Durban - South Africa must adopt pragmatic and ambitious goals for the green economy which is part of government's New Growth Path strategy, says Sport and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula.
He said the green movement was the future as it would determine how economies were run in future, during his address at the Sport, Environment and Climate Change Seminar at Zimbali Resort.
The seminar, which comes ahead of the COP17 climate change conference in Durban, was an opportunity to share ideas and opinions on what needs to be done to promote a clean environment, sustainable development and devise strategies to counteract the negative effects of climate change, keeping in mind the role that sport could play in achieving this.
The minister challenged the sport and recreation fraternity to look at ways to curb climate change.
"The COP17 provides an opportunity for sport and recreation movement in South Africa to enter into a global discourse on initiatives which contribute to the climate change debate and dialogue, including projects and activities as well as awareness and education," said Mbalula.
He added that South Africa should be one of the chosen destinations for sports meetings and world cups - but athletes, spectators, fans must ensure that the environment is protected during these events.
"It is true that the practice of sport and recreational activities including physical activity carries certain effects and has a certain impact on the environment and ecosystems. However, it should be also known that sport and recreation, as well as physical education, can serve to promote environmental protection and awareness," said Mbalula.
Building new sporting venues with the environment in mind is possible, said Mbalula, who used the 2010 FIFA World Cup project as an example.
"The Local Organising Committee committed itself to conducting an environment impact study of the construction of the stadia before applying to the FIFA executive committee to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The LOC kept to its promise to do as such to protect the environment and the people living in and around that environment," said Mbalula.
The minister urged South Africans to put strong emphasis on sustainable active living.
"The sport movement can engage in promoting sustainable environment encouraging cycling to and from sports gatherings, schools and places of work, which trait will also contribute to their physical acumen"
