FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

“Way forward”

Foreword We can do it if we try… UNEP has made this the watchword of its greeneconomy initiative, and it is especially pertinent now, at a time when everyone is anticipating the next Conference to be held in Rio, better known as Rio +20. A green economy is one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its most basic form, a green economy is one that keeps carbon emissions down, uses resources efficiently and is socially inclusive.1 Sports organisations can play a hugely important role in this context, mainly by raising awareness among all those who have not yet incorporated sustainability into their activities. Our athletes and we as sports institutions can serve as a model for many sectors, as sport integrated the concept of sustainability over two decades ago and in so doing has provided inspiration for others. We recently received a clear message from our CEO, Stéphane Desprez, who called upon us all to change our habits, given that, in conjunction with the recent launch of the FIM Academy, one of the main improvements we are making is to comply with one of the fundamental premises of the green economy, namely to reduce the use of resources.

In particular, we are applying this approach to the traditional FIM documents, which used to wind up in the recycling box or the garbage or were never picked up from the customs office, and generated high transport costs with the concomitant CO2 emissions as well as wasting paper. With this new “paper free” policy, we are again reiterating our 2020 vision which aims to achieve the highest standards in terms of the environment, and consolidating our environmental policy, which is now focused on sustainability and – why not? – making a contribution to green economies. If we try, we shall achieve our objective, but we need to commit to a change in our habits that will ultimately bring about this innovative and visionary way of practising sustainable motorcycling. By Katia Hernandez CIE Director 1

United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, XVIII Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of the Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean, Quito, Ecuador, 31 January to 3 February 2012, The Green Economy in the Context of Sustainable Development and the Eradication of Poverty: A Perspective from Latin America and the Caribbean

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alex.goldenberg@fim.ch FIM-LIVE.COM

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

FIM – UNEP cooperation Re-signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the FIM and UNEP The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), one of our main contractual partners and an inspiring institution for the FIM, recently agreed to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) once again. This document reflects the joint commitment of both organisations, and as Mr Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director, said, the FIM and UNEP will work more closely together in the coming years. UNEP is the leading organisation in the field of the environment within the United Nation system and has as a broad area of focus. Its global mandate covers the conservation, protection, enhancement and support of nature and natural resources, including biological diversity, worldwide. Over the past two decades, UNEP has incorporated the concept of sustainability into sport, and has called upon sportsmen and -women to be role models in society for a change in behaviour. Sporting institutions like the FIM are bodies that can inspire people and raise environmental awareness. Among other things, the MOU includes:    

Promotion of regular dialogue and meetings between the FIM and UNEP Technical advice Development of strategies for mitigating and compensating for footprint Promotion of UNEP activities such as World Environment Day with sports stars.

The duration of this Memorandum is three years renewable. By Kattia Hernandez

The International Environment Commission (CIE) met recently in Geneva All members of the FIM International Environment Commission, representing five Continental Unions and different nationalities, met this February. The aims of the meeting included exchanging experiences related to sustainability in motorcycle sport, improving the systems for training stewards, discussing and incorporating the new objectives for 2012, and the new rules for the environmental code. The meetings, which were held over three days, included a meeting with the Bureau, meetings with the working groups and a general meeting with all the members. One of the greatest achievements was the complete reform of the content of the seminars, which will be taught with this new system starting in 2012. By Kattia Hernandez

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FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

New CIE Member – Ovidio Morales A new member has joined the FIM International Environment Commission. Mr Ovidio Morales is representative of the Guatemalan Federation and currently Director of the FIM Latin America Environmental Commission. Ovidio, whose professional life has been devoted to pedagogy and eco-design, currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at the Rafael Landivar University in Guatemala. In his motorcycling career, which he embarked on in childhood, Ovidio was a prominent motocross rider. He went on to devote his life to representing his country in various motorcycling events as a rider and then as an official for different events in Enduro, Motocross and Trial. Ovidio has also acted as Race Director and Technical Director both nationally and internationally and at FIM events. He also owns a company for the promotion and organisation of motorcycling events. Ovidio has served as board member of the Guatemalan Federation. He has also successfully completed FIM seminars in Enduro, motocross, trial and racing. Ovidio says that joining the FIM is not just a challenge and a great responsibility but it is a dream he has cherished for many years. He is delighted that his vocation for volunteering in the sport of motorcycling will now serve the FIM. By Kattia Hernandez

