{"id":157,"date":"2004-01-10T10:37:30","date_gmt":"2004-01-10T16:37:30","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2015-03-20T09:06:17","modified_gmt":"2015-03-20T14:06:17","slug":"sports-and-the-environment-ways-towards-achieving-the-sustainable-development-of-sport","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/sports-and-the-environment-ways-towards-achieving-the-sustainable-development-of-sport\/","title":{"rendered":"Sports and the Environment: Ways towards achieving the sustainable development of sport"},"content":{"rendered":"
Conference by the 4th<\/sup> Pierre de Coubertin School Forum Arenzano (MUVITA) September 22, 2003 Presented by Dr. Hans Jagemann (German Sports Association)<\/div>\n

Preliminary Remark<\/h2>\n

Today, in many countries Sport and the Environment is understood as a
\nhighly important subject. Scientists deal with this issue as well as authorities,
\nsports associations and conservation groups.<\/p>\n

Above all, since the World Conference 1992 in Rio de Janeiro questions
\nof lifestyle are on the agenda for the environmental debate.<\/p>\n

Sport represents a significant part of our different lifestyles and thus
\nautomatically becomes a subject of discussion.<\/p>\n

Many sports associations have built up professional and voluntary structures
\nand include environmental issues in their public relations.<\/p>\n

The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in close cooperation with
\nthe United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), hosted a World Conference
\non Sport and the Environment in 1995 at which IOC President Samaranch
\nexpressed: “The<\/em> International Olympic Committee is resolved
\nto ensure that<\/em> the environment becomes the third dimension of the
\norganization of the Olympic Games, the first and second being sport and
\nculture. “<\/em><\/p>\n

Subsequently to this conference a working group Sport and the Environment<\/em>
\n<\/em>was established by the IOC.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

It is to be welcomed that the International Pierre de Coubertin Committee
\nhas decided to make Sport and the Environment a central topic on the agenda
\nfor the 4th<\/sup> School Forum at Genova-Arenzano 2003.<\/p>\n

This paper is essentially practically oriented. It describes the most
\nimportant complexes of problems and shows appropriate action towards a
\nsustainable future of sport.<\/p>\n

1 . Introduction<\/h2>\n

In our society sport fulfils important functions and is indeed indispensable.
\nIt offers opportunities for physical activity in a world where physical
\nactivity is increasingly diminishing; it promotes good health and well-being
\n(when pursued in moderation); and it provides a means of social contact
\nand ample opportunity for intensive experiences.<\/p>\n

At the same time, however, sport can be a considerable cause of damage to
\nnature and the environment. Damage can occur directly as a result of the
\npursuit of sports activities or the building and operation of the requisite
\ninfrastructure, or it can be caused by indirect factors such as the use
\nof cars to travel to and from sports activities.<\/p>\n

The causes of the conflict between sport and the environment
\nare inherent in sport itself and are also a consequence of deep-rooted
\nsocial changes; they may be understood only from this perspective. Since the
\n1970s, higher income, more leisure, greater mobility and increasing individualisation
\nhave formed the basis for major and continuing changes in sport. These changes
\ninclude the following:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • a rise in the number of people who pursue sports activities<\/li>\n
  • a higher degree of differentiation between types of sport and sports
    \nequipment as well as motives and reasons<\/li>\n
  • the use of areas hitherto unused or seldom used and areas already
    \nin use being opened up for new purposes<\/li>\n
  • spread of activities to periods previously not or seldom made use
    \nof<\/li>\n
  • fewer ties with sports clubs and their traditions<\/li>\n
  • increase in individual, spontaneous activities without proper training<\/li>\n
  • increase in activities offered commercially and to a certain extent
    \nassociated with aggressive advertising<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Consequently, these developments have led to wider and more intensive use of
    \nparticularly attractive but, by nature, vulnerable areas. Sport is claiming
    \nmore territory, and this is continually putting numerous animal and plant
    \nspecies under threat and causing the loss of natural landscapes.<\/p>\n

    Sport can not only affect nature and landscapes, but can also give rise to other
    \nenvironmental damage. With regard to this problem, the use of non-renewable
    \nresources, the emission of harmful substances during the building and operation
    \nof sports facilities, journeys to and from these facilities, and the production
    \nand disposal of sports equipment all play a key role.<\/p>\n

