This month we were inspired to learn that the residents of a remote Swiss valley community have voted against receiving tens of millions of pounds each in favour of preserving their cultural heritage and environment.

The incredible vote was cast by the valley’s 450 inhabitants in April (2012) after it was discovered that their area was sitting on a goldmine worth at least $1.2 billion.

Whilst some locals were less convinced by the decision, the majority of folk in the Medel Valley voted against the retirement-plans-changing sum of money in favour of regional conservation.

“The money would have been nice,” said 17-year-old Nicole Venzin. “But what sort of future would we have if we ruined the environment?”

Well said, Nicole.

Read the original article on the Much Better Adventures blog