World Rowing: Healthy Waters, strong strokes for nature

World Rowing: Healthy Waters, strong strokes for nature

Clean and healthy waters are vital for human health, food security, reversing nature loss, climate resilience, and sustainable development. Yet rivers, lakes, and coasts are under threat, affecting life on Earth and sports like Rowing, which depend on these ecosystems. To take action, World Rowing deepened its partnership with WWF International by launching the Healthy Waters Alliance, shifting from awareness to impact. The Alliance unites World Rowing and WWF communities to co-create and deliver projects that protect and restore waters essential to rowers, wildlife, communities, and economies. Projects can be initiated by National Rowing Federations, clubs, athletes, event organisers, or local WWF offices. The Healthy Waters Alliance Guide outlines the process for collaboration. In 2024, the Italian Rowing Federation and WWF Italy launched a seabed clean-up with a local NGO, and clubs joined Adopt a Beach, tackling plastic pollution. In 2025, Ambassador Martin Helseth led a clean-up of the Oslo fjord with clubs, NGOs & WWF.