Sochi 2014 Hosts Second Visit by UNEP Officials
The Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee hosted a second visit by officials from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). During this trip, the experts visited construction sites in Sochi to evaluate the implementation progress of the environmental protection initiatives developed by Sochi 2014 and UNEP after signing a memorandum of understanding in June 2009.
Areas visited included the combined road Adler – “Alpika Service” construction site as well as the construction sites of Olympic venues in the territory of the Sochi National Park.
UNEP representative Theodore Oben expressed his satisfaction with the steps taken by the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee to fulfill its environmental commitments in venues construction.
He said:
"I am happy with the visit as it left me with the feeling that the entire team, including those doing the construction, are conscious of the importance of fully integrating environmental considerations in their work. I also note with optimism the expressions of willingness to listen to and engage all stakeholders in efforts to make the Sochi Games green."
Sochi 2014 President and CEO Dmitry Chernyshenko said:
Sochi 2014 is committed not only to protect the natural environment, but to enhance the existing ecological infrastructure. We are working together with best-in-class specialist organizations, such as UNEP, which has been following the project from its very beginning. Such an approach will ensure an enormous environmental legacy for the city of Sochi and the Krasnodar Region and will also serve as a blueprint for all of Russia.
UNEP experts evaluated project materials and consulted with specialists on applying environmental standards to the design and construction of Sochi 2014 transportation infrastructure objects. Plans for further cooperation between the two organizations were also discussed, followed by a round table discussion with NGO representatives, including RZD (Russian Railways) and WWF.
Environmental standards are currently being applied to all aspects of the preparation for the Sochi 2014 Games. Under its innovative Environment Program, Sochi 2014 is putting efforts into creating a zero waste, carbon neutral Games, making sure that they are in line with the best-practice recommendations of the UNEP.
Sochi 2014’s ecology strategy has been approved by Sochi 2014 Supervisory Board, and includes action plans in 4 basic directions: Games in harmony with nature, Climate Neutral Games, Zero Waste Games, Enlightenment Games.
Notes to Editors
The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) was approved at the 27th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The memorandum of understanding between Sochi 2014 and the UNEP was signed on World Environment Day (June 5, 2009). The memorandum agreed that the UNEP will act as an independent observer on the activation of the Sochi 2014 ecological strategy.
In 2016, the UNEP will publish a review of the preparation for the Sochi 2014 Games. This will not only give the Russian organizers the recommendations of leading international environmental experts, but will also allow the success of the environmental strategy to be assessed. In addition, Sochi 2014 and the UNEP will cooperate on the design and delivery of joint environmental projects during the Sochi 2014 Winter Games.