The International Canoe Federation’s DECK project has been shortlisted for the International Olympic Committee Climate Action Awards 2024. 

DECK, a programme called “Developing Environmental Circular Knowledge”, has been chosen as one of the finalists for the prestigious prize, supported by Deloitte. 

Together with the Italian Canoe Federation (FICK), the ICF created the DECK project which aims to increase awareness and promote the adoption of environmental management in order to improve sustainability during canoeing competitions. 

DECK identified 50 environmental management and circular economy best practices for canoeing competitions and created a rating tool for evaluating any type of paddling events. 

Recycling and redistribution of leftover food, switching to greener mobility options like car sharing, transitioning to digital tickets to minimise the use of paper and managing spectator movement at events to ensure the protection of biodiversity are among the focus areas. 

The aim is to get National Federations to support the adoption of innovative environmental governance tools and integrate leading-edge environmental practices into the running of competitions. 

DECK has been recognised by the European Union, through its Erasmus + Sport programme.  

Launched in 2023, the project is a collaboration of several sporting institutions including the ICF, FICK, the Greek Canoe Federation, the Slovenia Canoe Federation, the Croatian Canoe Federation, the Institute of Management of S. Anna School of Advanced Studies (Italy) as scientific partner, the School of Sport of Sport & Salute Agency as disseminating partner. 

The coordination team is based in Italy at FICK. 

Sustainability is a key pillar within the ICF’s Fit for Future strategy with the objective of activating the paddle sport community to take climate positive actions. 

ICF Vice President Cecilia Farias said: “It is fantastic to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award.  

“The DECK project has developed a number of tools already implemented and proven to be effective. 

“The next step is to take the findings from the project and disseminate across the five continents.  

“Our ambition is to reach every point in the globe to make a change. 

“I am confident that the quality and effectiveness of our project will make it eligible for being awarded as one of the best.” 

The names of the winners of this year’s awards will be announced during UN Climate Week, between September 22 and 29.