FIS Seminar spotlights nature and biodiversity as core pillars of sport sustainability

The second edition of the FIS Seminar on Bridging the Gaps: Building Inclusive Sports Leadership Together took place this week, bringing together around 80 participants, including representatives from approximately 35 National Ski Associations (NSAs), five Local Organizing Committees (LOCs), and athletes’ representatives. This year’s focus was on biodiversity protection and restoration – a critical yet often overlooked dimension of sustainability in sport. 

The event opened with remarks by FIS Secretary General Michel Vion, who underscored the importance of collective effort in building a more inclusive and sustainable sports community. “It’s about working together,” he stated, setting the tone for a day of shared learning and collaboration. 

FIS Sustainability Director Susanna Sieff reminded participants that while climate change often takes center stage in sustainability discussions, it is essential not to overlook the equally urgent crisis of biodiversity loss.  

Sieff encouraged participants to "move beyond the familiar narratives," drawing inspiration from innovative best practices around the FIS ecosystem that integrate biodiversity protection into broader sustainability efforts. Sieff also announced a new partnership between FIS and the Human–Wildlife Initiative (HWI) of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, reinforcing FIS’s commitment to addressing the intersection of sport and nature conservation. 

Inspiring speeches and hands-on workshops 

Jana Janotova, Engagement Officer at Sports for Nature, delivered a compelling keynote on the unique role sport can play in environmental advocacy. “I’m convinced that sport is the only domain – maybe with culture – that has the power to inspire, educate, and advocate for what is right,” she said. She praised FIS for launching and preparing meaningful partnerships that move beyond pledges and into concrete action. 

Michal Mos, Academic researcher from Aberystwyth University and PlanTuner’s co-Founder, invited participants to reflect on the often-unseen impact of snow sports. “Listen to what’s happening under your skis and snowboards,” he urged. “We need to become more aware of the living world around us.” This message was echoed by David Frid, FIS Snowboard Alpine and Snowboard Cross Implementation Manager and a specialist in forestry and arboriculture, who highlighted the power of local initiatives in reshaping the industry narrative. 

The core of the seminar was a practical workshop led by Janotova, focused on two upcoming FIS World Championships: Crans-Montana 2027 and Falun 2027. Working in small groups, participants explored how nature provides more than just a playground for skiing and snowboarding – and how sport, in turn, affects nature. 

Using the Sports for Nature Self-Assessment Tool – already shared with FIS member National Ski Associations – and digital resources such as keybiodiversityareas.org and riskfilter.org, groups assessed local biodiversity and environmental challenges in the two venues. They identified high-impact activities linked to event organization (e.g. transport, snowmaking, infrastructure, food), mapped their potential impacts – both positive and negative – and explored how organizers can mitigate harm and enhance positive outcomes.

The exercise concluded with each group identifying a “sweet spot” where impact severity and organizer influence intersect, helping prioritize areas where action is both meaningful and achievable. 

During the Lunchtime Lab, group representatives presented the projects that emerged from their discussions, showcasing the creativity and commitment of the participants. 

“’Together’ would be the word to summarize the FIS Seminar,” said Sarah Fussek, FIS Integrity Director and the driving force behind the initiative. “It’s been amazing to see the participants come together and co-create on the topics they were given today. This is what the seminar is about – providing a space to reflect and discuss. We’re excited to see what 2026 will bring.” 

Looking ahead, the next edition of the FIS Seminar will shine the spotlight on Development, as introduced by Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Development Programs Director.