Charles Beigbeder, the chief of Annecy 2018, signed the agreement with Françoise Camusso, President of the Intercommunal Syndicate for the Protection and Development of Semnoz (SIPAS), and André Guerraz, President of the Regional Nature Preserve of the Massif des Bauges.

It is designed to cover their respective commitments to apply the principles of sustainable development to the events hosted at Semnoz, the mountain in Haute-Savoie, which is due to host the freestyle skiing and snowboarding if Annecy's bid is successful. 

A Steering Committee to ensure that Semnoz is protected has been set-up and has guaranteed that the site is returned to its original condition after the Games.

"This approach is proof of our intent to host Games that naturally fit with our region, whose quality must be preserved," said Beigbeder.


"The objective for Annecy 2018 is to provide the best possible conditions for all the athletes, to offer a broad and innovative programme for the sustainable development of the area and to leave behind a significant heritage for young people and the sporting movement, which respects our exceptional natural playing field.

"We are committed, through these types of actions, to keeping our promises and to contributing to the global reach of the Games and in a sustainable way."

Guerraz claimed that the agreement demonstrated Annecy's commitment to host a sustainable Olympics and Paralympics.

"Reconciling man and nature, the Natural Regional Parks of France, developed for mankind and open to other regions of the world, are in complete harmony with the Olympic spirit," he said.

"The demanding requirements set by the Park, in keeping with its Charter and accepted in their entirety by the Annecy 2018 Committee, are testimony to a real desire to pay very close attention to the environmental quality of this site, so emblematic of the Semnoz."

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