Under the Sports for Nature Framework, signatories pledge to adhere to four key principles that will safeguard nature, while contributing to national and global biodiversity goals.

The International Rafting Federation, International Weightlifting Federation, Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy and World Triathlon are the latest sports organisations to sign up to the Framework, which is a pathway to help sports take measurable actions for nature. Earlier this month, the European Professional Club Rugby also announced its commitment to the Framework.

Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, International Olympic Committee, United Nations Environment Programme, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Sails of Change.

Together, these organisations launched the Sports for Nature Framework at the Convention on Biological Diversity Conference of the Parties in Montreal, with the first 23 signatories on 16 December 2022. Today, the 48 sports – of all sizes and in all geographies – are supporting the initiative and committed to report on their progress annually.

Next month, the 2022 signatories are expected to provide their first annual progress reports, which will then be compiled and submitted as a contribution from the sector to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This historic agreement supports the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and calls on all actors in society to develop and communicate their commitments.

See the full list of signatories here.

The new Sports for Nature signatories described their aspirations for joining the Framework:  

Joseph Willis Jones, President of the International Rafting Federation (IRF): “The IRF is committed to nurturing positive environmental, social, and economic impact for current and future generations within all aspects of the activity of rafting. We are excited about joining the Framework and working with the other signatories on nature positive actions.”

Florian Sperl, Executive Board Member, International Weightlifting Federation (IWF): “At the International Weightlifting Federation, we are fully committed to becoming a signatory of the Sports for Nature Framework and adhering to its principles.  As an indoor sport, we have realised that the deterioration of nature and climate impacts us, and we recognise the urgent need for sport to take action in protecting and enhancing nature.  As a sport, we depend on a healthy environment for training as well as competition, and we are committed to work deeper on this important topic.”

Ana Agostinho, an advisor to the Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy: “The Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy, celebrating its 5th edition in 2024, has been working towards sustainability since its inception. The sailing event wants to do more, wants to lead by example, and being a signatory of the Sports for Nature Framework is a unique opportunity to combine efforts with other leading organizations across the globe, united for Nature, to protect our Planet.”

Marisol Casado, President, World Triathlon: “In its very nature, the sport of triathlon has always had to be in harmony with the environment, working within and responding to it. Our organization and our athletes are blessed to enjoy some of the most beautiful locations in the world for race venues, and we are acutely aware of how important it is we minimize our impact upon them.

“Our responsibility and mission are to ensure that future generations can also enjoy training and competing in such places. Our duty is to make the decisions that will make that possible. Working with the Sports for Nature Framework and alongside our fellow signatories worldwide is an essential part of that mission,” she added.

For more information:

Visit - https://www.iucn.org/our-work/topic/tourism-and-sport/sports-nature 

Or email: SportsforNature@iucn.org