The associations we support

The Foundation of the University of Grenoble initiates meetings between committed pioneers and explorers.
Led by Samuel Vergès, Inserm researcher and physiologist, the Mountain Altitude Health Research Chair conducts research on the impact of life in the mountains (high and medium altitude) on our health.
Studying the reactions of the human body exposed to the mountains and activities associated with them (housing, leisure, work, etc.) is particularly important to us to improve our knowledge of our mountain environment.

Here are their 3 main lines of research :
- adaptations and mal-adaptations of the human body related to altitude
- outdoor mountain sports practices
- hypoxia as a means of improving health and performance.

The projects we’re carrying out with them?

- Expedition 5300 :
Rare populations that have been geographically and genetically isolated for several generations offer a unique testing ground for human adaptation. That’s why the team launched the Expedition 5300 project, a scientific and humanitarian programme in the highest town in the world, La Rinconada, in Peru.
- Exalt : The centre for expertise on altitude aims to support mountain medicine, research, training, information and prevention in connection with the practices and issues of the mountains, altitude and hypoxia.

The Haute-Savoie Conservatory of Natural Spaces (Asters-CEN 74) performs a mission of general interest on the knowledge, expertise and management of natural spaces, species, environments and landscapes.
That makes it the manager, among other things, of the 9 nature reserves of Haute-Savoie,
which are of course part of our special areas of practice.
It is therefore essential for us to raise awareness, inform and act alongside them on environmental issues.

Today, ASTERS leads and implements an action plan in the French Alps, with the national parks (Vanoise, Ecrins, Mercantour, the Regional Natural Park of Vercors and Baronnies), associations such as the LPO (La Protection des Oiseaux/Protection of Birds), Envergures Alpes, Vautours en Baronnies, institutions (OFB, the State) in connection with companies (Enedis, RTE, ski areas, etc.) and socio-professionals (sports federations, etc.).

In 2022, we’re supporting: ICE & LIFE, an innovative project combining science and nature conservation to look after current and future glaciers and ice-free areas.
Led by glaciologist Jean Baptiste BOSSON, it aims to study the creation of lakes resulting from the melting of glaciers in the Alps and around the world. These new environments are rich in biodiversity, future points for attracting hikers, significant freshwater reserves, but also present risks for the populations living downstream.

This will be the first interdisciplinary study and the first action plan to understand and sustainably manage these unique, fundamental ecosystems (water management, protection of biodiversity, carbon storage, natural hazard mitigation, human activities, etc.).
Since 2022 (and until 2025), collection work has started to begin data analysis to produce scientific publications. They will serve as communication and management tools.

The Haute-Savoie Conservatory has also been involved from the start in the programme for the reintroduction and conservation of the Bearded Vulture in the Alps. A project we decided to support in 2021, for which you’ll find details below!

Inspired by the values ​​of the Quechua people in the heart of the Andes for our name, it seemed obvious to us to support them. For this, we naturally approached the humanitarian association Munay Wasi.

Located in Peru in the Cuzco region, it supports rural development projects without state support in the areas of nutrition, education, health and child protection for peasant populations in the Andes Cordillera of Peru.

Several projects have already been completed: sewing workshop to enable women to develop an activity and emancipate themselves, production of nata (food for children to combat anaemia), restoring a football pitch, support for waste sorting (education and equipment), restoring kitchens (smoke being the primary cause of death), installation of dry toilets, purchasing supplies... the needs are varied, and we support this association in all its actions.