IUCN’s Jana Janotova Highlights the Role of Sports in Promoting Nature Conservation

By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU

In a webinar organized by the IUCN Academy on Building Sustainable Cities, Jana Janotova, Engagement Officer for Sports for Nature at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), emphasized the transformative potential of sports in fostering nature-positive actions.

The discussion, part of the ongoing initiative launched in 2022, highlighted the commitment of sports organizations to champion nature conservation and contribute to its restoration by 2030.

“Sports for Nature is not just an initiative; it’s a movement aimed at integrating environmental stewardship into the core of sporting activities,” Janotova stated.

The initiative has garnered support from five partners, including the IUCN, and currently boasts 90 signatory organizations that span over 30 different sports.

This diverse representation includes everyone from local community sports clubs to prominent international governing bodies like the International Olympic Committee.

The framework of Sports for Nature operates through two primary mechanisms: teamwork and the Sports for Nature principles.

These principles are designed to guide sports organizations in their environmental efforts, focusing on the mitigation hierarchy and considering the indirect impacts of their supply chains on nature.

Additionally, they provide a robust platform for education, influence, and inspiration, enabling sports clubs to engage in activities that promote environmental awareness and conservation.

Organizations that join the initiative commit to a declaration that reinforces their dedication to these principles, pledging to report annually on their progress.

This accountability not only tracks their commitments but also provides crucial support through resources, capacity building, and collaborative platforms.

In urban environments, the impact of sports can be particularly pronounced, with activities ranging from large arenas to smaller indoor facilities.

Janotova pointed out that urban sports like skateboarding and three-on-three basketball exemplify how sporting practices can create a positive influence on nature while minimizing adverse effects.

 The Sports for Nature principles serve as a vital roadmap for these organizations, encouraging them to cultivate a harmonious relationship with the environment.

As the dialogue around sustainable cities continues to evolve, Janotova’s insights underscore the importance of incorporating nature-positive practices within the sports sector.

With growing participation and commitment, the Sports for Nature initiative stands as a pioneering effort to align sporting endeavors with the urgent need for environmental protection and restoration.

About Sports for Nature

Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.

It aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sports — at all levels — to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature.