From spectacular tournaments that transform skylines to grassroots games in muddy parks, sport is everywhere – woven into the fabric of urban life and deeply rooted in nature. Yet the infrastructure and resources it requires can place a heavy burden on natural ecosystems. In cities, where nature is often squeezed to the sidelines, these pressures can be especially pronounced. But what if sport could change the rules of the game? Could sport help nature mount a comeback?
Healthy urban nature isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for sport. Cleaner air and water, cooler climates, and more resilient infrastructure are among the tangible benefits to sports professionals, athletes and fans. At the same time, sports organisations have the power to champion nature. By weaving it into their operations, restoring ecosystems, and rallying communities, they can help turn the tide on nature loss.
This Playbook and its accompanying toolbox offer practical steps and tools for clubs, teams, events and venues to integrate nature into the built environment. Based on the Sports and Urban Biodiversity guide and many case studies and examples from around the world, it serves as a gameplan for creating greener, healthier and wilder cities, catering to a wide range of sports and urban environments worldwide.
Download the Toolkit and/or the individual tools
Topics
Nature protection
Nature restoration
Urban