Did you know? Did you know that there are 19 Spanish-speaking National Federations in Latin America and 2 in Europe? The FIM Environmental Code is now available in Spanish (only online at http://www.fimlatinamerica.com/site/medioambiente.html). FIM Latin America adopted the FIM Environmental Code in 2000 and nowadays all Latin American motorcycling championships are regulated by this Code.

10 Golden Rules for the Environmental Stewards The CIE presents this document which is intended as a practical guide for environmental stewards. This guide will enhance the work carried out by our volunteers and help us to achieve our objectives in a professional and transparent manner. 10 Golden Rules for the Environmental Stewards The Environmental Steward, as an official, is responsible for ensuring that at all events, the organisers and competitors comply with the FIM’s requirements in terms of protection of our environment 1.

Promote environmental awareness - act first and foremost as an educator

Be unbiased and objective when you complete the check list. Make sure of your facts and remember that your remarks will improve future events.

Respect the rights and dignity of others

Be professional and diplomatic in discharging your responsibilities

Be fair, honest and considerate in your dealings with others

Be committed to providing a quality service

Demonstrate a high degree of individual responsibility, especially when dealing with youngsters

After an event, commend the organisers/owners on their achievements and give advice for

future

improvements 9.

Refrain from behaviour that could bring the FIM into disrepute

10. Declare immediately any conflict of interest

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alex.goldenberg@fim.ch FIM-LIVE.COM

FIM Environment Newsletter

FIM Environmental seminars The Federations of Canada, Italy and Sweden have launched environmental seminars in 2012 The year 2012 is starting with a great deal of activity in the area of environmental education, as two European and one North America federations have started organising successful seminars. As a result, the motorcycle world now has 48 new environmental officials who will not only be responsible for international events organised by their national federations, but will also ensure the sustainability of the sport in their countries. This year, the CIE has incorporated new issues into the educational structure of the seminars, and has restructured the workbook. The themes are more dynamic, and there are more photographs and case studies, all of which should lead to an increase in the knowledge of the new officials. For the rest of the year, a further two seminars are planned in Australia and Guatemala, and we expect more. The CIE has six instructors from different countries and with different backgrounds and experience. The seminars are currently given in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German. We invite those federations that require this type of training to contact us so we can plan future seminars seminars@fim.ch.

ISSUE #4, April 2012

A new era and a new way of instructing seminars Following the approval of the Strategic Objectives in October 2010, FIM Seminars this spring are being delivered to Federations in new ways using new information and new methods in order to meet the requirements of the agreed FIM Action Plan. One of the main changes is the use of a Seminar Work Book and a more informative PowerPoint presentation which, amongst other things, introduces the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility to seminar candidates, and explains to them not only what we have to do, but also why we have to do it in order to safeguard the future of our sport. Another main change is to build into the seminar a session for each Federation to explain which environmental issues are most likely to restrict motorcycle sporting activity in their area. This has two benefits, it allows the instructors to give advice on solving the local issues, and allows the FIM to develop the Environment Code to be more representative of the “worldwide issues” that our activities face. The FIM Environment Commission is fully aware that, in addition to the rules developed by the FIM and included in the FIM Environment Code, many National and Local Governments also impose their own rules in respect of environmental issues. If these rules are more stringent than the rules included in the Code, then the local organiser will need to take account of these in planning their event. Guidance on how to do this is also included in the “new” seminars for 2012. Lessons that we learn from this year’s seminars will be included in the Seminar Work Book for the 2013 seminars. By Peter Gregory

By Kattia Hernandez

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alex.goldenberg@fim.ch FIM-LIVE.COM

