Reconnecting Sports Clubs with Nature
Sport has a great opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Predominantly played outdoors in natural green spaces, there is a plethora of activity that can happen to support natural wild habitats to thrive.
Sports clubs can also be champions for wildlife and the environment. By creating safe spaces on their grounds, clubs can support local wildlife, prevent flooding, and even offer a mini nature reserve or a spot for the community.
Think about your local area - are there spots where your club could make a difference for nature?
Take Action in Your Community
There are many ways clubs and players can help:
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Pick up litter or remove plastic from local rivers, canals, and paths.
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Participate in rewilding projects to restore habitats.
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Team up with organisations like the Woodland Trust or the Canals & Rivers Trust in your area.
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Learn from examples like Halas Hawks Junior Football Club, which is using nature-based solutions to mitigate flooding while enhancing biodiversity.
Even small actions can have a big impact when clubs and communities work together.
Sports for Nature: A Global Initiative
The Sports for Nature initiative is a worldwide effort led by 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, and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. Its goal is simple: to empower sports organisations to make measurable contributions to nature.
A Framework for Action
Launched in December 2022, the Sports for Nature Framework provides a clear guide for sports organisations to take meaningful, nature-positive action. It is built around four key principles:
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Protect Nature: Ensure sports activities do not harm habitats or species.
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Restore and Regenerate: Engage in efforts to restore ecosystems.
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Reduce Risks: Identify and minimise risks to nature within supply chains.
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Educate and Inspire: Use sport to raise awareness and encourage positive action for nature.
Alongside the Framework, Sports for Nature also offers global campaigns and capacity-building programmes to give clubs the knowledge and tools they need to make a real difference.
Join the Movement
By joining Sports for Nature, organisations are setting an example in protecting the environment and inspiring others in the sports community.
Environmental challenges continue to grow, and sports clubs have a unique opportunity to lead the way. By taking part, your club can help restore ecosystems, engage local communities, and inspire a greener future.
For more information on how your club can join the initiative, click here.