‍Opening Up the Outdoors urges immediate action to help create safe, welcoming, and inclusive outdoor spaces for everyone.

International collective Opening Up the Outdoors (OUTO) has unveiled Belonging Without Barriers, the first study to document the lived experiences of People of Colour in Germany’s outdoor spaces.The in depth research, conducted by CLOUT LTD, reveals alarming levels of racially-based prejudice and discrimination, both in everyday life and in nature.

65% of People of Colour reported experiencing discrimination in daily life linked to their visible identity. And 65% said they had faced discrimination or prejudice when spending time in nature.

Whilst nature should be a place of escape, joy, and restoration for everyone, prejudice follows People of Colour into outdoor spaces, denying them the same sense of safety, belonging, and access that others take for granted — eroding their fundamental human right to enjoy the benefits of being in nature.

‍As highlighted by a research participant:

“The fear of being discriminated against shapes widely one’s choice to go for outdoor activities”

NEXT STEPS

'Belonging without Barriers' points to clear ways for the industry to act: representation must reflect the diversity already present in outdoor spaces, moving beyond tokenism; internal diversity within brands,NGOs, and governing bodies is essential for authentic change; anti-racist education should underpin all work to challenge exclusion; and long-term, sincere partnerships with grassroots change makers are needed to build inclusive outdoor cultures. People of Colour also call for a broader definition of the outdoors—recognising local and urban green spaces, communal experiences, and inclusive cultural practices—so that culture, conversation, action, and access all expand to welcome everyone.

Another participant said:

“The way representation is approached often isn’t real representation - it’s tokenism. Many brands paint their campaigns a little, with Black and Brown models, but behind the scenes, the teams remain all white.”

The launch event at Sporthaus Schuster in Munich brought together press, brands, changemakers, and industry leaders to reflect on the findings and commit to action.‍

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Key Findings – four barriers

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Culture – who feels welcome

• ‍70% of People of Colour say the culture of the outdoors inhibits their sense of belonging (vs 41% of white Germans).
• For those experiencing everyday racism, this rises to 78%.
• Takeaway: Outdoors should embrace a “come as you are” approach.

Action –Knowledge, confidence, gear

• ‍66% of People of Colour feel mainstream portrayals of outdoor activity are too narrow.
• Many lack confidence, experience, or gear to engage as the industry defines it.
• Most value group experiences over solo adventures.

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Conversation– Representation matters

• ‍60% of People of Colour feel disconnected from industry narratives and imagery (vs 32% white).
• The outdoors is often portrayed as a solo conquest rather than a space for community, connection, and joy.

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Access – Getting there matters

• ‍61% ofPeople of Colour face challenges in reaching outdoor spaces.
• Portrayals of nature as remote or elite amplify exclusion.
• True access is both logistical and psychological: people must feel welcome where they are.

Keme Nzerem, OUTO Founder and Chairperson, comments:

“This report is along-overdue awakening. It shows how racism limits access to outdoor spaces, and it provides clear steps for the industry to make nature welcoming for everyone.

“Our mission is simple: dismantle barriers, promote inclusion, and create outdoor spaces where everyone feels they truly belong.”

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Margo de Lange, OUTO Secretary General, adds:

“This research is not an end in itself—it is a catalyst. It represents the very core of what Opening Up The Outdoors (OUTO) stands for and signals the direction we hope the rest of the outdoor community will take with us.”

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About Opening Up the Outdoors (OUTO)

Founded in 2021, OUTO is a collective dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Beyond research, OUTO collaborates with changemakers, brands, and communities to dismantle barriers, provide education, and ensure that People of Colour feel welcome in nature. OUTO is part of the wider It’s Great Out There Coalition.

For enquiries, please contact:

Margo de Lange, Secretary General

Annette Monheim, Communications Manager

Email: hello@openinguptheoutdoors.com

Website: www.openinguptheoutdoors.com

Full report available at: www.openinguptheoutdoors.com/belonging-without-barriers/

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