New sustainability drive in Kenya’s athletics heartland
Nairobi, 6 April 2024 – In a significant move towards sustainable sports, a new initiative was launched at the iconic Ngong Forest, Kenya, renowned for its athletics training facilities. This programme is designed to integrate environmental conservation and social responsibility into the heart of Kenya’s sporting community.
NOC Kenya President Dr. Paul Tergat flanked by UNEP air quality expert Dr. Aderiana Mbandi (centre holding tree) and SEI Africa director Dr. Philip Osano plant a commemorative tree to signify the launch of the LEA sustainability progamme at Ngong in Kenya. Photo: Lawrence Nzuve / SEI.
Spearheaded by the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K), Athletics Kenya, Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Africa centre and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this initiative aims to foster a sustainable sports environment in Kenya. The launch aligns with the UN International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP), emphasizing sport’s role in promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.
“As sportsmen and women, an environment of conflict is not conducive for our training, competition or organising of competition events that we so desire. That is why at NOC-K we have not only robustly embraced this sustainability program but are very enthusiastic to scale it up through activities such as creating and adopting green spaces like this Olympic Forest", said President of NOC-K Paul Tergat.
World Athletics Vice President and Athletics Kenya President Lt General (Rtd) Jackson Tuwei said “Athletics Kenya recognizes the important role sports plays in the society. We are pleased to join the UN and Global community in celebrating the IDSDP 2024. Our sustainability agenda incorporates the UNFCCC principles, World Athletics sustainability standards and support towards Government National Determined contribution (NDC) on Climate Change. Our presence here with collaboration with NOC-K and partnering with SEI and UNEP demonstrates our collective belief in actions for the environment. We are further supporting the Refugee Athletes in training and allowing them into our events to support their journey in sports. We congratulate NOC-K for their launch and creation of the Olympic Forest.”
Both NOC-K and Athletics Kenya are signatories to the Sports for Climate Action (S4CA) under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change which aims at supporting and guiding sports actors in achieving global climate change goals. NOC-K also became the fifth signatory, and first from Africa, to join the Sports for Nature Framework, an initiative supported by UNEP, which aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration.
Lauding the initiative as a great milestone, UNEP air quality expert Dr. Aderiana Mbandi said “Through collaborative efforts, we confront the triple planetary threats of climate change, pollution, and environmental degradation, safeguarding our planet for generations to come. By championing reforestation and clean air initiatives, we not only provide athletes with optimal environments for peak performance but also nurture the very lungs of our planet, ensuring a healthier future for all."
During the celebration tens of trees were planted around the land allocated by the Kenya Forest Service to symbolize their commitment to environmental conservation.
SEI Africa Centre Director Dr. Philip Osano, speaking at the event, said “Science has provided stark evidence that the world is faced with the triple planetary crisis of nature loss, climate change and pollution, which presents both a risk and an opportunity to sports. It is therefore timely, and I wish to applaud NOC-K for launching a sustainability Program during the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace and championing sustainability actions in their journey to Paris Olympics 2024.“
About UN IDSDP 2024
IDSDP is celebrated globally on 6 April to recognize the positive influence of sports on social and environmental issues. The global theme for 2024 is “Sport for the Promotion of Peaceful and Inclusive Societies”.
The adoption of this day signifies the increasing recognition by the UN of the positive influence that sport can have on the advancement of human rights, and social and economic development.
Notes to Editors
About SEI
Stockholm Environment Institute is an international non-profit research and policy organization that tackles environment and development challenges. The organization connects science and decision-making to develop solutions for a sustainable future.
About UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
About AK
Athletics Kenya (AK) is the governing body for the sport of track and field athletics in Kenya. It is a member of World Athletics and Confederation of African Athletics.
About NOC-K
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) is a member of the International Olympic Committee which promotes Olympism throughout the world and leads the Olympic Movement
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lawrence Nzuve, Communications Coordinator, Stockholm Environment Institute
Email: lawrence.nzuve@sei.org
Thomas Ogola, Communications and Outreach Unit, United Nations Environment Programme-ROA
Email: thomas.ogola@un.org
Maxwell Nyamu, Communications and Sustainability Officer, Athletics Kenya
Email: mnyamu@athleticskenya.or.ke
Jairus Omondi, Communications Officer, National Olympic Committee of Kenya
Email: jairusmola@gmail.com
