We're delighted to announce that we have been accepted to join the Sports for Nature Framework as part of our Save Today, Play Tomorrow programme. 

Sports for Nature is a joint initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy. 

It aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. It provides a game plan for sports — at all levels — to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature. 

The Sports for Nature Framework is designed to complement the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, which BCFA joined as participatory signatories in 2021.

BCFA have committed to action for nature by upholding the four principles, engage actively in the Sports for Nature community, and provide an annual progress report on actions to support nature.  

The Sports for Nature Framework four principles that guide the actions of sports organisations to positively contribute towards nature are. 

Principle 1: Protect nature and avoid damage to natural habitats and species 
Principle 2: Restore and regenerate nature wherever possible 
Principle 3: Understand and reduce risks to nature in your supply chains 
Principle 4: Educate and inspire positive action for nature across and beyond sport 

BCFA through its Save Today, Play Tomorrow programme is wholly committed to promoting sustainability and environmental conservation through their membership clubs using the power of football. By joining Sports for Nature, they hope to further amplify their impact and inspire positive change on a larger scale

Speaking after the announcement, Birmingham County FA’s Sustainability & Insights Manager Richard Lindsay said: “Our goal is to create a more sustainable game not only for our players and clubs, but for the planet. Football has a symbiotic relationship with nature and relies on having healthy green spaces to play so we must do more to protect and restore these areas by empowering, educating and engendering everyone involved at all levels of football. 

“We believe that by being accepted as signatories of the Sports for Nature Framework we will connect with like-minded organisations, where we can leverage our collective resources and expertise to make a greater impact on environmental issues. With the support of partners, we can amplify messages, reaching new audiences, and implement more effective solutions to protect and preserve our natural world for future generations to enjoy. 

“Together, we believe can make a difference and play our part in a more sustainable sporting community.”

Meredith McCurdy, Sports for Nature Programme Leader, added: "We are thrilled to welcome Birmingham County FA as a Sports for Nature signatory. Grassroots football holds great potential to connect people with nature, raising awareness and driving collective action for nature. Football, from local pitches to stadiums, relies on healthy ecosystems and can play an important role in protecting and restoring them. We look forward to working closely with Birmingham County FA on their nature actions.” 

It is estimated that nature-based solutions (NbS) could contribute one-third of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 to keep global temperature rise below 2 degrees Celsius, the goal of the Paris Agreement. As venues and the sports industry begin to track carbon emissions and set reduction goals, NbS could contribute to mitigation efforts.

More information on the Sports for Nature Framework can be found here and likewise if you would like to know more about the Save Today, Play Tomorrow programme then please follow this website link.