Sochi 2014 Highlights Progress in Environmental Protection

The Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee recently presented their Ecological Program to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Forum for Sport and Environment, highlighting the positive progress being made in the effort to protect and enhance the unique natural environment of Sochi and the Krasnodar region during the preparations for the next Winter Games.

Following the event, the UNEP noted the highly important work being carried out by Sochi 2014’s Ecological Program to minimize the impact of the Games on the local environment.

The UNEP Global Forum for Sport and Environment focused on the importance of integrating conservation and environmentally measures during the preparations for major sporting events. It was also a chance to deliver the Sochi 2014 Ecological Programme and listen to leading environmental experts regarding conservation.

Sochi 2014’s Ecological Programme covers four key areas:

Games in Harmony with Nature - focusing on preserving and augmenting the biodiversity in the region

Climate Neutral Games - undertaking a series of measures to neutralize the CO2 emissions resulting from the preparing for and hosting of the Games

Zero Waste Games - including reducing waste and recycling materials

Enlightenment Games - using the Games as a platform and a catalyst to raise ecological awareness, consciousness and responsibility among the population across Russia

The Sochi 2014 Games Partners and the Sochi City Administration recently signed a “Memorandum on Ecological and Environmental Partnership as part of the Sochi 2014 Initiative on Sustainable Development.” The memorandum encourages the Sochi 2014 Partners to consider improving their environmental responsibility and protection programmes across both their Olympic and Paralympic projects and day-to-day operations.

Last month, Sochi 2014 organized an Ecological Cinema Festival with the main theme being the relationship between people and nature. The festival educated local people on the importance the environment and aimed to positively change the public’s perception on ecological matters. A number of films were shown to audiences around the city of Sochi as part of the Sochi 2014 Cultural Olympiad.

The Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games take place from 7-16 March 2014.