    Sports activities can cause critical damage to and endanger precious and vulnerable
    \nlocations. However, in terms of overall damage, sport tends to play a lesser
    \nrole compared to other causes such as agriculture, forestry, industry and
    \ntransport. In the analysis of conflicts between sport and the environment,
    \nareas of overlap with other forms of land use must be taken into account.<\/p>\n

    At the same time, sport is also affected by general damage to the environment
    \ncaused by other sources. Such damage includes, for example, a large number
    \nof devaluated watercourses, e.g. as a result of hydraulic engineering, pollution
    \nof soil and water and air. Thus, while sport can be an obstacle to issues
    \nof nature conservation and environmental protection, the two conflicting areas
    \nalso have common interests.<\/p>\n

    New approaches are required for resolving existing conflicts between sport
    \nand the environment in the long term. This means, above all, orienting
    \nconservation and utilisation concepts to the principle of sustainability
    \nin line with the agreements reached at the Conference on Environment and
    \nDevelopment in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. Sport must be included in the on-going
    \ndebate on implementation of Agenda 21, which was adopted at the conference.
    \nThe aim should be for representatives of sport and those promoting the
    \ncause of nature conservation and environmental protection to join forces
    \nand draw up guidelines for sustain-able development in sport.<\/p>\n

    2. Criteria for the sustainable development of sport<\/h2>\n

    The model of sustainable development consists in reconciling the improvement
    \nof economic and social living conditions with the long-term protection
    \nof the natural basis of life in order to also give future generations the
    \nopportunity to unfold. It not only addresses governments, but also business
    \nand industry, all social groups and, indeed, each individual citizen.<\/p>\n

    When applied to sport, it becomes necessary to<\/p>\n

      \n
    • promote and further develop forms of sport which are compatible with
      \nnature and the environment;<\/li>\n
    • make sports-related infrastructure more environmentally compatible;<\/li>\n
    • reduce damage to vulnerable areas;<\/li>\n
    • secure and improve opportunities for sport and physical activity outside
      \nvulnerable areas;<\/li>\n
    • preserve and increase the recreational quality of countryside and
      \nits enjoyment value for those doing sport.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      3. Areas of action<\/h2>\n

      This paper limits itself to outlining central areas of action. The areas of
      \naction are linked to one another in a variety of different ways; considering
      \nthem in isolation fails to do justice to the complexity of the relationships.
      \nTherefore, occasional overlaps in content are unavoidable.<\/p>\n

      3.1 Sports activities in nature and the countryside<\/em><\/h3>\n

      Sport and nature conservation can be reconciled almost everywhere. Thus
      \nconflicts arising from sports activities in nature and the countryside
      \nare not a general problem. They seldom arise on a large scale, but tend
      \nto be concentrated in specific locations, which are characterised by their
      \nspecial attractiveness for sport, as well as by a particular vulnerability
      \nand the need for nature protection.<\/p>\n

      Critical factors with respect to the effect of sports activities on nature
      \nare the extent, intensity and type of sport being pursued as well as the
      \nresilience of the natural area being used. In principle, the use of nature
      \nfor the purposes of sport should stop at the point where the type of activity
      \nconcerned considerably affects or damages nature or the rural landscape.
      \nThus sports activities should take into due account the degree of ecological
      \nresilience of the area concerned.<\/p>\n

      In order to reduce the damage to vulnerable areas early on and at the
      \nsame time fulfil the task of providing for recreation, nature conservation
      \nbodies and representatives of sport should be more involved in the planning
      \nof opportunities in resilient landscapes. A positive impact on the recreational
      \nvalue of countryside is generated as a side effect of the various nature
      \nconservation programmes on species and biotope conservation.<\/p>\n

      In the past, some countries have developed promising approaches, above
      \nall in the planning and management of sports and leisure activities. These
      \nare essentially aimed at ruling out, or avoiding as far as possible, potential
      \nconflicts and lessening existing conflicts. Numerous regulations that
      \nhave been put into practice and proved successful show that they can meet
      \nthe demands of both sport and nature conservation.<\/p>\n

