Category Archives: Sustainability

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE FOR FIM AFRICA FMNS

For those of you who missed the recent press release and launch of the FIM Africa Continental Sustainability Campaign for Motorcycling.

Please find here below the release for your reference and subsequent action.

FIM Africa is proud to be launching this new campaign with the support of Ross Branch, the newly appointed FIM Sustainability Ambassador.

Also attached below are links:

  1. Two versions of Ricky Rhino, the new mascot for the FIM Africa campaign which will be available to your FMN’s to use in promoting awareness and support of the campaign within the sporting and leisure riding communities.
  2. The campaign framework which has been shared with the members of the sustainability commission for implementation in your various countries and will be available for reference on the FIM Africa Website under the Sustainability commission.

It is our hope that you will embrace this new initiative and fully support the work of your local sustainability representatives in implementing the plan within your local context.

Kind Regards

Julie Wahome Director Beyond Sport


FIM AFRICA LAUNCHES CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN FOR MOTORCYCLING

FIM AFRICA LAUNCHES CONTINENTAL SUSTAINABILITY CAMPAIGN FOR MOTORCYCLING

FIM Africa is proud to announce the appointment of Botswana’s internationally acclaimed Rally Raid rider and World Champion, Ross Branch, as the new FIM Sustainability Ambassador for Africa.

The announcement forms part of the launch of the 2026 FIM Africa Sustainability Campaign, themed:

“Ride Sustainably. Build Resilience. Regenerate Africa.”

The campaign represents a landmark commitment by FIM Africa to promote motorcycling across the continent as a sustainable, resilient and regenerative sporting and leisure touring ecosystem that reduces environmental impact, strengthens operational systems, builds adaptive event structures and creates lasting positive community and environmental legacies.

Ross Branch, one of Africa’s most recognised motorcycle riders and a leading figure in international Rally Raid racing, will serve as the public face of the campaign, helping to inspire riders, organisers, federations and communities to embrace sustainable practices in motorcycling throughout Africa.

Ross expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment, stating:

“I’m very honoured to be invited to join the FIM Sustainability Ambassadors Programme. Africa is home for me, and I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up riding, training and racing in places that are so wild, beautiful and full of freedom. Those experiences are a big part of who I am, and they’ve given me a huge respect for the environment and the wildlife we are so privileged to share it with. I would love for future generations of riders and motorsport fans to have the same opportunities I’ve had, and I’m proud to play a small part in helping create a more responsible and sustainable future for our sport.”

Branch’s appointment reinforces FIM Africa’s commitment to ensuring that motorcycling continues to grow responsibly across the continent while preserving the natural environments, communities and opportunities that make Africa such a unique destination for riders and enthusiasts alike.

Speaking on the appointment, FIM Africa President Marco Comana said:

“Ross embodies the values of excellence, resilience and responsibility. His achievements on the world stage have inspired riders across Africa, and his passion for the continent makes him the ideal ambassador to champion sustainability within our sport. Through his leadership, we hope to inspire meaningful action that will benefit future generations of motorcyclists and the communities in which we operate.”

The six month campaign will be launched during the 2026 FIM Sustainability Week and will focus on five key pillars:

  • Reduce unnecessary consumption and environmental impact
  • Reuse materials, systems and infrastructure wherever possible
  • Recycle unavoidable waste through sustainable management practices
  • Build Resilience across motorcycling operations and events
  • Promote Regeneration by leaving communities and environments stronger after events

Throughout the campaign, FIM Africa will work closely with its member federations to implement practical sustainability initiatives, conduct baseline assessments, develop leadership workshops, establish community partnerships and create long term sustainability standards for events across the continent.

A significant component of the programme will focus on community engagement, environmental awareness, youth education and the development of local partnerships that strengthen both motorcycling and the communities that host events.

As Sustainability Ambassador, Ross Branch will support awareness campaigns, engage with riders and stakeholders, promote responsible riding practices and encourage meaningful environmental and community initiatives throughout Africa.

The campaign reflects FIM Africa’s vision of a future where motorcycling is not only measured by competition and performance, but also by the positive environmental, social and community legacy it leaves behind.

Through this initiative, FIM Africa aims to position African motorcycling as a global leader in sustainable sporting development while continuing to grow participation, strengthen communities and protect the natural environments that make the continent unique.

