March 8, 2024 – Algeria, a country in the Maghreb region, has pledged to share its knowledge and expertise in the area of Environment and Global warming with the rest of the African continent.
They pledged in a communique released after the African Forum on the preservation of the environment and the fight against global warming.
The event took place between March 5 and 6, 2024, Holiday Inn Hotel, Cheraga, Algiers, Algeria.
The forum was held under the auspices of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ÀNOCA).
This initiative was applauded by African leaders at the forum, with particular recognition given to President Tebboune and the president of ANOCA, Mustapha BERRAF.
Algeria had in 2022, Algeria, under the leadership of its President, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, announced its new approach to combating the risks of natural disasters.
To further enhance disaster response and environmental protection efforts, a commission was established to make recommendations.
The commission proposed several key actions, including the preparation and dissemination of the proceedings from the forum to all National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and African governments.
Additionally, the development of an environmental sports charter was recommended, as well as the coordination of actions by NOCs through their respective environment commissions.
ANOCA notes that it would, then, gather and summarize these reports to be shared at future forums.
Another important recommendation was the establishment of a strong relationship between African governments and their NOCs to implement concrete actions in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
These included removing plastics and paper at NOC meetings and constructing bioclimatic sports structures.
It would also install monitoring mechanisms that would be put in place to ensure compliance with the charter, and an environmental fund would be created to finance various projects.
It insists that Assistance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other sources for using solar energy would be sought and alternative non-carbon sources was also encouraged.
The impact of pollution and global warming on sports practice was highlighted, particularly in terms of poor air quality and extreme weather conditions.
It was emphasized that NOCs should prioritize minimizing the impact of these factors on athletes and sporting events.
The conclusion of the recommendations was the establishment of an operational monitoring calendar, ensuring that all actions were implemented on the ground with the support of NOCs.
Regular reviews of progress would be conducted to track achievements and address any challenges.
Overall, Algeria’s new approach and the collaborative efforts of African nations through ANOCA were seen as instrumental in combating the risks of natural disasters, protecting the environment, and ensuring the safety and well-being of athletes.
The dedication to implementing these recommendations was emphasized as a crucial step toward a sustainable and resilient future for sports in Africa.
The conference noted that Extreme weather conditions as well as Global warming could lead to more frequent and severe weather situations, such as heat waves, storms, and flooding, which can disrupt sports schedules and impact athlete’s safety.
It was also acknowledged that rising temperatures and changing weather patterns could alter the playing conditions for outdoor sports, affecting the performance and safety of athletes.
”Environmental pollution and global warming can damage sports facilities and infrastructure, leading to increased maintenance costs and potential relocation of events.
”Increased heat and air pollution can pose health risks for athletes, leading to heat-related illnesses and decreased performance.
“Environmental pollution and global warming can have significant implications for the sports industry, affecting athletes, events, and infrastructure,” Aluko said, noting sports organizations need to consider these factors and take steps to mitigate their impact.
A 4-man team represented Nigeria at an African Environment Forum in Algeria.
The Nigerian representatives have hailed the meeting as great, particularly because of its impact on sports development.
The team comprised, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, Treasurer-General of ÀNOCA, Hon. Suleiman Bello, Chairman Nigeria Sports and Environment Commission of NOC, Dr (Mrs) Esther Aluko and Gloria Ekwemkpu as members of NOC Commission.
