The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) has announced a new strategic partnership with SeaTheFuture, a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting the oceans. This collaboration highlights ANOC’s ongoing commitment to minimizing environmental impact in its activities and projects. SeaTheFuture stands out for developing innovative and effective sustainability solutions, focusing primarily on marine biodiversity preservation and the restoration of critical habitats.
Through this partnership, ANOC commits to promoting SeaTheFuture’s projects globally, encouraging National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to take active steps in protecting the oceans and their species. These projects offer concrete, long-term solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges, aiming to make a positive global impact.
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR THE OLYMPIC MOVEMENT
ANOC President Robin Mitchell said: “Sustainability is a key focus for ANOC, and through this partnership with SeaTheFuture, we reinforce our commitment to environmental protection and actionable solutions. We have a responsibility to use our platform to raise awareness and provide NOCs with the information they need to create positive change. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we can significantly contribute to the preservation of our oceans and the environment as a whole.”
As part of its sustainability strategy, ANOC will encourage NOCs to become signatories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Sports for Nature framework. By doing so, NOCs will commit to sustainable practices, with SeaTheFuture acting as a key partner in helping them achieve their environmental goals.
EXPANDING SEATHEFUTURE’S GLOBAL IMPACT
Assunção Loureiro, Managing Director of SeaTheFuture, emphasized the importance of the collaboration: “We are thrilled to partner with ANOC to amplify our mission of protecting the oceans. By working with NOCs worldwide, we can create a powerful network of partners committed to supporting sustainability initiatives, ensuring that future generations of athletes can compete in a healthy, thriving natural environment.”
This partnership is the latest in ANOC’s series of sustainability initiatives. In April 2024, ANOC joined the IUCN’s Sports for Nature framework and has been a signatory of the UN Sports for Climate Action framework since 2020, reaffirming its commitment to climate action and environmental protection.
PAST AND FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
ANOC has already undertaken several sustainability-related initiatives. In 2023, in collaboration with the Blue Harmony Coral Preservation Project (BHCPP), coral fragments were planted at Nusa Dua Beach, Bali. Additionally, a second coral garden was inaugurated in September 2024 at Lipah Beach, also in Bali.
Other actions included planting one hectare of native trees in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park in collaboration with the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP). ANOC also partnered with the Mirpuri Foundation and GoodBottle, a biodegradable bottle that will be used during the ANOC General Assembly in Cascais in October 2024.
SUSTAINABILITY AHEAD OF THE ANOC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Ahead of ANOC’s General Assembly, to be held in Cascais (2nd November), Portugal, more sustainable activities are planned. One notable action is the Carcavelos Beach cleanup, organized in collaboration with TOP partner P&G and the NGO Bandeira Azul. These activities further strengthen ANOC’s commitment to environmental preservation.
