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Top storyJapan Rugby seeks sustainable future with UN framework
The Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has joined the United Nations’ Sports for Climate Action Framework, becoming the first national rugby union in the world to sign up.
Signing up to the Framework will see the body commit to taking meaningful action on climate change and formulating an environmental sustainability action policy, which it plans to publish in March next year.
With the effects of climate change posing a growing risk to players, spectators and the overall sustainability of rugby, the JRFU recognised the need to minimise its environmental impacts across all operations. This includes day-to-day management of the game, organising and hosting rugby matches – from the grassroots level through to international test matches.
The Framework was launched in 2018 and is built on five guiding principles: to undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility; reduce overall climate impact; educate for climate action; promote sustainable and responsible consumption; and advocate for climate action through communication.
Japan Rugby hopes to become a global leader in the sport through its ‘Japan Rugby 2050’ strategy. This includes the potential re-bidding to host the Rugby World Cup in Japan, and utilising the sport to drive positive social change outside of sport.
Japan hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019, marking the first time the major tournament had been held in Asia and outside of a traditional ‘Tier 1’ rugby nation.
The JRFU’s medium-term strategic plan (2021-2024) has set out key areas of focus, including sustainability.
Future steps include working closely with World Rugby and its Environmental Sustainability 2030 strategy, focusing on three themes: climate action, circular economy and protecting the natural environment.
Japan Rugby will establish its own targets and an action plan based on the current state of Japanese rugby to ensure continued progress in sustainability. Progress will be detailed in annual reports.
Image: 江戸村のとくぞう, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons