The International Canoe Federation continued its Sustainability and the Future of Paddle Sport Webinar Series by showcasing the impact of the Developing Environmental and Circular Knowledge (DECK) project.
Led by the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation (FICK) and endorsed by the ICF, the DECK project aims to establish environmental standards for sustainable paddle sport events and helps organisers integrate sustainability into governance, operations and event delivery.
The DECK project was the focus of the ICF’s second Sustainability Webinar staged on February 25 and hosted by ICF Vice President Dr. Cecilia Farias.
Anna Merlini, Environmental Sustainability Officer for FICK, and Georgia Griva, Director of the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak, SUP and Surfing Federation, gave presentations at the webinar, moderated by Matthew Campelli, Managing Director of Touchline Earth.
Dr. Farias opened the webinar by emphasising the sport’s responsibility to lead by example.
“Our sport plays an important role in promoting the environmental sustainability,” said Dr. Farias.
“Following the IOC principles of good governance, the ICF Development Programme has transformed into a Sustainable Development Programme.
“The DECK project was an initiative from the Italian Canoe Kayak Federation, funded by the European Commission through the ERASMUS+ Sport programme.
“It was endorsed by the ICF, and the National Federations of Croatia, Slovenia and Greece were part of the project.”
DECK promotes the incorporation of best environmental practices during events and encourages changes. It created essential tools to host sustainable events, such as the 'Sustainability Rating Tool' (SRT).
“A tool of which I am particularly fond is the Green Guidelines for Paddling Events, which are friendly, very understandable and applicable,” said Dr. Farias.
“The educational and training material and tools are available to all of you on the ICF webpage as well as the DECK webinars and this webinar series.
“We are responsible for incorporating once and for all the practices that could ensure that our planet will be a cozy home for generations to come. Youth are the guardians of the legacy that this project leaves.”
During the webinar, which amassed more than 170 registrations, the speakers shared their experiences, progress, and knowledge. They explained how sustainability principles can be successfully integrated into paddle sport events and organisational structures.
The webinar underlined the strong spirit for ensuring a sustainable future with the aim of cutting carbon emissions such as reducing flight tickets for participants.
Merlini insisted that sport can “set a precedent” by embracing eco-friendly practices, showcasing how various sectors can aid in combating climate change, resource exhaustion and the decline of biodiversity.
“One of the biggest challenges in the sports world will be to bring about a real cultural shift regarding environmental issues by actively engaging the sports community at all levels, from the youngest athlete to the highest management positions,” said Merlini.
“The dissemination of best operational practices and constant self-monitoring will represent the first concrete step towards significant environmental innovation in the world of sports.”
One of the initiatives highlighted as a major step forward for paddle sport was Ri-Pajaia’s recycled kayak production.
The project, carried out in collaboration with Eurothank and Poliplast, focused on collecting waste materials and transforming them into plastic boats.
Through the production and testing of these recycled kayaks, the organisations aim to help reshape the sustainability landscape in kayaking and contribute to a more environmentally responsible future for the sport.
Griva added: “The DECK project demonstrates that sustainability can be embedded into governance and daily operations when National Federations work with clear frameworks and shared commitment.”
“By exchanging knowledge, tools, and real-life experience, we may gain a clearer understanding of both the opportunities and challenges of delivering more sustainable sporting events.”
Two more Sustainability and the Future of Paddle Sport webinars are scheduled for 2026, with details to be confirmed soon.
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