fim environment newsletter - issue #7

F É D É R A T I O N I N T E R N A T I O N A L E D E M O T O C Y C L I S M E 1 1 , R O U T E D E S U I S S E - C H - 1 2 9 5 M I E S

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FIM Environment Newsletter ISSUE #7, April 2013

“Way forward”

Foreword Think – Eat - Save One of the key factors that contribute to the positive impact of our sport is the creation of employment and business opportunities, for example in the catering industry. Have you ever thought about all the thousands of spectators who consume food at every single meeting of each of the over 50 FIM World Championships, not to mention all the ones held at continental, regional or national level? But we also need to think about the nutritional footprint that we generate as a community. If we knew the exact figure for the amount of food we produce for our events that is actually wasted, we would be amazed. The figures are indeed alarming. According to the FAO, “Today, there are 900 million hungry people worldwide and one billion people overfed”. Why is this an important topic for the sustainability of our sport? “Lost and wasted food represents a missed opportunity to feed the growing world population. It also comes at a steep environmental price, as land quality, water quantity, biodiversity are adversely affected. Wasted food also has a strong impact on global climate change. Food lost after harvest and food wasted along the distribution and consumption chain, or food wastage, has a dual negative environmental impact: undue pressure on natural resources and ecosystem services and pollution through food discards. Within the global context of increasingly scarce natural resources, more than 1/3 of the food produced today is not eaten, which is about 1.3 billion tons per year.” (FAO 2012).

How can we help to reduce this wastage? There are simple and straightforward ways, such as planning the quantity of food to be provided or consumed, giving away the surplus, planning for the number of hospitality guests, making agreements with local producers, improving refrigeration systems, reviewing sell-by dates, boosting food savings with our suppliers and seeking out environmentally friendly packaging. This year, as every year, the FIM will be supporting World Environmental Day (WED), and this year the time the theme is: Think, Eat, Save. We want to motivate you to contribute, through motorcycling events, to this worldwide campaign that unites the efforts of millions of people throughout the world. So do your bit and reduce your footprint! Ride green! By Kattia Hernandez

CIE Director




The FIM is recognised as a leading Sport Federation in the area of the Environment “We never thought that the FIM was doing so much in the area of the Environment!” That was the sort of positive response expressed over and over again by participants attending the SportAccord IF Forum event held last November in Lausanne, Switzerland. The theme selected for this 2012 session was "Increasing the positive impact of your event: Sustainable Event Management". A series of brilliant and inspiring guest speakers were invited to address the audience of leaders from various International Sports Federations (IFs) on the various aspects of sustainability and sport. FIM Executive Director Operations Steve Aeschlimann gave a key-note address during the opening plenary where he covered two aspects of sustainability from an FIM perspective. Why the FIM takes environment issues so seriously. The increasingly negative perception of motorcycling sport among non-specialised audiences (and politicians) and the resulting closures of many motocross circuits around the world are among the reasons why the FIM decided to take action in this area at a very early stage. The creation of the International Environment Commission (CIE) and the issue of the first IF Environmental Code back in 1995 were among the first concrete steps undertaken by the organisation. Many other initiatives followed over the years including the signature of a partnership with UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) and the annual celebration of the World Environmental Day (WED). Misconceptions about the “true polluters” at sports events. Various studies performed by the FIM and some of its national federations (FMNs) indicate a clear conclusion: it is not really the riders and their machines that generate the bulk of CO2 emissions at popular sporting events. The “problem” comes mainly from the large number of spectators attending these events (transportation, accommodation, meals, waste, etc.). These observations are helping the FIM and its stakeholders to focus on new initiatives to minimise the negative impact of motorcycling events on the environment. More details can be found at: http://www.sportaccord.com/en/what-we-do/if-forum/ By Steve Aeschlimann

FIM Symposium Last December, at the Symposium organised on the occasion of the FIM Gala held in Monte Carlo, a dialogue was conducted on the theme “The environment: From threat to opportunity”.

The panel was made up of four distinguished personalities: Miss Laia Sanz and Mr Randy de Puniet, FIM Environmental Ambassadors, were joined by Mr Wondwosen Asnake, responsible for development and coordination of NGO/Civil Society engagement in the programme delivery of UNEP/ROE, and Mr Marco Riva, Yamaha General Manager for the Motor Sport Division. The symposium reached a large worldwide audience and touched on sensitive aspects of the sustainability of motor sport.

