A large audience and numerous participants provide an opportunity to raise the environmental awareness of the participants and spectators during the event

As recreational sports gain popularity every year, the pressure on nature is also growing. New competitions and a growing number of recreational athletes require new venues, and in that regard, nature is used more and more. Sporting events can also have negative effects on biodiversity [1], especially when they are organised in nature conservation sites that require the consent of the Environmental Board[2]. The Environmental Board also gives information about the areas where the use of motor vehicles is not allowed.

New areas will be created in the natural environment for motorsports, running, Nordic walking, skiing, bicycle motocross; in water motorsport, nature is damaged through waves and possible fuel leaks. Various natural resources are consumed during sporting events – both participants and audiences consume water and food, electricity is used for lighting and other purposes. Fuel is used for motor racing and for the transportation of the audience. At the same time, the surrounding environment is damaged by trampling vegetation, soil erosion, water pollution, drinking cups, and other generated waste [1]. For example, when playing disc golf, vegetation is trampled, which accelerates erosion [3], or trees are damaged with discs. Habitats and biodiversity are reduced when new buildings are built and new land is used, or when vehicles and spectators generate noise and emissions.

However, it is possible to organise sporting events without serious impact, for example by re-using existing sports facilities. Previously damaged areas can also be used [1]. The organisers have the option to only allow the use of biodegradable materials and provide free access to drinking water. A large audience and numerous participants provide an opportunity to raise the environmental awareness of the participants and spectators during the event. A new trend is plogging – jogging while picking up litter – which enables keeping the area around health trails clean and contributing to nature conservation [4].

Last modified: 13.01.2022

                                                                             Text: Kristjan Piirimäe, Kuno Kasak

                                                                                                                                          Editors: Sigrid Ots, Reigo Roasto

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[1] Sport and Biodiversity. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, 2018, viii+24pp.

[2] Rahvaürituste korraldamise loa taotlemine kaitstavatel aladel

[3] A. Ingver. Discgolfi mõju keskkonnale. Discgolfi pargi sobivus maastikku Põltsamaa näitel. Magistritöö, 2018. Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli Tartu Kolledž, Maastikuarhitektuuri õppetool

[4] Eesti Orienteerumisliit. Plogging – uus jooksutrend