Pledged Actions and Frameworks
Sports for Nature
World Rowing became a signatory to the Sports for Nature framework in 2022 , which aims to deliver transformative nature-positive action across sports by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to collectively champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. Acting for nature can help address climate change, one of the biggest drivers of nature loss.
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.
Principles
1. Protect nature and avoid damage to natural habitats and species
Our organisation is committed to protecting and avoiding damage to natural habitats and species, including respecting protected areas.
2. Restore and regenerate nature wherever possible
Our organisation takes positive action to restore and regenerate nature in and around the indoor and outdoor environments where we operate.
3. Understand and reduce risks to nature in your supply chains
Our organisation will reduce risks to nature and enable opportunities to conserve and restore nature in our supply chains, linking wherever possible to climate goals.
4. Educate and inspire positive action for nature across and beyond sport
Our organisation will educate and inspire greater awareness and action for nature within our sport and our wider communities and stakeholders.
Signatories commitments
- Commit to taking measurable action for nature by signing the Sports for Nature Declaration.
For more information on practical projects and best practices, check out the Biodiversity section.
Signatory spotlight
World Rowing: Bringing the sport together around the Healthy Waters Alliance
Sports for Climate Action
World Rowing became a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change initiative Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) in 2019.
This network unites sport actors under a set of principles, objectives, and requirements. It provides guidance, shares best practices and provides a platform to display climate leadership.
Principles
1. Undertake systematic efforts to promote greater environmental responsibility
Integrate sustainability into decision-making, operations, and culture.
2. Reduce overall climate impact
Measure greenhouse gas emissions and implement plans to reduce them in line with climate science.
3. Educate for climate action
Use sport’s visibility to raise awareness among fans, athletes, and communities
4. Promote sustainable and responsible consumption
Encourage resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable procurement.
5. Advocate for climate action through communication
Publicly support science-based climate policies and share progress transparently.
Signatories’ commitments
- Halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
- Exploring measures to extend the measurement, reporting, reduction, and offset of emissions to all Organising Committees of World Rowing events.
For more information and World Rowing’s carbon footprint reporting, check out the Climate section.
World Heritage Sites
In 2018, World Rowing became the first sporting body to pledge to protect UNESCO World Heritage sites and their buffer zones. It responds to concerns raised by UNESCO about past negative impacts of sports on World Heritage sites. World Rowing understands the value of the sites and commits to respect and preserve their outstanding universal value.
Any potential impact on the conservation of the sites and their buffer zones arising from World Rowing sanctioned events will be carefully assessed.