May 05, 2025 - FIS’s commitment to promote biodiversity and contribute to nature protection took a huge step forward this Monday in Vilamoura, Portugal, where the federation announced a collaboration partnership with the Human-Wildlife Initiative at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
The two organizations will join forces to ensure that the stunning – and often fragile − natural environment of snow sports remains sustainable for wildlife, too.
Starting in September 2025, FIS and the Human-Wildlife Initiative will launch a biodiversity impact study focused on two of the more nature-connected FIS disciplines — Alpine Skiing and Freeride — using major international competitions as pilot cases.
“The objective is to assess the impact that snow sports events have on the natural areas around them and to devise solutions to lighten that footprint without taking anything away from the energy and excitement of ski and snowboard,” says Ester Borgioli, the coordinator of the Human-Wildlife Initiative at the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
FIS Sustainability Director Susanna Sieff highlights the importance of FIS’ openness to engaging in partnerships with specialists like those at the Human-Wildlife Initiative.
The idea that true progress in sustainability can only be achieved together, by joining forces, is not just a slogan: we need credible, science-based partners if we want to make a difference for good. FIS and the Human-Wildlife Initiative will do that through research, but also by tapping into the incredible power of snow sports to raise awareness to the cause, including by giving a voice to our athletes as ambassadors.Susanna Sieff, FIS Sustainability Director
