With the launch of Phase 2 of FIH’s ‘Give Back to Forest” initiative last week in China on the occasion of the Asian Champions Trophy played in Inner Mongolia, China, the project, initiated by the FIH President himself on behalf of hockey’s world governing body, has reached another level.
Launched in 2023, the initiative consists in planting thousands of trees all around the world, therefore contributing to creating a more environmental-friendly planet. It has a prominent position within the sustainability strategy of FIH. And sustainability is also a key constituent of the “Empowerment and Engagement” strategy that was launched in June 2023 by FIH and its President Tayyab Ikram in attendance of IOC President Thomas Bach at the Olympic House.
Commenting on the launch of the project last year, IOC President Thomas Bach had said: "The International Hockey Federation’s ‘Give Back to Forest’ programme is a really impressive way for the federation to make a contribution to fighting climate change which relates directly to their sport.”
‘Give Back to Forest’ has seen hundreds of thousands of trees being planted already in India, China, Uruguay, Oman or Poland, just to name a few.
FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Since hockey was played with wooden sticks for decades, it is only natural that we compensate for the trees cut for the production of these sticks by planting new trees. I’m very thankful to all hockey National Associations and countries that have already pledged their commitment – and also acted concretely – towards our ‘Give Back to Forest’ initiative. But we can do much more! Therefore, I appeal to all hockey stakeholders to embrace this project and plant trees. By doing so, we will leave an immense legacy to the future generations.”
“Sustainability will be one the major topics that we will discuss at our upcoming FIH Congress in November in Oman,” President Ikram added.
