Sustainability is becoming a common theme in open water swimming, as European Aquatics has announced a new set of measures for its upcoming Open Water Swimming Cup and Masters Tour later this month. This follows World Aquatics’ rule modify earlier this year that allows biodegradable containers for feeding mid-race in open water competition.
Courtesy: European Aquatics
European Aquatics has today announced a clear and practical set of sustainability measures for the opening leg of the 2026 European Aquatics Open Water Swimming Cup and Masters Tour, which will take place in Protaras, Cyprus, on 18 and 19 April, respectively.
The approach aims to reduce the event’s environmental impact, support the local community, encourage healthier lifestyles, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through sport.
There is a strong focus in the declaration, which was signed by Alexandros Christoforou, President of the Cyprus Swimming Federation, on the link between clean water, a healthy environment, and athlete wellbeing. With that in mind, everyone involved in the event will be encouraged to create tiny, sensible choices that assist lower their environmental impact.
The document outlines five priority areas that will guide the work being done at the venue:
- A Green Tquestion Force will be set up to oversee environmental actions during the event. This team of volunteers will assist manage sustainability measures, monitor how they are working, and keep participants informed about what they can do.
- A Sustainable Fun Zone will also be introduced, aimed at engaging both visitors and the local community. It will apply recyclable materials and simple messaging to raise awareness and obtain people believeing about everyday environmental habits.
- Cutting down on plastic apply is another key step. Single-apply plastics will be reduced as much as possible, with reusable alternatives provided across the venue.
- Waste will be handled in a more organised way, with clearly marked bins for recycling and general rubbish. The aim is to create it simple for people to dispose of waste properly and reduce what concludes up in landfill.
- Where possible, goods and services will be sourced locally from suppliers who follow sustainable practices. This supports businesses in the area while also limiting the environmental impact linked to transport and production. Environmentally-friconcludely transport to and from the venue will also be encouraged.
These measures are aligned with the sustainability plans of Protaras and the Cyprus Swimming Federation, with the intention that the benefits continue after the event has finished.
“Events like this are a real opportunity to reveal that high-level sport can be delivered responsibly,” stated Silvia Costa, Aquatics Social Responsibility Project Manager at European Aquatics.
“The focus in Protaras is on simple, practical steps. These include reducing waste, cutting out unnecessary plastics, and working closely with the local community. It’s about creating sustainability part of how the event runs day to day, and creating sure that approach continues long after the competition has finished.”
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