Fausto DE STEFANI

Born in Asola, Italy, in 1952, Fausto began mountaineering at the age of eighteen, climbing mostly in the Western and Central Alps, on which he opened new routes. At the age of 29 he became a National Mountaineering Instructor (INA) for the Italian Alpine Club (CAI). At 46, he became the sixth man (and second after Reinhold Messner) to have climbed the 14 highest peaks of the world, all exceeding 8,000m. All ascents were made in alpine style, without oxygen, ten of them with his friend Sergio Martini who shares the same idea of alpine ethics.

He is one of the founding members of Mountain Wilderness and has been among its guarantors since 1993.

In 1990 he took part in the international FREE K2 cleaning expedition aimed at relieving one of Asia’s major peaks of the tonnes of waste, altitude camps and fixed ropes left behind by mountaineers.

Fausto has been president of Mountain Wilderness Italy for many years, regularly and actively supports the NGO, by speaking at international conferences and taking part in actions on the ground and expeditions, like the “Oxus – mountains for peace” expedition.

He is an environmentalist and nature photographer and is involved in national and international organisations aimed at popularising activities related to environmental issues. Fausto has promoted several projects and initiatives in Nepal and other areas of the world.