Sporting bodies commit to protecting nature and taking climate action in Paris

The signatories were present at an event in Paris yesterday (August 7) during the 2024 Olympic Games. The Games will run until August 11, with the Paralympics to follow between August 28 and September 8.

Other signatories included the French Golf Federation and Swiss Golf, which announced their commitment to protecting nature along with the International Golf Federation.

During the event, Samuel Ducroquet, Ambassador for Sport, Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, France, explained that there were four key motivations for Paris 2024: leading by example, offering a strong voice for change, creating a new model for major events, and making the practice of sport more responsible and respectable.

Additionally, Marie Sallois, Corporate and Sustainable Development Director for the International Olympic Committee, said there was no other sector that could inspire like sport could, and that this platform should be used to educate around sustainability and responsibility.

This responsibility has been demonstrated by the Paris 2024 organising committee, which committed to reducing carbon emissions, limiting the construction of new venues, lowering plastic waste and more. The organisers also looked to incorporate eco-construction where possible, enhance biodiversity, offer plant-based food and locally sourced products, utilise public transport, create a circular economy, champion inclusivity and, of course, clean up the River Seine to be used for events.

Existing members of the framework gave their viewpoint on committing to protecting nature, including Karine Teow, Head of Sustainability at the International Table Tennis Federation, who explained that originally the body was focused on social sustainability. The organisation felt somewhat “removed” from the environment because table tennis was an indoor sport, but actually “we are all affected by the environment” and that everyone has a role to play, explained Teow.

World Rugby’s Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion Manager Jamie McKeown described how the down time during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for a formal approach to be taken by the organisation when it came to sustainability. The rugby governing body created a strategy that focused on circular economy and the protection of the environment. World Rugby also recently developed the Rugby for Nature plan, which in turn has created a starting point for members to also help protect the natural environment.

You can read our feature on World Rugby’s Rugby for Nature initiative, here.

Elsewhere, World Aquatics has officially joined the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework, with the organisation’s President Husain Al-Musallam committing the organisation to being more sustainable in a separate special ceremony in Paris.

The body has created an ambitious sustainability strategy which supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and covers a range of environmental, social and governance issues.

World Aquatics will work with its stakeholders to make sure systematic efforts are undertaken in the short- and long-term to promote greater environmental sustainability. There will be a further focus on education around climate action and responsible consumption, while also advocating for greater sustainable measures.

Progress has already been made around social initiatives, such as the ‘Discover Water’ programme that was launched in Paris on World Drowning Prevention Day on July 25. This aims to provide young children with the necessary skills to enjoy aquatic sports safely.

Al-Musallam commented: “Our athletes compete in water. Preserving our seas, rivers and lakes is central to the survival of our planet and our sport. It is imperative that we all work together across the global sporting community – and beyond – for this critical issue.”

Images: Xavier Praillet on Unsplash