From the Zumaia Flysch Trail Organization we have developed and developed a joint Environmental Technical Report in order to respect the environment since we run in an area protected, and also declared GEOPARQUE (Geopark of the Basque Coast) by UNESCO.
As a guide we have adopted the very points set out in the Europarc report and that we will be addressing them in this report one by one. And we will provide the solutions that we have decided to develop to positively address each of them.
1.- Planning and design phase.
2.- Development and execution phase.
3.- Completion and evaluation phase.
The total of the three phases consists of 54 requirements. 34 of them are mandatory and 20 are optional, of which 6 requirements must be met. We study by its importance in the first place those of obligatory compliance.
1. PLANNING AND DESIGN PHASE
1.1 THE ORGANIZATION HAS A TECHNICAL REPORT INFORMED FAVORABLY BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROTECTED SPACE.
This is the memory that we are preparing and that will be shared with the Department of Montes of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa for its definitive validation.
1.2 THE DEPARTURE POINT IS LOCATED IN AN URBAN CASCO, IN AN AREA WITH ADEQUATE CAPACITY OF ACOGIDA OR IN A PLACE WITH SUFFICIENT PARKING.
The departure and arrival point is in the Plaza de Eusebio Gurrutxaga, in the nerve center of Zumaia. The time that we will have the most runners in the square will be 700 people, on Sunday morning, although I doubt that they will all come together at once since there are three departures at three different hours, 7.30 am, 8.15 am and 9 am. The square can accommodate more than 3,000 people. In the radius of less than 1 km. of the square we have free parking without OTA for more than 3,000 vehicles. On the website there is a specific section where you can see the map of parking. Of course all car parks are located in locations outside the Protected Natural Area, they are located outside it.
1.4 THE TRACE AVOIDS THE PLACES OF MOST FRAGILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITY (PENDING SUBSTRACTS, FRAGIL SUBSTRATO, FLORA AND FAUNA CATALOGED, HABITATS IN DANGER, ETC.)
Since the first year we have had a team in which is the Montes Technician of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa. The two parts elaborated the route adapting the design to the possibilities of the route and of course taking into account that we did not make an impact on these places of fragility and environmental vulnerability. We have to say that no section of the route violates these cases. Therefore we avoid the reserve areas of the ENP, which are the tidal rasa and the cliffs, defined precisely as areas of maximum vulnerability in the PORN. These areas have been excluded from the first edition.
1.5 IN ITS ENTIRE TEST DISCURING BY EXISTING SECONDS OR WAYS.
There are small sections in which you run through open terrain, through meadows mainly. But absolutely all are particular lands where we have permission from the owners.
1.6 THE TEST SCHEDULE IS EXCLUSIVELY DAYTIME.
The test starts at 7.30am and the finish line closes at 15 p.m. afternoon. Therefore the test is totally daytime.
1.8 THE TEST TAKES PLACE IN THE PERIOD OF THE YEAR OF LEAST ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT, WHICH WILL BE INDICATED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL ADMINISTRATION.
The test takes place after mid-spring. The consideration is that they are good dates, since before May the soil is usually wetter, with more mud, with more possibilities of displacement. And from June it is usually much drier and more eroded. On the other hand for that date the spring flora and fauna are already developed and in full growth.
1.10 THE ORGANIZATION HAS NOT PUBLISHED, IN DETAIL, THE REMEDY TO THE AUTHORIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.
Only a map has been advertised on the web page with the route accepted by the administration for 5 years. In particular areas, for several years there have been posters indicating that passage is authorized only on the day of the Flysch race.
1.25 ORGANIZATION ENCOURAGES THE USE OF PUBLIC OR COLLECTIVE TRANSPORT : PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AUTOCARES, HIGH OCUPATION VEHICLES (P.E. BOOKING PLACES)
On the website we indicate the parking spaces available. We also indicate how to get to Zumaia, advising to use public transport.
We have reserve of places for the means we use on race day. ETB vans and trucks, Streaming, bows, fences…………..
We have 24 official cars with organizational indication on the front glass to take areas of the tour to cameras, press, guests and also for evacuation of corridors. Evacuation points are indicated on the maps of each route.
We also have defined and indicated on the map the possible helicopter evacuation zones.
1.27 ORGANIZATION AND PARTICIPANTS HAVE SUBSCRIBER An ADHESION FORM TO THE DOCUMENT OF GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES (ANNEX V OF THIS SYSTEM)
On the website is our document of Technical and Environmental Memory of the race. On the registration sheet they have to answer that they have read the report. If the registration is not valid.
