International Mountain Day 2023: Dave Ryding, Federica Brignone and Tina Maze on why they care about the environment

ByEurosport

Updated 11/12/2023 at 15:36 GMT

December 11 is International Mountain Day 2023 around the world. To mark the day, Eurosport has talked to a number of current and former winter sports stars to ask them their opinions on what role mountains play in the overall health of the environment, how we can all help to combat climate change, and their own individual hopes for sustainability in 2024.

International Mountain Day: Ryding on 'unity', 'respect' and 'doing our bit'

December 11 marks International Mountain Day 2023 around the world.

It is the 20th anniversary of the first International Mountain Day, after being inaugurated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003.

Since then, and as per the UN, the day has been observed every year to:

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create awareness about the importance of mountains to life
highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and;
build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.

As part of IMD 2023 and under the umbrella of its Power of Sustainability series, Eurosport has spoken to winter sports stars past and present to hear their views on what role mountains play in the overall health of the environment, how we can all help to combat climate change, and their own individual hopes for sustainability in 2024...

Ryding on importance of 'respect'

Dave Ryding is one of the finest skiers Great Britain has ever produced, and by winning the slalom at Kitzbuhel in early 2022, he became the first Brit to ever register a World Cup win.

Ryding started his 2023/24 campaign with a creditable fourth-place at Gurgl in the slalom.

International Mountain Day: Ryding on 'unity', 'respect' and 'doing our bit'

Speaking to Eurosport about sustainability, and how visitors to the mountains can do their bit, Ryding said: "I think people are seeing that the mountains are changing and the winters are changing. So I think that in itself is opening people’s eyes.

"And once you get to the mountains, I think then people should use the local infrastructure to get around, cut down on using your own cars, but also, I think we have to try and stimulate the biodiversity of the mountains, and keep the animals, keep all the environment happy, and if we sustain the biodiversity of the mountains, then I think the mountains can also take care of themselves.

"But we have to respect the other animals and people that live in the mountains, so in the summer stick to the trails, don’t disturb the wildlife, and just respect.

"At the end of the day, it comes down to respect, and doing your bit."

Brignone says 'changing habits' vital

Alpine skier Federica Brignone, as well as being a multiple Olympic medallist, became the first Italian female to win the World Cup overall title in 2020.

She got her first World Cup win of the season at Mont Tremblant earlier this month.

International Mountain Day: Brignone says changing habits can make a 'big difference'

Talking to Eurosport about how best to tackle climate change, Brignone said: "Changing our life habits. I think that's the most important thing.

"Obviously as individuals we cannot change the world, none of us can. But since there are so many of us, if we all change our lifestyle a little, we can make a big difference."

Maze reveals 'big wish'

Slovenia's Tina Maze is one of the most decorated skiers of all time, winning double Olympic gold at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.

International Mountain Day: Maze reveals 'big wish'

"I care about the mountains because I was born there," Maze told Eurosport.

"I spent my childhood in the mountains, I do the sport that is done in the mountains, so I like to be in the mountains. They are pure, you have the silence and I really love to be there.

"My hope for the coming years is that we will still have a lot of snow and enjoy it. These childhood dreams that are always bringing sparkles to the eyes, enjoy the sun and the snow, it’s - for me - the best days you can have in the winter.

"And as we have winters with less snow lately, I really wish that would come back, and probably it’s a big wish - but why not."

Key messages for IMD 2023

As put forward by the UN, these are the key messages for International Mountain Day in 2023:

Mountain ecosystem services are vital to life

As natural water towers, mountains supply freshwater to an estimated half of humanity. Mountains’ role in capturing, storing and releasing water sustains ecosystems, supports agriculture, and provides clean energy and medicines.

International Mountain Day

Image credit: Getty Images

Healthy mountains matter for biodiversity

Mountains cover about 27% of the earth’s land surface, hosting 25 of the world’s 34 biodiversity hotspots as well as rare plants and animals such as snow leopards and mountain gorillas.

Resilient mountain ecosystems are key for adaptation to climate change

Healthy mountain ecosystems help mitigate the impacts of climate change and the related risks. Of the global mountain area, forests cover 39%. Mountain forests and grasslands cool local temperatures, increase water retention, provide a vital carbon store, and reduce the risk of erosion and landslides.

Mountain people are negatively impacted by land degradation

At least 311 million rural mountain people in developing countries live in areas exposed to progressive land degradation, 178 million of whom are considered vulnerable to food insecurity.

International Mountain Day

Image credit: Getty Images

Mountain ecosystems are under threat from pollution

Mountain ecosystems are at risk from uncontrolled dumping and open burning of waste, including plastic waste. Microplastics have even been found as high as the summit of Mt. Everest.

Mountain farmers and pastoralists are critical in the sustainable management of mountain ecosystems

Mountain people are stewards of biodiversity. Indigenous and local populations in mountains have unique and valuable local knowledge, traditions and cultural practices that contribute to effective land management strategies and sustainable food systems.