7th World Conference on Sport and the Environment - International ...

Report
4.3.3. Case Study: International Ski Federation (FIS)
Erwin Lauterwasser, FIS Environment consultant
FIS – Engagement for the Sustainability of Skisport
Skiing is a fascinating sport. In a large number of countries on this earth skiing is part of the cultural
heritage. Skiing started in Norway centuries ago and testimonials show that men used ski a long time
before. Actually more than 100 national associations are members of the International Ski Federation, FIS.
Skiing requires cold and snow in the nature. That means this sport depends on an intact landscape and
the appropriate climate. Therefore the sustainability of these elements is an essential goal of the FIS.
Environmental policy became of general importance at first during the late decades of the 20th century
but already in 1988 at the FIS Congress in Istanbul environment was part of the reports.
The “United Nations <strong>Conference</strong> for Environment and Development” in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 dealing
with the protection of the climate and forests of the earth had called upon the nations as well as the
national and international federations to safeguard a careful treatment of the environment.
Within the Council of the FIS a statement of principles, the so-called “Mainau Manifesto” was elaborated
and the FIS Congress in Rio de Janeiro in 1994 unanimously adopted it as a resolution. This was the first
resolution of a global sport’s federation on this matter.
The FIS obliged its members to make every effort to ensure the sustainability of skisport with all positive
aspects, its benefit for the people in the mountain regions and to reduce the impact on nature and
environment.
With the title “Mainau Manifesto” goals were taken up which the Swedish Count Lennart Bernadotte,
owner of the Isle of Mainau, published already in 1962. Then a circle of far-sighted personalities
elaborated the “Green Charta of the Isle of Mainau” comprising all aspects of modern environmental
policy, to say it in one sentence: “Sustainable environment for the future of men”.
FIS appointed an environmental group to advise the Council and to draw up ecological guidelines for
candidates for the FIS <strong>World</strong> Ski Championships. During the FIS Congress in Prague, 1998 the Council
adopted the guidelines. Since then they have been an important factor in the evaluation of the bidding for
Ski <strong>World</strong> Championships and an ecological expert is member of the inspection team.
FIS values the approval of this resolution by the national associations. As a result of this accordance,
its power and influence is on the member associations to set up ski competitions in an environmentally
sound manner.
In this view, the understanding of national and continental differences is essential. Standards that apply to
the Alps are not applicable in the same manner to North America, Russia or Australia. The social, cultural
and economic importance of the winter season varies from area to area. It would be a mistake to regard
everything from only one perspective.
As different as the ways may be, the goals must be defined uniformly. All national associations depend
on the development of skiing and want to ensure its long-term future. It is only possible if the basis of the
sport is preserved and not put in jeopardy by the sport itself.
If the <strong>World</strong> Ski Championships are the focus in the following report, I underline that the same goes for
other less important competitions and in principle for skiing in general. There is the chance of using major
sport events to promote environmental goals.
Objectives
The general objective is: The <strong>World</strong> Ski Championships have to be carried out at a high sporting level,
integrated in the traditions and the culture and with careful consideration for nature.
Therefore the organisation requires modern environmental management which must be integrally applied
to the preparations, the carrying out as well as to the post-assessment of the <strong>World</strong> Championships. This
means all important decisions of each department must base on precautionary principles.
This is to be seen in essential points:
• Low rate of interventions in nature and landscape.
<strong>7th</strong> <strong>World</strong> <strong>Conference</strong> on Sport and the Environment
International Cooperation and Development Dept.
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