World Rowing moves with World Water Day

These policies and guidelines have been reviewed and updated for 2012 with the advice of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and recognise the “Clean Water” strategic alliance entered into between FISA and WWF. The updates bring the existing guidelines on how to stage a FISA sanctioned event and guidelines for the general rowing community to a higher environmental standard.

FISA’s Executive Director, Matt Smith explained: “The upgrade to our guidelines means that the rowing world is helping to lead the way in sustainable event-staging.”

The guidelines begin by stating: “Rowing is a sport that requires clean water and clean air. Rowers are mindful of protecting the environment on which they must rely to carry on their sport.”

Water quality as well as water usage are key parts of the guidelines and at FISA sanctioned events organisers will have a plan to follow that helps facilitate a sustainable event. For water quality this includes using biodegradable cleaning agents for boats and facilities and ensuring that refuelling activities cause no pollution to the water body. Efficiency in water usage is also vital in managing a sustainable event.

In stating what the general rowing community can do to help with water quality and water usage, the guidelines make practical points. These follow the same theme as sustainable practices at events and include keeping up with water quality levels and making sure that they are in line with national standards, using biodegradable cleaning products and the efficient use of water.

On World Water Day, Smith was in Sydney, Australia, as part of a site inspection of the venue for the first round of the 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup series which is to be held at the Olympic regatta course in Penrith, Sydney. The 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup I will be staged one year from now in March.

“The Samsung World Rowing Cup circuit is the showpiece of our sport each year and we are delighted to be in Sydney for the first World Cup in both 2013 and 2014,” said Smith.

While in Sydney Smith met with WWF Australia and said that FISA’s next policy step was to upgrade rowing events further to “best in class”.

To view FISA’s revised Environmental Sustainability Policy and Guidelines, please click here.