Clean Mountains, Clear Mind
For us, the Tatras are a place of peace, energy and inspiration. But just as we need the mountains, sometimes they need us too. That’s why this year we joined the long-standing initiative Clean Mountains in TANAP, which for years has reminded us that protecting nature is not just a duty but also a joy.
The clean-up took place in great spirits and under beautiful weather. Our ZAJO team, together with other volunteers, focused on cleaning the area around Štrbské Pleso, mainly off the main hiking trails. We were guided throughout the day by TANAP ranger Mr. Fabian, who showed us the most polluted areas and explained how to handle the waste properly.
We collected everything, from plastic bottles and tissues to old construction debris. The result speaks for itself, together we removed around 160 kilograms of waste that had been accumulating in the Tatra nature for years. During the day we covered the surroundings of the Kempinski and Panorama hotels, and even though we didn’t know how long it would take, all 22 volunteers stayed until the very end.
“It was a beautiful day, great people and a great feeling to do something meaningful. The waste we found was a sign that some areas have been neglected for years. This initiative truly gives back to the mountains what they give to us. We’ll definitely join again next year,” says Juraj Králik, founder of ZAJO.
But beyond the clean-up, it was also about something more, about meeting people who care, about teamwork, good energy, laughter and breathtaking views that reminded us why protecting what we have is worth it. We helped the Tatras breathe a little easier and they repaid us with silence and fresh air.
At ZAJO, protecting nature means a lot to us. It’s not just a campaign topic we mention once a year. Nature is our space, our laboratory and our biggest inspiration for everything we create. We believe that even a small act, like picking up a single bottle, matters, because great change begins with small steps. “If we love the mountains, we must take care of them, not because it’s expected, but because without them, we would lose the very sense of freedom that hiking gives us,” adds Juraj Králik.
The Clean Mountains in TANAP event wasn’t just a volunteering day for us, but a reaffirmation of the values that ZAJO stands for, respect, sustainability and care for nature. This day reminded us once again that every step matters, and when people who care come together, the result can truly be seen and felt. In the Tatras, it feels a little easier to breathe after this event, and we know we’ll gladly return here not only as tourists, but also as their protectors.
ZAJO. Outdoor to the People. Since 1996.
