Sports-Environmental Conservation Initiative Launched in Kenya
By Duncan Mboyah
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), Athletics Kenya and Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa centre has launched an initiative that integrates environmental conservation and social responsibility in sports.
Dr. Aderiana Mbandi, UNEP air quality expert says that through collaborative efforts, the initiative-situated at the iconic Ngong Forest, renowned for its athletics training facilities- aims at confronting the triple planetary threats of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, hence safeguarding the planet for generations to come.
Mbandi notes that by championing reforestation and clean air initiatives, the initiative is not only providing athletes with optimal environments for peak performance but also nurturing the very lungs of our planet, ensuring a healthier future for all.
Dr. Philip Osano, Centre Director Stockholm Environment Institute Africa, observed that science has provided stark evidence that the world is faced with the triple planetary crisis of nature loss, climate change and pollution, which presents both a risk and an opportunity play sports.
“It is therefore timely, and I wish to applaud NOC-K for launching a sustainability Program during the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and championing sustainability actions in their journey to Paris Olympics 2024,” Osano said during an event organized to celebrate the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP).
Paul Tergat, President of NOC-K said that the athletics body have not only embraced the sustainability program but are very enthusiastic to scale it up through activities such as creating and adopting green spaces like this Olympic Forest.
Tergat noted that as sportsmen and women, an environment of conflict is not conducive for their training, competition or organizing of competition events that is desirable.
According to Lt General (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei, World Athletics Vice President and Athletics Kenya President, Athletics Kenya recognized the important role sports plays in the society.
Lt General Tuwei noted that Athletics Kenya‘s sustainability agenda incorporates the UNFCCC principles, World Athletics sustainability standards and support towards Government National Determined contribution (NDC) on Climate Change.
“Our presence here with collaboration with NOC-K and partnering with SEI and UNEP demonstrates our collective belief in actions for the environment,” he added.
He said that Athletics Kenya is also supporting the Refugee Athletes in training and allowing them into events to support their journey in sports.
Both NOC-K and Athletics Kenya are signatories to the Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which aims at supporting and guiding sports actors in achieving global climate change goals.
NOC-K also became the fifth signatory, and first from Africa, to join the Sports for Nature Framework, an initiative supported by UNEP, which 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.
During the celebration tens of trees were planted around the land allocated by the Kenya Forest Service to symbolize their commitment to environmental conservation.