1.28 THERE IS A IDENTIFICATION AND CORRECTION OF IMPACTS DOCUMENT THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TECHNICAL MEMORY.
Attached document attached to the report. It will be delivered to all zone managers so that they fill it out and give it to us for any impact they see, and that it is solved before the test, since they perform the previous months several walks and checks for the situation of the tour.
1.29 THERE IS A REGULATION OF THE BROKER THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE TECHNICAL MEMORY.
Attached is an ethical regulation document on good conduct of the broker.
1.30 THE ORGANIZATION HAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL MEMORY OF THE TEST.
This document wants to collect the technical and environmental memory of the test.
2.1 THE ORGANIZATION HAS INCORPORATED THE ENVIRONMENTAL ARBITRO FIGURE AND THESE HAVE A SPECIFIC TRAINING TO MEET YOUR PURPOSE/LABOR
We have for 5 years with environmental arbitrator of FEDME and they give us a report to the days of the race. We also have an environmental GMF arbitrator who will be working by 2020.
2.3 THE ENVIRONMENTAL ARBITRO CHECKS THAT THE SIGNAL SYSTEM IS ADEQUATE, PROVISIONAL AND EASY RECOVERABLE. IT IS APPROVED, IF EXISTING SIGNALATION IS POSSIBLE AND PERMANENT SIGNALS ARE NOT ALLOWED WITH PAINTS, CAL OR YESO.
Annually he does so and indicates it in his report.
2.6 THE ORGANIZATION HAS FACILITATED AND HAS OPERATIONAL A CONTACT PHONE OF A RESPONSIBLE ON THE TERRAIN TO ATTEND INCIDENTS.
We make a card that the 450 volunteers have been hanging with the Dtor’s phones. relevant people of the organization, Red Cross, those responsible for supplies, etc. With this they can immediately call in the event of any incident.
We also have a coordinated communications center from exit-meta, with 40 talkies deployed in zone chiefs, supplies and racer evacuation cars in case there is any serious incident.
2.7 IN THE PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING (BRIEFING) ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATIONS IS PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS.
It’s going to be done without a doubt.
2.10 ORGANIZATION COLLECTS INFORMATION AND PREPARES A REPORT OF ENVIRONMENTAL INCIDENTS DURING THE TEST (FLOOR, FLORA, FAUNA, WATER, ETCETERA). FOR THIS PURPOSE YOU CAN USE THE TAB IN ANNEX III TO THIS SYSTEM.
This document or similar appropriate to our terrain will be used. It’s the same as the pto. 1.28.
For the report, the environmental arbitrator sets out all these considerations, and we will also provide you with such incident documents.
2.11 THERE IS A SYSTEM OF INDENTIFICATION AND FOLLOWING OF PARTICIPANTS THAT ALLOWS TO CONTROL THE GENERATION OF RESIDUES.
It will be put on the website and it will be made an impact in the briefing that the runners have to put their bib number in the gels and bars that they carry. Referees will be allowed to penalize if they see the noma being breached.
On the other hand we have said that there will be 40 environmental volunteers helping the runners in the supply areas, with buckets selecting the waste.
We also have 5 carpets passing the runners so we know in real time where each one is.
2.13 THE ORGANIZATION COLLABORATES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL DIFUSION ACTIVITIES IN THE POPULATIONS WHERE THE ACTIVITY DISCURES.
We have three days of cultural events with three audiovisual talks including masterful : Garbage in the Sea, Garbage in the Space and Garbage in the Mountain.
The region is informed via web, newspaper, posters, brochures, so that they can go. Attendance is free.
2.16 THE TEST ROUTE IS ADJUSTED TO THE AUTHORIZED ROUTE.
It fits scrupulously. It must be said that we would have an alternative tour in each test that would be presented 48 hours before if necessary, but never has.
2.17 THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TEST IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AUTHORIZED SCHEDULE.
It fits scrupulously across all the cultural and sporting events announced.
2.18 THE TEST DOES NOT EXCEED THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS SET FORTH.
We have a maximum of 700 corridors that can enter the protected environment. The inscriptions are wearing that cap so as not to exceed it.
3.1 THE ORGANIZATION HAS DEVELOPED AN ENVIRONMENTAL EVALUATION REPORT THAT INCLUDES INCIDENTS AND IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL.
The two reports of the environmental judges certify this. Also the annual recognition of the Provincial Council itself.
