FIM Environment Newsletter - Issue #5

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

“Way forward”

Foreword Environmental Ambassadors inspiration and awareness

–

spreading

An Ambassador is a high-profile person who represents a Nation or an organisation or, in this case, an entire philosophy of sport: sustainable motorcycling.

Recently, as part of the celebration of World Environment Day (WED), the FIM launched the Environmental Ambassadors project. The idea for the project had been in the pipeline for a number of years and became a reality the day Marc, Laia, Takahisha and Randy agreed to take part. All of them gave us an enthusiastic “yes” with all the force of their charisma, their sporting spirit and their sense of social responsibility.

The Environmental Ambassadors are men and women representing different motorcycling disciplines and different cultures and nationalities; sportsmen and – women with high standards who have lent their voices to spread the FIM’s environmental policy and, most importantly, will spread inspiration and awareness among their fans, the motorcycling community and the sporting community at large.

The action plan for the Ambassadors will be implemented over time. It will include the use of social networks to pass on environmental messages, videos, support for international organisations like UNEP for celebration of World Environment Day, forums, interviews, etc.

The impact of each message conveyed by our Ambassadors is enormous. For World Environment Day, for example, the messages posted by Marc Márquez on his official Facebook page generated over 900 “likes” and lots of positive comments. This is the type of impact we want to create in order to inspire people and make them aware of environmental issues.

The Ambassadors will be at the service of humanity and future generations and will have to be leaders and play a major role in the contribution made by our sport to a greener and more sustainable world.

This will be a different type of race, but at the finish, it is Planet Earth that will be the winner.

By Katia Hernandez CIE Director

FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE MOTOCYCLISME 11, ROUTE DE SUISSE - CH - 1295 MIES

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

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

FIM News New FIM environmental logo A new logo with a fresher, more modern look was launched recently as part of the celebrations of World Environment Day on the occasion of the MotoGP at Spain’s Catalunya track.

This new logo, developed by the FIM department of marketing and communications, preserves elements of the previous logo and incorporates new elements that reflect the evolution of the CIE. The logo conveys the idea of sustainability through its clean lines and sense of continuity.

The logo represents the FIM "Ride Green” philosophy. The logo can be used by all federations affiliated to the FIM for events that comply with environmental regulations and incorporate environmental management plans that make events still more environmentally compatible.

This year, several federations have incorporated the "Ride Green” logo. If you are interested in using the logo for your event, just contact us and we will gladly give you some directions for its use and information about the different versions. If you want to know how to make your event greener, just send us a mail at alex.goldenberg@fimch.

By Kattia Hernandez

New Environmental Stewards incorporated in the FIM environmental team 4 new seminars were held during the months from April to June 2012, bringing the number of Continental Union seminars completed this year to five out of six. The seminars were held in Qatar, Guatemala, Australia and Japan. So far the participants have obtained 53 new licenses for a total of 96 licenses distributed in 2012 so far.

Feedback has been very important for the CIE since the introduction of case studies that provide new information to help us improve the format of the seminars on an ongoing basis. The FIM Academy recently held a "train the trainers" session in which some of the FIM instructors learned new teaching techniques, and there are plans to spread this knowledge among all trainers as part of the Commission’s efforts towards continuous improvement.

One of the characteristics of environmental seminars is the diversity of attendees. They include Promoters, members of governments, staff of Sports Institutes, riders, coaches, managers, journalists, doctors and others. This illustrates a growing interest in environmental issues in the world of two-wheeled motor sport. Andorra will host the next seminar on 24 and 25 November, 2012. The seminar will be conducted in Spanish.

By Kattia Hernandez Seminar in Guatemala City

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

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATIONS World Environment Day (WED) was celebrated across the world on 5 June, the official date designated by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP). This year, Brazil hosted the World Environment Day promoted by UNEP with the theme: “Green Economy: Does it include you?” UNEP 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 that is low carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive.

On this special occasion, the FIM was pleased to launch the FIM ENVIRONMENTAL AMBASSADORS project through which riders from various FIM World Championships and different countries will lend their voices to pass on environmental messages and create awareness about environmental issues. The following riders have already confirmed their participation in this project: Spanish riders Laia Sanz (FIM Women’s Trial & Enduro World Championships) and Marc Márquez (FIM Moto2 World Championship), French rider Randy De Puniet (FIM MotoGP World Championship) and Japanese rider Takahisa Fujinami (FIM Trial World Championship). Other riders from across the world will join this project in the near future!

The FIM also presented the brand new FIM RIDE GREEN logo of its International Environment Commission, designed to represent all environmental actions/initiatives developed in the motorcycling world.

