The International Biathlon Union (IBU) proudly joined a collaborative tree-planting initiative in Scharitzkehl, Germany, together with athletes from Snowboard Germany and German Ski Federation (DSV). The activity took place on 9 October and was aimed to compensate emissions generated through sport related activities, while raising awareness of environmental responsibility within snow sports. For the IBU, the action focused on planting a tree in honor of the winning athletes at the first Loop One Festival taking place in Munich Olympic Park on 18-19 October, instead of presenting them with the traditional flower bouquets.

Hosted in cooperation with the Bavarian State Forests, the event demonstrated how top-level sport and social commitment can go hand in hand. The athletes, federations and the Sicherheit im Skisport Foundation all contributed to make the reforestation effort possible, enabling the planting of young fir trees to strengthen local forest resilience. The IBU contributed 30 trees in connection with the inaugural Loop One Festival in Munich, reinforcing its long-term climate goals and commitment to nature-based solutions.

IBU Sustainability Manager Theresa Heinsinger highlighted the IBU’s engagement:

Representatives from partner organisations echoed the importance of collaborative action while Bavarian State Forests emphasised the value of young people helping to protect forests against challenges such as storm damage and bark beetle infestation. Beyond climate mitigation, the initiative fostered environmental awareness among athletes—many of whom spend their careers in close connection with nature.

Wolfgang Maier of the German Ski Association (DSV) underlined this message:

The planting effort represents yet another example for the IBU to advance its sustainability commitments and inspire the wider winter sports community to take tangible steps in protecting the environment.