The races of the Patrouille des Glaciers take place in an exceptional setting: unique alpine landscapes, between snowy peaks, suspended icefalls, high mountain passes and deep valleys. This fragile ecosystem, emblematic of the Swiss territory, is today under increased pressure which modifies its balance. Aware of the influence of human activities on this sensitive environment, the Patrouille des Glaciers Command acts to limit the environmental impact of the event and preserve this natural heritage. Based on the guidelines of the Confederation and the DDPS, an environmental protection strategy has been established. It relies on a “sustainability order” with an assigned officer in each base to ensure its implementation. The troops are made aware of eco-responsible behaviors, and each soldier has specific guidelines reminding them of the good practices to adopt to ensure sustainability. CO balance sheet is established at each edition to identify the main sources of emissions, analyze climate impacts and implement corrective measures. It can be consulted here.
Concrete measures are being implemented: reducing transport to what is strictly necessary, limiting logistical requirements, training staff to be efficient, and optimizing available resources to reduce waste. In line with its regional focus, the Patrouille prioritizes local partnerships and suppliers. It also encourages environmentally friendly practices, such as waste sorting and soft mobility, in particular by offering half-price public transport tickets to spectators traveling to see the patrouilleurs. True to the principle of “think global, act local,” the Patrouille des Glaciers invites every patroller, spectator, civilian, and military personnel to adopt these recommendations to support its commitment to protecting the environment. The members of the organization are convinced that every action counts and that together, at the heart of the mountain effort, we can go further to preserve the environment of tomorrow.
Based on the “think global, act local” approach, the Command of the Patrouille des Glaciers has drawn up 5 rules that complement the 4 main actions. These rules apply to every person involved in the Patrouille des Glaciers as well as to the service providers.
- “Sorting and recycling”; By sorting your waste, this t is appropriately recycled while adding value;
- “Use public transport”; by using public transport, everyone increases their contribution to slow-moving traffic and reduces their impact on the environment. In addition, Switzerland has one of the densest transport networks in the world.
- “Sustainable consumption”; by using services and products that meet our needs and contribute to a higher quality of life, while minimizing the consumption of natural resources, we contribute to preserving natural resources so that future generations can also meet their needs.
- “I protect the environment!”; By behaving in an environmentally conscious way, everyone contributes to protecting the environment and the available natural resources.
- “Every action counts!”; by doing small actions everybody contributes in one way or another, to protect the environment. Small cumulated actions significantly reduce waste and the environmental impact.
The Patrouille des Glaciers is a huge technological challenge and an open-air laboratory. Because survival, communication, organization and respect for the environment at high altitude are a real challenge. The consequences of climate change at high altitudes are now visible and concern not only the organizer of the event, but also the entire population.
In collaboration with the Patrouille des Glaciers Foundation, various studies are being carried out to determine the impact on the organization of the race as well as to identify measures that will not only preserve the existing natural environment but also contribute to the necessary actions towards sustainable development.
