ICF To Join UN Environmental Program

SAN DIEGO, California - The International Canoe Federation is proud to announce it will join the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as part of its overall strategy to make a positive impact on the environment. A board meeting of the ICF voted unanimously this week to join the UNFCCC, voicing support for the global program which aims to drive climate action across the sports community.

Newly elected ICF President, Thomas Konietzko, said the international paddling community sees first hand the impact humans make on the environment, and is determined to play its part in improving the health of the planet.

“All over the world our canoeing family is constantly in contact with different ecosystems,” Konietzko said. “They are passionate about protecting our waterways, and it is our responsibility as sporting leaders to lead by example. We are already working to make our major events carbon neutral. This is just the first step. We owe it to our athletes, and to future generations. Joining the UNFCCC is another important stage for us, and I am pleased with the wholehearted support of our ICF board.”

The ICF has already led by example by being part of the Paddle for the Planet initiative, and as a partner in the IOC/UN Clean Seas project. More recently the Federation has teamed up with leading international paddle board manufacturer, Starboard, to endeavor to make major events carbon neutral. The long term goal is to make all ICF world championships carbon positive.

The UNFCCC provides guidance for the sports world to address climate change through concrete commitments and partnerships. It applies verified standards to measure, reduce and report greenhouse gas emissions.

About International Canoe Federation

The International Canoe Federation is responsible for the global sport of canoeing and has 167 affiliated National Associations and 13 disciplines - Sprint, Slalom, Paracanoe, Wildwater, Marathon, Canoe Polo, Freestyle, Ocean Racing, Dragon Boat, SUP, Rafting, WaveSki and Canoe Sailing. Canoeing has two Olympic disciplines, with sprint introduced at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games and slalom at the Munich 1972 Olympic Games; Canoeing also made its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games with Paracanoe. Find out more about the International Canoe Federation at canoeicf.com