International conferences in Japan to discuss sports, environment: UN agency

Sports and healthy environmental practices will be the focus of a series of international conferences in Japan, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today.

More than 300 participants are expected for the Global Forum for Sport and Environment, to be held on 1 and 2 November in Tokyo. Organized by UNEP and the Global Sports Alliance of Japan, the conference would offer an opportunity to present and recognize best practices on sport and environment as well as launch a global movement to mobilize sports fans, goods manufacturers, contractors, athletes and federations to support and participate in environmental programmes.

His Imperial Highness, Prince Takamado of Japan, representatives from UNEP and from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) are expected to attend the Forum.

Immediately following the Forum, the IOC's fourth World Conference on Sport and Environment will take place in Nagano, Japan, to review the contributions of the Olympic movement to the UN World Summit on Sustainable Development, which is scheduled for September 2002 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Participants will also review the implementation of an international action plan for sport and environment as well as the environmental dimensions of preparations for the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Athens, Turin and Beijing. There will also be discussions on environmental sustainability and sporting events, UNEP said.