Last year the
International Olympic
Committee’s Sport and
Environment Award
went to the 2010 World Rowing
Championships at Lake Karapiro, New
Zealand. The ‘Rainbow Project’ is a set of
environmental strategies that have been
developed around and for the event. This was
the first time this award has been presented
and it will be awarded every two years.
The Rainbow Project aims to host an environmentally
sustainable 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake
Karapiro without compromising New Zealand’s unique
environment. Lake Karapiro is one of the country’s most
treasured freshwater lakes. The lake is situated on the
Waikato River, which at 425 kilometres in length and
originating from Lake Taupo, is regarded worldwide
for its scenic beauty, diverse ecosystem and importance
within the Maori community (Tangata whenua).
The Project’s actions based on FISA’s Sustainability Policies
and Guidelines include a carbon emission reduction
scheme, a zero waste plan, educational programmes which
can be used for rowing events in other places of the world
and enhanced environmental protection related to the
creation of the permanent and temporary infrastructure.
The organisers have appointed an environmental officer
who is in the leadership of the organising committee.
The overall desire is to leave a sustainable legacy after
the championships have finished.
Venue director for Karapiro 2010 Chris Johnson says
the project covers many aspects of the development and
running of the championships. In practical terms Johnson
describes some of the initiatives that are being put into
place. One is the use of recycled products for the materials
to decorate the venue. Where electrical power off the grid
is not available, power will come from generators that
are equipped to run on biodiesel.
