Sustainability in focus: FIS Seminar 2025 explores nature protection in sport
Feb 07, 2025·Inside FIS
Following the success of the inaugural FIS Seminar in 2024, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is organizing its second edition on 5 May 2025 which will focus on the growing importance of environmental sustainability.
The FIS Seminar 2025 on Bridging the Gaps: Building Inclusive Sports Leadership Together – Edition 2 will highlight Nature and Biodiversity Protection and Restoration, with sports organizations playing a pivotal role in protecting nature.
The event, which runs on Monday 5 May, will be hosted at the Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort in Portugal and is aimed at leaders and/or sustainability experts of National Ski Associations (NSAs) and Local Organizing Committees (LOCs) with a maximum of two attendees per organization.
Under the leadership of FIS Sustainability Director Susanna Sieff, it is organized in partnership with Sport4Nature, a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.
The objective of the seminar is to offer specialist insight as well as facilitating discussions to help deepen understanding of the practical implications of incorporating sustainable practices at both National Ski Associations and Local Organizing Committees levels.
"As we continue to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability, it is essential to offer educational activities, such as this Seminar, that are linked to tangible projects our FIS Family is actively working on, particularly in areas like nature protection and restoration,” said Sieff.
The seminar comprises expert presentations, a focus on nature responsibility at a local level and a mapping relationship with nature by Sports4Nature.
Following a Lunch Fair, the 2024/25 FIS Nature and Biodiversity Protection and Restoration Award will be presented to recognize and reward innovative projects that protect and enhance nature and biodiversity in winter sports.
The award winner will be selected by a jury consisting of a representative of the Sports4Nature Initiative, a FIS athlete ambassador as well as a representative of FIS management and seminar participants.
They will receive a trophy, certificate, and promotion through FIS channels, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and 3,500 € to support future initiatives.