In March 2024, British Rowing introduced a bold new initiative: the Environmental Sustainability Strategy titled Helping Our Waters Thrive. Focused on protecting both the sport of rowing and the environment that sustains it, this action plan has already made significant strides. The strategy's success was recognized at the British Association of Sustainable Sport’s (BASIS) annual awards, where British Rowing proudly took home the prestigious Leadership Award for sustainability.
A Step Towards Cleaner Waters
Rachel Dulai, British Rowing’s Sustainability Lead, accepted the award, highlighting the importance of the initiative’s early achievements. “I was delighted to accept this Leadership Award from BASIS,” Dulai said. “The work we’ve started this year is already increasing awareness about the critical issue of water quality. This recognition will propel our efforts further, helping us ensure our waters thrive for the future.”
The strategy isn’t just about rowing; it’s about protecting one of the UK's most valuable natural assets: its waterways. British Rowing has partnered with organizations such as The Rivers Trust and River Action, and is a founding member of The Clean Water Sports Alliance, to raise awareness of the environmental challenges posed by poor water quality. Over the past seven months, British Rowing has worked hard to educate its members and take meaningful action to improve the waters on which rowers depend.
Making a Real Impact: How 'Helping Our Waters Thrive' is Transforming Rowing
Since its launch, the Helping Our Waters Thrive strategy has sparked widespread engagement across the rowing community, leading to tangible environmental improvements. One key initiative has seen seven rowing clubs actively involved in water testing, supported by River Action. By collecting data, these clubs are helping to educate their local communities about the importance of clean waterways.
To expand these efforts, British Rowing recently launched the Thriving Waters Scheme, which supports clubs in water testing, litter removal, and controlling invasive species. This initiative encourages clubs to get involved in hands-on environmental stewardship. Applications for the scheme have just closed, and clubs will soon be informed if their applications have been successful.
Closer to the heart of British Rowing, the GB Rowing Team's National Training Centre in Caversham has committed to conducting a year of water testing. The team has been trained to conduct and log water quality results, uploading them to the Earthwatch database, contributing to a growing body of evidence about the health of UK waters.
Building Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
British Rowing continues to bring on board like-minded partners in its mission to improve water quality. A collaboration with Delphis Eco, a supplier of EU Eco-certified and marine-friendly cleaning products, is helping to educate rowers about the harmful effects of chemical pollutants on waterways. British Rowing is also working closely with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to address the issue of invasive species in the UK’s blue spaces, promoting the ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ practice to prevent their spread.
This strategy is not just about environmental preservation—it’s also a matter of health. Poor water quality impacts rowers' well-being. British Rowing collects data on illnesses experienced by rowers due to dirty water. This evidence is critical in pressuring water companies and the government to take faster, more effective action on water quality issues. Discussions with several water companies are already underway, underscoring the importance of protecting both athletes and the environment.
A Movement for Sustainable Rowing
British Rowing’s Helping Our Waters Thrive strategy is quickly becoming a model for how sports organizations can take responsibility for the environment. It’s not just about reacting to existing problems but about proactively ensuring that rowing can flourish alongside healthy, thriving waterways. By winning the BASIS Leadership Award, British Rowing has cemented its role as a leader in sustainability—not just in sport, but in environmental advocacy.
The rowing community’s growing engagement with this strategy reflects a broader understanding that clean, healthy waters benefit everyone. Whether through water testing, litter clean-ups, or adopting eco-friendly practices, British Rowing is setting a new standard for environmental stewardship in sports.
Looking Ahead
With initiatives like the Thriving Waters Scheme and ongoing partnerships, British Rowing’s commitment to environmental sustainability will only continue to grow. By staying focused on water quality and the health of our blue spaces, the strategy is ensuring that both rowing and the natural environment can thrive together for generations to come.
As the sport continues to evolve, British Rowing’s Helping Our Waters Thrive strategy sets a powerful example of how sports organizations can make meaningful contributions to environmental sustainability while enhancing the future of their sport.
Comments