Click here to download and view the FMN Release

Click here to download and view more information on the campaign

Click here to download poster 1

Click here to download poster 2

Ross Branch

FOSTERING SUSTAINABILITY WITHIN THE FIM THROUGH EDUCATION

On the seventh and final day of FIM Sustainability Week, the focus turns to a project that brings the organisation closer to where decisions are made, and events unfold: the FIM Hospitality initiative.

Taking FIM hospitality to the heart of the action

The concept is straightforward – to establish a functional FIM presence at the paddock, positioning a “home on the road” at the centre of operations. This space provides FIM stakeholders with an opportunity to meet, collaborate, and share perspectives on technical, sporting, sustainability, mobility, and many other topics within a setting closely connected to the event environment.

“When we embarked on this project, one of our primary goals was to achieve self-sufficient units that are more energy-efficient and operate in a more sustainable way. We needed a solution that aligned with FIM’s sustainability policy while also being financially viable,” explains Isabelle Larivière, FIM Communications Manager.

From operational sustainability to a broader vision

The development of this model has been supported by Continuous Events, a company specialising in hospitality operations with more than eight years of experience in the sector. Its work has focused on adapting event structures to improve efficiency and reduce dependency on external resources, while maintaining service standards.

Over time, the collaboration between FIM and Continuous Events has evolved beyond operational improvements. The current phase introduces a broader perspective on sustainability, incorporating not only environmental considerations but also social factors linked to people, training and long-term workforce development.

The Continuous Events Staff with participants of the CE Academy, 2026 24h Le Mans © PSP Jacek Swiderek

A model built on relationships

This shift is reflected in the introduction of an educational framework based on “value spheres”. The model understands value as the outcome of interconnected relationships rather than isolated processes.

At its centre is the client, identified as the priority for both the FIM and the operator. Surrounding this are successive layers: staff responsible for delivering and safeguarding the experience of stakeholders and the wider FIM family, and a third sphere composed of suppliers and strategic partners, who provide resources, tools and knowledge while participating in a model that prioritises local sourcing.

As the structure expands, it integrates the broader community and industry actors. Within this approach, management is not positioned as the focal point but as a coordinating function — facilitating connections and ensuring that value flows consistently across all levels.

Addressing structural challenges in the sector

The initiative also responds to structural dynamics within the hospitality sector. The industry is currently facing constraints related to talent availability and a workforce characterised by high mobility between providers.

These conditions are influenced by market factors such as compensation, career progression and the seasonal nature of event-based work. In this context, there is increasing recognition of the need to strengthen professional development pathways and create more stable working environments.

Chef Ignacio Caravedo, Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) © PSP Jacek Swiderek

Continuous Events Academy: training in real conditions

Against this backdrop, the Continuous Events Academy was launched in 2025. The programme aims to develop professionals capable of operating in complex, high-pressure environments such as international motorsport events.

Its distinguishing feature lies in its integration with academic institutions, bridging formal education with practical experience. The FIM’s role is to provide institutional support and helps define a structured pathway for participants.

The Academy currently collaborates with the University of Twente in the Netherlands and Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) in Peru. Each partnership addresses a different gap: while Twente contributes strong theoretical foundations in event management, the programme introduces hands-on experience in live environments. In Peru, students with culinary expertise gain exposure to the operational demands of international events.

Participants are selected through a joint process with partner institutions and are integrated into events such as 24h Le Mans and MotoGP. There, they work under real conditions, developing operational skills including adaptability, decision-making and problem-solving.

Operational learning and mentorship

The programme also incorporates a rotating system of chefs and event managers. In the case of FIM events, chefs are tasked with designing menus that reflect local contexts while working with available resources, following a “zero-kilometre” sourcing approach.

Alongside them, a permanent operational team ensures continuity in service delivery and acts as a mentoring structure for participants. This combination of stability and rotation allows knowledge transfer without compromising the customer experience.

 FIM Hospitality,  2026 24h Le Mans © PSP Jacek Swiderek

A long-term investment in people

The initiative reflects a shift in approach — from short-term operational efficiency to longer-term investment in human capital.

“Our vision with Continuous Events Academy is fully aligned with the FIM’s commitment to sustainability – not only in how we operate, but in how we develop people. We believe that investing in talent, creating real opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture of responsibility and adaptability is key to building a stronger future for the industry,” says Marcelo Carballar, CEO of Continuous Events.

For FIM, the project also connects directly with service standards.

