Sustainable organisation of Otepää biathlon events receives international recognition
The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has recognised the Estonian Biathlon Federation with the IBU Award for Excellence in Sustainability for the 2025/2026 season. The award recognises the systematic work carried out in recent years, with a strong focus on reducing the environmental impact of international biathlon events held in Otepää.
The award was presented on Saturday, 19 September, at the IBU Congress in Berchtesgaden, Germany. “We are delighted that our efforts have also gained recognition at the international level. When organising events, we consider the footprint of every activity and ask ourselves how we can reduce it,” said Aivar Nigol, Chairman of the Organising Committee.The Estonian Biathlon Federation received the award in the National Federations category, along with a prize of €10,000.
The Estonian Biathlon Federation launched a long-term sustainability programme, using the 2026 IBU World Cup in Otepää to develop, test and evaluate a Sustainability Management System aligned with the ISO 20121 standard. Rather than focusing on isolated environmental initiatives, sustainability principles were integrated throughout the entire event management process. “A few months after the World Cup held in March, we received the news we had been hoping for – international events held in Otepää had been certified as meeting the ISO 20121 standard for sustainable event management,” said Nigol.
The sustainability programme combines environmental responsibility, community engagement, regional development and responsible governance. Key initiatives include the use of renewable energy solutions and carbon-neutral heating, more sustainable transport solutions, reusable tableware and a preference for locally sourced ingredients. Attention has also been given to educational programmes for young people and the promotion of South Estonian cultural heritage. “The project reached approximately 40,000 spectators and involved more than 1,500 accredited participants,” Nigol added.
From 9–21 February 2027, Otepää will host the LaVita IBU World Championships Biathlon for the first time. “Sustainability is also at the heart of the preparation and delivery of the World Championships, with the aim of ensuring that the biggest sporting event ever held in Estonia has a smaller footprint and leaves a positive and lasting legacy for Otepää and the entire region,” Nigol added.