      For example, leisure activities and facilities that are not tied to a
      \nparticular natural environment or geographical features should be removed
      \nfrom vulnerable areas and transferred to less vulnerable areas of manmade
      \nlandscapes or situated near residential areas. A wide range of measures
      \nsuch as signposting, shifting car-parks, banning traffic from certain
      \nroads, information boards, route marking, maintaining desirable routes
      \nand closing down undesirable routes, setting up obstacles such as water-filled
      \nditches or bushes all make it possible to transfer activities from vulnerable
      \nto more resilient areas without this being noticed by the people concerned.
      \nSupplementary measures towards the restriction of activities to certain
      \nperiods of time could be planned.<\/p>\n

      In many cases problems only arise when the same areas are used excessively
      \nat the same time. Before the use of such areas is banned altogether, the
      \npossibility of restricting numbers of visitors to these areas should be
      \nexamined, while taking into account social fairness. In order to avoid
      \ninadequate enforcement, planning possibilities involving the restriction
      \nof infrastructure should be considered (eg. limiting parking capacity,
      \nreducing the number of cable car trips up mountains etc.). In cases where
      \nthe pursuit of sports activities causes harm only at particular times,
      \nrestrictions during these specific periods should be considered. In this
      \nway, nature conservation requirements during the breeding or moulting
      \nseason of birds or vital periods for other animals can be respected without
      \nbanning access to areas at other times.<\/p>\n

      It is also possible to reconcile sport with nature conservation by defining
      \nmaximum permissible group sizes, restricting activities to those which
      \ndo not pose any threat in the specific situation, declaring certain areas
      \nof countryside off-limits (eg. banks of watercourses), stipulating specific
      \nroutes (eg. along watercourses), defining maximum permissible boat lengths
      \nor permissible type of power source or imposing the requirement of producing
      \nspecific qualifications.<\/p>\n

      Voluntary commitments should be given priority for achieving conservation
      \naims as they provide greater clarity for those involved. If this is not
      \npossible or proves unsuccessful, a wide variety of different solutions
      \nshould be implemented. It is the duty of sports organisations and commercial
      \noperators to encourage a considerite attitude to nature and the environment
      \nby providing information about ecological aspects. However, environmental
      \neducation processes will only be effective it all those involved are willing
      \nto respect the restrictions and acquire knowledge of nature conservation
      \nissues.<\/p>\n

      Restrictive measures intended to protect vulnerable or over-used natural
      \nareas are successful particularly when attractive alternatives are offered.
      \nThese should involve upgrading the land concerned in terms of the aesthetic
      \nappeal of the landscape, ecological and recreational aspects, as well
      \nas selecting locations which avoid the generation of high traffic volumes.
      \nArtificial facilities (eg. climbing walls) for types of outdoor sport
      \nwhich take place in nature or the countryside provide only partial relief.
      \nThey do not provide a substitute for the experience of nature and may
      \nin the long term even serve to increase the use of and thus the pressure
      \non nature.<\/p>\n

      The measures suitable for avoiding and resolving conflicts arising in
      \nconnection with types of activities pursued in the countryside can be
      \nsummarised as follows:<\/p>\n

        \n
      • Developing binding, uniform and effective regulations in areas which,
        \nfor the sake of nature conservation, must be kept free of any use or
        \ncertain uses<\/li>\n
      • Developing and testing effective measures, i.e. measures which can
        \nbe conveyed and controlled, below the level of a ban<\/li>\n
      • Shifting activities and facilities to less vulnerable areas<\/li>\n
      • Concentrating and managing activities (in terms of location and time)<\/li>\n
      • Targeted expansion of supply-oriented planning in resilient areas
        \nwhere the countryside should possibly be enhanced<\/li>\n
      • Creating artificial alternative and substitute facilities<\/li>\n
      • Obliging all sports operators to organise their events and programmes
        \nsuch that they are compatible with nature and the environment<\/li>\n
      • Systematically informing and educating people practising sport and
        \nmultipliers about the possibilities for pursuing activities without
        \naffecting nature or the environment<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        3.2 Sport and physical activity in built-up areas<\/em><\/h3>\n

