Along with climate change and pollution, biodiversity loss is one of the three global emergencies facing the planet. Recent data show an average decline of 69 percent in the species’ populations since 1970[1] while rainforest the size of 87 rugby pitches is cut down every minute. The speed of biodiversity loss also has significant consequences for society β from food production and increased rates of disease to air filtration and water purification β and sport and rugby can play their part in raising awareness of their ecosystems. and inspire positive action.
Designed using easy-to-understand language and rugby terminology, the aim is to make a 10-point game plan for nature with a series of simple and progressive goals. A downloadable poster in four languages ββis available via www.world.rugby/nature along with links to other resources for those who wish to learn more.
The guidance reflects best practice and can be applied at all levels of the game, from local community clubs to international teams and high performance competitions. It includes step-by-step actions to help rugby stakeholders start the journey towards a more sustainable game whether they are players, fans, administrators, parents, teachers or volunteers.
Supporting resources have been developed in collaboration with Sports for Nature, a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the International Olympic Committee, the United Nations Environment Programme, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Sails of Change.
World Rugby has signed the Sports for Nature frame which aims to deliver transformative action for nature in all sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sport to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sports β at all levels β to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature.
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont said: βFrom shamrocks to springs, silver ferns and red roses, nature is deeply connected to the heart and soul of rugby. As signatories to the Sports for Nature framework, we wanted to provide a game plan for nature. that the global rugby family can follow and embrace to protect our natural environment.
βWe believe rugby can play its part in tackling the drastic loss of biodiversity on our planet. The ‘Rugby for Nature’ toolkit is designed to support all members of our communities who want to make our sport more respectful and sustainable by providing nature with a home wherever rugby is practiced and played.”
Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Sector at UNEP, IOC Commissioner for Sustainability and Heritage, and rugby mum, said: βWallabies, pumas, eagles and toucans show the importance of nature to rugby. Giving nature a home in and around our sports pitches provides a valuable haven for wildlife, while also being an investment in reducing flooding, providing shade trees for refreshment at breaks and inspiring players and of your followers to think about what they can do too. We welcome any rugby club to join the Rugby for Nature team.β
The toolkit was inspired by discussions with local grassroots rugby clubs in Oxfordshire, England who were passionate about protecting the natural environment but lacked simple guidance to get started. As a result, the toolkit has been developed in line with rugby’s scoring system β an initial five points for effort that all clubs can try to implement, two further actions for conversion and three for drop goal β with this tool aimed at be able to live by the kettle in any ground shed.
Oxford Harlequins Chief Operating Officer James Knox added: βWe are proactive in this area by installing air source heat pumps, but thinking about what smaller, simpler steps we could take around the club to protect biodiversity it was really enlightening. Investing in nature often means giving it a home in and around our fields, which can also help reduce the flooding of our fields. Considering these clear and easily achievable steps are a game changer and I hope many more clubs will embrace. ”
The template is already shared with other turf-based sports and can be adapted and replicated to suit the needs of similar ecosystems such as football, cricket and hockey.
This initiative helps address goals around the protection of the natural environment, a core theme of World Rugby Environmental Sustainability Plan 2030, and complements the two other key themes of climate action and supporting the circular economy. As the governing body for the sport, World Rugby is committed to using its platform to empower its member unions to adopt similar approaches.
[1] WWF Living Planet Report 2022
Image credit: World Rugby