National Federations and Continental Unions also celebrated WED by carrying out various actions such as tree planting, displaying environmental messages and recycling actions during motorcycling events taking place on or around the official date.

By Alex Goldenberg

FIRST FIM TRACK-RACING YOUTH TRAINING CAMP INSPIRES FUTURE STARS The FIM Track Racing Commission, in collaboration with the FIM Medical, Technical and International Environment Commissions and under the aegis of the FIM Academy, is investing in the futures of young motorcycle racers through its newly launched annual training camps for Speedway and Long Track riders.

The inaugural 2012 FIM Track-Racing Youth Training Camp, held in Croatia in April, provided coaching for twenty-four talented eleven to seventeen year-olds ahead of the FIM Speedway Youth Gold Trophy, which was also held in Croatia in the same week.

This year’s training camp was organised in collaboration with Croatia’s Gorican Speedway Club, which hosted the event at its city’s famous Speedway Stadium Millennium, and directly funded by the FIM. Designated as a priority FIM Academy project, future FIM Track-Racing Youth Training Camps will continue to be directly funded by the FIM. The youngsters were able to benefit from advice on various environmental issues, including sound level reduction and protection of the ground, provided by FIM International Environment Commission delegate, Peter Gregory. These Camps provide a great opportunity to raise environmental awareness among young riders, and will continue to incorporate an environmental component in the future.

By Jean-Paul Gombeaud

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FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

Did you know?

Some interesting numbers The implementation of Environmental Management Plans for the Press Rooms in the Motorcycle Grand Prix, jointly promoted by Dorna and the FIM, has obtained excellent results in reducing paper costs and use of resources in this important area motorcycle sport.

So far in 2012, DORNA has reduced the printed press kits per Gran Prix event by about 90%. That means:

5610 less Press Kits per year 280K less printed sheets Less ink, energy, resources Other interesting initiatives are also in the pipeline to help to minimize the negative environmental impact of these large gatherings. The FIM plans to incorporate these measures into other championships in 2013 in order to expand efforts to achieve sustainable and environmentally friendly motorcycling sport throughout the world.

By Kattia Hernandez

Motor sport tracks can be part of the solution to conserving biological diversity This is what we can conclude from a report published recently by the SVEMO as a result of a project initiated in 2011 which evaluated and highlighted the biological value of motocross tracks in their role as habitats. This is not a new idea as various reports have suggested that motor sport tracks have a great potential in this area.

A large number of tracks were evaluated in cooperation with HUAros (Hállbar Utveckling Aros) AB, a Swedish company that specialises in conducting studies in the field of sustainability, and Professor Nils Ryrholm, zoologist and member of the Department of Electronics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the Faculty of Engineering and Sustainable Development at the University of Gävle. Professor Ryholm has worked for over 20 years in the field of conservation biology, focusing mainly on the preservation of the lower fauna. He is also a member of the Swedish National Committee for red listing of butterflies.

Did you know?

According to field studies conducted by Professor Ryrholm, motorcycle tracks can be part of the solution to conserving biological diversity. He has shown that the tracks act as “disruptors” on compacted soils Did(as youbig know that did there Spanish-speaking National Federations in vital Latin habitat Americafor and 2 in endangered Europe? animals in are the 19 past, according to the report) and provide many Thespecies FIM that Environmental Code is in now available landscape. in Spanish (only online at http://www.fimcan no longer survive the industrial latinamerica.com/site/medioambiente.html). FIM Latin America adopted the FIM Environmental Code in 2000 nowadays Latin Americanand motorcycling are regulated by this of Code.

Todayand many circuitsallare threatened some havechampionships disappeared because the practice this sport was considered dangerous, noisy and unnecessary by many local authorities, neighbourhood residents and others. This project is in line with plans for the future-proofing of motorsport and with efforts to preserve our valuable and endangered biodiversity. This is very good news for the motorcycle community and should give a good impetus to many clubs to contribute towards the conservation of biological diversity in their areas.

Source: SVEMO and HUAros

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FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

Let’s celebrate the environment BASTOGNE MOTOCROSS GRAND PRIX AND THE ENVIRONMENT ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AS A PRIORITY Without a doubt you will be struck by the beauty of the Bastogne region, which is one of the most stunning in Belgium. Its beauty is not only to be found in its history and traditions; Bastogne is also a city that has been able to develop in harmony with nature. Preservation of the landscape has always been an important element in the life of the region, not just a “nice to have”. Right from the start, when it became certain that Bastogne would host a round of the FIM Motocross World Championship, the organisers wanted to set an example of how to stage such an event in an environmentally respectful manner.

Motor sports and the environment can live together if sustainable development is a fully integrated aspect of the sport. In Bastogne the organisers opted to limit the impact of their organisation on the environment as much as possible.

