Developed by the Sports for Nature initiative and hosted on the IUCN Academy platform, the course provides an accessible entry point for sports bodies seeking to better understand their relationship with nature and their role in tackling biodiversity loss. From the land and water used for venues and events to the pressures created by infrastructure, travel and operations, sport’s environmental footprint is increasingly under scrutiny. This course aims to bridge the gap between high-level commitments and real-world delivery.

From Awareness to Action

Over approximately two hours, participants explore the critical links between sport and nature, identify key risks and opportunities, and gain practical tools to integrate nature-positive approaches into everyday operations and long-term planning. The curriculum is structured around three core modules, combining expert-led video content, deeper-dive learning sections, quizzes and practical exercises. Participants who complete the course and pass the final assessment with a minimum score of 80 per cent receive an IUCN Academy Certificate of Completion.

The initiative is part of a wider collaborative effort between the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. Together, the partners aim to mobilise the sports sector to take transformative action for nature by 2030 and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Jana Janotova, Senior Programme Coordinator for the Sports for Nature executive team at IUCN, said:

“We are delighted to launch the very first Sports for Nature online education course. It is designed for people working in and with sport organisations and is particularly well suited for those who are new to the topic. The course provides a practical introduction to how sport can better understand its relationship with nature and start taking meaningful action.”

Practical Tools for Real-World Impact

A defining feature of the course is its focus on application. Participants are introduced to simple, science-based tools to help assess nature-related risks and opportunities, including how resources such as the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species can inform decision-making around venues, events and operations. Rather than treating biodiversity as a standalone environmental issue, the course positions nature as a strategic consideration for governance, risk management and long-term resilience within sport.

The programme is offered free of charge and is open to anyone working in or alongside sport organisations, venues and events. Initially available in English, French, Spanish and Arabic versions are expected to follow by the end of March 2026, widening access across key regions and markets. By lowering the barriers to entry, Sports for Nature aims to embed nature-positive thinking across all levels of sport, from grassroots to major events.

As sport continues to position itself as a platform for positive environmental change, the launch of this course signals a shift towards more structured capacity building. With biodiversity loss increasingly recognised as a material risk to the future of sport itself, “Foundations for Action” provides a timely starting point for organisations seeking to turn sustainability ambition into meaningful impact.