Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France (Tuesday 23 July 2024) – The agreement was signed on Tuesday at Le Golf National, venue for the golf events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, by the International Golf Federation (IGF), the French Golf Federation and the Swiss Golf Federation. Sports for Nature Framework. Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Donna Bertarelli Philanthropy.
Sports for Nature The initiative aims to create a transformative movement for nature conservation across the sports world beyond 2030, empowering sport to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sport at all levels to promote conservation action and inspire others to do the same. The IGF, the French Golf Federation and the Swiss Golf Federation, together with other organisations, Sports for Nature A partner that strives to drive positive change and lead by example within the sports community.
“Sport for Nature is honoured to welcome these three signatories, who expand the efforts of both the Olympic Movement and the golfing community,” said Meredith McCurdy, Programme Leader for IUCN Sport for Nature. “It is particularly unique to officially welcome these organisations to Le Golf National, which has made such an incredible effort to protect and restore biodiversity on the site.”
of Sports for Nature The Framework outlines four principles to guide sports organizations’ actions to contribute to nature: (1) protect nature and avoid damage to natural habitats and species, (2) restore and restore nature wherever possible, (3) understand and mitigate risks to nature in their supply chains, and (4) educate and encourage positive actions for nature beyond sport.
“By signing the Sport for Nature Framework, the IGF strengthens its commitment to sustainability and recognizes its leadership role in guiding the sport of golf to have a positive impact on the environment,” said IGF Secretary General Antony Scanlon. “It is critical that all golf industry stakeholders do all they can to protect and restore nature, especially on golf courses around the world. We appreciate the work of the French Golf Federation and the Swiss Golf Federation in this area and are confident that they will be great partners as we continue to explore and implement sustainability measures to ensure the future of golf for generations to come.”
Le Golf National, home to the men’s and women’s Olympic golf competitions and the DP World Tour’s FedEx Open de France, is a model of sustainability efforts. Under the leadership of the French Golf Federation, the venue has reduced water use on its two courses by 40% between 2018 and 2023. During the preparation and duration of the Olympic golf competitions, mowers have been equipped with sensors to monitor soil moisture, allowing for even more precise measurement of interventions and watering. A recent survey of Le Golf National’s biodiversity, conducted by the National Museum of Natural History, found that the land is home to 409 species of plants and animals, including 13 historic species and 33 declining species.
“We are very proud to join the Sport for Nature framework, because nature is part of golf’s DNA,” said Christophe Meuniersa, general manager of the French Golf Federation. “The beautiful natural environment of our golf courses is diverse and rich, but it is under threat. We have been committed to its protection for a long time and, together with our partner, the National Museum of Natural History, we want to ensure that golf courses are an integral part of the solution to protect the environment.” Sports for Nature This framework will enable us to promote and share best practice and not only raise awareness among golfers but also inspire their progress.”
“Swissgolf has long championed the values of sustainability and environmental protection,” said Etienne Marclay, Executive Director and Chairman of the Sustainability Committee of the Swiss Golf Federation. “By signing the Sport for Nature Framework, which fits perfectly with our vision and strategy, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and enhancing the biodiversity and precious ecosystems of our golf courses for future generations.”
The following individuals have duly signed Sports for Nature Representing their respective organisations, Antony Scanlon, Secretary General of the International Golf Federation, Christophe Muniesa, General Manager of the French Golf Federation, and Etienne Marclay, Executive Director of the Swiss Golf Federation and Chair of the Sustainability Committee, were involved in the development of the framework. Pictured are Scanlon, Muniesa and Marclay, along with Programme Leader Meredith McCurdy. Sports for Nature Tania Braga, Head of Legacy at the International Olympic Committee.
To access images from today’s signing ceremony Sports for Nature For the framework, click here.
Other signatories Sports for Nature The Framework includes the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), World Triathlon and World Taekwondo. For a full list of signatories, please visit https://sportsfornature.org/signatories/.