Over 200 trees were planted on the site, containers for sorting waste and bubbles in glasses were available and the two-wheeled vehicles used by the organisers were electrically powered. The stakes used on the circuit will be reused and a wastewater “water treatment” plant. All these little efforts made in harmony with nature make Bastogne “Nature Friendly”.

By Messrs Hansens & Janssens

The Planet is the Champion That is the phrase used by Nicolás Stankov, a Colombian Motocross trainer with more than 15 years’ experience. Nicolás recently obtained his FIM environmental steward’s licence during an environmental seminar organised in April by the Guatemalan Federation.

After attending the seminar and obtaining his licence he committed himself to sustainable motor sport. During his sessions he explains to the students the importance of paying attention to environmental issues during practice sessions and the race itself and after the event. He explains to his students (all of them youth riders) how to apply the Environmental Code, and the importance of being a rider with integrity.

Up to now Nicolás has given more than six training courses or “sustainable training sessions” in Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Perú and Florida (USA). One of the most important points to note is that parents, riders and trainers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of practising sustainable motocross. Now, Nicolás will now be working more closely with FIM Latin America in order to spread this message through many more motocross training camps across the American continent.

In just three months, more than 150 people have become involved with this new practice of “sustainable motocross” and we expect more to join soon, because the Planet is the Champion!

By Kattia Hernandez FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE MOTOCYCLISME 11, ROUTE DE SUISSE - CH - 1295 MIES

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

FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

From the world Green label in Slovenia The Slovenian round of the FIM Motocross World Championship in Orehova Vas on 10 June 2012 carried a green label. Not only were there the flyers with green guidelines to promote environmentally friendly behaviour in motocross for riders and spectators, "green packages" (a waste bag, green guidelines + time schedule of the event) and a questionnaire for the riders including a question on the rubbish/waste collection; the spectators were also made aware of the waste bins by means of large signs affixed to the bins themselves.

All these actions were bundled together under a "MX with a green touch" campaign. T-shirts for this campaign were also on sale at the race venue. And this is the second year running that this has been done.

Moreover, the organiser Mr Herman Jackolic made sure to wear the T-shirt (in a green colour) whenever he was interviewed by local TV crews.

Mrs Mojca Fingust was the driving force behind all this. She and the members of the AMD Orehova Vas have been working hard to achieve these results. Initiatives like these and inspired people are exactly what the motorcycle community needs to safeguard the sport and ensure that the future generations enjoy the same opportunities as we do.

Congratulations to AMD Orehova Vas.

By Dirk De Neve

2012 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge becomes carbon neutral One of the world’s most challenging desert rallies, the 2012 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge (30 March – 6 April) has signed a deal to offset any environmental damage from the event.

The agreement was signed between Automobile & Touring Club of UAE (ATCUAE) with Carbon Credit brokerage Advanced Global Trading (AGT), and is the first of its kind in the region.

The Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge involves over 360 vehicles belonging to support teams, competitors and organisers travelling across the spectacular terrain of the Liwa Desert.

Prior to every event, ATCUAE briefs all competitors about potentially negative effects on the Western Region as a wildlife habitat. If they do not act responsibly on matters such as oil spills and changing filters during the race, heavy penalty points are deducted from competitors who breach the guidelines. The UAE’s environmental authorities are involved from the outset – even down to planning the route.

AGT is an industry-leader in sourcing and trading Carbon Credits to help companies and individuals offset their CO2 emissions and mitigate the harmful effects of climate change. The company employs over 140 traders in the UAE, UK, Switzerland, USA, South Africa and Spain. AGT will calculate emissions post-race, before purchasing and retiring the correct number of VER (Voluntary Emissions Reduction) Carbon Credits to equal the total environmental pollution.

These retired credits will be ploughed back into projects, such as wind farms or carbon capture initiatives that help the environment.

The calculation will include emissions from the vehicles participating in the event, as well as their support teams, in addition to marshals, officials and rescue team vehicles. Also included in the calculations are the four evacuation helicopters and the camp generators.

This year’s event also serves as the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship season opener and the second round of the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup, offering spectators unrivalled, free access to top-class motor sport in a number of breathtaking settings, with dedicated, easy-to-access Al Gharbia desert viewing points.

Read more: http://abudhabidesertchallenge.com/latestnews-detail.aspx?itemid=94 Source: abudhabidesertchallenge.com (UAE)

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FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

NEWS FROM BOTSWANA The MANTSHWABISI Enduro Race (motorcycles and quads) is the annual highlight of the Botswana motor sport social calendar. The 2012 event was spread over two days (21 and 22 June) and again attracted thousands of spectators along its winding route through the Botswana’s countryside.

