Exploring the Role of Biodiversity in Sports

Representatives from BENCHES partners, World Sailing, World Athletics, the Italian Canoe and Kayak Federation, S.L. Benfica, Sant Anna University from Pisa, and the International Biathlon Union (IBU), came together to share progress made during the first half of the project. Their presentations highlighted how various sports disciplines are addressing biodiversity challenges within their distinct environments and event contexts.

Additionally, two panel discussions were featured, exploring the role of ecosystem services and biodiversity management in sport, but also addressing biodiversity risks in sport events and the supply chain. These highlighted the growing importance of nature’s value within sporting infrastructure and activities, and how responsible event planning and procurement can reduce environmental impact.

Commitment for the Future

Key achievements of the BENCHES project to date include the successful delivery of on-site visits to one major sports event per partner and the development of a biodiversity assessment tool designed to evaluate the ecological footprint of sporting events. The IBU will pilot the tool during the upcoming Junior Cup in Martell, Italy, and test the application in a competition setting.

The conference proved a shared vision among sports organizations to protect the natural environment that makes sport possible. By conserving the ecosystems surrounding the venues, it can be ensured that future generations will continue to enjoy and participate in our sport.

Collaboration and knowledge exchange will continue in the second half of the project to strengthen the link between nature and sports.