        People who pursue recreational sports activities in nature and the countryside
        \nmainly come from the towns. Both recreational traffic and the activities
        \nthemselves can cause considerable damage to the environment. If towns
        \noffer more suitable opportunities for games, sports and physical activities,
        \nit will be possible to ease the pressure on the countryside. Furthermore,
        \ntying more people to the area where they live will help to lower environmentally
        \nharmful traffic volumes. To this end, ways must be sought to better satisfy
        \nthe need for physical activity in the vicinity of residential areas.<\/p>\n

        In order to solve the growing problem of traffic in towns, the aim should
        \nbe to set up residential structures that put less pressure on people to
        \nbe mobile. A multifunctional approach to town planning gives rise to “towns
        \nwith short distances”. When it comes to providing residents with
        \nsports facilities, this means that adequate and attractive opportunities
        \nfor sports, games and physical activities for all age groups must be created
        \nor preserved in the vicinity of their homes. These opportunities should
        \nbe linked to one another via green belts with foot and cycle paths. The
        \n“strategy of environment-friendly accessibility” is of utmost
        \nimportance for areas in the local neighbourhood offering basic opportunities
        \nfor games, sports and physical activities. If central areas suitable for
        \ngames and sports can be easily and safely reached by bicycle or public
        \ntransport by the residents of a large catchments, area, this will reduce
        \necological damage due to traffic and cater for the needs of children,
        \nthe disabled, the elderly and other groups which do not have regular use
        \nof a car.<\/p>\n

        The environmental and recreational quality of towns is becoming increasingly
        \nimportant as a “soft” location advantage.<\/p>\n

        Only very cautious adjustments are required to semi-natural areas such
        \nas these in order to make them useful. Here there is ample scope for linking
        \naims of nature conservation and recreation by providing semi-natural areas
        \nwhich promise excitement and adventure. It is also possible to put buildings
        \nand land to other uses and thus provide facilities for sports and physical
        \nactivities without taking up additional land. Redesigning or restructuring
        \nformer industrial buildings and estates, for example, opens up opportunities
        \nto improve the range of recreational facilities available in a region.<\/p>\n

        Earmarking sufficiently large green areas in towns is not only in the
        \ninterests of sport (“sports-friendly town”), but also of environmental
        \nprotection (“environment\u00ad friendly town”). In the tough battle
        \nover different land uses, the representatives of sport and those of the
        \nenvironment should join forces to set up a common lobby for more green
        \nareas.<\/p>\n

        3.3 Sports facilities<\/em><\/h3>\n

        Sports facilities affect the environment in a variety of different ways.
        \nWhen describing and assessing them, a distinction can be made between
        \nindoor and outdoor facilities. Compared to sports halls, outdoor facilities
        \nrequire much more space. How this space is treated is of considerable
        \nsignificance to the environment. On the one hand, the wrong choice of
        \nlocation, improper care (over-fertilisation, irrigation using drinking
        \nwater, etc.) and unnecessary soil sealing can cause the loss of valuable
        \nhabitats and affect the soil and the water balance. On the other hand,
        \nif environmental criteria are taken into account during the planning,
        \nbuilding and maintenance of an outdoor sports facility, especially in
        \nconurbations, this can upgrade the area ecologically (biodiversity, microclimate
        \netc.) and thus increase the attractiveness of the residential environment.<\/p>\n

        Sports halls require only about 5% of the area taken up by outdoor facilities.
        \nExcessive energy consumption and water use are the prime causes of environmental
        \ndamage in the case of sports halls. At present, an average of about 400,000
        \nkWh of energy per year are required for operating one hall in Germany,
        \nfor instance. Today, reduction of energy consumption in sports halls is
        \nmainly concentrated on heating\/hot water supply systems, heat insulation
        \nand lighting. Practical examples show that there is considerable potential
        \nin sports facilities for saving energy and water. In order to exhaust
        \nthis potential, modern, resource saving technology must be installed and
        \nuser habits must be changed. Due to the large savings made as a result,
        \ninvestments in energy and water often pay off within relatively short
        \nperiods. Building renovation, necessary in any case, and new building
        \nplans provide ideal opportunities for installing environment-friendly
        \ntechnology.<\/p>\n

