The annual FIM Sustainability Week closes today (10 June) by focussing on the research presented by Professor Nils Ryrholm into achieving long-term sustainability goals along with the work undertaken by the FIM International Sustainability Commission (CID) on biodiversity and a prize-winning Portuguese project mixing motorcycle training with a strong environmental message.
Based at the University of Gävle in Sweden, Professor Ryrholm is an environmental expert who, among other areas of interest, has identified the need for the long-term preservation of important habitats, creating environments without impact from pesticides, starting integrated networks with stakeholders and the conservation of endangered species and their habitats.
In keeping with his findings, the CID has this year put forward the Biodiversity Working Group in charge of advancing biodiversity, as evidenced on day two of Sustainability Week when the spotlight was shone on the work done at the Hello Woods project at the Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan.
To read the Summary of Professor Ryrholm’s research click HERE
Switching continents, Escuderia de Castelo Branco is a Portuguese motorsport training school which, with the support of the Portuguese Motorcycling Federation (FMP), is combining practical instruction with environmental education.
Last year it won the FIM’s Environmental Trophy for its work with young eEnduro riders which provided them with practical motorcycle-handling skills while teaching them about environmental regulations and responsible behaviour.
This year they are organising a training camp for children and young people which will combine expert tuition with lessons promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
So as not to discriminate on the grounds of economic or social situation, the training camp, in partnership with Valnor, is free of charge and any waste generated will be recycled to raise funds for the Child Support Association of the District of Castelo Branco.
Antonio Sequeira, Escuderia de Castelo Branco President, said: “After having carried out the first project with great success we were extremely happy with the recognition by the International Motorcycling Federation that awarded us the FIM Environmental Trophy 2022 and we promptly decided to move forward with the evolution of the project, expanding it to more themes within sustainability as well as the other forms of motorcycling. One of the main objectives of Escuderia Castelo Branco is to be one step ahead in sustainable development.”
Kattia Juárez, Director of the FIM International Sustainability Commission, stated: “We have concluded a full week of activities dedicated to celebrating and showing efforts in the area of sustainability. Every time we have more and more members of the family join our programme and getting inspired to develop their own strategies. To have for the second year the Enduro school is important for us because it shows the continuity of the programmes. Last year this even won the Environmental Trophy and continuity is very important for the future of the sport.
“Stay tuned for the full biodiversity report which will be published when the research is finalised, but for the moment we have a summary with many interesting findings that prove motorcycle sport can coexist with nature.”
FIM Communications