Partnership with FIS to promote biodiversity in snowsports

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is pleased to announce a new partnership with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) as part of its Human-Wildlife Initiative, reinforcing the shared commitment of both organizations to biodiversity protection and sustainable development.

Unveiled at the FIS Congress in Vilamoura, this partnership aims to preserve the spectacular—and often fragile—natural environments that host snow sports competitions, ensuring their sustainability for both humans and wildlife. By combining scientific expertise and sporting passion, this collaboration seeks to reconcile the energy of international competitions with the urgent need to protect surrounding ecosystems.

Starting in September 2025, the Foundation and FIS will conduct a biodiversity impact study focusing on two nature-intensive disciplines: alpine skiing and freeride. Leading international competitions will serve as pilot cases to assess the ecological footprint of snow sports events and propose concrete solutions to reduce it.

“The goal is to assess the impact of snow sports competitions on the surrounding natural environments and to develop solutions that mitigate this footprint—without taking away from the excitement and energy that define skiing and snowboarding,”
— Ester Borgioli, Coordinator of the Human-Wildlife Initiative

The partnership also highlights the importance of public awareness and the involvement of athletes, who act as true ambassadors for the environmental cause.

“The idea that real progress on sustainability can only be achieved together, by joining forces, is more than a slogan: if we want to make a real difference, we need credible, science-based partners. FIS and the Human-Wildlife Initiative will pursue this not only through research, but also by harnessing the power of snow sports to raise awareness—especially through the commitment of our athletes,”
— Susanna Sieff, Sustainability Director, FIS

This collaboration reflects the Foundation’s mission to promote harmonious coexistence between human activities and wildlife—even in highly dynamic and competitive contexts such as elite sport. It also marks a key milestone in the sports world’s transition toward more nature-friendly practices.