The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) is proud to announce that it has officially joined the Sports for Nature (S4N) Framework. Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for
Conservation of Nature, International Olympic Committee, United Nations Environment Programme, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.
The Sports for Nature (S4N) Framework aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sports, at all levels, to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature.
This commitment marks an important step in the ISMF’s sustainability journey and reinforces its responsibility to protect the natural environments at the heart of ski mountaineering.
Regula Meier, President of the ISMF, said: “Our sport exists because of the mountains. Joining the Sports for Nature Framework is a clear statement that we take our responsibility seriously – not just to today’s athletes, but to the environments that make ski mountaineering possible. This commitment will guide how we organise our events, work with our partners, and protect the places where our sport belongs.”
Protecting the mountains where our sport belongs
Ski mountaineering is practiced in some of the world’s most fragile mountain ecosystems. These environments are increasingly affected by climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing human pressure. As the international governing body for the sport, the ISMF recognises that protecting these landscapes is essential to ensuring the long-term future of ski mountaineering. By becoming a signatory of the Sports for Nature Framework, the ISMF joins a growing global movement that recognises sport as a powerful driver for positive environmental action.
Jana Janotova, Senior Programme Coordinator, Sports for Nature Executive team, IUCN: “We are delighted to welcome the International Ski Mountaineering Federation to the Sports for Nature Framework. ISMF’s commitment to protecting mountain environments and advancing sustainability within their sport is commendable. We look forward to working together to drive positive change for nature and inspire others across mountains-based sports and beyond to take action.”
From commitment to action
The Sports for Nature Framework aims to mobilise sports organisations worldwide to take concrete, measurable action for nature.
As part of this commitment, the ISMF – in particular through its Sustainability Commission – pledges to integrate nature-positive actions into its governance and operations, promote more sustainable event organisation, work closely with athletes, organisers, National Members, and partners to reduce environmental impact and use sport as a platform to raise awareness and inspire change. ISMF looks forward to working alongside the global sports community to turn commitments into meaningful action and to help preserve mountain environments for generations to come.
For enquiries, please contact: press@ismf-ski.or