E1 has signed up to the Sports for Nature Framework which was launched at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal last week, with the UIM E1 World Championship joining as one of the founding signatories.
E1’s Chief Scientist and renowned marine ecologist Carlos Duarte was in attendance at the Sports for Nature launch event, where he signed on behalf of the world’s first all-electric raceboat championship.
By signing the Sports for Nature Declaration, E1 commits to develop and implement action plans to support the Framework’s four principles and goals, and report on its progress annually. To learn more about the Sports for Nature principles, click here.
The Sports for Nature Framework was established to deliver transformative nature-positive action across sports by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports organisations to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration.
By taking action for nature, the sports community can positively contribute to global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of its 2030 Agenda, which recognises sport as an important enabler of sustainable development.
Such actions will support the agreed Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, and its SDG-linked targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
The Sports for Nature Framework has been designed to complement the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, and will help create synergies in its implementation, including efforts to build sustainable supply chains.
The UIM E1 World Championship was created by electric mobility pioneers Alejandro Agag and Rodi Basso, with the purpose of accelerating the transition to sustainable technologies in the marine industry.
Just as Formula E and Extreme E have acted as a catalyst for change in the automotive industry, E1 aims to make electric boats more accessible and more affordable, which in turn will reduce water pollution and help restore marine habitats.
Working closely with E1’s Chief Scientist Carlos Duarte, championship organisers will help with setting up coastal restoration projects in cities around the world, as well as in the cities E1 races in as part of the Blue Action Programme.
The Blue Action Programme has been designed to benefit coastal communities and make a positive impact at E1 host venues, helping to improve ocean health and boost the abundance of marine life.
Earlier this year, E1 partnered with Oceans 2050, co-founded by Alexandra Cousteau, to oversee the development of the Blue Action Programme, alongside the Blue Cities League.
Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of marine conservationist and explorer Jacques Cousteau, and Professor Carlos Duarte will assist with the formation of the Blue Cities League, which will create a forum for cities to collaborate and work towards common sustainability goals.
I’m delighted to see E1 become a founding signatory of the Sports for Nature Framework. E1 is committed to help restore aquatic and marine ecosystems at scale in cities and race venues around the world through the Blue Action Programme. Also, through the Blue Cities League, the championship will create a forum for cities to collaborate and share experiences. This is significant because half of the global population lives in urban areas, most of which are coastal cities. Showing people in these cities that reversing biodiversity loss is achievable will encourage them to extend their restoration efforts.
Carlos Duarte, E1’s Chief Scientist