From local parks to professional venues, from clean air to nutritious food, a healthy natural environment underpins almost every aspect of how we play, train and compete. However, nature and the ecosystems on which sports rely are under increasing pressure with over 48,000 species threatened with extinction and a 73% average decline in wildlife populations since 1970.
With their unparallel platform and influence, sports can play an important role in addressing this challenge. Working towards nature-positive events, venues and operations, they can not only directly contribute to nature protection and restoration, but also inspire others to take action for nature.
The Sports for Nature Initiative was created to tap into this potential. Launched in 2022, its vision is a world where sports and nature thrive together.
It aims to empower sport to become a positive and transformative force for nature, fully embracing its responsibility to protect and restore the natural environment it relies on.
By providing a clear game plan, building capacity, and fostering a supportive community, we strive to inspire and enable nature-positive action that strengthens both nature and the future of sport.
The Sports for Nature Framework is at the core of the Initiative. It is more than a pledge: members commit to working towards four clear principles, implementing concrete actions, and reporting on progress annually. Learn more about membership requirements and benefits here.
Beyond the Framework, the Initiative opens its resources, tools and online training to a wider audience, and engages with organisations and individuals working at, or interested in, the intersection of sport and nature.
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.
The Initiative is governed by the Sports for Nature Council. Composed of Founding Partners’ representatives, it sets the strategic direction, governance framework, and operational principles, and takes decisions on strategic matters.
Day-to-day operations are ensured by the Sports for Nature Executive Team. Hosted by IUCN, the Team is responsible for resource development, capacity building, member and stakeholder engagement, communications, annual reporting, general administration, and more. It collaborates closely with the Founding Partners and IUCN’s network of experts and members on the implementation of these activities.
Sport organisations of any size, level, sport, capacities or geography that have made a commitment to and work towards making measurable contributions for nature under the Framework’s four principles.
Composed of biodiversity experts – primarily members of IUCN Commissions – S4N Advisory Group reviews S4N Members’ annual reports, contributes to resources development and provides the Executive Team and members with expert advice.
Like-minded organisations that contribute to Sports for Nature mission through sharing of expertise, resources and networks creating a mutually beneficial partnership. More information coming soon.
