The EuroSIMA Environmental Fund was created to serve as the environmental arm of the European Boardsports Industry Manufacturers Association (EuroSIMA) by raising funds and using it to promote ecological and environmental organisations whose efforts are focused on enhancing the oceanic and mountain environment.

Two major events enable EuroSIMA to raise funds whose proceeds are donated to environmental groups seeking to protect oceans, beaches and mountains: the Waterman's Ball , surf industry annual gala dinner, and the Snow Ball , snowboard industry gala event.

Environmental groups and organisations wishing to receive funding from EuroSIMA Environmental Fund must submit a grant request form that details the group's plans and budget of the operation. EuroSIMA Board of Directors will examine the request and the partnership will be decided during the month of November.

EuroSIMA financial support to environmental actions for the year 2007

• 5,000 euros have been awarded to the “Initiatives Océanes” project of the Surfrider Foundation Europe. This three day event mobilizes thousands of volunteers who participate in the cleaning of beaches, educate and make people aware of the ocean protection. This year, this action has been developed at the international level.

The Surfrider Foundation Europe is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches for all people, through conservation, activism, research and education. Represented by over 3,500 members and 15 local chapters, the Surfrider Foundation Europe develops its programs in France , Spain and in several European countries.

• 2,000 euros have been awarded to the English association Surfers against Sewage (SAS) for their campaigns to improve European Bathing Water legislation and protect surfers and other recreational water users from sewage pollution. This donation will help reinforce their action and support the association general operation.

• 4,000 euros came to supplement the creation budget of an Environmental Exhibition dedicated to the EuroSIMA company members' employees, co-financed by the ADEME (French Agency for Environment and Energy Management) and the Boardsports Cluster.

The creation of this exhibition and of an online tool will enable the employees of the boardsports sector to:

• Understand the environmental stakes of our century

• Be conscious of the impact on environment of the companies' daily operations (energy, wastes, transport…)

• Learn how to preserve environment and participate in its improvement at the office or at home

• 5,000 euros have been awarded to the EuroSIMA Technological and Ecological Innovation Competition. The purpose of this competition is to stimulate and support the invention of new products, new technologies, or new process in the boardsports industry. The competition puts the stress on the projects innovative aspect, their degree of realism, their feasibility, and the setting up of an environmental action aiming at reducing the noxiousness of products.