By Kattia Hernandez

FIM News




Questions and answers with Jill Savery – Jury Member of the 2012 FIM Environmental Award

Jill Savery is the Head of Sustainability for the America's Cup Event Authority. Prior to this role, Jill led the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games work programme of the London-based sustainability charity BioRegional Development Group from 2008 - 2011. She is a Co-opted Expert to the Commission for a Sustainable London 2012. Jill earned a Master’s Degree in Environmental Management from Yale University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley. In 1996, Jill earned an Olympic gold medal in synchronized swimming, and was later inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Her book co-edited with Dr. Keith Gilbert, entitled Sustainability and Sport, is a first-of-its-kind look at this emerging field.

1) Jill, could you tell us a bit more about you and your current projects? I'm the Head of Sustainability for the America's Cup Event Authority, based in San Francisco. We are now in the final stages of preparation for the 34th America's Cup sailing event, which will take place in San Francisco starting July 4 through the end of September. I'm responsible for the event sustainability plan, embedding sustainability across our operations, and stakeholder engagement. I work closely with our various departments and staff to support their work. An important part of this work involves engagement with event spectators - the idea of using a sporting event to show people what sustainability means, what a sustainable event looks like, and to encourage sustainable behaviours that they might adopt in their own lives. 2) Why did you agree to be part of the FIM Environmental Award Independent Jury? I believe that the FIM has done impressive work to embrace sustainability, and encourage sustainable operations and behaviour across the sport. I want to support this work, and be involved in the FIM's Environmental Award that recognises the achievement of best practices and innovation. It has been a very rewarding experience to review the many applications for the FIM Environmental Award, and I continue to be impressed with all of the great activities that are being done all over the world. 3) For you, what are the most important areas where motorcycling events must improve to reduce their environmental footprint? Athletes require a healthy and clean environment to succeed in sport. But sport can have negative impacts on the environment. We are collectively working towards avoiding and reducing these impacts, and a lot of progress has been made. But we can do more. The sport of motorcycling and other motor sports have recognised that fossil fuels and associated air emissions need to be addressed, and are working on solutions - this work must continue. The sport of motorcycling can also have a negative impact on natural ecosystems, such as forests, parks and trails. The sport actually relies to a large degree on the health of these natural areas, and they must be protected. We are all faced with an opportunity to leave sports venues better than we found them - to leave a legacy for local communities through enhanced natural ecosystems, community engagement, and promotion of sustainable behaviors such as avoiding litter, recycling, reducing the use of single use plastics, and eliminating pollution. 4) Could you name one of the initiatives taken in the field of sustainability in our sport that surprised you the most? I was very happy to see the development of electric motorcycles. These cycles are quieter, reduce the use of fossil fuels and associated emissions and pollution. I was also pleased to hear that athletes enjoy riding them, and that they perform well. This type of technological innovation is important on our journey towards sustainability. It is good to see so many people working towards this goal. By Alex Goldenberg




Happy Anniversary Twin Ring Motegi! A circuit with a green vision Those who are sceptical about the idea of harmonious coexistence between motor sport and nature will find it hard to believe that a circuit can be located amidst forested hills and completely integrated with an ecosystem in a very Japanese style, a Satoyama ecosystem where woods flourish close to human habitation. This type of ecosystem - one that has allowed the coexistence of this temple of sport and the surrounding forest - combines upland forest with an abundance of trees and water, surrounded by inhabited areas and a lot of fauna.

Hello Woods is a forest covering 42 Hectares, regenerated and maintained by Honda at the site of Twin Ring Motegi. From the beginning, in the summer of 2000, the project was seen as a gift for the society of the 21st century, and its realisation became a shared dream of all Honda associates as they were encouraged to provide ideas and apply to work at the new facility. With a total area 137 times bigger than the Tokyo Dome, the Motegi track was the largest-scale construction project to be undertaken by a company in Japan at the time. And when Twin Ring Motegi opened in 1997, it became a place where everyone

can enjoy the appeal of mobility to the fullest.

As Mr Ryuichiro Sakino, Hello Woods forest producer, expressed in an interview in World.honda.com, “Twin Ring Motegi provides an opportunity to think about what kind of relationship you'll have with nature even as you enjoy the lifestyle afforded by civilisation. If we are to coexist with nature, we must strike a balance in how we use it; if our relationship with nature is all take and no give, that relationship won’t last long. This forest is inhabited by northern goshawks, and the paddies where farmers are raising pesticide-free rice near its entrance are home to large numbers of mole crickets, giant water bugs, dragonflies, and water beetles. Some 2,500 species of plant and animal life have been confirmed to live in these mountains.”

Hello Woods is cooperating with the Ministry of the Environment’s “Monitoring Sites 1000” project. The purpose of the project is to collect data on the natural environment at a thousand locations of different types nationwide in order to detect changes in the environment. In 2008, when the FIM celebrated World Environment Day, several participants in the FIM Trial Word Championship at Twin Ring Motegi planted saplings in the Hello Woods.