“Sustainability at FIM goes beyond environmental responsibility – it is equally about people and the excellence of the service we provide to our FIM family. Through initiatives like the Continuous Events Academy, we are investing in talent, developing key skills, and ensuring that every touchpoint reflects the level of quality, care and professionalism that defines our organisation,” adds Larivière.

Isabelle Larivière, FIM Communications Manager © FIM

More information Contact | sustainability@fim.ch

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY IN MOTORCYCLING

FIM Women’s Commission – 20 Years: Past, Present and Future

As part of the FIM Sustainability Week, the FIM Women’s Commission proudly marks its twentieth anniversary by highlighting the essential role of women in leadership and sustainability across the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). This milestone offers an opportunity to reflect on the past, recognise the present, and look towards the future, demonstrating how inclusion, education and leadership are fundamental to building a more sustainable motorcycling ecosystem.

At the heart of the FIM’s sustainability strategy lies the understanding that sustainability cannot be achieved without addressing inequality. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are embedded across the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, reinforcing that social sustainability is inseparable from environmental and economic progress. Women are not only affected by global challenges such as climate change, inequality and economic instability, they are also key contributors to the solutions. As highlighted by UN Women, women play a vital role in addressing these challenges through leadership, innovation and knowledge sharing.

The FIM embraces this principle by actively working to increase the representation of women in leadership roles across the motorcycling ecosystem. This includes technical positions such as doctors, officials and sustainability officers, as well as administrative, governance and decision making roles within National Federations, Continental Unions, Boards of Directors and FIM Commissions. Encouraging more women to lead is a core recommendation of the FIM’s Equal Gender Opportunities framework, and one that continues to be translated into concrete action through education, pathways and support structures.

2025 FIM Women’s Speedway Gold Trophy, Donji Kraljevec © Jesper Veldhuizen

Since its creation, the FIM Women’s Commission has played a central role in driving this progress. Over the past twenty years, the Commission has contributed to the development of women’s championships across disciplines including motocross, enduro, trial, speedway and circuit racing. These initiatives have opened opportunities for female athletes while also strengthening governance, education and leadership pathways, laying the foundations for long term inclusion and sustainable development within the sport.

In 2026, the Commission proudly aligns its anniversary celebrations with FIM Sustainability Week, amplifying the voices of women in leadership across the FIM Family. Representatives from Continental Unions, National Federations, the FIM Administration and Sports Commissions will share their experiences and perspectives, helping to inspire future generations and reinforce the message that leadership, education and knowledge transfer are powerful drivers of sustainability.

The FIM invites the wider motorcycling community to explore the FIM Sustainability Report, which highlights concrete examples of progress and demonstrates how the Women’s Commission continues to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable and resilient future for motorcycling.

FIM Women’s Commission marked 20 years with an inspiring day at the 2026 MXGP of Germany © MXGP

Janika Judeika, Director of the FIM Women’s Commission, stated: “Sustainability is not only about protecting our environment, it is also about creating equal opportunities, empowering people through education, and ensuring that future generations can see themselves represented in every level of our sport. Over the last twenty years, the FIM Women’s Commission has shown that when women are given opportunities to lead, inspire and contribute, motorcycling becomes stronger, more inclusive and more sustainable for everyone.”

Kattia Juárez Dubón, Director of the FIM International Sustainability Commission, added: “Climate change affects everyone, but its impact is often greater on women, who play a crucial role in building community resilience. At the FIM, we recognise our responsibility to act – by promoting alternative energies and embedding sustainability into the future of motorcycling. Women are not only participants in this transformation; they are essential leaders driving meaningful change.”

Through this campaign, the FIM Women’s Commission is supported by leading voices from across the motorcycling ecosystem, individuals and organisations who are already part of the solution and who demonstrate that women’s leadership and sustainability move forward together.

Janika Judeika, Director of the FIM Women’s Commission, at the 2025 General Assembly, Lausanne © Good Shoot
More information Contact | sustainability@fim.ch |

NATURE AT THE HEART OF MOTORCYCLING: A DAY OF ACTION ACROSS THE SPORT

On World Environment Day, motorcycle sport shifts from narrative to evidence. Across championships, teams and federations, FIM Sustainability Week serves as a working platform where initiatives are implemented, examined and shared, reflecting continuous work rather than a symbolic moment.

FIM Superbike World Championship listed in the top ten of the 2026 Sustainable Championships Index™ © PSP Jacek Swiderek

Superbike: from strategy to measurable change

WorldSBK marks the day with a structural milestone: entry into the Top ten of the 2026 Sustainable Championships Index™, rising from eighteenth place and positioning itself among the most improved international series.

