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World Surf League marks reaffirms sustainability commitment with 2023 report
The World Surf League (WSL) has published its 2023 Annual Purpose and Impact Report, demonstrating the work it has undertaken in tandem with its non-profit partner WSL Pure.
Through its WSL One Ocean initiative, the WSL has protected or restored 45,373 hectares of land in Hawaii, Australia, and Brazil this year, which includes the protection of surf ecosystems.
WSL One Ocean has partnered with local communities and a coalition of more than 100 organisations to host 16 local impact projects focused on conserving global oceans.
These collaborations have also seen around 100,000 corals planted and two tonnes of plastic removed through river intervention projects.
A total of 1,635 volunteers engaged across all WSL One Ocean activations and 3,041 young people received education on cultural and environmental stewardship.
“We are extremely proud of the sustainability impact we’ve achieved by working with our WSL athletes, WSL PURE Grantees, WSL One Ocean partners, and global employees over the past year,” said WSL Chief People and Purpose Officer, Emily Hofer.
"As we reflect on our accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our commitment that sustainability is not just a goal; it is a way of life."
“As we reflect on our accomplishments, we remain steadfast in our commitment that sustainability is not just a goal; it is a way of life.
“Together, we can create a positive impact that extends far beyond the shoreline.”
In 2024, WSL One Ocean is looking to continue its impact with further support from the WSL PURE Grant Programme.
All 10 legs of the Championship Tour season will see sustainable activities within local communities take place, with the grant helping to fund impact projects.
This year marked the third edition of the annual grant programme which has been largely successful, but the WSL states “there is still work to be done”.
The WSL was founded in 1976 and has helped to grow surfing as a professional sport before it makes a second Olympic appearance next year, after debuting at Tokyo 2020.
Image: Kiril Dobrev from Pixabay