Auriane Flottes de Pouzols: Pioneering Conservation in Motorsport Sustainability

Auriane Flottes de Pouzols brings her dedication to conservation and expertise to innovate sustainable practices in motorsport. With a BSc in Zoology from the University of British Columbia and an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management from Oxford, her journey has been shaped by her upbringing in Côte d’Ivoire. “My goal is to protect and promote biodiversity, especially in areas that hold personal meaning for me,” Auriane shares, inspired by her commitment to addressing environmental challenges in West and Central Africa.

Her journey with the Lab began after a talk by 2016 Formula One World Champion and sustainability advocate Nico Rosberg, who introduced Rosberg Philanthropies, a foundation aimed at tackling environmental issues. Drawn to the Lab’s interdisciplinary “Sustainability on Track” project, Auriane joined efforts to decarbonise large-scale events like the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The project offered a rare opportunity to bridge her expertise with real-world sustainability challenges in motorsport. “Working with experts in fields like alternative fuels and event management was both exciting and daunting,” she recalls.

In collaboration with her field lab partners and stakeholders from F1, Silverstone, and Rosberg Philanthropies, Auriane conducted research on fan travel behaviour and biodiversity at Silverstone. Analysing travel data, she identified patterns that informed targeted carbon reduction measures. Additionally, she assessed biodiversity around Silverstone, recommending practical steps to enhance habitats and support local wildlife. “Our surveys revealed travel patterns with clear implications for carbon reduction strategies,” she explains, highlighting the data-driven approach her team took to create impactful solutions.

Auriane found the interdisciplinary collaboration especially enlightening. Coming from a conservation background, she was surprised by how naturally her goals aligned with industry partners. “Collaborating with F1 was an experience I never expected,” she reflects. Presenting her findings to key stakeholders, including Nico Rosberg, was a proud moment that reinforced her belief in integrating environmental considerations into corporate strategies.

Looking ahead, Auriane is inspired to explore consultancy roles focused on nature-based solutions and carbon reduction strategies. Describing her time in the Lab as “Magical, Enriching, and Challenging,” she advises future participants to embrace every opportunity with curiosity and an open mind. Auriane’s journey exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can drive impactful change in tackling today’s pressing environmental challenges.