During the 2012 FIM MotoGP Grand Prix event, one of the FIM’s Environmental Ambassadors, Takahisa Fujinami, addressed an environmental message to the audience. This message was displayed on the main screen several times and the spectators were really delighted by this action in favour of the environment. Organised jointly by Mobilityland Corporation, which runs Japan’s Suzuka and Motegi circuits, the FJM and the FIM, it is a great contribution to the sustainability campaign, creating awareness among the spectators and encouraging the creation of more sustainable sports events.

Now, for Twin Ring Motegi’s 15th Anniversary, we want to dedicate this article to all these visionary people who have made a dream come true. Now people can listen to the sound of engines along with the sound of the wind passing through the forest. With this great example, we have living proof that nature and motor sport can truly be compatible. By Kattia Hernandez

From the Sport




2012 FIM Trial des Nations – a green approach Over and above the FIM’s official requirements, the organisers of the 2012 FIM Trial des Nations drew up an Ethical Charter and an Environmental Concept. One person within the organising committee was given specific responsibility for this area and staff and resources were assigned to implement the standards that were defined. Regular communications were sent out to all parties involved and to the organisation’s partners explaining this commitment. Information was also disseminated through the press, in press releases addressed to the media (TV, radio, newspapers, internet) and also in the official magazine of the Swiss Motorcycling Federation (FMS) and the official event programme, which was issued with a print run of 70'000 copies, the majority of which were distributed throughout the region. The FIM’s vade mecum on the environment was also published in the FMS magazine. Here are some of the additional measures taken at the 2012 FIM Trial des Nations: - Protection from passive smoking. - Prevention of alcoholism and protection of youth. - Transport for officials and spectators. - Drawing up a life-cycle analysis covering recovery, collection, sorting and separation of waste. - The paper used at the race office and in the secretariat and press room carried the FSC (Forest

Stewardship Council) label. It was recovered and recycled by the supplier after the event. - The organisers themselves used electric vehicles (cars and scooters) to move around the various

competition sites. The batteries were charged with energy generated on-site by a company specialising in capture of solar energy.

- For cleaning the motorcycles, there was a professional washing facility close to the riders’ parking area. It was fed by rain water and made available free of charge.

- Riders’ safety. Because of the time of year, it was considered that the Sunday morning start would take place in unsafe light conditions, so the first areas situated in the forest were lit up using a low particle emission generator.

- To facilitate the parking of the motorcycles and provide protection, tree trunks were placed around the parking areas. The sawdust produced by chopping up the trunks was used to recover oil and petrol.

- Supplementary medical measures. - Supplementary measures in the social sphere. All the schools in and around the town of Moutier

received free invitations to come and watch the Trial. One sixth form class had a stand next to the main restaurant to sell cakes in order to finance a study visit abroad. The residents of a centre for the disabled in the neighbouring town also came to see the motorcycle exhibition and the green village.

- People with mobility problems were accompanied by volunteers.

- The organising committee decided to finance the travel costs of some of the teams such as those from Brazil, Venezuela, Team International (Central America), Denmark and Poland.

- Promotion of Trial: three Trial schools gave some 250 children the opportunity to get acquainted with Trial during the event.

For the organising committee, By Walter Wermuth Press and Environment Manager 2012 FIM Trial des Nations




Saint Catherine’s day – a perfect day for planting trees I remember the words of our Belgian colleague, Paul Janssens, when he explained a tradition linked to Saint Catherine day - a perfect day for planting trees. Not only in Belgium but also in France and other European regions, the day of Saint Catherine is celebrated between 23 and 25 November and it happens to coincide with my birthday. It is the weather during November that makes this a suitable time for planting. The mild temperatures from November to late January are good for planting different trees or gardens plants. As the French say: "On Saint Catherine's day, the trees take root." At this time of the year, trees are inactive but underground their roots remain active. That is why it is the ideal season for planting trees. I liked the story so much that I wanted to share it with you, but I can also tell you that during one of the rounds of MX1 and MX2 in Bastogne the last year, the Belgian Motorcycling Federation (FMB) made a commitment to plant trees to offset carbon emissions from the competition, and the planting was done on the day of Saint Catherine in coordination with the government of the town.