        If environmental aspects are to be considered regularly and not just
        \nsporadically, operators of sports facilities need systematic environmental
        \nmanagement. Essential elements of such management include the appointment
        \nof an environmental officer, mandatory consideration of environmental
        \naspects when any decision is made, the introduction of eco-controlling,
        \nas well as regular environmental training courses for staff.<\/p>\n

        By saving valuable resources, sports facilities designed and run on an
        \nenvironmentally compatible basis can contribute enormously towards sustainable
        \ndevelopment and thus also to the implementation of Agenda 21. This applies
        \nin particular to climate protection through reduction of C02 emissions.<\/p>\n

        To summarise, the following steps are important for making sports facilities
        \nmore ecological:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • Initiating and supporting green consulting services for sports facility
          \noperators<\/li>\n
        • Tying government and association funding for sports facilities (grants
          \nand loans) to the fulfillment of environmental standards<\/li>\n
        • Considering to a greater extent the possibility of making use of existing
          \nareas and buildings for sports facilities<\/li>\n
        • Incorporating environmental management into the work of sports administrations,
          \nclubs, associations and commercial sports operators.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          3.4 Sport and mobility<\/em><\/h3>\n

          Just as in other social sub-systems, mobility requirements in sport have
          \nincreased significantly over the past years. The reasons are manifold.
          \nSport has not only grown in general – another important development is
          \nthe constant growth in diversity. New types of sport frequently generate
          \nthe need for a greater range of different facilities. Reaching new locations
          \n(sports facilities or country areas) demands greater mobility.<\/p>\n

          This is particularly true in the case of activities pursued in nature
          \nand the countryside, to which soaring numbers of people have been drawn
          \nover many years. Since most people have to travel short or long distances
          \nin order to pursue these kinds of activities, sports and tourism are today
          \nmore closely linked than ever before. Nowadays, sport is often even the
          \nprincipal reason for travel (e.g. skiing holidays), and in other cases
          \nthe activities offered are at least an important factor in the choice
          \nof travel destination,<\/p>\n

          Even in built-up areas, people pursuing sports activities are required
          \nto be more mobile. This is mainly due to the geographical separation of
          \nworking, living and leisure. In particular, the fact that sports and leisure
          \ncentres are increasingly built on the periphery of towns (in green suburbs)
          \nhas increased the distance to and from sports activities. However, sport
          \nis not only to be found in sports facilities, but, particularly in the
          \ntowns, in public areas too (parks, play areas in streets, cycle paths
          \netc.) Due to other priorities in town planning over the past decades,
          \nthere is now a shortage of such options. Opportunities for physical activity,
          \ngames and sports have been pushed out of town life by new roads and streets,
          \nland sealing etc, and this has resulted in people looking more than ever
          \nbeyond the towns for the recreational facilities they need.<\/p>\n

          The sustainable development of sport requires not only the avoidance
          \nof unnecessary traffic, but also provision and use of means of transport
          \nthat are the least harmful to the environment. The goal and the reality
          \nare still very far apart. Mobility in sport today is primarily “auto
          \nmobility”. Sport thus contributes considerably to traffic volumes
          \nand thus also to climate change. Already, more than half of total distances
          \ntravelled by cars are travelled during leisure time, of which in turn,
          \naccording to a Swiss study, 25% are linked to sport.<\/p>\n

          With respect to sports activities pursued in the country, two of the
          \nmain reasons for the high level of private car use are the considerable
          \nrequirements regarding equipment and transport and the difficulties when
          \nusing public transport, particularly the limited possibilities for taking
          \nalong sports equipment, the lack of transfer facilities between stations
          \nand actual destinations, and the fact that routes and frequency of buses
          \nand trains are inadequate considering the leisure time demand. Amazingly,
          \nhowever, even in the case of sports activities pursued in built-up areas,
          \nprivate cars seem to be the absolute number-one means of trans-port, According
          \nto a study carried out at the University of Bayreuth (Germany), three
          \nquarters of organised adult volleyball players’ travel to their training
          \nsessions and home matches by car or motorbike. 55% of the distances in
          \nquestion, however, are 5 km at the most. Sports associations and clubs
          \nare thus called upon to create the necessary structures for more environment-friendly
          \nmobility on the part of their members and to encourage their members accordingly
          \nto change their habits.<\/p>\n

