Under the Sports for Nature Framework, sports federations, clubs and teams are not only advancing their sustainability practices and improving the local environment where they play, but they are also directly contributing to national biodiversity plans and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.   

For example:

• World Rugby recently published a "10-point game plan" for rugby and nature, which provides simple and gradual steps that all rugby clubs can follow, from community to elite level. 
• The National Olympic Committee and Sports Confederation of Denmark (DIF) has developed a ‘trail centres' pilot project in response to increasing demands on outdoor spaces.
• The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has pledged to integrate sustainability into their operations and minimise their impact on the environment. 

These are only some examples that will be highlighted in the forthcoming Sports for Nature Annual Report, which will summarise signatories' action to date under its framework's four principles: to protect nature, restore nature, green supply chains and educate and raise awareness. 

Currently, 196 countries around the world have committed to work on the Global Biodiversity Framework, which outlines targets to advance biodiversity protection and ensure its sustainable use by 2030 and beyond. Furthermore, it calls on all actors in society – including sports – to contribute and communicate their own commitments to help halt and reverse biodiversity loss.    

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity supports the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, and is a key partner of the Sports for Nature initiative, along with IUCN, the International Olympic Committee, United Nations Environment Programme and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy (formerly Sails of Change).  

This year's theme for International Day for Biodiversity is "Be Part of the Plan".  At the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference in October, hosted by Colombia, the world will take stock of the biodiversity targets and commitments underway.  The Sports for Nature Framework provides a roadmap for sports organisations to take action and "be part of the plan", thus contributing to a healthy planet for all. 

For more information, email:  SportsforNature@iucn.org.