By Kattia Hernandez

Yamaha Motor Racing – how to implement EHS processes with your colleagues My experience as the person responsible for the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Department of Yamaha Motor Racing (YMR) began five years ago. At the beginning, my duty was to ensure that all Italian laws on these matters were respected. All my colleagues saw me as an internal “policeman”… They saw me and the EHS procedures as something stressful, far removed from their own working lives. The results were not really satisfactory, and we soon understood that this was not the right way to go about it. So we decided to completely change our mental approach. We started to introduce EHS matters as a normal, ordinary part of our working lives. We have to work in a safe and environmentally sustainable way, not because it is compulsory under the law, but simply because “it’s better”! We reviewed all our working processes in order to find simple and practicable solutions to improving our jobs and, at the same time, reducing environmental impacts and safety risks. People have to understand that by adopting EHS friendly solutions, it is possible to experience an improvement in the quality of their working lives. Our guys appreciated this new approach very much. We also started playing on the competitive spirit, typical of racing team members. We set benchmarks for our way of working as we have to set an example to all the people working in the paddock. At the beginning many people smiled when we built our hospitality using safety devices (safety helmets, harnesses, etc.) or when we started segregating different types of waste. But, suddenly, most people started imitating us and modifying their own working procedures. A racing team can really be a very powerful tool for communicating on EHS matters. “Improve EHS to better our lives”: these are the key words that guide us in our EHS projects. By Dario Carrettoni, Synergia




Zimbabwe – Environmental seminar & tree planting

The Zimbabwe Motor Sports Federation (ZMSF) played host for an FIM AFRICA Environmental Seminar on 10 November 2012. The seminar was held in their clubhouse in central Harare and was attended by 23 individuals. Apart from the Zimbabwean motorcycle officials there were also a few officials from the local car racing fraternity who took a keen interest in the FIM’s environmental policy and guidelines. People travelled from as far afield as Bulawayo and two officials also came all the way from Lusaka, Zambia. The proceedings were opened by the President of ZMSF, Mr Austin Whitehead, after which the seminar was presented and concluded by an examination. Following the seminar and examination, all present went to the Donnybrook Circuit outside Harare for a social gathering. This was promoted as a TREE PLANTING AND CORPORATE DAY. The circuit facilities (road

racing course, motocross circuit, oval track, karting and 4x4 route) are shared by a few motor sport clubs like Bogwheelers, Sables, 4x4 Club, Harare Karting Club, and in a combined effort nearly 100 trees were planted at Donnybrook as part of National Tree Planting Day. These included the Natal Mahogany and a variety of fruit trees.

This initiative not only served as a reminder to all competitors about caring for their environment, but the fruit trees will also serve as an sustainable and additional food source for the circuit caretakers and their families who reside on the premises.

The away day was completed by a social braai (barbeque) where true Zimbabwean hospitality was on display. It was a time to reflect on the past and also to discuss the future challenges for motor sports.

By Marius Matthee

From National Federations




2012 FIM Africa Environmental Award When the FIM AFRICA’s Environment Commission was created 10 years ago, it soon became evident that environmental awareness and sustainability did not feature high on the agenda of a number of member countries. This was largely due to the fact that several of the FMNs were not affiliated to the FIM and as such, were not familiar with the FIM Environmental Code. One of the first objectives of the CONU’s Environmental Commission was accordingly to ‘introduce’ not only the FMNs, but also officials and competitors to the FIM Environment Code and to ensure that all CONU events (as well as local events) complied with the Code, and to educate all stakeholders on their environmental responsibilities. The FIM AFRICA Environment Commission has a Working Group (as opposed to a ‘bureau’ in view of the small number of FMNs currently affiliated to the CONU). Since his appointment as Chairman of the Commission’s Working Group several years ago, Mr Marius Matthee from South Africa has been totally committed to promoting and creating environmental awareness and sustainability amongst all member FMNs, and ensuring that the FIM Environmental Code is adhered to. To achieve these goals, Marius has compiled several documents to address serious environmental concerns, a few of which are listed below: Disposal of Vehicle Fluids Environmental Mats Wash Bays Noise Environmental recommendation for Leisure Riders

Marius ensures that the CONU’s Environmental Checklists for events are updated to be in line with those of the FIM, and studies all Checklists submitted after events to establish whether there were shortcomings and areas requiring improvement. The vast majority of environmental articles and news items posted on the FIM AFRICA website are submitted by Marius. Through these articles, FMNs are reminded to embrace and participate in Environmental projects such as Earth Hour; Earth Day; World Environment Day; Tree Planting, recycling initiatives, etc. Marius has also conducted FIM AFRICA Environmental Seminars in Uganda, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Marius was nominated for the 2012 FIM AFRICA Environmental Award by Zambia Motor Sport Association (ZMSA) for his phenomenal commitment to and efforts regarding the environment throughout the Continent. Mr Marco Comana, President of ZMSA, presented the award to Marius at the FIM AFRICA General Assembly held in Johannesburg in October, 2012. By Beaulah Schoeman

fim environment newsletter - issue #7

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