          To achieve environment-friendly mobility in sport, the following should
          \nbe given priority:<\/p>\n

            \n
          • enhancing the residential environment and expanding opportunities
            \nfor sport, games and physical activity in public areas within the urban
            \narea<\/li>\n
          • encouraging the use of bicycles (linking sports centres to local cycle
            \npath networks, setting up safe places to park bicycles at sports facilities
            \netc.)<\/li>\n
          • making buses and trains more attractive as a means of transport during
            \nleisure time (routes, timetables, fares, possibilities for transporting
            \nsports equipment) etc.<\/li>\n
          • improving hiring and storage facilities for sports equipment at the
            \nplace of destination<\/li>\n
          • increasing the awareness of those doing sports (coaches and instructors
            \nsetting an example, lift-sharing etc.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            3.5 Sports equipment<\/em><\/h3>\n

            The growth of sport and its continuing diversification into new kinds
            \nof activity, particularly in the 1980s, led to an explosion in the market
            \nfor sports articles. Sports articles today consist of mass products.<\/p>\n

            Environmental damage can occur at any stage of the life cycle of a sports
            \narticle, namely during the acquisition of raw materials, preproduction,
            \nactual production of the article, sales, use and disposal. Until now,
            \nso-called end-of-pipe strategies have been predominant in the sports article
            \nindustry: these strategies focus on the subsequent reduction of pollution
            \nthat has already occurred.<\/p>\n

            The development of new sports equipment revolves almost solely around
            \naspects of function and fashion. Environmental aspects play a role only
            \nin exceptional cases. For the sake of greater functionality in sports
            \narticles, materials are often used which cause substantial ecological
            \ndamage even at the time of manu-facture, or which cause problems at the
            \nlatest when they are disposed of. The latter applies particularly to so-called
            \ncomposite materials, which as a rule cannot be recycled back into the
            \noriginal materials.<\/p>\n

            Supply and demand influence each other in the sports article industry
            \ntoo. On the one hand, the industry has adapted its products to the serious
            \nchanges in sports and leisure and responded to the consumer’s changed
            \npreferences. On the other hand, the industry has helped to shape sports
            \ntrends and consumer behaviour by means of new and ever more spectacular
            \nproducts. Against this background, marketing sports equipment without
            \npaying heed to the environmental damage it causes and advertisements showing
            \nbehaviour that is damaging to nature and even, in some cases, unlawful
            \nare particularly problematic.<\/p>\n

            A more environmentally aware approach in the sports article industry
            \nshould centre on preventative rather than simply corrective environmental
            \nprotection measures. Above all, this means giving (in the future) ecological
            \naspects high priority even at the product development stage. The main
            \naims should be to minimise negative environmental effects in the life
            \ncycles of all products and to promote substance cycles. Here, the use
            \nof recyclable materials is especially important as is unmixed production
            \nand the easy separability of materials used.<\/p>\n

            It is not possible to create substance cycles simply through the activities
            \nof sports equipment manufacturers. Instead, there must be very close cooperation
            \nbetween manufacturers, suppliers and dealers. Such cooperation is an absolute
            \nprerequisite for the production of recyclable products and the development
            \nof a functional collection and recycling system.<\/p>\n

            The key steps towards greater environmental compatibility in the sports
            \narticle industry are as follows:<\/p>\n

              \n
            • taking ecological aspects (longevity, reparability, recyclability)
              \ninto account even at product development stage<\/li>\n
            • elaborating life-cycle analyses for widespread sports articles<\/li>\n
            • checking present possibilities for recycling or environment-friendly
              \ndisposal of widespread sports articles<\/li>\n
            • setting up a system for collecting and recycling sports equipment
              \n(when the necessary prerequisites exist)<\/li>\n
            • no more depiction by the sports article industry (manufacturers and
              \noutlets) of environmentally damaging sports activities in their communication
              \nwith consumers (advertising, PR etc.)<\/li>\n
            • setting up functional environmental management systems in companies
              \nin the sports equipment sector<\/li>\n
            • spreading information on environmentally sound sport via sports dealers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              3.6 Environmental education<\/em><\/h3>\n