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

FIM & Dorna launch an Environmental Management Plan for press rooms Starting in 2012, the FIM and Dorna, promoter for the FIM Road Racing World Championship, will be collaborating actively on a green approach to press-room management. MotoGP provides a high-profile showcase for demonstrating the compatibility of sport and the environment. The first meeting held recently at Dorna’s headquarters in Barcelona gave Kattia Hernandez, Director of the FIM International Environment Commission, the opportunity to present an Environmental Management Plan for the press room. This plan identifies six areas of pressroom management where significant improvements can be achieved. Many of the actions in the plan require a high level of awareness of environmental issues, and the FIM and Dorna will be working together to create this awareness among users of the press room and to promote sustainable journalism. The two organisations have agreed to hold two meetings a year to underline the importance they attach to sustainability in motorcycle sport. By Isabelle Larivière

A sustainable Geneva X-Trial event For this second edition of the Geneva X-Trial held on 21 January 2012 and counting for the 2012 FIM XTrial World Championship, the FIM, as the organiser, carried out a survey over more than 700 spectators concerning the way they had travelled to the event. This mobility survey made at the entrance of the Arena was well received by the public and gave the organiser more information on the origin of the spectators attending the X-Trial and the real use of the public transportation offer proposed by the FIM. The results of this survey will allow the organiser, for further editions, to better define possible solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of the spectators’ travel. In addition, the four main environmental actions already taken in 2011 were repeated such as:    

offsetting of the event’s emissions through myClimate foundation (including riders/officials transportation, energy consumption, waste, etc.) promotion of public transportation by including bus access in the event ticket, use of local providers for the food/drinks sort and recycling

For more information, please contact the FIM. By Alex Goldenberg

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alex.goldenberg@fim.ch FIM-LIVE.COM

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

Federation of motorsports clubs of Uganda tree-planting campaign On 27 November, 2011 the Federation of Motorsports Clubs of Uganda (FMCU) embarked on a tree-planting campaign as a major strategy to demonstrate motorsport’s commitment towards the preservation of the environment. The campaign, which was carried out in conjunction with the Kingdom of Buganda in central Uganda, started with 56 trees on the Buganda Royal Mile, along the Kabaka’njagala Road which starts at Bulange (Buganda Kingdom’s Lukiiko or Parliament Building) and ends at the Lubiri (Kingdom Palace). Candlenut (Kabaka’njagala) and Bark Cloth (Mutuba) trees, two culturally very significant species, were planted on the day. Each tree represents one of the 56 Clans in Buganda. The campaign was launched by Haji Ssekimpi Mulumba, the Deputy Kattikiro (Prime Minister), who represented His Majesty Kabaka (King) Ronald Muwenda Mutebi. Rally drivers joined their Motocross counterparts on this landmark environmental campaign to show motorsport’s commitment to a pollution-free environment. Buganda Kingdom officials, motorsport officials and fans have since continued to plant more trees of different species as the campaign is aiming for over 1,000 trees in total. The FMCU recognises the adverse effects of motorists on the environment in form of fumes emitted and oil spilled, and the fact that Uganda has recently witnessed severe changes in the environment with long draughts and unpredictable torrential rains that have caused floods and deaths. It is only logical that the Federation should lead the campaign and efforts to sensitize people to the preservation and restoration of the environment in a country that has seen most of its green areas cleared for mushrooming building projects, industry and housing. Fortunately, motorsports in Uganda enjoy a big fan base like no other sport and it is hoped that, with the partnership with the biggest cultural kingdom in the Country that boasts of a charismatic king (the Kabaka), people can be rallied to appreciate the sustainable use of environmental resources. Through this campaign, motorcycle riders and rally drivers have also been educated on the effects of pollution, the need to use environmental mats, and how to reduce emissions and noise, while the fans are continuously being sensitized on the issue of littering, not only during events but also in their everyday lives and at their places of work. FMCU continues to be committed to protecting the environment for future generations, as this campaign continues throughout 2012. By Marius Matthee

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FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