An off-road motor-sport event such as this has the potential to impact considerably on the natural environment within which it takes place. The Botswana Government is particularly stringent with regards to environmental protection. Careful consideration is therefore given by the organiser/promoter (Four Wheel Drive Club of Southern Africa) and the FMNR (Motorsport South Africa) to the various environmental aspects and impacts involved with every phase of the event. Mitigation measures were amalgamated into a detailed Environmental Management Plan (EMP) that was drawn up beforehand for implementation and compliance during the event. The EMP development process involved five main activities with various inputs, namely: 1. Route Identification This included assessment of the previous year’s routes and meetings with Botswana officials where special consideration was given to potential environmental aspects and impacts.

2. Practical Route Assessment The route selection team did a route survey to optimise route and EMP legitimacy.

3. Competition Management Team Various key players were identified, invited and formed part of the management committee. They included environmental representatives from Botswana and service providers from Botswana and South Africa, with specialist skills in various aspects of environmental management. Local Councils were invited to become involved with rehabilitation of the route.

4. Event Implementation Each competitor was made aware of specific environmental requirements in the Special Regulations and also signed the “GREEN RACER” environmental charter at registration to show their commitment to environmental protection. Specialist contractors were responsible for waste and sanitation services. An Environmental Steward was appointed to monitor compliance.

5. Post Event At route closure, environmental ‘sweep’ teams were deployed to identify areas requiring specific rehabilitation and attention. Local communities, with municipal assistance, carried out rehabilitation of the route where necessary.

The organisers must be congratulated on their dynamic approach to safeguarding the natural environment and implementing best environmental practices at this meeting.

By Marius Matthee

Signing of the “GREEN RIDER” Environmental Charter prior to the start of the race

Control post at the 2012 MANTSHWABISI

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FIM Environment Newsletter

ISSUE #5, July 2012

The Town Council, the Chilean Forest Service (CONAF) and the Chilean Motorcycling Federation (FMC) donate 2,000 native trees to the community of Talca to offset the carbon footprint On the occasion of the 2012 FIM Enduro World Championship event held in Talca, Chile, the Talca Town Council and the Environment Commission of the Mexican Motorcycling Federation decided to estimate the environmental impact of the emissions produced by the teams during their journey from Santiago de Chile to Talca. An estimate was also made of the CO2 emissions of the motorcycles during the competition and the teams’ movements during the race. To do this, they used the Carbon Footprint Calculator developed by the professionals at reducetuhuella.org.

The Reduce tu Huella (Reduce your Footprint) Foundation is a non-profit organisation made up of a group of professionals and consulting companies. Its mission is to develop easy-access tools for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on the planet, and to bring them to developing countries and their markets on an equal-opportunity basis. The methods used in the design of this calculator are in compliance with the 2006 guidelines of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for establishing national Greenhouse Gas Inventories.

Once the results had been calculated and analysed, the Town Council, the Chilean National Forest Service (CONAF) and the Chilean Motorcycling Federation (FMC) donated 2,000 trees belonging to species native to Chile: Quillay (Quillaja saponaria), Boldo (Peumus boldus) , Peumo (Cryptocarya alba) and Coihüe (Nothofagus dombey).

During the Enduro World Championship event in Talca, 15 trees were symbolically planted. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the local authorities, led by the Mayor of Talca Mr Juan Castro and the Regional Director of the National Forest Service, Mr Luis Carrasco. They were joined by the President of FIM Latin America, Mr Pedro Venturo, the Director of the FIM Latin America Environment Commission, Mr Ovidio Morales, the FMC Environmental Steward Ms Velia Hargreaves and the top-level Chilean rider Mr Carlo de Gavardo.

By Velia Hargreaves

Cedar project “Cedar 2000” is an excellent example of cooperation between local government and a National Federation in the environmental area. The QMMF and the municipality of Al Daayen in Qatar recently teamed up to implement the "Cedar 2000" project involving the planting of saplings native to the Arabian peninsula region near the now traditional Losail circuit.

Planting of native species in this area is a very ambitious project that will require a great investment, especially in the care and maintenance of the trees. You only need to remember the extreme conditions in the desert to realise what a challenge it is. However Losail will look greener in a few years and it is anticipated that the effects will be fully visible by 2022 for the Football World Cup. Cedar trees are a much loved by the Qatari people as a symbol of human potential, perseverance and nourishment.

The project is supported by Sultan Al-Murraikhi, Member of the QMMF Board and Member of the FIM International Environment Commission, and was launched as part of the celebrations of World Environment Day which is supported every year by the FIM and its National Federations.

By Kattia Hernandez

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