              Due to the speed at which our natural basis of life is changing, environmental
              \neducation has become one of the major future tasks of mankind. As far
              \nback as 1977, UNESCO declared that environmental education should be an
              \nallembracing, life-long process which actively involves individuals in
              \nthe solution of specific problems.<\/p>\n

              In sport too, the importance of the “future task of environmental
              \neducation” is now undisputed. Avoiding and reducing sports-related
              \nenvironmental damage requires the active involvement of those who pursue
              \nsports activities. Environmental education should both encourage environment-friendly
              \nattitudes and habits among people doing sports and ensure that planning
              \nand legal measures for the protection of the environment are widely accepted
              \nby generating understanding among people doing sport.<\/p>\n

              Environmental issues have now become part of the curricula of numerous
              \nsports organisations. The purpose of environment- related basic and further
              \ntraining of, for example, instructors and coaches, is intended to lend
              \nmore weight to environmental education, also as part of the normal work
              \nof clubs and associations. The same purpose is being pursued by producing
              \nand disseminating information material among club and association members.<\/p>\n

              Although they represent only a certain proportion of the people pursuing
              \nsports activities, sports organisations carry special responsibility as
              \nfar as environmental education is concerned. They should not only initiate
              \nenvironmental education processes, even reaching beyond the circle of
              \ntheir actual members, but should also be willing to impose constraints
              \nupon themselves and to respect limits. Sports associations and clubs and
              \neach individual instructor, coach and supervisor should also set an example
              \nwith respect to ecological issues.<\/p>\n

              Environmental education is one important approach towards resolving and
              \navoiding conflicts between environment and sport, but is insufficient
              \non its own. More attention should be paid to the fact that educational
              \neffects can. be produced by the structure and framework within which the
              \nrespective sports activity is purr-sued. Thus, information and education
              \nshould in future be complemented by the creation of conditions which encourage
              \nenvironment friendly behaviour, There is a wide variety of opportunities
              \nhere, including obliging members to share lifts for away matches, providing
              \ncontainers for waste separation or installing safe facilities for parking
              \nbicycles (cf. item 3.3 “Sports facilities”).<\/p>\n

              To summarise, the following steps are especially important for future,
              \nsuccessful environmental education in sport:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Drawing up and implementing to a greater extent overall concepts for
                \nenvironmental education in which theory and practice are closely linked<\/li>\n
              • Putting in place the necessary structures for ensuring adequate and
                \nhigh\u00ad quality environmental education<\/li>\n
              • Testing models for influencing the environmental behaviour of non-organised
                \nsportsmen and sportswomen<\/li>\n
              • Holding environment-related competitions in sports<\/li>\n
              • Developing and implementing models for sport compatible with nature
                \nand the environment<\/li>\n
              • Anchoring environmental communication more firmly in the work of associations
                \nand clubs and in the dialogue with broad sections of the population.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                4. Summary and outlook<\/h2>\n

                Sport can make its own important contribution towards bringing about
                \nthe model of sustainable development and thus to the implementation of
                \nAgenda 21 in all countries. To achieve this, sports organisations and
                \nothers involved in sport must discuss this model intensively and anchor
                \nit firmly in their work.<\/p>\n

                Rising numbers of users and the greater and more intense use of nature
                \nand resources (land, energy, water etc.) have undeniably increased the
                \ndamage to nature and the environment by sport. At the same time, however,
                \nthe range of strategies and measures for avoiding and resolving conflicts
                \nbetween sport and nature conservation and environmental protection, is
                \nbroader than often recognised. The coordinated combination of planning,
                \neducational and legal measures promises to be particularly successful.<\/p>\n

                In the case of nature-based sports, emphasis should be placed in the
                \nfuture on developing differentiated concepts for conservation and utilisation
                \nwith regard to nature and landscape; these concepts should involve the
                \nadaptation of the type of sport to the features of the natural area. Vulnerable
                \nareas should be kept free of harmful activities and sports activities
                \nshould be shifted to less vulnerable but nonetheless attractive landscape.
                \nLegal measures should only be taken if the protection objective so requires
                \nand other mechanisms do not function.<\/p>\n

