The Oceania Football Confederation is pleased to announce that it has become a Sports for Nature Signatory, becoming the first continental football association to join the framework. The partnership marks our commitment to creating and sustaining healthy natural environments across the Oceania region.
Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, International Olympic Committee, United Nations Environment Programme, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy.
It aims to deliver transformative action for nature through sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sports – at all levels – to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature.
OFC has joined the Sports for Nature framework because it believes in the power of football to enhance the wellbeing of people and communities across Oceania. It also understands that this wellbeing is dependent upon the wellbeing of our environments.
OFC has a responsibility to avoid harm and proactively protect the environments in which we live and play our game. Aligning with the Sports for Nature framework and working with their network enhances our ability to drive measurable action through football.
“Joining the Sports for Nature framework is an incredible opportunity to access resources, communities, and knowledge that will enhance OFC’s commitment to building a Resilient Oceania,” says Dr Teeny Aiken, OFC’s head of Social Responsibility.
“Football is a platform for positive environmental action across the region, and collaborating with Sports for Nature ensures that our game contributes to sustaining our natural environments. A collective effort between OFC, MAs, communities, and environmental experts is necessary to generate positive and sustainable impact.”
Pacific Island nations are disproportionality affected by climate change despite being the smallest contributors. These effects are severe and are a threat to life, wellbeing, health, and culture.
Nature is a necessary, living part of culture throughout Oceania, and OFC has a responsibility to value and respect the cultures of our region and communities.
Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek