Fiji Football Association (FFA) has become the first Oceania Member Association to sign the global Sports for Nature Framework, marking a historic milestone for football in the Pacific and reflecting Fiji’s growing commitment to tackling climate change and promoting sustainability through sport.

As a small island nation, Fiji faces some of the harshest impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and vulnerable communities. For FFA, signing the Framework is more than symbolic, it is a direct response to the realities faced by its people.

“Football is deeply rooted in our people and places, so it made sense to use it as a tool for change,” said Louisa Simmons, FFA’s Women’s Development Officer.

“Personally, having studied Environmental Science, this is something I’ve always been passionate about. Signing the Sports for Nature Framework is our way of stepping up, showing leadership, and making sure football helps protect the environment we all depend on.”

In June of this year, Sports for Nature joined the Oceania Football Confederation Social Responsibility Forum, engaging with representatives from OFC’s Member Associations across the region to showcase the power of sport in driving environmental protection and sustainability. By joining the Sport for Nature Framework, FFA has positioned itself as a pioneer in Oceania, setting a precedent for other football associations across the Pacific. 

“It’s a proud moment for Fiji FA and for the region,” Simmons said.

“Being the first means we’re setting the pace, showing that even small nations can lead big change. We hope this inspires others across Oceania to use football not just to compete, but to care for our land, our people, and our future.”

 

FFA’s ultimate vision is to make football in Fiji a driver of nature positive action, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals while ensuring the sport grows sustainably and uplifts lives. 

“We want football in Fiji to be more than just a game. Our goal is to build resilient communities, grow the game sustainably, and protect what we love,” Simmons added.

This commitment will be embedded into FFA’s programmes, competitions, and everyday activities through a range of creative initiatives. 

Plans include a nationwide Green Football Campaign to encourage eco-friendly actions such as reducing waste, cutting bottled water consumption, and tackling litter. Having regular sustainability audits and impact reports to track progress and the creation of a new Climate Comic Book building on the popular Tabu Soro Futupolo series, with a dedicated focus on climate action and storytelling to inspire young footballers and communities.

Looking to the future, FFA intends to develop a comprehensive sustainability strategy, introduce climate education for coaches and players, and embed environmental themes across youth and women’s football programmes. These plans align with the Oceania Football Confederation’s Football for Good Strategy, which aims to reach 20,000 children with climate education by 2027. 

Initiatives such as the U-14 Future Kulas League and the evolving women’s football strategy will be shaped to ensure future generations of players grow up seeing football as both a sport and a force for environmental good.

For FFA, the signing of the Sports for Nature Framework is only the beginning. The organisation hopes its leadership sparks regional momentum. 

“We are proud to take this step, but we know the real impact will come from action,” Simmons concluded.

“Through football, we can build stronger communities and a more sustainable future for the Pacific.”