The Organising Committee Commonwealth Games 2010 (OC CWG) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) announced today the launch of the project on “Low Carbon Campaign for Commonwealth Games 2010” developed with the assistance of the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project aims to develop and promote a low carbon campaign for the Commonwealth Games 2010 as a means of inducing a behavioural change amongst the citizens, athletes and visitors for the adoption of environmentally sustainable practices. This GEF project supports and strengthens the mandate of OC CWG 2010 of hosting first ever green games in the history of Commonwealth Games.
Mr Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman, OC CWG 2010 and Mr Patrice Coeur-Bizot, UN Resident Coordinator, UNDP Representative and Mr. Hem Pande, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India were present along with other dignitaries and project partners for the media launch function organized at OC CWG 2010 HQ, New Delhi.
On the occasion Mr. Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman, OC CWG 2010 said that “We are committed towards preserving and restoring environment by establishing ‘Low Carbon’ benchmark for the forthcoming common wealth games along with creating a sustainable legacy for Delhi and the country to be the role model for rest of the world. More than 7 lakhs saplings are planted and dedicated along the QBR for the CWG 2010. We are delighted to have United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Ministry of Environment and Forest as our partner to make these Games a Green success.”
Low Carbon Campaign will support and strengthen the CWG Organizing Committee’s initiatives of Green Games. The project aims at developing activities like campaigns, trainings, plantations, awareness through Green Concerts, Low Carbon Fairs for students, teachers, citizens and expected to enhance consciousness towards energy conservation resulting in a total direct CO2 emission reduction of 20,496 tonnes of CO2 over a 10 year period as a direct result of the GEF project. It is estimated that these interventions will indirectly contribute to a reduction of 155,844 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually (1.56 million tonnes over 10 years) due to behavioural changes in energy use by the spectators and CWG volunteers. The Campaign aims to operationalize effectively the strategy for low carbon practices like water, energy, and waste savings and to adopt low carbon practices in India. The implementation of the project activities is expected to save 443 MWh of electricity and either reduce or offset 20,496 tonnes of CO2.
The GEF has provided USD 0.95 million to support communication related activities at three level – a) Pan India activities including, 3 green concerts in Kolkata, Hyderabad and Mumbai; 4 low carbon fairs of 5 days duration in Shimla, Hyderabad, Shillong and Port Blair; plantation drive along the Queen’s Baton Route with the assistance of State Forest Departments;
b) Developing 30 public service messages, 10 shera pop ups and 10 radio messages on environmental and energy issues linking low carbon practices with sports and sportsmen spirit; and, c) Series of activities in Delhi and NCR region like campaign on waste and transport, setting up 20 carbon kiosks and carbon footprint calculators, assessment of green initiatives undertaken and developing green guidelines for future sporting events in India among others.
In addition, GEF through its Small Grants Program for NGOs and CBOs is encouraging citizens to enjoy and adopt the spirit of green sports through plantation activities, trainings in schools and other such activities. The other project partners include, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy Sources, Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Department of Environment, Government of NCT Delhi, Centre for Media Studies and Centre for Environment Education.
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The first low carbon fair was organized in Shimla (June 30 – July 4) and was a grand success with more than 7,000 participants. The first green concert is being organized in Kolkata with the full support of State Government of West Bengal on July 31, a day before QBR arrives in the city. Euphoria is the musical group and this concert is expected to further encourage the use of music to promote low carbon practices inducing behavioural change among the general masses, especially the youth.
You all are cordially invited to join this campaign and make it a resounding success!