3.2 THE ORGANIZATION HAS EFFECTIVE THE REMOVAL OF CONTAINERS AND THE COLLECTION OF RESIDUES THAT MAY HAVE GENERATED THE ACTIVITY THE SAME DAY OR IN A MAXIMUM OF 24 HOURS.
The route is divided into sectors. As soon as the career closing volunteers pass, each sector travels to the next sector enlating because there is no residue left.
The supplies collect from your vans and vans all your material with waste included. The head of each area and supplies is fully aware and responsible for this activity, which is carried out with great efficiency.
The race closes at 3 pm. By 4 pm it is all verified and collected.
3.3 PROVISIONAL SIGNALING HAS BEEN REMOVED ON THE SAME DAY OR IN A MAXIMUM OF 24 HOURS.
Same procedure as previous point.
3.5 IN THE ACT OF CLAUSE OR DELIVERY OF AWARDS, AS IN THE DIFUSION AFTER THE CELEBRATION OF THE TEST, THE ORGANIZATION VALUES THE GOOD PRACTICES DEVELOPED AND THE VALUES OF THE TERRITORY (ENP)
Particular emphasis will be placed on:
Brochures, Posters, Newspaper Supplement, Briefing, Streaming, T-Shirts, …..
3.6 THE ORGANIZATION HAS RECEIVED NO COMPLAINTS FROM THE OWNERS OF THE LAND FOR WHICH THE RACE TAKES PLACE.
Never until now. We visited them before the race and also after a small gift. The end of the second meeting always ends with being told that the following year we go easy again.
1.3 IN FULL THE TEST DISCURATES BY WELL CONSOLIDATED SUBSTICALS, WITHOUT EROSION PROBLEMS AND PERIODICLY ACONTED.
This is considered by the Environmental Authority from the first year. There are and do not exist throughout the route grounds of special problems in relation to erosion. The Environmental Authority itself defines and executes periodic conditioners if necessary.
1.7 THE ORGANIZATION HAS FIXED A MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS. IN SETTING THIS NUMBER, THE CAPACITY TO HOST THE ROUTE, AS DETERMINED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY, HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
The number of 700 participants is defined by the Provincial Council which is the Environmental Authority and explicitly specifies this in its permission.
1.9 THE VEGETATION OF THE WAYS OR SENDAS BY WHICH THE REMEDY IS NOT CUT, DESBROZA OR DAMAGES AS PRE-TEST CONDITIONING.
It recognizes that it is the Environmental Authority that the only thing that is cut is the grass of the particular meadows through which it passes. And it is a necessary activity for its maintenance. Meadows are semi-natural habitats that require permanent cutting several times a year. Cutting is not damage but a necessary action.
If there is any lateral clearing of any road, it is because the Environmental Authority considers it necessary so that those paths do not close with brambles, not by decision of the race.
1.16 IN THE EVENT OF USING PRIVATE WAYS, THE ORGANIZATION PROVES THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE OWNERS OF THE FINCAS.
We have the permits of each of the owners. We visited them weeks before the race and a few days later with a gift.
1.18 MORE THAN 70% OF THE TEST ROUTE DISCURRE BY ITINERARIES MARKED WITH GR OR PR SIGNALS AND NO MORE SIGNALING IS NEEDED.
This is the case in the grounds of the protected environment. However sometimes that marking is not enough and we put signs of flags like those described above, in the interests of runners neither getting lost nor lost.
1.19 IN THE AREAS MOST SENSITIVE TO RECEIVE IMPACTS BY THE TRANSIT OF CORREDORS (HYRODED AREAS, AT RISK OF EROSION, SENSITIVE ELEMENTS AS AN EXTENTED FLORA), AS IN THE SPECTATOR CONCENTRATION AREAS, THE ORGANIZATION SUBSTITUTE VOLCANTARIO STAFF THAT WILL PROVIDE AND INDICATE THE LOCATION OF THESE ELEMENTS.
ZUMAIA FLYSCH TRAIL has 400 volunteers plus 40 ecological volunteers who are equipped for these tasks, as we have said before. In any case we also keep the signals or beacons as a reinforcement element.
1.20 AVITUALLATION POINTS ARE PLACED IN ACCESSIBLE PLACES.
All supply points are accessible by vans, vans and all-terrain areas.
1.21 FOOD AND DRINK PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS DO NOT GENERATE RESIDUES.
Food is delivered without wrapping and drink if possible without bottle, only in glass. For any dismissal, we have in all the supplies the ecological volunteers helping.
1.22 THE ORGANIZATION HAS A SAFETY OR EMERGENCY PLAN TO ATTEND THESE EVENTUALITIES, IDENTIFYING THE ALTERNATIVES AND RESPONSIBLE.