The recognition reflects the integration of sustainability within governance, operations and event delivery, supported by certifications such as ISO 20121 and ISO 45001.

At paddock level, this direction translates into operational choices. The bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team continues deploying solar-powered systems combining bifacial panels, battery storage and smart energy management, reducing reliance on external supply while supporting hospitality and technical operations.

In parallel, GYTR GRT Yamaha has become the first team in the championship to complete an independently verified ESG assessment, establishing measurable baselines across key areas such as waste, safety and governance, and defining a structured roadmap for improvement.

Collaboration with SUBARU, the official safety car provider, introduces electrified vehicle technology into the championship, aligning motorsport with broader mobility transitions and long-term environmental objectives.

Taken together, these actions reflect a shift toward data-driven, operational sustainability.

FIM Superbike World Championship achieves certifications such as ISO 20121 and ISO 45001 © PSP Jacek Swiderek

No nature, no motorcycling: the sport looks to its environment to evolve

As part of FIM Sustainability Week, the FIM Sustainability Commission will host a dedicated online session today – 5 June 2026 at 12:00 (CEST), inviting the global FIM Family to engage in a technical discussion on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) applied to motorcycle sport.

The session will be led by Dr. Gustavo Duque Estrada, Biodiversity lead at WSP and member of the IUCN, bringing scientific and applied expertise to the conversation.

The focus reflects a core operational reality: motorcycle events depend on the integrity of natural environments. From circuits to off-road terrains, challenges such as erosion, biodiversity loss and land degradation directly affect the sustainability and viability of events.

Key topics include:
• Erosion control and ecosystem protection
• Sustainable off-road and trail management
• Habitat restoration around tracks and venues
• Carbon offsetting through nature
• IUCN Global Standard for NbS
• Alignment with the TNFD framework
The session also acts as an open invitation to align environmental knowledge with practice, reinforcing the role of science-based approaches in event planning and delivery.

Damiano Zamana, FIM Deputy CEO and Operations Director said: “Motorcycle sport is deeply connected to the natural environments in which it takes place. As we celebrate World Environment Day and FIM Sustainability Week, this session provides a valuable opportunity to explore practical and innovative approaches that help protect and restore nature while supporting the sustainable development of our events and activities.

I encourage all members of the FIM Family and our Stewards to join this important discussion and contribute to our shared commitment to a more resilient, responsible, and nature-positive future for motorcycle sport.”

2025 FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Zschopau (Germany) © Pole Position Communication

RFME: practical guidance for immediate implementation

The Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME) is contributing to World Environment Day with a pragmatic approach, centred on five sets of operational guidelines addressed to organisers, officials and members.

These “Ten Commandments” translate sustainability into clear, structured and achievable actions, designed to be implemented directly at event level without requiring complex resources or structural changes.

The measures focus on areas such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, responsible behaviour in paddock and venue environments, and improved environmental awareness among participants and officials. By targeting everyday practices rather than isolated initiatives, the RFME approach seeks to embed sustainability into the routine management of events.

The initiative also recognises the operational realities faced by organisers, particularly at national and regional levels, where constraints in logistics, budget and infrastructure require solutions that are both practical and scalable.

Rather than positioning sustainability as a separate layer of requirements, the guidelines aim to integrate it into existing workflows, reinforcing a model based on incremental improvement and consistency over time.

In this context, the RFME action reflects a broader shift within the sport: moving from high-level commitments to accessible tools that enable implementation across the full calendar, ensuring that progress is not limited to flagship events but extended throughout the entire ecosystem.

Josep García, FIM EnduroGP World Champion during the competition in Oliana, Spain, 2026 © Pole Position Communication

ACU: awareness built on long-standing environmental action

The Auto Cycle Union (ACU) is marking World Environment Day with a broad awareness campaign engaging riders, clubs and organisers, promoting sustainability as a shared responsibility across the sport.

This initiative builds on more than three decades of environmental work. Since establishing its Environment Working Group in 1993 and introducing its first Environment Code in 1995, the ACU has progressively integrated sustainability into event management.

From early milestones such as hosting the first FIM Environmental Seminar in 1997, creating Environmental Stewards, and introducing practical measures like ground protection systems, to more recent actions including noise reduction targets, electric racing initiatives, and carbon measurement pilots, the organisation has maintained a continuous approach.