FIM ASIA Environmental Working Group Mr Sultan Zaher Al Muraikhy from Qatar, representative of the CIE in FIM ASIA, recently created a working group within this Continental Union and appointed several members whose role will be to contribute to the future of motorcycle sport in the region on a basis of sustainable development. For the group’s first year, education will be a primary task and one of the main pillars of its work programme. An environmental seminar will be organised in Qatar next April during the MGP Grand Prix. In the photo, Sultan, who is also member of the board of the QMMF, is giving a speech to the participants in the FIM ASIA Congress held recently in Singapore. By Kattia Hernandez

Omnibus law approved recently in Catalonia For many years, off-road motorcycling was forbidden in the region of Catalonia, but an omnibus law was recently passed which, among other things, now permits transit access in natural areas and on rural roads, something that was impossible for motorcyclists in the past. It has been a long road and this success is the fruit of the efforts made by the Catalan Federation of Motorcycling (linked to the Royal Spanish Motorcycling Federation (RFME)), who have worked hard to show that motorcycle sport can be compatible with the environment. Following a study carried out by the Environmental Science and Technology Faculty of the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, which presents interesting conclusions about the impact of motorcycling on the natural environment, it has been demonstrated that the sport is environmentally compatible. The conclusions of this study demonstrate that coexistence between sport and the natural environment is possible and have provided a basis for negotiations with the authorities, landowners and other parties. The serious nature of the study and the results obtained smoothed the process of negotiation with the Catalan government and helped to bring about a relaxation of the law on access to wild areas that will benefit the practice of offroad motorcycling. Also, social perceptions of motorcycling are starting to be more tolerant and the focus is on finding solutions and reaching a consensus between motorcycling and all the other activities conducted in the countryside. Last February, a working group made up of Industry, regional federations and the environmental sector, met to move ahead with the implementation of the new regulation that will allow access to natural spaces and regulate the issue of the new “green card”. This card allows road users to circulate in the mountains and ensures that off-road users have the necessary knowledge to respect the environment. The money raised from the sale of this card will be used for administrative expenses, new assessments, and for compensating land owners. Source FCM By Kattia Hernandez

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alex.goldenberg@fim.ch FIM-LIVE.COM

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #4, April 2012

Video on the environmental impact of Trial

Let’s celebrate World Environment Day next June

A very interesting video made by Bernard Estripeau (France) shows that Trial has a more positive impact on the environment that people might believe.

The UN Environment Programme defines the Green Economy as one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. In its simplest expression, a green economy can be thought of as one which is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.

This video briefly explains that the practice of Trial: -

Opens new trails/paths for pedestrians, mountain bikers, etc.

Reopens

trails/paths

that

have

been

abandoned -

Educates young people through sport

Improves skills such as balance and control

Is a quiet sport, as Trial motorcycles produce low sound levels

Is in harmony with nature, as it uses natural obstacles and the course is totally cleaned after the event.

For more information, please view the video on: http://youtu.be/DeXGiKyRdCE (in French only).

This year Brazil will host the World Environment Day promoted by UNEP every 5 June, and this year is dedicated to this subject “Green Economy: Does it include you?” a simple and interesting question that every member of this society should respond to. As a member of this motorcycle community, it’s important that we answer this question because the Green Economy is also about equity and inclusiveness, both part of FIM values and vision, which we promote every year just as we celebrate World Environment Day. We invite you to join this celebration by promoting some environmental activities among your clubs, associations and National Federations. There are many ways to celebrate such as painting contests, signing pledges, planting trees, cleaning activities.

World Environment Day is an annual event that is aimed at being the greatest and most widely celebrated global day for positive environmental action. World Environment Day activities take place all year round but culminate on 5 June every year, involving everyone from everywhere. By Alex Goldenberg

World Environment Day celebration began in 1972 and has grown to become the one of the main vehicles through which the UN stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and encourages political attention and action. Through World Environment Day, the UN Environment Programme is able to personalize environmental issues and enable everyone to realize not only their responsibility, but also their power to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable development. Source UNEP

By Kattia Hernandez

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alex.goldenberg@fim.ch FIM-LIVE.COM