There is no Emergency Plan drafted as such, because incidents can be multiple and diverse, and in any area in principle. But we have already said that we are coordinated by phone and talkies, so that in any event we make a quick decision, coordinated also with the rescue services and even Red Cross helicopters.
1.23 THE ORGANIZATION HAS AN INSURANCE POLICY THAT INCLUDES ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY.
We have covered accident and civil liability insurance for participants and volunteers. We do not contemplate the assumption of environmental responsibility.
1.26 THE ORGANIZATION, EITHER THE SAME OR THROUGH THE PARTICIPANTS, OFFERS THE POSSIBILITY THAT AN ECONOMIC AMOUNT MAY BE PROVIDED TO COLLABORATE IN THE RESTORATION AND CLEANING OF THE PROTECTED SPACE.
It is not contemplated for two reasons:
1.- There has been no need for restoration work in any of the editions.
2.- Cleaning work is carried out by the volunteers themselves in an altruistic way.
The money generated in the race goes to Charities: Aspanogi, Markelen Irria and Sarabastall. Atzegi also collaborates.
In any case we have developed initiatives such as the HOW TO TRASH RUN, where one morning we were 50 volunteers collecting plastics from Sakoneta to Algorri. We take them to recycle and count 280 kgrs. We will continue with these initiatives.
2.- DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTION PHASE
2.2 ENVIRONMENTAL ARBITERS ARE LOCATED IN THE MOST CONFLICTING PLACES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CONSERVATION AND FRAGILITY OF THE REMEDY (AREAS WITH POSSIBILITY OF AFFRONTS, SENSITIVE AREAS, SMOKY AREAS, ARROYOS, OTHERS,…). THIS LOCATION IS CONSENSUED WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT.
Environmental judges are well aware of the route and are known to the Environmental Administration. They do so, they also consult with us and communicate their ideas and plan.
2.4 ORGANIZATION INCORPORATES ENVIRONMENTAL VIGILANANCE TO ARBITRATION CRITERIA, INCLUDING SANCIONES.
It can be verified that it is included in the Regulation. Referees have absolute freedom to sanction.
2.5 ORGANIZATION HAS PERSONNEL TO COLLABORATE WITH THE MANAGEMENT IN THE ORDERING OF ACCESS AND PARKING OF VEHICLES.
We are 450 volunteers and we are helped by the Municipal Police of Zumaia and Deba, and the Ertzaintza in the passage area of the general road. All permissions are in order.
2.8 PARTICIPANT OUTPUT IS CAUSED IN A SCALED WAY.
In all races there is an initial starting drawer of between 50 and 70 elite participants. The Marathon leaves at 7.30am, the Half Marathon at 8.15am. and the 14 kms. departs at 9 a.m.
2.9 MEGAFONIA IS AVOIDED, EXCEPT IN THE DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL POINTS, AND ONLY IF THIS LAST IS LOCATED IN AN URBAN CASCO.
The Exit-Meta are the same point in the urban area, in the center of Zumaia. There’s nothing more public address throughout the route.
2.12 THE ORGANIZATION COLLABORATES WITH LOCAL ENTITIES OF THE TOWNS THROUGH WHICH THE ACTIVITY RUNS.
The activity runs through Zumaia and Deba. We collaborate with the organization of the march of Lastur (Deba), to which we help to get all the liquid supplies. Also advising on different organizational and logistical aspects. They volunteer with us.
2.14 ORGANIZATION DEVELOPS DIFUSION ACTIVITIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL SENSIBILIZATION FOR THE SPECTATOR PUBLIC (VISITORS AND LOCAL POBLACION)
We have already explained the three talks with free assistance related to Garbage in the Sea, Space and Mountain.
2.15 IN THE EVENT OF AWARDS OR ACTIVITY COMMEMORATIVE PRODUCTS, LOCAL PRODUCTS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED.
All trophies are commemorative of Zumaia, held in a Zumaia workshop specifically for our test.
There are products of the land that go in the broker’s stock exchange and also in podium.
There are big prizes along the way that involve weekends staying in Zumaia hotels and meals in restaurants in the region.
The organization also has as a prize one visit a year with a group to the Museum of the Flysch of Zumaia and a guided boat tour of the Flysch of Zumaia. Every year we invite different groups to make known our biological and geological wealth and of course explain how to preserve and respect it.
3.2 THE ORGANIZATION HAS MADE SATISFACTION SURVEYS BETWEEN PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS.
We don’t have it in mind.