Today, supported by a network of trained officials and updated sustainability frameworks, the ACU’s campaign reflects a long-term model where progress is driven by consistent action, technical development and community engagement.

Landscape taken at 2025 FIM EnduroGP World Championship, Rhayader (Wales) © Pole Position Communication

A collective moment grounded in year-round work

World Environment Day serves as a checkpoint within a broader, ongoing process across the motorcycle community.

Kattia Juárez, FIM Sustainability Commission Director concluded: “World Environment Day is an opportunity to come together as a global motorcycling community — not only to raise awareness, but to demonstrate that concrete actions are already taking place across the sport.

The level of engagement and enthusiasm we have seen throughout this week confirms that sustainability is a shared effort. Each initiative contributes to a collective impact that extends well beyond a single day.”

With further activities still ahead, Sustainability Week reinforces a consistent message: sustainability in motorcycle sport is built progressively, through coordinated actions, practical solutions and shared responsibility.

Green Rangers during KiSS Mugello with MotoGP Sport Entertainment Group representatives, FIM CID Director and Dr. Gustavo Duque Estrada © FIM

More information Contact | sustainability@fim.ch

FIM NAMES BERTA ABELLÁN AND ROSS BRANCH AS NEW SUSTAINABILITY AMBASSADORS, STRENGTHENING GLOBAL COMMITMENT

The FIM marks a major milestone during Sustainability Week with the appointment of two new high-profile Sustainability Ambassadors: Berta Abellán (Spain) and Ross Branch (Botswana) — a strategic expansion that reinforces the organisation’s global commitment to sustainability in motorcycling.

Berta Abellán, alongside fellow Ambassador Takahisa Fujinami, Toni Bou and other riders and representatives of Honda Mobility Land, participating in the environmental activation during KiSS Motegi 2026 in Japan © Pep Segales

These two outstanding athletes represent both the new generation of riders and the growing international scope of the programme, bringing fresh energy, authenticity, and powerful regional representation.

  • Berta Abellán is the 2025 FIM TrialGP Women’s World Champion, having finished as vice World Champion the previous four seasons. As a leading female rider, Berta is an important voice for the growing role of women in motorcycling and sustainable sport.
  • Ross Branch, as runner-up in the 2024 Dakar Rally and with five stage wins to his name over recent years, stands as one of Africa’s most prominent motorsport figures and will serve as a key voice for sustainability across the African continent with the support of FIM Africa.

Ross Branch riding stage four in Portugal 2026 © MCH Photography

Jorge Viegas, FIM President, stated: “The appointment of Berta Abellán and Ross Branch as FIM Sustainability Ambassadors represents a significant step forward in strengthening our global commitment to sustainability. They embody not only sporting excellence but also the values of responsibility, respect, and leadership that are essential for the future of motorcycling.

Through their voices, we can reach new audiences and reinforce the message that sustainability is a shared responsibility across all disciplines and continents. Berta’s role as a female athlete and role model, and Ross’s representation of the African continent, highlight the diversity and inclusiveness that are key to driving meaningful change.”

Ambassadors’ Voices
Berta Abellán emphasised not only environmental responsibility but also the role of women as drivers of change in the sport:
“I would like to thank the FIM very much for trusting me to be an FIM Sustainability Ambassador. For me, it is very important to take care of the environment where we practice our sport and in relation to motorcycling in general.

As a female rider, I also feel a responsibility to help inspire more women and show that we can be part of the positive change our sport needs. Sustainability is about respect – for nature, for people, and for the future – and I will do everything in my power to raise awareness and contribute as much as possible in this space.”

Berta Abellàn at the 2026 TrialGP of Japan © Future7Media

Ross Branch highlighted both the honour and responsibility of his new role:
“I am truly honoured to have been selected for this programme, and I am very proud to accept this role. Being recognised by the FIM, with the recommendation and support of FIM Africa, means a great deal to me.

Sustainability and environmental awareness have always been close to my heart. I call Africa home, and I feel incredibly grateful to have grown up training and competing in places of such raw beauty, wildlife and open landscapes.

As rally riders, we are privileged to travel through some of the most remote and stunning regions of the world. I believe we also share a responsibility to help protect them. If I can use my voice to promote responsible practices, raise awareness and support positive change within our sport and across Africa, I will do so with great commitment.”

Ross Branch at Dakar Rally 2026 © MCH Photography

More information Contact | sustainability@fim.ch