Biodiversity

We protect and restore freshwater and coastal ecosystems to preserve biodiversity to contribute to two SDGs:

Biodiversity, all the living things on our planet, is essential for life on earth.  Healthy ecosystems consist of a wide range of animals, plants, and micro-organisms.  Unfortunately, estimates suggest that the extinction rate in the recent past has accelerated.

World Rowing is committed to actively working with Event Organising Committees, Member Federations, and clubs to protect the biodiversity of rowing venues and to restore the ecosystems around these sites.

World Rowing’s actions through the Healthy Waters Alliance in order to protect biodiversity include:

• Identify opportunities for freshwater & coastal ecosystem protection & restoration projects in the areas of World Rowing events.
• Healthy Waters Alliance collaborates with Event Organising Committees, Member Federations, and their clubs and rowers on locally tailored projects.
• Presenting the World Heritage Sites commitment concept to Member Federations.

Sports for Nature (S4N)

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.