the waste in areas that do not have waste containers.

Raising spectator awareness is vital. Therefore, there are a series of posters and signs recommending:

• never to light fires, nor to throw away cigarette ends or glass.
• to act respectfully with the environment and the rural surroundings and to avoid invading farmland.
• not to leave waste outside of the containers or the bags provided for it in the areas prepared by the organisation.
• to make a responsible use of water, paper and energy.

The organisation does also introduce initiatives to protect the environment and the animal life in the area. The dates of the RallyRACC force to change the usual air traffic during the race. In October, the nesting of two eagle species in the area (Bonelli's Eagle and Golden Eagle), is the reason why RACC established air corridors for the helicopters that are authorised to fly during the rally, which additionally are strictly controlled by means of GPS devices and aerial photography.