                In built-up areas, the priority is to retain and expand areas near homes
                \nfor the purpose of physical activity, games and sport. A town offering
                \na good quality of life must offer ample scope for physical activity. When
                \nsports facilities are built and operated, attention must be paid to the
                \ncareful and rational use of resources. In the case of existing sports
                \nfacilities, it appears that the potential for reducing energy and water
                \nconsumption is not yet exhausted. In the process of planning and setting
                \nup new sports facilities, environmental factors should be ranked higher
                \nthan in the past.<\/p>\n

                Sport is responsible for a significant proportion of all leisure traffic.
                \nShortening necessary routes by providing facilities near homes is thus
                \nan important starting point for bringing about changes, So far, the main
                \nmeans of transport for those involved in sports has been the car. The
                \nenvironmental damage caused by this is often underestimated. It is therefore
                \nextremely important to develop and increase the popularity of more environment-friendly
                \nforms of mobility.<\/p>\n

                Today, sports articles only very rarely satisfy the conditions for ecological
                \nproduct design. Thus it is hardly possible to achieve closed substance
                \ncycles. As closed substance cycle management is a central element of sustainable
                \ndevelopment, it is also necessary to make changes in this field.<\/p>\n

                In the search for solutions all parties involved must cooperate. This
                \nconcerns above all sports and nature conservation, commercial sports,
                \npolitics and administration, trade and industry. Without the constructive
                \ncollaboration of these groups, it will hardly be possible to find effective
                \nand generally accepted solutions. It is vital that the group concerned
                \nin each case become involved at an early stage in the search for solutions
                \nto the conflict. However, the active participation of each individual
                \nperson pursuing sports activities is also necessary. Thus environment-related
                \ninformation campaigns among people doing sport should be continued and,
                \nwhere appropriate, expanded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Conference by the 4th<\/sup> Pierre de Coubertin School Forum Arenzano (MUVITA) September 22, 2003 Presented by Dr. Hans Jagemann (German Sports Association)<\/div>\n

                Preliminary Remark<\/h2>\n

                Today, in many countries Sport and the Environment is understood as a
                \n highly important subject. Scientists deal with this issue as well as authorities,
                \n sports associations and conservation groups.<\/p>\n

                Above all, since the World Conference 1992 in Rio de Janeiro questions
                \n of lifestyle are on the agenda for the environmental debate.<\/p>\n

                Sport represents a significant part of our different lifestyles and thus
                \n automatically becomes a subject of discussion.<\/p>\n

                Many sports associations have built up professional and voluntary structures
                \n and include environmental issues in their public relations.<\/p>\n

                The International Olympic Committee (IOC), in close cooperation with
                \n the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), hosted a World Conference
                \n on Sport and the Environment in 1995 at which IOC President Samaranch
                \n expressed: "The<\/em> International Olympic Committee is resolved
                \n to ensure that<\/em> the environment becomes the third dimension of the
                \n organization of the Olympic Games, the first and second being sport and
                \n culture. "<\/em><\/p>\n

                Subsequently to this conference a working group Sport and the Environment<\/em>
                \n <\/em>was established by the IOC.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_is_tweetstorm":false,"jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_options":[]},"categories":[293,291],"tags":[59,27,60,8],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p4btio-2x","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6694,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/branding-in-womens-sports-a-literature-review\/","url_meta":{"origin":157,"position":0},"title":"Branding in women\u2019s sports: A literature review","date":"November 22, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Authors: Isabell Mills Corresponding Author:Isabell Mills, PhD1400 E Hanna AveIndianapolis, IN 46227millsi@uindy.edu219-805-3791 Isabell Mills is an assistant professor of sport managementat the University of Indianapolis. Her research areas are sport and fitnessbranding. Branding in women\u2019s sports: A literature review ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the gaps\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":3561,"url":"https:\/\/thesportjournal.org\/article\/a-research-on-soccer-teams-brand-associations\/","url_meta":{"origin":157,"position":1},"title":"A Research On Soccer Teams\u2019 Brand Associations","date":"March 18, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Authors: Yavuz YILDIZ*(1) (1)Yavuz YILDIZ is the assistant professor at the School of Physical Education and Sports, Celal Bayar University. 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