THIS SUMMER HABIT YOU MAY HAVE IS HIDING A DISASTROUS IMPACT ON NATURE

You have surely come across this scene during your summer escapades: a pile of stones carefully stacked forming a precariously balanced structure. Perhaps you even had fun building one to immortalize the moment? However, behind this "fun and aesthetic" activity lies an ecological disaster. Fauna and flora specialists are sounding the alarm.

A trend that is making waves on social networks

Just take a look at Instagram with the hashtags #rockstacking or #rockbalancing and you’ll discover thousands of posts showing expertly orchestrated rock stacks. From the beach to the mountains to the rivers, these creations become true objects of artistic pride and personal achievement. But while these photos get likes galore, their impact on the environment is far less glamorous.

Fragile habitats destroyed

These stones found on beaches, in forests or in rocky areas are not simple pieces of minerals without a role. They are home to a complex ecosystem on which many creatures depend. Small spiders, insects, mollusks and amphibians hide under these stones to protect themselves from predators and bad weather. When these stones are moved to form a harmonious pile, an entire habitat is disturbed, sometimes threatening the survival of these species. Nick Clemann, an ecologist at the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research in Australia, underlines the scale of the phenomenon: "Everywhere, stones are being moved, often in critical habitats for endangered species. These piles can make a colony unviable," he explains to ABC News . And he is not the only one to be worried.

Accelerated erosion

In addition to disturbing local wildlife, piling up stones can promote erosion. Pebble ridges, for example, play a major protective role by breaking waves on the coastline. When these stones are moved, the coast becomes more vulnerable. This is what the town of Saint-Denis-d'Oléron, in Charente-Maritime, has noticed, where the mayor has installed signage to remind people of the importance of leaving pebbles in their place. In the mountains, these artificial piles can alter water flows by diverting the natural courses of rivers. This change can have serious consequences for aquatic plants and animals.

Confusion for hikers

Stacks of stones, called "cairns," have historically served as landmarks to guide walkers in the wilderness. Adding false landmarks also risks confusing hikers and potentially putting them in danger. Imagining someone getting lost because of a "photographic pile of stones" is not a scene worthy of a fairy tale.

Leave nature in its place

"The first rule in nature is to leave no trace. This philosophy is essential to preserving the fragile ecosystems we visit. It's not about demonizing people who pile up stones, but about raising awareness," John Hourston, founder of the Blue Planet Society, told the BBC . And if you're feeling artistic, why not opt for a respectful alternative? A sand work or natural branches could be just as impressive without endangering our beautiful nature. Nature offers unique moments of contemplation. Why not simply enjoy the landscape without adding our own footprint? In some regions, signs remind us of the importance of not moving stones. So this summer, and generally when traveling, let's leave the stones alone. Because after all, the most beautiful photo is still that of an intact landscape.

2025-02-08T19:29:53Z