The International Table Tennis became one of the first signatories of the Sport For Nature Framework, during the ongoing Convention on Biological Diversity 15th Conference of the Parties meeting (COP15) in Montreal, joining the International Olympic Committee and other sport bodies.

Co-created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Sports for Nature Framework aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports, by 2030 and beyond.

As part of the framework, signatories pledge to adhere to four key principles that will safeguard nature and contribute to the new global goals for biodiversity. Sports federations, leagues, clubs and events have committed to protect and avoid damage to important species and habitats, restore key ecosystems; create sustainable supply chains, and educate and inspire the wider sporting community to take action for nature. World governments are expected to ratify the framework later this week.

“I am proud that ITTF was able to join as a founding signatory of the Sport for Nature Framework. Sustainability is one of my priorities and I am glad that concrete actions are happening,” Petra Sörling, ITTF President, said. “These international frameworks ensure we are on the right path and enable us to do the necessary work, behind the scenes for our sport, for people, planet and prosperity.”

In addition to pledging to meet the four key principles, the ITTF has committed to develop and implement action plans that will be reported to an independent expert panel. This panel will then assess whether the ITTF’s plans are credible and effective in meeting the goals of the principles of the framework.

Joining the ITTF as founding signatures are the following sport organizations:

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• The Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024
• Spanish Olympic Committee
• Papua New Guinea Olympic Committee
• International Canoe Federation (ICF)
• International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF)
• Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
• World Rowing (FISA)
• World Sailing
• World Skate Federation
• International Orienteering Federation (IOF)
• International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF)
• SAMBO International Federation (FIAS)
• World University Games (FISU)
• World Squash Federation (WSF)
• England Squash
• AlUla Sports Club
• Forest Green Rovers
• The Ocean Race
• We Play Green
• E1 Series
• Extreme E
• Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB)

The IUCN will be tasked with leading the coordination with the framework’s signatories, while also providing technical support, training and other tools needed to address stakeholders’ goals.

This framework is a key pillar of the UN’s Agenda 2030 and fits in with the Olympic Movement’s role in being a steward for a better society through sport and development.